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I was born in Derby in 1944 and spent the first five years of my life there. Around 1950 we moved to Breaston, then still a small village, to be nearer my father's work. It was quite a culture shock being surrounded by green fields, with so much space to run and play, after the streets of terraced houses where I had lived before.

My father was employed at the factory of my uncle by marriage, W.H.Paul, manufacturer of stainless steel, and we lived in a Victorian house next to the factory. As well as providing employment for local people, 'Paul's', as it was known also had a variety of social events, parties for both children and adults, outings, amateur theatricals and sports club. My parents joined in all these events, usually with me and my brothers in tow. They were both members of the Archery group and this took us out into the countryside, to such places as Wollaton and Clumber Parks, where archery competitions took place. I have photographs of some of the occasions at which we enjoyed W.H.Paul's hospitality and they illustrate a side to life that has almost vanished now.

Another constant source of pleasure was Breaston Park, with its paddling pool, a slide, swings and non-pc roundabouts. There was grass for a game of football or cricket, or just to run around on. There were trees to climb and if you went through the gate at the far (south) end of the main park area, there were fields. One had a huge conker tree, growing in someone's garden, at the end of it. There was also an orchard, through another fence, where we sometimes went scrumping but that was usually the boys. If you walked further down from the park, you got to the main road that led to Draycott or Long Eaton. I think they still grew potatoes on some of this land in the early 1950s.

The paddling pool was formed from concrete, with rills and bridges. I remember trying to jump across it, falling in and getting my shoes and socks wet through. We used to whack our socks on the wooden seats nearby to dry them off. Didn't really work though and we went home with damp socks and sodden shoes. Even if you wore wellies to paddle in, it felt as if the cold water had got into your boots. Of course, in summer, we paddled about quite happily. Sometimes we took picnics on the park and just lounged around. On the other side, away from the pool and swings there was a sports field, with deep fringes of long grass round it. We used to tie bunches of long grass together to make snares for unsuspecting friends to catch their ankles on. Breaston park was also home to the pig nut, lurking underground. The park was the only place that I have come across pig nuts.

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County:  Derbyshire

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