I remember, do you? I have memories, do you?

I have memories, memories of a formidable headmistress, Mrs. Binks, in primary school. Memories of a fair headmistress. Memories of a friend of the family, who through her husband, helped ensure that I still walk. Memories of a kind lady. Memories of being just tall enough to see over the counter in the waiting area of the office. Memories of the secretary behind the counter, answering the phone, sending parents and children to the right place. Memories of her name evade me; June? Memories of the deputy-headmistress, a taller lady, dark hair. Memories of playing fun games on the Commodore 64s. Educational games.

I remember. I remember a single TV channel. I remember Grandad getting a satellite dish, big and black, sitting on a platform of concrete. I remember the pool in my grandparents back yard, now filled in. I remember baking with my grandmother – jam tarts, treacle tart, cakes, banana bread, Christmas dinner. I remember that she always made a good pastry, something that to this day eludes me. I remember coming home from school, running down the steps to Gran’s house, and demolishing some biscuits and milk while reading the comics. As I got older, I’d occasionally read more than the comics. I remember the family, gathered around the big glass table in the dining room, having Christmas dinner. I remember a yellow remote control truck. I remember being given a brown leather belt and not appreciating it fully. I still wear it, 6 or more years on.

Memories. Memories of catching lizards by using a noose made from a piece of grass. Memories of mowing the lawn. Memories of keeping the bamboo in check, and trying to make charcoal from the bamboo pieces in a 55 gallon drum. Memories of crawling under the house, looking for something. Memories of wonderful dogs, who kept us company and were part of the family. Memories of putting on classical music, and turning the volume up. Memories of dancing around the dining room table to a particular piece of classical – part of the William Tell Overture, I’m sure. I remember a photograph of myself, and the crew of one of the US Space Shuttles. I don’t remember what happened to that photograph. I remember the old building catching on fire, and the hard work to build the new building.