As youngsters, we were quite close, always in the garden, playing football. We would play until I got dizzy or tired from the constant dribbling, resorting to a tackle to stop him which would result in a scrap until Dad came and sorted us out.

We would collect dead wood from the woods and drag it home for bonfire night, one of the largest in the area. Mum would make a guy and cook food. We would go chestnut picking and sell them round the houses for sixpence a mugful.

Summer holidays we would go to Scotland and stay at our grandparents, visiting Gourock and Dunoon where we’d play in arcades and putting greens. Mostly we would go to Greenock quay watching the large ships being tugged into port, along with fishing boats and occasionally a submarine going to base along the Clyde. The best part was waiting for the dock siren as hundreds of dockers left work to see who could spot our Grandad first. 
Once we were taken to Hampden Park to watch Scottish Cup Final, Rangers won 2-0 against St Mirren with a crowd of 132,000, all standing. Being at the back we couldn’t see, Robert told the guys in front who picked all 3 of us up (cousin Maurice was with us) and pass us over the whole crowd to the front. Dad shouted at us to stay in place until after the game until he came and got us - Mum wouldn’t have been impressed.
The remainder of our summer would mainly be spent at the pipers vale swimming pool.

We both played football for Morland Road and Landseer Schools.

We went to watch Ipswich play Tottenham who had achieved the first double the year before and beat them 3-1, becoming champions of the 1st division. 

We both had paper rounds, butcher and pink parafin delivery jobs too, buying records with our money. Our music tastes varied, Rob liking the rolling stones, the equals and david mcwilliams whereas I was motown.

Once we started work, we both passed our driving tests and got cars - which we would often have to push and tow to get going. The cars got better and Rob would often paint the cars himself, one of them being orange! He also had a Lambretta 175cc fully decorated with mirrors etc - sometimes I was allowed to borrow it but it was checked on my return for no damage!

It was during this period that there were a few issues with the authorities - some stories I’ve told the kids so won’t repeat.

It was about this time we started playing football for the then popular Gainsborough labour club, which we got memberships for as they were after Rob to play. This began a successful period for the team, winning numerous trophies over the coming 3-4 years. 

Mum would answer door to alot of people asking for Mac so she’d have to say which 1 - in the main, it was for Rob who would normally be in the woods, down the liars or on the shore (didn’t have mobile phones then)!

Doreen then arrived on the scene which resulted in a move to Lowestoft. 

Rest in peace Robert, its only half time - I will bring the ball. Give Mum and Dad a hug from me.