Sandra's mum, Jean, has never known the meaning of the word 'luxury'. A former Land Army girl from the age of just nineteen, she spent many years of hard toil tending farmlands in all weathers, helping to keep the nation fed for just a shilling a week. Washing in freezing cold water, clad in corduroy breeches, stout gumboots and long woollen socks, slipping in mud, her back breaking and her hands calloused from cutting sugar beets with a bill hook, digging drainage ditches, working on threshing machines, she was one of our unsung heroines. Yet she had never complained and on the very rare occasions she spoke of these times, it was always with a quiet, modest pride for her contribution to the war effort and with a fondness for the friendships she forged, especially with Alice and Betty. They were a lark - the things that the three of them got up to...! She often wondered what became of them - must be more than forty years since she last saw them.



After the war, Jean married, and raised a family of five children. Widowed when still a relatively young woman and despite the fact that money was in very short supply, Jean always made sure that the children had enough food on the table and clean clothes on their backs. Sandra couldn't remember her ever having a new frock or hat or any extravagance while they, the children, were growing up.

The years have marched on and Sandra has a tear in her eye as she watches Jean dozing quietly in the armchair. Her mum's quite an old lady now, snowy haired and a little frail, but nothing else has changed. She's still as sharp-witted as ever and just as self-sacrificing, always putting the needs of others before her own, spending what money she has on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and seldom a penny on herself.

With Mother's Day on the horizon, Sandra decides that Jean deserves a real treat, something to put back that spark that seems to be lacking recently. Jean rarely accepts Sandra's frequent offers of an outing here or there, for fear of 'being a bother'. It's time to give back some of the love and selflessness that she has shown her family all her life.

In moments, Sandra's browsing through scores of luxury hotels on the Internet. Just a day or two later, they're on their way to a recently restored Victorian mansion in the heart of Derbyshire. Grandly situated in the most tranquil surroundings in six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is magnificent; full of character and offering just the splendour, comfort and dignity that befits a lady like Jean.

On arrival, having enjoyed the leisurely drive and awe-inspiring scenery on the journey, Jean is touched by the warmth and attentiveness of the staff who greet them. After a very welcome pot of tea and buttered scone in the cosy lounge with its breathtaking views across the Amber Valley, a very courteous young man takes the ladies' suitcases and escorts them to their rooms.

The bedrooms are superbly and tastefully decorated and comfortably furnished in a warm, traditional style, with a period elegance in keeping with the hotel's heritage. Each room has an en suite bathroom, TV and hospitality tray.

A little tired after the journey, Jean decides to take a short nap while Sandra unpacks, and she settles down happily on the soft, large bed, bedecked with crisp, white linen. An hour or so later, Sandra returns to Jean's room to find that her mum is up and about, has put on her lipstick and has changed into her 'finery'; her best black dress and the little string of pearls that her husband gave her on their first wedding anniversary.

Together, they make their way to the stylishly elegant, oak-panelled dining room. Presented with an extensive and tempting menu, they finally make their choices. As they enjoy a perfectly-cooked meal and a bottle of chilled white wine, Jean drinks in the atmosphere and the luxury of the surroundings, whilst chattering animatedly about 'the old days'.

After a deep and delicious slumber, a new day dawns and Jean is greeted with breakfast in bed - another of Sandra's surprises and nothing Jean's ever had before. She tucks in heartily; the country air seems to have given her an appetite.

After a light lunch, the two take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful grounds of the hotel. Then it's a short drive to the flourishing market town of Belper, where Jean, typically, shops contentedly for souvenirs to take home for the children. As they wait in Reception to take their leave, Jean squeezes Sandra's arm, thanking her for the most wonderful time, but her daughter has one more surprise in store. 'Look, Mum', says Sandra. 'Those ladies seem to know you.' Jean turns around, looks puzzled for a moment and then her face lights up as she sees the two elderly women smiling and laughing and waving furiously. 'Well I never!' exclaims Jean, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. 'Alice and Betty...'