In the spring of 2024, if the Almighty spares me, I'll be 80, which is to have gratefully attained the status of a long life.
As is an octogenarian's wont, I look back on early influences and memories. One of the most vivid is attending the Christmas pantomime – Dick Whittington in particular.
I was something of a dunce at school. So it seemed inspiring that Dick was portrayed as an orphan and a failure, whose only friend was a cat.
