As the title suggests, I've known Dick since Misterton Primary school days from 5 years old. Many days after we'd scoffed a great school dinner, as they were then, I'd go along with Dick to the farm and play around there until it was time to head back school. I remember one winter going there and messing around in the pond that was in the yard then. and frozen over. Of course  one of us was going to go through the ice, and it happened to be me both feet of course. ( we never gave things half measures in those days!)

So, it was back into the house where we found Dicks mam, a blazing fireplace and a hot side oven over the door of which hung a pair of Dicks school socks!. You can guess the rest. Thank you grandma Benson.

I also recall asking Dick one day about some curious looking raised patches of skin on the back of his hand in a circular configuration. He said quite casually, ringworm- get 'em from the calves,the buggers! These days, some kids would need a long period of mental health counselling to get over that!

He continued on to the new secondary school, but afterleaving there we lost touch when I joined the army. However we did meet up again when we came back to Misterton for a short spell after many years.My wife Sue and Dicks then wife Julie became good friends as did my daughter Lisa and his daughter Sarah who are still in touch.

I think those early days were the best. We ll never see the like of them again I fear.

Harold  Horton.