What was your mother's maiden name? What was her date of birth and where was she born? Phyllis Elgitha Golding. Born 6th March 1914 Please describe her appearance. What were her pastimes and interests? Was she a good cook? She was about 5ft 5ins and darkish hair, sparkly eyes and lovely legs. She wore glasses. She was good at lots of things. She played the piano, wrote poetry and sketches, loved reading, especially biographies and liked gardening, hiking and cycling. She was not especially good at cooking but mainly because she rushed it! What was her occupation before marriage? She worked in a bank. She was considered very clever at school (Watford Grammar) and her headmistress wanted her to go to university but she had to leave at sixteen and go out to earn an income. What do you remember best about her? I remember her joviality, courage, particularly in her illness, her love of children and her great ability at teaching. I remember her love and great support for her family. I remember how she always spoke her mind and her strong opinions but also her hidden lack of confidence.