Moving to Crookwell from Arcadia north of Sydney 10 years ago, Marilyn became involved with Vinnies as a volunteer.

She made many friends while she gave her time to the organisation.

She and her son Simon settled at ‘The Farm’ on the Grabben Gullen road.

Marilyn has been writing for around 20 years and has recently self published two children’s books.

The are beautifully written and illustrated by Marilyn.

The books were printed at Goldpress Printers in Goulburn.

The books are true stories with a little imagination added in.

The books titled ‘The duck who thought she was a dog’ and the ‘Little Tin Horse’ have been written for the younger age group and are best narrated.

Marilyn has always had pets and had a pony as a little girl.

Marilyn doesn’t like cruelty to animals and any animal that she cares for, from a poddy lamb to a puppy, is cared for to a great degree, you could even say they are unbelievably spoilt.

Marilyn has a great love for writing and painting.

Her other community involvements are the community singers, as she loves singing.

She is a popular member of the stitch and chat group and the garden club.

She just loves being with her friends.

During the 60s Marilyn had a segment on 2KY radio.

She offered callers advice on colour schemes for their homes.

“Back in the 60’s feature walls were all the go,” Marilyn explained “And Dulux had a great range of colours and ideas”.

“I have always liked painting, whether it is a wall in a house or a piece of art at 2am in the morning.

“Taking up painting can help you forget your troubles sometimes.”

“When my children were younger I read to them, and that’s when I decided I would like to write children’s books as well.”

The books are on sale at Davies Newsagency and are quite reasonably priced.

Footnote: The real duck ‘Jemima’ died when she was nineteen-and-a-half.

Marilyn still has the ‘little tin horse’ that she bought at a trash and treasure market for a couple of dollars.