PHYL Haynes has so many happy family memories, she decided to share them with others by writing a book. The 77-year-old is donating some of the proceeds from her book to the Wilburton Youth Club where she spent much of her time as a youngster. It took Phy

PHYL Haynes has so many happy family memories, she decided to share them with others by writing a book.

The 77-year-old is donating some of the proceeds from her book to the Wilburton Youth Club where she spent much of her time as a youngster.

It took Phyl just a few months to write the book, Family Memories, My Story. The story begins with her birth in 1930 and ends with her golden wedding celebrations in 2004.

Mrs Haynes is hoping her granddaughter will eventually continue the story.

"I have really done it for my family, for future generations, but people said others would be interested in reading it," said Mrs Haynes of Brewin Avenue, March.

"Life was different then and we were all the same because no-one had any money. There were hardly any cars and we used to play by the roadside with marbles or our hoops."

Mrs Haynes was born and brought up in Wilburton. She was one of family of nine children and spent many happy times at the youth club held in the village hall.

She said: "Table tennis was the main thing I enjoyed at the club. I was in Brownies and then Guides. We didn't have the material things we had then but I am sure we were much happier."

Many of the stories feature her father, who she describes as a real character. There were also many heartbreaking episodes in her life including the death of two brothers in separate accidents.

Mrs Haynes met her future husband, Derek, while travelling to and from her job in Ely - he was the bus conductor.

After their marriage, they moved to Little Thetford and then to Yaxley. Unable to have any children of their own, the couple adopted a daughter, Liz, who lives in Walpole St Peter and they have a granddaughter, Natasha.

Derek was an agent for the Independent Order of Forrester's and with many of his customers living in the March area they moved to the town in 1970.

For a number of years, Mrs Haynes was a popular member of staff behind the post office counter at Edgoose's shop in High Street, March. Some of her memories from that time are included in the book.

The book costs £6 and for each copy sold, £1 will be given to Wilburton Youth Club. It is on sale at Edgoose's shop, The Corner Shop in Ellingham Avenue, March, Wilburton Post Office and Jenny Wren's hairdressing salon in Wilburton.