Winnie was born to Mary (Cawthorne) and Robert Swallow on 3rd January 1931 in Bethnal Green, East London. She was was the youngest of five children and one of three daughters.

She married her cousin Frank Smith on 1st May 1954 and 18 months later gave birth to the first of two boys - Bruce. At this time they were living at the family home of 78 Cyprus Street and despite a short period living in a one-bed flat in nearby Russia Lane she spent all of her married life here.

Winnie (pictured here in 1968) was a machinist working in the local rag trade and Frank an upholstery with his business based in Forest Gate.

By the birth of Andrew in late January 1963 the pair had virtually separated with Frank moving out.

Winnie remained in Cyprus street for a while living in new flats at the end of the road for some time before moving out with son Andrew to Collier Row be nearer sister Dolly in Romford, Essex.

A photo of Winnie and Frank in their early days together can be found via the link Winnie and Frank. A picture of Winnie with her sister Susie can be found at s3224. Holiday pictures with mother Mary and son Bruce can be found at: Seaside Outling. She can also be seen in at the wedding of eldest brother Robert: Robert Swallow Wedding Group Photo.