Dorset, , author Marjorie Rowe - 'Living By The Land' memories of a Devonshire farming community durint the 20 century

Marjorie Rowe It must have been almost three years ago when my son James said to me 'Mum, I will lend you the knee-hole writing desk from my office if you will write some family memoirs'.
Coral his wife, and Valerie his secretary, had been persuading him to part with the desk, which stood in a corner of his office, piled up with magazines and papers - a veritable dumping place in fact, so one Saturday afternoon Coral and James brought it over in the car It was very dusty so Eleanor - who helps me in the house, gave it a good wax polish, and we decided to put it in the window overlooking Barrack Street.
Now I was ready to start the Great Memoir...................

Written with humour and a true understanding of country life and ways, the author describes her almost 'idyllic' childhood and growing-up years in the Devonshire countryside with her two brothers and three sisters.Secure and cared-for, in a bustling, thriving and gregarious family atmosphere, the children had freedom to roam, and to enjoy all the treats and outings which were arranged for them by their parents at Coaxdon and grandparents at Lees Farm.

Beginning her training as a G.PO. Telephonist when she was eighteen, with pigtails shorn and a new hair-style, she was ready to face the outside world - even in wartime, when the Exchange was under strict security, dealing with telephone calls to and from important figures of the day. However, an evening at the Plaza Ballroom in Axminster changed her life when she met Frank Rowe, a farmer's son.

After serving with the R.A.E in South Africa, he returned home to marry his fiancee Marjorie in 1945. Although becoming totally involved with the town's business life as an Auctioneer and Estate Agent, home life with their three children also meant a great deal to them both. Enjoying a busy social life as well, Frank and Marjorie gained the respect and friendship of a wide circle of people. This was clearly shown by the packed St. Mary's Church, with many waiting outside, for Frank's funeral service in July, 1994. In Marjorie Rowe's book, this engaging and charismatic man shares perhaps the best of her 'memoirs.'