Hopes, Dreams and Memories

About the Book

This is the first ‘formally’ published work by Carole Harcourt-Smith; a small selection of Poems from hundreds, perhaps even thousands that can be found, sometimes on the tiniest scraps of paper, tucked away behind cushions and under table-mats. Carole has previously had ‘England’s Rose’ a dedication to Princess Diana, printed locally, and a favourite of many ‘A Time to Reminisce’ is reproduced at the end of this book.

Hopes, Dreams and Memories (along with many other poems and prose to come) is inspired from being born into a wonderfully loving and caring family, parents who instilled love, respect and trust, and treasured memories and special joys of being one of a family of 9 children. It also reflects the immense joys and sorrows that can result through and from the wonders of the creation of life, with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enriching her life; reflected in poems such as ‘Madame’, ‘Keith’ and ‘Emma (In the Park)’. Fostering children and caring for the elderly have also played a large part in Carole’s life, generating poems such as ‘Fostered with Love’, ‘In Slumber’, ‘First Christmas’ and ‘For You’.

The front cover is from an autumn photograph snapped by one of her brothers ‘Smudge’ close to where he lives; with CAZ, her childhood nickname aptly (if the term may me allowed for just this case) graffiti’d across the tree’s trunk. The poems are brought about by great memories of all she holds dear; of those gone before, and those still in her life, including family, extended family and many friends throughout the world.

About the Author

Carole Harcourt-Smith was born to Elsie and Eric in October 1939. Being the 3rd of nine children, seven girls and two boys, she also has her own growing family; 3 children, 8 grand-children and 5 great-grandchildren. For many years she has cared for the elderly as both home help and sheltered housing warden and currently fosters children in Dorset.

Although an avid phantom scribbler of songs, poems, hymns and short stories she has already published a small tribute to Princess Diana (entitled England’s Rose); such a special person. Carole’s poem ‘A Time to Reminisce’ is reproduced at the end of the book.

In her youth Carole was very sporty, playing badminton, netball and football (when no-one was looking!). Although like many, she could do wonders with a win on the lottery, her two desires are to have her own swing (wheee-e-e-e-e-e) and her own horse (to plod away a few hours and of course a few pounds).

Carole raises funds almost daily on behalf of charities including the following:
St Joseph’s Hospice (Hackney-London)
Save the Children (London)
Age Concern (Dorset)
The British Red Cross (Dorset)
Shelter (London)
Help the Aged (Dorset)
Macmillan Nurses (Dorset)
RNID (London)
Action for the Blind (London)
St Dunstans - Men & Women Blinded by War (London)