This book is dedicated to my dear friend, Claire Hollies
Slater, who has been in my life since we were both
eleven years old. She is one of the strongest women I
know and will always be an inspiration to me.

To my grandparents, Bill, Lily, Cosimo Pacitti and
Pearl, for teaching me all about “the olden days” and
inspiring my love for times gone by.

And to the memory of my dear friend Ross
McNaughton, who was really looking forward to this
book.