Pimlico '74. At school I was mesmerised by a girl, her common beauty enhanced bt NHS specs and severe acne.

At lunchtimes I heard that she hurried down to the embankment and talked to a statue.
I would follow.

I can recall her being as unaware of her innate sexuality as I was of her encroaching schizophrenia.

When very young, I used to fear the river's edge - especially the clogged, rotting and slimy entrance to the Gatliff Road Council Depot.

( I was always told that my name sewn in my underpants was in case I fell in and was hooked out at Southend ).

Years later, working in the Depot, I lernt that all the refuse barges were proudly named after the shop steward's daughters.