I left school at the age of 15, was sent to work on the pit- head picking stone out of the coal. I also covered as what they called the bogy brat, When the bogy came off it's tracks I had to climb ...view moreI left school at the age of 15, was sent to work on the pit- head picking stone out of the coal. I also covered as what they called the bogy brat, When the bogy came off it's tracks I had to climb up the slag heap and get it back on. Later spent years in H.M forces, after which I drove trucks Long distance. I always carried a notebook and pen, constantly writing my experiences, describing scenes and people. I could say I was a natural storyteller, which earned me a few smacks on the head at school. I never thought I was good enough to get anything published and when I retired and had time on my hands I thought what the hell, go for it.view less