One Big Family

Growing up with six siblings meant there was never a dull day for Eve Ainsworth

There’s something about complete silence that makes me feel uncomfortable. I think it’s because silence was never something I experienced growing up. The house was always filled with chatter, laughter, the thump of footsteps up and down the stairs, doors slamming, and all-round chaos. Maybe that’s the reason noise has always brought me comfort – it reminds me how lucky I am to be part of such a big, loving family.

My mum Connie was an only child and had spent a lot of her time growing up yearning for a brother or sister. So, when she met my dad, Jack, in 1955, she was determined to have lots of children – to ensure none of them experienced the loneliness she did.

Simon was the first to be born in March 1958, followed by Cherry a year later, then Kevin two years after that, followed by David, Ali and then Iain. Mum thought she couldn’t have any more children but then, aged 40, 11 years after Iain was born, she fell pregnant with me.

Being the youngest of such a large brood meant I was adored by my siblings. And with our parents working hard – Dad as a psychiatric nurse, and Mum in a factory – it was my siblings, especially Ali and Iain in the early years, who took on the parental roles, taking me to school and helping with my homework.

Coming and going

Growing up, I shared a bedroom with Ali, while Iain and David finally got their own rooms after years of sharing when the older ones moved out. Yet, even though we didn’t all live under one roof, Simon, Kevin and Cherry were always visiting and the house was busy with everyone coming and going.