The Sound of Summer

For my generation, growing up in King's Lynn in the sixties, you are the sound of summer. For the kids of Gaywood Park it was always an event to hear your far off cry and the approaching languid clop clop of horse's hooves on the ribbed and often potholed concrete roads.

In adulthood, at a time when samphire was starting to appear in very small, very expensive portions on menus in top London restaurants, by chance I saw you early one morning (probably quite late on in a busy day for you) on Tennyson Road on my way to meet friends for a trip to Belgium. Whilst your samphire didn't quite make it all the way to the continent it did make for a perfect pre-excursion breakfast in Royston, Hertfordshire that has been remembered by my friends ever since.

Robbie Elvin captured you perfectly in his stunning painting. I can't claim the same level of artistic expertise but I will soon send you a song which I hope will both please you and convey the warmth I feel and the memories I have and treasure.

Many happy returns

Steve Collins