Fathers vs Sons

My first holiday home after a year and having survived the record 1962/3 winter in Europe and above all the UK. Quite a shock to a Trinidadian.

Almost at the bottom of the garden was the company's cricket ground with a rather grand two-storey pavilion with all the facilities to make tea and all the other things that go with a days cricket.

It was the fathers against sons match. Not sure who won but I managed to get a ball bowled directly on my forehead. And the bowler? Yes of course. father. It was part of the tradition that fathers bowled against sons and vice versa. I remember it hurt but of course, had to do everything possible not to let it show.

The cricket ground was hardly ever used for the purpose. more as a place to run around with dogs, fly kites etc. It was the place I first drove a car or better-said vehicle. It was my father's short wheelbase Land Rover with a canvas rear. He was often in the bush (jungle) with his 3-man team surveying the land. Sometimes they were away for days and had to use the Land Rover as overnight quarters and kitchen.

The Land Rover has (had?) the facility/ability to put it in low ratio first gear, then hop out and it kept on crawling along. That's what my father did with me as I couldn't get anywhere near the pedals.

I am sure I was terrified but then afterwards extremely proud. Over the years, he helped improve my driving skills on the countless private roads in the area.