Christine and I grew up in Barnstaple, North Devon. Our fathers were cousins, living quite near to each other. We were of the same vintage though Christine was seven months older than me!
One of my several memories was of my dear cousin leading me up over some cliffs at Woolacombe Bay, when I would rather have found a pathway (we were both about five years old) but Christine liked an adventure! I lost my footing and rolled backwards down the cliff, luckily not too steep. However those were the days when anyone could call at a doctor’s door and I can remember my father picking me up and rushing to the nearest doctor with a screaming, bleeding child. Fortunately, I was not hurt badly but Christine was not in good odour with her parents or mine.
Christine's parents, Auntie Ada and Uncle Walter, employed a full time maid, Alice, who dressed in a proper uniform of black and white, she used to look after us when they were out and one day found Christine and me in the garden snacking on dog biscuits. We were severely told off by Alice.
While Christine was studying at UCL I was the other side of the street at UC Hospital. We both got married and lost touch for a while but I'm so pleased we renewed our friendship again in later life.
From Pam Martin
7th August 2017