David S. Smith. The son of Stan and Lily and brother to Avril, David was born into a war torn Birmingham in the middle of an air raid in 1940. Shortly after his birth their home was hit by enemy action and this provides the conclusion of this book. His recollection of the stories told by his Mother are brought vividly to life. Many of these tales were written down by Lily in a little blue book, in the latter part of her life. Her story bridges the period from her birth in 1911 and covers the two wars ending in 1945. David has also written a collection of two volumes of short stories. His career has covered the marketing of regional newspapers, running companies as diverse as West End theatre ticketing to computer systems and fashion magazines. He ran his own marketing and PR agency for over 20 years before entering into the world of local politics becoming leader of Lichfield District Council. He was responsible for the construction and early development of the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and made a major contribution to the economic development of the district. He was Chairman of the West Midlands Local Government Association together chaired the West Midlands Regional Assembly. David is married and has two children and three grandchildren.