My Story

By Fran Young

Hiya. I’m Fran, born December 1940. I was the eldest of four children, two sisters and a disabled brother. We weren’t rich, but not poor. I went to school till I was 15. Started work straight away in a toy and fancy goods warehouse. I went to the Rialto picture house with my friend Sheila where I met John, my first and last boyfriend. We went dancing. Couldn’t dance, but I’d have a go. 

I married John in March 1959. Had our first daughter, Dawn, March 1960; had our second, Sharon, April 1962; had our third, Linda, March 1964. We had hard times but we got a lot of help from my Mother. We never had a family holiday, but we got along without a holiday.

The girls got married, I have 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

My first holiday abroad was the year before John died. He loved it and were sure we were going back but it didn’t happen. I have a very good family but get very lonely.

I had the chance to go to The Grange on 7^th June 2010. I hesitated about it, but it’s the best thing I done. Staff are helpful, good meals, met lovely people, done things I never thought I would do, like going up the Tyne in a canoe and many other things.

Good for The Grange