I'm 18 months older than Chris, so our paths did not cross at school, at least I think we went to the same school. However, our mums knew each other before I was even aware of shops. Peggy and Cecil ran the local newsagent / tobacconists in south Hackney and I would have been wheeled and/or walked "up to the shops". The mum's must have got on well and it became a lifetime friendship.

I have vague recollections of going on a "grand day out" to High Beech in Epping Forest and sitting on the back seat of Cecil's grey Austin A Series, which looked like a jelly-mould, but remember nothing of the time at the forest location, except a cafe cum ice-cream shop. However, I do remember going over to Cecil & Peggy's flat one bright and sunny afternoon and staying for tea. I think I must have been about 8 or 9.

The highlight of our the day was wandering into the bedroom where Chris found a shiny pair of mums high-heeled shoes and proceeded to try them on. An 8 year old's feet don't fit too well in adult shoes and Chris waddled a few steps and nearly fell over but was saved by the side of the bed. He tried again and again, but never succeeded.
 I didn't fare any better, worse if anything, and gave up trying for a broken ankle. Anyway, after lots of giggles and shouting we moved on to the main event. The pillow fight!! Yeah! Biff, bash! Pow! Just like something out of a comic. Lot's of noise, giggles and shouting. It went on until both of us were worn out to just sitting on the bed after an honourable draw. An absolute hoot to 2 young boys.

Then mum came in and took us off to tea.