I was visiting friends the other day and we got talking about hobbies. It was quite amazing the different hobbies people have.

My friend, Rita, collects jugs, Sylvia likes Royal memorabilia. John is into coins and my thing is brooches. I now have a hundred in my collection, all different kinds, which I may say come in so handy as presents for family and friends. Once I started collecting them I could not stop. I frequently go to car boot sales and charity shops. I have not tried auctions yet but I would love to.

My first brooch was given to me by my sister Joan. I still have the brooch to this day. It is a small circular brooch about the size of a coin with seed pearls around it, and a beautiful mother of pearl in the centre. This is a special brooch to me and it has been in my possession since about the 1950's when I was ten years old.

I thought this gift was unusual for a small child, so the brooch was carefully put away in a small box in my mothers dressing table and was there for many years. I do know this special brooch was purchased from a branch of Woolworth's in Piccadilly, Manchester. This was a magical place to shop for a small child because it had lots and lots of knick- knacks that they sold for only sixpence.

My collection of brooches now takes pride of place in a glass cupboard, which my husband made for me. This has two small hinges and can be carried around with me. The brooches are mounted on black velvet and they look most attractive. I take my case with me when I go to the car boot sales.

This hobby of mine, collecting brooches, has taken me to many different towns around Manchester. I have met many interesting people who also share the same hobby. I hope to carry on doing this for many years to come.

By Margery Kenyon