The main stories I tell about myself come from my life as a writer. These stories are not about fame or fortune but stories which led to great experiences. My short film ‘A Red Hat’ led to going to see it shown at the Edinburgh Film Festival, my plays broadcast on Radio 4 led to meeting Alan Bennett, and to writing the novel ‘The Hokey Cokey’ based on ‘Somebody’ the Saturday play reviewed a ‘compelling entertainment’. And now it’s led to my writing a film script based on the play and novel.

Writing the stage play ‘Mixed Company’ led to a hugely successful rehearsed reading at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and meetings with a West End producer. At one time I had both Pam Ferrris and Pauline Collins wanting to play two of the three women in the play.

Then came the television series which Julie Goodyear – a big star about to leave Coronation Street – attached her name to and which Joan Bakewell’s television production company presented to both ITV and the BBC. It didn’t get made but it was too good a story to give up so I wrote the three Lynda Collins novels, and I treasure the memory of being invited to the gay carnival in Manchester, accompanying Julie who was guest of honour.

So, no fame or fortune but so many great memories and so much enjoyment of writing and creating characters. And then there’s the story of my family life, a long and happy marriage, and now five fantastic grandchildren - who led to my writing the poem ‘To My Grandchild’