I was born on the kitchen floor of a general store in the centre of Kettering, a Northamptonshire market town, in 1922. My first memories are of all sorts of animals being driven along the roads,or being carried in horse-drawn gigs, to the cattle market twice a week.

Frightening experiences in the streets occurred when stationary horses with carts would suddenly bolt off when they saw a motor car or heard a car horn. My proudest moment was when I was allowed to drive (at the age of 7 years)a cartload of horse manure to some gardeners on the outskirts of Kettering.

Christmas dinner in the general store was always a wonderful occasion. After the singing of carols we had roast pork with all the trimmings. Then the great moment came when the plum pudding was brought in. It was held high while a brandy that had been poured ovewr it was lit. Inside it there was a silver threepenny piece for every guest. There were no crackers or paper hats. When the meal was over there were recitations and more singing.

Every Sunday morning many people took their roast dinners to be cooked in the ovens of their nearest inn, chattering to each other as they went. When the meals had been cooked, there was a great rush to get them home before they became cold.

Today, the general store is a supermarket in the centre of a modern town, with traffic congestion and pavements trodden by crowds of people. Everywherethere is a sense of change for change's sake - in family life,employment, and possessions. This attitude has led to an extended family where children have to consider their changing roles - leading to a self-centred outlook on life.

An increase in prosperity has not resulted in a happier life.