"An or'nary sort of boy" - Part One: The story of a Dunstable and Totternhoe boyhood 1934 to 1949

The story is in two parts: the first of which could be regarded as a brief social history describing the time and practices in a rural and semi rural setting 80+ years ago - a time never to return. Many of the material benefits taken for granted today were unheard of then, and the domestic conditions seem primitive by 21st century standards. The story also describes a boyhood during WW2 and the negative effect of having a mother trying to run a business and a father away in the Army.

The second part deals with the fulfilment of a boyhood dream of going to sea - albeit short lived - followed by National Service in the RAF; two extremely valuable years which, unknowingly, led to a successful career as a college and university lecturer.

During these diverse experiences there was also time to engage in motorcycling, playing rugby, playing jazz, and finding the girl who has been my wife for (at present) the last 64 years.