Peggy’s heart was full as she revelled in the bustle going on around her, and the knowledge that in a few short days, Danuta could very well be a part of it again. She couldn’t wait to collect her girl from the Memorial, wrap her in her arms and bring her back to Beach View to convalesce.

Andy brought the van promptly at one and they spent some time loading it up. Peggy decided at the last minute that it might be a good idea to bring Daisy’s pushchair, so if she got tired, she’d have something to take a doze in.

Andy helped Cordelia up into the cab while Peggy squashed in beside her with Daisy on her lap. Ivy, Rita, Sarah and Fran piled into the back with all the things that Peggy considered would cover any and every eventuality.

Andy slammed the back door and climbed in behind the wheel. ‘Are we all ready for a picnic?’

‘Yes,’ they yelled back.

‘Hold tight then and give us a song to help us along the way.’

There was some chattering in the back and then the girls began to sing ‘Little Brown Jug’. Cordelia and Peggy joined in with great enthusiasm and Daisy clapped her hands as she sang her own version.

They arrived at the recreation ground to find Charlotte, Kitty and Robert waiting for them with their own picnic basket. The back doors were opened, everyone was helped out, and within minutes there was a long, happy line of people heading across the abandoned football pitch, each carrying something.

Blankets and chairs were placed near the trees, far enough from the children’s playground that they wouldn’t be pestered by sand flying from the sand pit, but near enough for Daisy to enjoy herself. Picnic baskets were opened and Kitty’s revealed cheese sandwiches, a collection of savoury biscuits, a bottle of milk, some very thin slices of ham and jars of homemade piccalilli and pickled beetroot.

‘As Charlotte and I get extra rations of cheese and milk, we thought we’d share it. We also saved up some coupons for the ham, and Doris’s Ted gave us a couple of slices more as a treat.’

Everyone applauded, and then gasped as Robert produced a bottle of gin, some tonic water and a large packet of chocolate biscuits. ‘My mother sent the biscuits,’ he said shyly.

‘Oh, but that was lovely of her,’ said Peggy, her mouth watering at the thought of real chocolate.

Andy hefted over a crate of beer. ‘A gift from Aunt Gloria,’ he explained, digging in his pocket for the bottle opener. ‘She said that if the Crown was quiet, she might pop over later with some scones she baked this morning.’