The Sunday afternoon walks, with my sister and I wearing our Sunday best, complete with little felt hats. Throwing our dog a stick to retrieve, and then panicking because the dog made for the other side of the lake rather than swimming back to us. Falling in the lake when I was walking on the edge whilst reading a book, and missed my footing

Worst of all, with my friend in a paddle-boat, and having to be rescued by the motor boat on the lake - and my friends father, a captain on a ship, not being very amused at that predicament.

Other memories - the Castle, with its entrancing rooms and grounds. Cardiff City Centre - enticing coffee smells from the Kardomah coffee shop which my grand-dad used to take me into as a special treat.

The huge dray horses pulling the brewery drays - were they really that big, or did they just look gigantic to a child? The City Centre buildings, which are still as clean and imposing now, as they were to me then.

My Confirmation in St John's Church in Cardiff centre - totally overawed by the solemnity of the occasion, and terrified in case the Bishop would ask me a question from the Catechism - I knew Id be too terrified even to remember my name.

My years at Lady Margaret High School - and dismay at finding it is now no more. The inspiring teaching of the English and Latin mistresses - the love of both subjects has never left me.

All-in-all, a joyful, happy and delightful childhood - no wonder I look forward to my holidays in Wales!

Carol Adkinson (nee Ward) - July 2003