Pinnacles and Pratfalls: an autobiography

'A fascinating and absorbing story... Before we forget the past, we ought to read her.' Merryn Williams Pinnacles and Pratfalls reflects with humour and depth on Birchall's mobile life from the 'hungry thirties' and selling their piano, through a wartime childhood and her father's early death. Four years in the Royal Navy introduced her to far-flung parts of the UK before she moved on to university, and to social work. Her peripatetic life continued with promotions and further stints at universities, largely in the contentious field of child protection. She lost her ardent religious faith and recognised her sexual identity. Since the death of her beloved partner and her final job as a Research Fellow at Stirling University she now enjoys retirement around Oxford. Changing lifestyles and public policy together offer a slice of social history seen through one pair of eyes. 'The thinking social worker's champion.' Colin Prower 'Beautifully written... moving... honest.' Polly Coles