I grew up on the downs.
The only son in a family of four.
My mum didn't understand boys.
When I was a boy she took me to Harley St,
The doctor said ' this boy just needs to be allowed to get dirty in the fresh air '
That was the start of the freedom to be out with the animals.
I'd always loved animals but after that I was allowed to go out with the horses.
I had 13 now I have 6.
I used to leave the house in the morning with my wellies on.
My mum said if they were wet when I got back then she wouldn't let me out again.
So I'd dry them on the hand dryers in the pub toilets.
Now I am 60 my son's a pilot the other coaches football in Spain.
And I have my own stables on the downs.
On a morning like this I get up and go out in the sun shot frost and ride.
Now I am going to Southend to buy a car. In my suitcase is a hundred odds and ends for fixing electronics. Bits of circuitry, screwdrivers, batteries, torches and wires. It's a security firework display in airports til they see the card.
I am an electrical engineer and I developed simulator software for the shipping industry. Simulators for exporters of treat- with- care materials. It's an industry that's needed everywhere.
After I touched the darkness I learnt not to listen to the stories I told myself and now I am happy.
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