I have a story in the 2024 issue of The People’s Friend Annual, which I understand is available now. As I’ve not yet seen a copy I don’t know whether or not they’ve kept my original title of Roses Round The Door, nor what illustration they’ve used. However, I’m sure it will be pretty.

Unusually for me, this story is based on reality. My granny (Mum’s mum) had a lovely rose, given to her by her husband Geoff. He died when my mum was a toddler, so it was a precious memory as well as a fabulous plant. Granny’s was called Mermaid and had flowers very like those below.

When I was about 20 the rose sadly died. Fortunately she’d previously given a cutting to my grandma (Dad’s mum) who returned the favour.