GRANDPA Billy is the affectionate title for this autobiography of the editor’s father.

In his latter years the subject of this book spent time writing up notes about his life, which ranged across many locations and occupations.

He was born to music-hall performers, so was destined for an itinerant life and broken education. But Billy did not let that hold him back and could be termed as largely selfeducated.

It led him through a variety of jobs and interesting occupations as well as seeing war service.

All through his writings there was a reflection of the times in which he lived.

Recognising there could be value in this, if edited, his son set about putting the writings in order.

Later the editor’s son, Jamie, saw these and did some more work on them to get them to a publishing stage.

There must be many, many diaries and notes lying in drawers and cupboards which are of interest to the complier’s families, but of limited significance elsewhere.

Occasionally there appears one which, when given a rewrite and polish, provides a readable account, and sheds light on, and widens our knowledge of life in the particular time involved. This is one such book.