One of the defining tales of my childhood goes back a little further into the mists of time. If I’ve told this story already I apologise for repeating myself but these are very good memories that I never want to lose.
We moved to Lurgashall in 1956 when I was three and my Mother was pregnant with my little sister. One morning, not long after the last little McLachlan entered the world Mummy took us to the village shop. My baby sister was in her pram and I was attached securely to Mummy by toddler reins.
There was a lot of attention around the pram as various ladies fussed and cooed over my baby sister but my attention was diverted by a dark haired boy who, like me was secured to his Mummy by reins.
We were introduced and told that we should shake hands like ‘proper little gentlemen’ but after appraising each other for a few moments decided that a hug would be much nicer. The other boy’s name was Richard which we both thought was very special as that’s also my middle name.
From that moment we were playmates and soon became best friends. Richard’s big sister often looked after my sisters and I if Mummy had to go out; she always brought my best friend with her as it was the easiest way to keep me occupied.
Very soon Richard and Malcolm became Rich and Malc, despite Mummy’s best efforts to stop the name shortening and as we got a little older those names became synonymous with mischief.
We didn’t do nasty things and never caused any real damage; mostly we took really silly risks with our own safety by playing too near the brook and falling in. The result of that would usually be a telling off for Rich from his Mummy and a big spanking for me from mine.
In September 1958 we started at Northchapel County Primary School together and while I was really excited at the idea of school I was also quite nervous; I wasn’t used to meeting new children and was worried how they’d treat a skinny little waif like me.
There was some light teasing about my hair colour from other boys but Rich soon put a stop to it. He was bigger and stronger than me and appointed himself my protector from the beginning of our first coach journey to school.
I’m going to tell you more tales of Rich and Malc as we were best friends for many years and he really was a very special person to me.
Love
I am enjoying reading about your early life. Thanks for telling us about it.
I think it’s so important to remember that there were good times, many of them.
Best friends, don’t they stay in mind for the rest of our lives, no matter physical distance? I’m looking forward to more of those tales, Mac. Thanks for sharing!
Love
Daniel
Yes they do; Rich has never really been out of my thoughts since that day over 50 years ago when we met.
Love
Malcolm
Those reins! Oh yes.
Weren’t they just great?