ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Barnardo’s (Making Connections) for returning to me my Home’s records and encouragement for this writing project; also for permission to quote from my (transcribed) Home’s records. Many thanks to Catherine Myers-Antiaye and Paul Sailman of Barnardo’s Making Connections team for their support and advice.

Sections of Chapter Four broadcast on BBC Radio Merseyside “First Heard” programme under title Childhood Landscape (1975).

Sections of Chapter Four first published in the Barnardo Guild Messenger magazine (2009).

Creation first published in The Goldonian William Baker Technical School magazine (1957).

Songs:

“And When the Children are Asleep” (Carousel musical) Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

“You Belong to Me” (as sung by Jo Stafford) Pee Wee King, Chilton Price, Redd Stewart.

“Dark Moon” (as sung by Bonnie Guitar) Ned Miller.

“If I knew you were comin’ I’d have baked a cake” (as sung by Gracie Fields) Al Hoffman, Bob Merrill, Clem Watts.

“Mockingbird Hill” (as sung by Patti Page) George Vaughan Horton.

Many thanks to Ashley Irons for his support and, not least, the use of his London flat for the first draft of this autobiography.

Much appreciation to Ollie for his consistent encouragement, enquiry on progress, support and faith in my writing efforts.

Appreciation too for Gill Tweed who directed me to attempt a story of my childhood.

And Susan Cran for her guidance and helpful suggestions.

My appreciation to Ross Burgess for his editorial advice.

Any mistakes in story or of facts are of my responsibility and are not of intention but by accident.

I apologise in advance to those whom I have not named individually but nevertheless I give my appreciation of their support.

Cover photograph: Ashley Coombe, Eric’s second Barnardo Home.