Born during 1945 in Barnehurst Kent, Maggie New’s primary convent education ended when her family relocated to a smallholding near Tunbridge Wells; and, always having been a country girl at heart, fully embraced the freedom of this new lifestyle.  After secondary education at Pembury Kent College, Maggie trained as a hairdresser, and in her early twenties became a wife and mother.  After her sons Anthony and Robert had flown the nest, and always preferring to work alone, she became one of the first mobile hairdressers.  Travel opportunities presented themselves, and while exploring the world Maggie purchased gold charms for her bracelet.   When later asked by one of her four grandchildren where all these came from, Maggie began writing an account of where and why they were purchased.  This record grew into a book, and was her inspiration to become an author.