Margaret Carwithen

A Memory of Kilndown.

When I was a young girl (I'm 72 now) I read a book which has influenced me for the whole of my life since. It was called 'Margaret', by James Davidson Ross. It told the story of a 15-year-old girl who died of cancer ; but whose courage and faith transformed the lives of all those around her.
Some years later I resolved to find out everything I could about Margaret. I learned her surname and the fact that she lived in Kilndown. This led to my visiting the village ; putting flowers upon her grave ; and talking to a couple of people who remembered her.
I should love, however, to know more about Margaret and her family. She would now have been 80 years of age, and her 3 siblings were older. Her sister Clare, who was married to J.D. Ross, died not long after her. Her brother John had 3 daughters, whose name would be Carwithen unless/until they married. And Clare's twin was called Ruth.
Then there are school friends. I haven't been able to discover which school Margaret attended ; I know only that it was 10 miles from Kilndown. Her close friend there was a girl named Sheila.
I hope I don't sound too obsessed ! But I somehow like to think that Margaret is remembered. Her short life was very special, and the book is beautifully written. Rita Lacey (Liverpool).

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