Highlights and Holidays Of all our various interests, there was one which created a lot of fun, as well as encouraging us to move out even further into the community – harmonica playing. With Jack playing the base chord harmonica and generally arranging the tunes for us, Sheila taking the melody and me doing the harmony, we practised when ever possible. Eventually we could make quite a good sound! Pop songs of the day could often be simplified to suit our group. To add variety, Jack would arrange one of his own compositions. Thus we formed our group called "The Harmonicas Three". We got ourselves many bookings around the clubs and pubs, played at garden fetes and charity shows, and entered local talent contests. We even did a broadcast on local radio. It was essential to have our own transport for getting to the various venues, and Jack decided to cash in his Saving Stamps and buy an old van for £45. Dad had been looking in to the possibility for us, and he and Mum were willing to share the cost of tax and insurance. Dad could use the van for work, and it might prove useful in many ways. And we certainly got around. Squeezed into the back of the old van, we must have presented a funny sight as the long wooden ramp was put into position for our exit. We earned three guineas for each gig, and put some money towards travelling expenses, and some towards new instruments. Very rarely did we keep any for ourselves. We became quite well known, and enjoyed it all. Dad was most tolerant. No doubt there were many times when he would rather not have been dragged out to drive us to some remote venue. Nevertheless, he came. The bright lights seemed to flicker more often now. Jack and I both felt this was the zenith of everything. We were grateful for what we had found between us. Gradually, we learned more and more about each other. We knew what we liked – and we liked what we knew. Our pleasures were small and simple. We talked about the past. And the future? Oh, if only we had lots of money …! Holidays were times enjoyed by "normal people". Certainly I never gave them a thought. Jack was always reluctant to have strangers looking after him, so he too dismissed the holiday idea. However, the club had considered for some time that disabled people should know the fun and freedom of a holiday. The idea was certainly new, but soon gained support from other sources. Therefore, special arrangements were made by the club, and disabled people were allocated a separate week at a holiday camp in Gorleston. Jack, Sheila and I took our chance gladly. Trevor was amongst the band of volunteer helpers, which made things easier from Jack's point of view. But the biggest attraction was that Jack and I would be together for a whole week! To make our holiday more fun, Jack managed to borrow a powered chair for me to use. Thus, for the first time, we could wonder off together along the garden paths, around the tennis courts and down to the sports field and swimming pool. We dutifully entered a few games competitions, but mostly we would steal away to a secluded corner of the camp. A favourite spot was the swimming pool area, where we would sit for long periods in the sun, with our heads close together. These romantic moments where often interrupted by fits of laughter, as we recalled some mishap with my chair. I was experiencing the same difficulties as Jack had at first, only more so. On one occasion the front wheel hit a stone, and the steering handle went out of control. I slid forward precariously in the chair, which proceeded to go into an alarming spin. Jack called to a Spanish waiter for help, positioned his own chair to prevent mine spinning round, and eventually explained to the waiter how to make me comfortable again. It was more embarrassing than frightening, I do believe. As it was, there were the usual insinuations about women drivers. Even Jack in his most understanding way, had to admit that he had "never known a driver to manoeuvre so much, and finish up in the same place!" Jack was fascinated with the camp's Variety Shows every evening, for he had long had a passion for Showbiz. He was interested in all aspects of staging concerts, and was often left in wonderment at a particular musical virtuoso. Jack was enjoying this holiday more than he thought possible. Afterwards, we wondered outside alone. Taking a kiss beneath the night sky was simply perfect. Must we say goodnight? Why cannot every day be like today …? We even stretched our waking hours by arranging secret meeting in Jack's chalet. We felt it was a pity to let all our evening come to an unceremonious halt at 10pm, though we usually accepted it, realising that the hard-worked helpers needed a rest. But at his own suggestion, Trevor would sometimes return after his duties to take me to Jack's chalet, where I could stay until about midnight. Stealing into my chalet at half past ten, Trevor would whisk me away, with trousers and coat slipped over my pyjamas. In no time at all, I was being raced through the chill night air in an old push-chair. Trevor was out of breath in his haste to get me there unnoticed. Fortunately, only a few last-minute stragglers roamed the camp. They must have been puzzled by the emergency dash of a bundle of clothes in a wheelchair! Jack had a chalet to himself, and he sat propped up in bed, waiting for me. I sat somehow across his lap. There we stayed, quietly enjoying our mutual embraces. Our secret added to the excitement. We talked in whispers, growing steadily more dozy, yet still not wanting to relinquish the night. Meanwhile, Trevor was at one of the usual helpers' parties perhaps with Freda. But even she did not know why Trevor would suddenly leave. "I've just got a little job to do. Be back in a minute." It was sometimes one o'clock when I was returned to my own chalet, not even waking Sheila, who promised not to tell anyway. The helpers could never understand why I was so sleepy next morning! It was no wonder we felt so sad at the end of our holiday, which was to become an annual event for several years to come.