Memories come in abundance when I think of Mum. So many precious memories to keep your heart alive with her love, kindness and ability to turn a simple trip to the cinema seem like an adventure of a lifetime.

This story is from one of our numerous trips to the cinema with Mum, as she introduced Steven, Janet and I to the wonderful world of imagination.

As far as my memory recalls, it was around the Easter period of 1969 and the 3 of us (Valerie, Steven & Janet); were giddy with excitement for our trip to the Palace Cinema in Stalybridge to see the Disney film, Bambi. We still lived on Patterdale Close at the time, I would have been almost 9, Steven 6 years old, with Janet nearing her 5th birthday. As always in those days, we walked everywhere and therefore eagerly set off for Stalybridge, walking past St George’s Church and eventually down the Fire Station steps. Mum would be talking and singing to us, as she always did, to enhance our excitement as we journeyed to see the early evening matinee. My guess is, Dad was either working or watching the wrestling on TV as he was not with us on this occasion, although he would have been the source of our adventure.

We were always lucky to watch films from the circle or ‘upstairs’ as Mum affectionately called it and if possible, close to the front so we could look down on those sitting in the stalls. Mum would usually sit with Steven and Janet on either side of her, whilst I would sit at the end so I could get the tubs of ice cream when the usherette came round. Mum always knew how to make you feel grown up without you realising she was keeping that ever loving eye on you.

The film, then being viewed with Steven, Janet and myself looking out for the memorial songs and the part where Bambi was being taught how to skate on ice by Thumper; we left the cinema and went to the ‘chippie’ under ‘the veranda’, on Market Street for our bag of chips treat, to share between as we strolled back home.

What makes this particular visit to the cinema so memorable for me, is that journey home. 

Our journey home always led to us walking up the cobbled zigzag path or the ‘giggle-gaggle’ from near the start of Wakefield Road up to the bottom end of Church Walk. We’d been chattering ‘ten to the dozen’ and eating our chips which Mum handed out to us in turn. As we got to the ‘giggle-gaggle’ Mum started singing ‘Drip, drip, drop, Little April Showers’ and tip toe dancing on each cobble as we went up. With smiles on our faces, we all joined with the singing and dancing and went up that pathway in fine style. Steven of course, ran up to the top, being the daredevil venturer he was at that age, Janet held Mum’s hand tightly and skipped alongside with her and then there’s me, who happily hopped up behind whilst finishing off the last of the chips.

Golden memories of a fun-loving, happiness making Mum, who nurtured Steven, Janet and I to become the individual spirited adults we are today.

I lit a candle in remembrance of Mum on 1st April 2020 in reference to this heart hugging memory. A memory I now share with you.

Valerie xx xx