[James_Wilde]

I don't remember that far back, but coming out of that dim and distant mist, I do remember 'Pigling Bland' by Beatrix Potter, followed by her other books. I remember Pigling and what was her name, Trot-trot? running 'down to the county boundary' and I loved the music of the ow/ou diphthongs. I learnt to read from Beatrix Potter.

Later 'Enid Blyton's Nature Lover's Book' (apostrophe in Lover's where it is because it was my book). And a bit later again, Arthur Ransome of course. I do believe that Dick Callum was my role model, and responsible for my taking the science line at school. I still follow science developments.