Tales from a tall ship

n 1972 I was working in the City of London in a personnel department for one of the ‘big four’ banks. One of my jobs was to seek nominations from staff under the age of 21, whose managers thought they would benefit from attending Outward Bound-type courses, designed to develop personalities and help with maturity. Of course, we all knew that these courses were a good excuse for a fully paid week away from work and, being 23 years old, I couldn’t see why there should be an age restriction. I therefore suggested that, as a trial, the bank should seek nominations from staff aged over 21 to go on a week’s trip on a Sail Training Association vessel. I was very relieved when only two applications were received for the two places because one had come from me! My manager, with a wry smile, agreed that I could go.