Two children, hand in hand, frolicking in a park suggest so much about a time of innocence and unfettered fun and evokes intrigue and for many, happy memories.

At first glance the green space tucked away in central Felixstowe does not look anything special. A children's play area, a few benches scattered around, winding paths and lots of grass and trees.

Amid the relative serenity, and the occasional squeal of happy youngsters, a lady with more than 100 years slowly but surely walks round the park holding her stroller for balance, her daughter by her side.

Joan Rich is raising money for NHS charities by completing 102 circuits of her local park, which she aims to complete by her 102nd birthday in September. She has many interesting stories to tell as she meanders around the path and the venue chosen

This is Allenby Park, steeped in history from its sad beginnings to the modern day marvel that is former nurse, Military Policewoman, cyclist, great-grandmother, Joan.

Charles Nightingale's wonderfully evocative water-colour perfectly captures the essence of the book

'Myth and Mischief in Allenby Park'

and sets the tone for the tales and poems telling the story inside the gates.

It is fitting really because it was Charles' watercolour that sowed the seed for this unusual collection of writings. He gifted the picture to Joan on her 100th birthday and as Dominique Roche explains in her foreword that started the conversation that led to the book being published by Diatom.

Artist Charles told Nub News: "It was lovely fun to be able to write about the park

"You could be as free as you like, writing in fantasy if you wanted, but it was all about the park.

"There are poems from my son Luke, and I was very pleased with the way it was done. I'm re-reading the stories as they have been modified, including mine."

Charles revealed although watercolours can be a difficult medium, he quickly got the picture he wanted.

"Watercolours are a funny thing because you cant correct it," he said. "If you put some colour where there is meant to be white, then it's too late, you can't correct it. If it doesn't work then you have to throw it away."

Astonishingly Charles revealed: "This one worked first time for me."

"Everyone must have that experience at some time, but it is not like painting with oils where you can keep going over it, that is much easier than water colours, which is less forgiving."

He also offered this advice: "People always seem to think, I'll start painting and then start with water colours and after three days days they give up.

"If they started with oils they would be more successful and stick with it.

"I used to do acrylics but if once they got on your trousers that was it, you had to throw them away."

Charles' admiration for Joan and her determined challenge.

"Joan is brilliant, as is Diane," he said. "Joan has inspired us all and she tells the famous story about her being in Egypt and being recognised by returning troops, with one yelling out 'Bloody hell Joan, you are Redcap', which I love hearing."

Written by Lesley Glaister, Robin Greene, Luke Nightingale, Diane Rich and Charles, the paperback relays the memories of the authors playing in the park and growing up to see their own offspring enjoying the constant presence of this green and pleasant piece of land.

You would think Allenby Park would be as far removed from Armageddon as could be, but this is where the story begins.

Viscount Edmund Allenby won many battles leading the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force, including during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, he won the Battle of Jerusalem and others but it was the Battle of Megiddo, known in Hebrew as Armageddon, in 1918 that underlined his status as an outstanding strategist and leader.

Allenby built a family house in Felixstowe but when his mother died, he had it demolished and gifted the land to the town as a park. There is also an Allenby Park in Jerusalem, a testament to his merciful and respectful approach to his Arabic opponents following victory to take the city.

Costing £5.99, with profits going to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the book is available at Stillwater Books, 36 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7AN or website here...www.stillwaterfelixstowe.co.uk

Click here donate to Joan's Just Giving Page.