International Women's Day..........

Hello to you all on International Women's Day (IWD) 2012, a day to honour women all over the world. Even in the 21st century women struggle to have their voices heard and to have the recognition they deserve....

Thoughout history and up to the present day women have made their mark on the world, from publically being noted to performing the most important act - giving life....

The first national Women's Day was observed on 28 February 1909 in the United States following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. It was originally called International Working Women's Day...

You have seen by my recent posts that I have talked about women who made their mark in history but for me the most important woman to pay tribute too on IWD is my mother. She will forever leave her mark in my heart and for all who have known her. Thankfully she is still alive and at aged 87 still maintains her sense of humor, her positive attitude, energy and love of her family....

My mother seen, aged about 6 months, with her brothers Bill, left, and Ronnie

Jean Elizabeth Mary Ballaam was born 5 August 1925 in Vine Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire, England. She was the only daughter of Frank and Ada Louisa Ballaam nee Clare. With being the only girl Jean was apt to be a little spoilt by her father. However having three brothers, Bill, Ronnie and Tommy, she was certainly not treated like a girl by them. Their nickname for her was 'Johnny'....

Jean with her mother Ada Louisa

Life as a chid was not always easy for my mother and at an early age her parents seperated. She was very torn because she loved her father dearly and her relationship with her mother could be fraught at times...

At the outbreak of WW11 Jean was aged 14 and can remember hearing the announcement on the radio....

Jean aged 15

When Jean was aged 15 she began work at Marco's ammunition factory at Grantham. My mother always had a sense of humor and still does. A lot of her fun personality came from surviving growing up with three brothers. And being only 15 she had the attitude of a typical young girl. She took each day as it came and caused mayhem at times, much to her employer's displeasure....
My mother told me many stories of her wartime years, some funny, some sad and some lucky escapes. Many of the funny ones came from her time at the factory, too many to mention here but one that I will relay is when she was painting the shells. On one occassion she pressed the button to release the paint but forgot to close the door. Yes, there were some multi-coloured co-workers not too happy with my mother!!! For this she was moved to another department, in fact she was moved regularly. One being the room where you packed the gunpowder and yes, she was a 'Yellow Canary'....
My mother had other jobs such as parlour maid, nanny and working in shops. Many stories have been told of her life while in these employments but that is for another time....

Jean aged 15 or 16

On more than one occassion my mother was very lucky. While still working at the factory my mother ignored regulations by leaving her fringe showing while wearing a cap. Fortunately her manageress pulled her up about it and claimed that vanity would not save her life. The day previously a girl, while bending under a machine, had been scalped due to the machine catching her hair as it turned. Needless to say my mum took note....

Jean also narrowly escaped a bomb. She and a friend were merrily walking along when they heard the hum of a plane but continued on their way. Suddenly they were thrown onto the ground and found themselves covered with the body of a RAF man and showers of dust and brick particles. The plane had being an enemy aircraft and had dropped a bomb in the local park, the direction in which they had being heading. Thanks to the foresight of the RAF man, my mother and her friend had been saved. The gentleman promptly got up, asked if they were alright and then continued on his way. My mother never even knew his name but was forever grateful to him....

Jean aged 16

One of the sad times in my mother's early life was the loss of her elder brother Ronnie. Jean was only 15 in 1940 when the family received the news that he was missing presumned dead in Norway, he was 20....
At the tender age of 17 my mother decided to get married. On January 23 1943 Jean married Joseph Walter Collins at St. Wulfram's Parish Church, Grantham. The couple had two children, a daughter Maureen in 1944 and a son Michael in 1947, my older brother and sister....


Jean and Joe on their wedding day

On VE Day in 1945 my mother remembers taking her daughter to the Town Hall to celebrate....

Life was not easy for my mother. I cannot imagine being married so young but my mother's strength of character saw her through the years to come....

My mother with her maternal aunt, Eva Clare (my sister is between them but the photo was damaged)

During her married years, Jean continued to work hard and bring up her two children. However, Jean and Joe's marriage ended and some time later my mother met Christopher Doyle, my father....

Christopher, Jenifer and Jean Doyle

Jean and Christopher married on December 16 1953 at the registry office, Nottingham. They had three daughters, Jenifer, me and Colleen....

Ada Louisa, my grandmother, Jean and my sister Maureen. About 1960

There were turbulant times in my parents marriage but I do have many good memories of my childhood. I grew up knowing that my parents loved me and I never went without. Both worked very hard and taught me values that I live by today....

Me, with the plaster on my knee, my mother Jean and sister Jenifer. While on holiday in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, about 1962/1963

Thoughout the years my mother has been my rock and has always been there, in good times and in bad. Although my mother continued to work she was always there when I came home from school. Her last job was as a Pro-Life counselor and she did amazing work there....

Jean in 1995 aged 70. Hope I look this good when I'm that age, I doubt it...

Unfortunately in 1970 my parents separated, I was only 15 at the time. I was devastated but understood why. My parents continued to be good friends untl my father's death in 1981, aged 56...
In 1985 my mother married again and it was certainly third time lucky for her. They are still married and are so happy together. My mother finally had peace and a restful life after a hard and turbulant one....

My mother in 2005 aged 80, how good does she look...

Sadly I do not see my mother as often as I would like as she lives many miles from me but we chat when we can. She has had some illness of late but she soldier's on. She is an amazing woman and I am so proud of her....

My mother in 2008, aged 83

I do have more recent photos of my mother but can't find them!!!! In this photograph my mother was recovering from Polymyalgia. My poor mother was so ill with it that she swelled-up, couldn't move and was in a lot of pain. She is a lot better these days but at 87 she is fantastic. The last time I saw her she was looking even younger....

I would like to say a big Thank You to my mother for being the person she is, the standards she has set and the love, care and humour that she has given me. My mother is not only my parent but my best friend. A true inspiration to me....

Until next time, take care...Hugs Chrissy xx

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The fond memories we have of growing up in those loving arms.

There truly is no love, like a mothers love...