I've been thinking of my childhood a lot recently, for obvious reasons. I don't think I know anybody (well maybe Merryn) who loved their childhood as much as I did. Well other than being convinced that Niki was trying to kill me ...
Think of the freedom we had. Spending all day going to and from Sandow Riding School. All the adventures we had along the way. The horses, the open spaces and bicycles and definitely our family. Niki may have hated having us (ok, that's probably just me) tagging along all the time but I guess she didn't have much of a choice in the matter ... I would certainly have squealed quickly enough if she tried to leave me behind! Remember the Commonwealth Games, how amazing was the summer of 1974. Precious McKenzie pulling me out of the pool after Niki convinced me I was jumping into the shallow end (see para 1).
The way I never got in trouble for taking off to Rakaia on a Friday after school, having snuck out in the morning with my clothes stuffed in my school backpack. The kindness of people giving me a lift to Riverina and especially the kindness of Bubs who suddenly had an extra mouth to feed for the weekend.
I don't necessarily think we grew up in a safer time. We were lucky (the odd misadventure aside) and we travelled in a pack, ALWAYS. I really can't remember spending any time alone as a kid. I can remember Dad being worried about how attached I was to Arthur and there I was thinking he was jealous that I had a second father figure ... I'm guessing that's not what he was concerned about. See the photo below for Jane in early pure drama queen mode as Ken and Arthur prepare to leave Newbridge Place.
PS: I'm not commenting on the rugby other than to say my worst nightmare came true
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