I’d like to think that as a child I was quite thoughtful towards other people and although an only child, I don’t think I was overly spoilt. OK, maybe a little bit spoilt.

For a start I can remember my Nan asking me to get her a book out of the cupboard once and when I got there, I found a box containing a soft toy version of Hector from Hectors House. She often did things like that, but in all honesty I don’t think I really appreciated it or that I would have missed it if she hadn’t. The things I enjoyed the most cost nothing – just her time. She’d keep all her old birthday and Christmas cards, a fair few of which were embossed. We'd spend ages colouring in the insides of them. She’d tell me stories about my mum growing up, she taught me to knit, iron and cook. I just enjoyed spending time with her.

But there is a memory that remains crystal clear in my mind – I think it was the first time in my life that I actually remember not getting my own way. I’m sure I didn’t get my own way all of the time anyway – but with no siblings to compete with I got all of my mum’s attention. I enjoyed helping her and we were very close, even at that age she was my friend as well as my mum.

I can remember wanting to join the Brownies, a must for every 7 year old back then, but there was a long waiting list. So having the type of mother that made things happen – she did just that, she decided to start a second Brownie pack. This meant her giving up her time and a certain amount of training was also involved. All good stuff, well for me and the others on the waiting list at least – after she’d got her licence we could don the brown dress, the beret and make our promise.

Before any of this could happen Mum had to spend a certain amount of time with the 1st Brownie pack. The normal week to week meetings didn’t bother me. It was a day out that had been arranged that put my nose out of joint.

Brown Owl had invited everyone to her house. She had an outdoor swimming pool so everyone got to take their costume. There were games arranged and a party with jelly and ice cream. See, even after 34 years I can still remember the day’s agenda very clearly. If I close my eyes I can still picture that swimming pool and the changing cubicles.

The problem being, well for me at least, was that I couldn’t go. I wasn't invited. I’m sure there were other times in my life before then that Mum went places without me – can’t remember them through. I can remember the Brownie party.

Mum patiently explained why I couldn’t go with her, told me she would do something special with me afterwards, explained that by doing this she would get her licence and I could then become a Brownie. I can remember her telling me that I couldn’t always go everywhere with her and that although I couldn’t see it, she was in fact doing this for me. And of course I accepted this and understood.

Did I bugger – I whinged, whined and when that failed – sulked. I refused to speak to her. I tried every ploy known to child to get her to change her mind – and she wouldn’t. I can remember going with Dad in the car to drop her off and even at that point I thought I could get her to say yes, you can stop. She didn’t and I was absolutely gutted. I cried all the way home. I cried most of the day, and nothing my Dad or Nan said could console me. I was in shock. It was one hell of a wake up call. Actually, I'm surprised I didn't get smacked - but I can honestly say I can't ever remember ever getting smacked as a child.

I got over it eventually, but it came as a hell of a surprise to find out that the world didn’t revolve around me and that I sometimes needed to put other peoples feelings before my own. One of life’s important lessons and one that I've never forgotten.

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Talking to eldest last night he asked me if I could remember ‘Murphy & the Bricks’? He used to listen to it with his Nan, he said. He had liked it as a child because it contained the word ‘bloody’ and 'sod', so it allowed him to swear. After much searching I managed to track it down, which will please him no end as he hasn’t been able to find it.

http://www.funnyfriends.co.uk/wav/corries.mp3

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I’m off out tonight for a meal with future daughter-in-law and her mum, who works as an undertaker and has a black humour that surpasses my own. Actually, she's a really nice lady and son is lucky to be getting a nice mother-in-law. And even better, she’s offered to drive. Hooray – I get to drink, and if I keep taking the cold tablets with a bit of luck I’ll be able to sleep the night away without listening to Himself’s raising the roof impression.