When I hear
people complain how boring their lives are, I realise just how lucky I have
been. My life, trials and tribulations all, has been at worst interesting – at
best, fascinating – never dull.
Recently, I
went on a nostalgic trip while downsizing the junk that was taking up far too
much space in my office. With a few treasures, there emerged memories galore;
some writers who had been personal friends or acquaintances; some non-writing
people who had had a great impact in my life. The experiences I had with these
people made me what I am. Without them I could have grown up to be the shy little
mouse that I was, with her nose always in a book or a pencil in her hand. Some
of them made such an impression on me that they later turned up in my novels.
My grandparents – Granddad in particular; my three maiden aunts, sisters in
their nineties – perfect material for secondary characters in my historic books
– one of them was mortified to be fined at the age of 85 for driving too
slowly. Then there was the nightmare marriage to my first husband who…well,
you’ll find out all about him in my memoirs, if and when I write them.
Now, here are
a few anecdotes about some of the other people who touched my life and who I
feel honoured to have known:
ROBERT HUGILL.
Another lovely old
gentleman whom I met through the Newcastle Writers’ Circle. Historian and
writer of books on pele towers and castles and a stand-alone book: “I Travelled
Through Spain.” When I met him he was already 89 
GORDON PARKER is a British
novelist and playwright. He has been a literary critic for Tyne Tees Television
and BBC Radio Newcastle.
I met Gordon
at a writers’ weekend at Beamish Hall, though I doubt he will remember going
for a walk with me through knee-deep snow, talking about the difficulties of
being a writer. Gordon was already published then. I was still a ‘wannabe’. He
wrote somewhat controversial books about local politicians. His books,
apparently, sold well in Russia at the time, but he could only spend his
royalties there in Russia. It’s good to see that he is still writing and being
published after all these years.
T. DAN SMITH:
The above
biography was written by Chris Foote Wood, who came all the way to the Hautes
Pyrenees in France in 2010 to interview me about my time, short though it was,
as Dan’s secretary. I had plenty of anecdotes to relate, but after so many
years some of my memories were a bit blurred around the edges. Still keeping to
writing, I discovered that Chris Foote Wood was the brother of the lovely comedienne,
writer and actor, Victoria Wood. I had already thought that if ever my book,
When Tomorrow Comes, became a film, she would be perfect as my favourite
heroine, Hildie Thompson. I sent her agent a copy of the book and was
graciously thanked and she said she would enjoy reading it. But, of course,
that can never be as she has recently died.
JONATHAN EDWARDS
Before he
became known as an athlete, Jonathan, at the age of 19 came to work in the
Human Genetics Department where I was P.A. to the world famous human geneticist
Professor Sir John Burn. He was a laboratory technician, shy and retiring – and
I was given the job of being something of a ‘mother hen’ to him during his
first weeks. I’m so proud to have played just a very small role in this lovely
young man’s life.
SIR PETER SCOTT:
His wealthy
background allowed him to follow his interests in art, wildlife and many
sports, including wildfowling, sailing and ice skating. He represented Great
Britain and Northern Ireland at sailing in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games,
winning a bronze medal in the O-Jolle dinghy class.
Steam Gun
Boat, MGB S309, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Peter Scott, underway
at sea
Peter and his
wife Philippa [who took the photograph for this book cover] often came up to
Washington for meetings. I remember the first time I met them. I had rushed
home from work [I was then a medical secretary for Newcastle University] and
was changing my clothes – standing in my underwear – when I heard an almighty
crash from the kitchen. A wall cabinet full of my precious collectable crockery
had fallen to the floor, knocking over the kettle, which in turn knocked over a
tea caddy and there was an unholy mess. We were still mopping the floor when
the Scott’s arrived, but they were very sweet about it and Peter even found
time to congratulate me on the painting of a bird I had done. Peter was quite a
character, loved wearing bright red socks and often played practical jokes on
people.
HRH PRINCE CHARLES:
Our other meeting
was at the AGM of the Trust in Slimbridge. We were last in the queue, waiting
to be introduced, but were then told that there wasn’t time as lunch was about
to be served. We were disappointed, but by some quirky act of fate we found
ourselves alone with Prince Charles as the two men he had been in discussion
with both left him standing there – unheard of! We put on a brave face, not
knowing what to do and walked towards the prince, who spun around on his heel,
smiled broadly and came to us, hand outstretched. Brian introduced himself and
[we weren’t married at the time] simply introduced me as “This is June”. Prince
Charles grasped my hand – he has a very firm handshake – and said: “Hello,
June.” He had a few words with Brian, then turned to me and asked me what
should be done about the north-east of England. “There’s a great lack of
culture,” I told him. “They need more.” He looked thoughtful, smiled and
nodded. I’d like to think that my remark had a little bit to do with the
wonderful cultural place that the north-east of England has now become.
The three of
us walked slowly towards the dining room, I by the prince’s side and Brian
bringing up the rear. I had no idea of protocol and Charles knew that without
being told. He placed his hand at my back, bent towards me and whispered: “You
go first and I’ll follow.’ Any protocol I might have recalled went right out of
the window as I simply whispered back to him: “Thank you!” The minute we
reached the dining room all eyes were on me and my cheeks were burning as the
ladies in their Ascot and Wedding hats crowded around, desperate to know what
HRH had said to me. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life – a few
personal moments with the future king of England.
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