On the 20 November 1923 Elaine Cynthia Hassett (1923-1981) was born in Bombay, India. Nana would have been 92 years old today.

Sadly, I never got to meet Nana. Those who did meet her, describe her as ‘one in a million’, ‘too good to be true’, ‘everybody was always welcome in her home – the door was never locked’, ‘she LOVED children’. That does not do full justice to the great woman I am sure she was. Her memory lives on through three generations: Elaine’s five children, their thirteen children [Grandchildren], and the twelve children (so far) of the thirteen children(!) [Great Grandchildren]

Thanks to an ever-generous family, I have been fortunate to read many of Nana’s diaries, letters and writing. Within these she highlights a number of her favourite songs and films. A selection of some of Nana’s favourites are available below, including:

• Bless ’em all – Vera Lynn (auto playing)
• South Of The Border – Frank Sinatra
• “Run, Rabbit, Run!” – Harry Bidgood
• The washing on the Siegfried Line (We´re gonna hang out) – Jimmy Kennedy

Watched “Where were you on the day war broke out.” It brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Thirty years ago. Oh how young I was. The songs I loved they played. Same recordings, “South of the Border”, “Bless Em All”, “Run Rabbit Run”, “Washing on the Siegfried Line” etc.

Elaine Cynthia Wheeler, diary entry, 3 September 1969

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8C9rd4TP_F8P-EInfaIIs2LiUIS4ANf

Nana highlighted many films that she liked to watch. This one stood out for her reference to her school days (which links to her extensive song book – more on this later).

Watched “The Great Waltz” lovely Johan Strauss’ songs. Takes me back to my school days.

Elaine Cynthia Wheeler, diary entry, 30 April 1969

https://youtu.be/KDtRuJifYyg

Today will forever be a momentous day of the year. The birth of the person at the centre of the Anglo-Indian Project and my constant motivation for pursuing this as far as I can.

Happy birthday, Nana.

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