Grandparents have a very special place in families - they have all the fun and none of the responsibility in relation to grandchildren plus they also offer a unique perspective of a grandchild's parent and any uncles and aunts.
Most parents are glad to call on their own mothers and fathers for babysitting and childcare - they are usually the safest pair of hands we know. What we may not always appreciate is the very special relationships that can develop and have a huge impact on our children's lives.
False teeth and a smoking mermaid, compiled by Grand Breaks* founder and Managing Director Charles Grimaldi, is a collection of reminiscences in which more than 70 famous people – including Dame Judy Dench, Sir Terry Wogan, Sir Michael Caine, and Ringo Star – “reveal fascinating, often hilarious and always enduring memories of their grandparents”.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is also one of the contributors offering touching memories of his grandmother- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
This heartwarming compilation is a great book to have in the home, to dip into, to remind us of our own grandparents, and perhaps to appreciate our own parents more and look forward to the time when we are that special person for our children's children.
In the words of the Rt Hon Neil Kinnock:
In a different age, in a different world, with grandchildren of my own, I simply hope that I can give them joy that is up to the standards set by my own grandparents. I'm certianly trying - and I'm having a lovely time doing it."
Published by Age Concern False teeth and a smoking mermaid is available from Amazon. To order a copy click the link below:
*Grand Breaks is a new family-run travel business, specialising in one, two or three day breaks in the UK for grandparents and grandchildren.
