In fond remembrance of the late Colonel William Hassall and his wife Bessie who presented me with my first book of nursery rhymes when I was fifteen months old, and to my beloved parents the late Arthur and Dora Down for their patience in teaching me.

~ The Beginning ~

When I was a tiny girl I sat on mother's knee, a Dean's rag book of nursery rhymes she did recite to me. The verses were so lilting the characters so gay, written to delight children in a simple way.  Great was the impression it has stood the test of time and brought the inclination to express myself in rhyme. A most rewarding harvest it all yields, topped by the life of Dame Gracie Fields.
                        Beryl Down