Today, October 1, marks National Grandparents Day – we asked you for your dearest memories of your grandparents.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hannah King and her Grandman Coleby. Picture: HANNAH KINGHannah King and her Grandman Coleby. Picture: HANNAH KING (Image: Archant)

Hannah King, 21, said: “From day one my Grandma Coleby deemed me ‘the daughter she never had’.

“She would always be around for me from that day, picking me up from school whenever my parents couldn’t, teaching me how to cook, raising me on the scariest of horror films even when I was much too young, because she would always reassure me not to be scared because she was always there.

“The one true thing that always brings me comfort is when I walk down her front garden path to the beautiful smell that of course is grandma’s roast dinner – you can’t beat it!

“She’s been there through everything since day one and I can’t thank her enough or love her anymore than I already do – my favourite memory thanks to her is my entire life whilst she’s in it.”

Molly Steward, 22, said: “My grandma used to organise Tuesday night dinner every week to make sure myself, my brother and my cousins saw each other.

“I think we used to drive her a bit crazy every week with how loud and crazy we could be but there were always lots of laughs around the table.

“She used to treat us with her famous curry on special occasions. It was always a really nice way to make sure we saw each other and it was because of grandma that our family is so close today.”

Josie Groom, 28, said: “The look on my nan’s face when we went out to dinner and she ordered ‘the world’s smallest trifle’.

“We warned her it was served in a shot glass, but she was certain it would be plenty.

“Well the whole pub knew she was disgusted when it came out and she saw how small it was. We still laugh today.”

Sophie Davis, 22, said: “The things I can remember about my grandad are really simple but makes me happy just thinking about them.

“He always had a smile on his face and when he laughed it was so heartwarming. He had this distinctive smell of smoke and old people it was never too overpowering but now and then when ever I walk past an older person smoking it always reminds me of him.

“He always seemed to have fruit pastels every time we went round to see him. There’s only few memories of him but he’ll always be in my heart.”

Summaia Begum, 21, said: “My favourite memory with my grandma is when me and my siblings were younger and she would make us do ‘the hokey pokey’ dance with her every night without fail. At first I used to enjoy it, then it got repetitive and I began to hate it. But now it’s my favourite memory!”

Julie Newton, 38, said: “The distinctive loving smell of my grandad that I will never forget, 25 years ago yesterday but never ever forgotten. Plus I am always reminded about how I am my Nan re-born and I am proud of that!”

Linh Pook, from Ipswich, said: “When grandma was tired I’d sit next to her and I’d try to teach her to count in English and the chuckle she’d make when she got it wrong.

“My grandad loved James Bond films although he didn’t understand it, and we would sit there quite engrossed with the film and then he would tap my arm when something exciting happened.

“We would laugh because he made me jump out of my skin and then he decided to do it often saying there was a fly on me, but grandad was always a warning character, always made you smile. It has been a while since I last thought of him.”

Mark Holland, from Ipswich, said: “My gran, over in Co Donegal (Rep of Ireland) was the ultimate gran.

“She taught me and my brother how to do under arm farts. A skill I have passed onto my children. I look forward to having grandchildren very much.”

Paula Offord, from Stowmarket, said: “At Christmas time, in the days when we used to have really cold winters, I would help my Grandad to write and deliver his Christmas cards on a Friday evening.

“As reward, and to ‘warm me up’ he would sneak me into a corner of The George in Hadleigh, buying himself a pint of Guinness and for me a glass of sherry. Happy memories.”

Sarah Dunwoody, from Suffolk, said: “My grandad was chief engineer at Cliff Quay. In his spare time he was always tinkering around in his garage, inventing mechanical games and toys.

“He’d let me drill holes in bits of wood, and clamp them in the press. We’d spend hours out there – my grandma used to be horrified!”