CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

When your December 2020 magazine fell open at page 31, I was surprised and delighted to see the familiar old pavements of Aberdeen's 'Fittie', a stone's throw from my childhood stomping ground, being showcased by lifestyle photographer David Fowlie.

I spent many an afternoon playing on Aberdeen Beach with my older brothers. Of course, they would always beat me when racing to the water with their considerably longer legs, but I would almost always get my own back when my short stature enabled me to find the best hiding spots in Footdee during games of Hide-and-Seek.

I admit, it made me smile when I read that a new resident had woken up to find her washing had been posted back through her window on a Sunday. It reminded me of our old neighbour – dear old Mrs Robertson – who prided herself on frogmarching a group of us local children to Sunday School each week.

I'm quite sure there were several other pastimes we'd have preferred at the weekend, but it certainly did us no harm. Indeed, those Sundays stuck with me and ultimately struck a chord.

I'm already looking forward to hearing the Christmas carols resonating once more, whether they be via virtual 'Zoom' sermons or in person. Wishing everyone health and happiness over the Christmas season.

Callum McKelvie, Forfar