West Kirby County Primary School was safe and sensible. I was very bright and spurred on by my Mum I wanted to be the best. Owen Elwyn Owens was 6 foot 6 inches tall. He was Welsh and wore thick black glasses. He wanted to be the best too. Our 4x 100 relay team won the area sports with me on the 3rd leg (we were the only school wearing spikes on a cinder track- Owen helped finanace the cost out of his own pocket). Our football team took on all comers-including the local prep schools. Played 15 won 15 goals for 103 against 15. We played in all white because Real Madrid, who were the best in the world in 1960 did so too.
My mother hated the Liverpool accent and sent me for elocution lessons. I entered drama festivals and recited poetry and Shakespeare. From 8 years onward I won many competitions. This gave me great confidence and my accent was formed much as it is now. I was the star of all the school plays. At the age of 9, I was asked by Mrs Cooke to sing Bobby Shaftoe solo in front of the class. What came out of my mouth was a huge surprise I had a beautiful treble choirboy voice. This voice was my passport to one of the great experiences of my life.
Tales of a Life Well Lived 