Sheila Winter’s 1998 memoir recalls the growth of the community of Moulsecoomb. Sheila was born, raised and married in the area, and narrates the story of her life during the years between 1929 and 1950.
Sheila’s father was badly injured in the First World War, and although the estate was built as “homes fit for heroes”, times were still hard and the house was so cold that the family were forced to burn old shoes and books to keep warm. In the late 30s an outbreak of diphtheria on the estate led to the death of a number of children.
Sheila recalls local tradespeople, shops and characters, as well as the gradual development of the estate.
Through her eyes, the reader learns of the pleasures of childhood, despite the hardships and restrictions brought about by the Second World War. In this autobiography Sheila shares with the reader her personal hopes, fears, struggles and achievements as she describes her life’s progression. Above all, the resilience of the human spirit shines through this honest and reflective account of one woman’s life history.
Moulsecoomb Memories is currently out of print, but you can download a PDF of the text here on a pay-what-you-like basis. To make a payment to QueenSpark Books, please click on the “donate” button below.
Like this book? It’s the companion-piece to Ruby Dunn’s 1990 memoir Moulsecoomb Days, also available as a pay-what-you-like text PDF download.
