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This is Paul. He's just replaced one of the old metal windows in the kitchen.

When we moved to rural Wales 18 years ago one of the things I was glad to escape was the school choice angst in the city we left. Different schools had different reputations for academic success and standards of behaviour with fierce competition to get your child into the most desirable. Here there was no choice and our sons went to the nearest primary and secondary schools: bog standard but at least a level playing field (if not literally.) It means that they know all the kids from the same cohort whether or not they were friends. Now that they're all in their 20s it interests me to learn the different paths they have taken. Some have remained close to home, following in their family's footsteps as farmers or builders or hauliers; others have joined the army or gone to sea. Some are working in local shops or restaurants, others have gone to university or art school or travelling. One is in a band, another is a city councillor in the midlands. A few have been in trouble, more than a few are unemployed. Several already have one or two children of their own.

Paul went to the local secondary school between my sons' years which must mean he's 25 or 26 now. He's married and in the building trade (a popular occupation in Pembrokeshire) 'for himself'. He's done a number of jobs on the house, always well, and I reckon he's got his toe on the ladder, even though he didn't need one today.