Margaret was born and grew up in Northfield on the outskirts of Birmingham, an area which then had all the ingredients for a carefree and happy childhood - plenty of fields in which to roam and play safely and lots of friends of her own age close by. This coupled with a happy and relaxed family home made for an idyllic childhood which Margaret enjoyed to the full. One childhood friend wrote to her in hospital: “We had security, good friends and much freedom. I well remember knocking on your back door. Can Margaret come out to play? and there was always a jolly, kindly welcome from your family. Out we would go, probably sucking a rhubarb stick dipped in sugar. Heaven!! Bikes, scooters, roller skates, playing in the fields, meeting up with loads of other kids, John and his pals. How lucky we all were.” She goes on....... “Margaret and I saw each other most days for our first 10 years. She was great fun, gentle & caring.” A sentiment which has been echoed in many cards received since her death. Margaret often spoke about the joy of growing up surrounded by long standing friends. This bliss was perhaps only tempered by the antics of her brother who would from time to time play her up by such activities as harvesting spiders from the dusty corners of their garage and releasing them in her room compounding the crime by tying her bedroom door handle to the banisters to prevent her escape.