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I grew up as one of the village lads, became leader of Fox Patrol in the local Scout Pack and one of the Altar Boys at the local C. of E. With hindsight, I later realised that all the riches in my physical environment were matched only by the complete lack of intellectual stimulation in the home. There wasn’t a single book in the house ~ ever! Nor was there classical music played or stimulating conversation. Education was deemed to be the sole jurisdiction of the School System and I took to the Grammar School like a duck to water. My brain absorbed facts like a dry sponge absorbs water. I quickly learned that my forte was Mathematics and any concept or formula explained to me would be stored away safely ready for instant recall. I also learned that most people struggle with Mathematics and consequently this would prove to be my route to escape a life centred on digging coal from the bowels of the Earth.
One useful social skill I did acquire from the age of 9 years old was card playing. Being a gentle era before television and videogames, most weekend evenings were spent playing cards for pennies ~ mainly Domino Whist, Newmarket, Brag and Pontoon. I later learned how powerful card playing was even at university to generate lasting friendships between like-minded fellow mathematics students, although now I had progressed to a poor quality of Contract Bridge (and later Poker). At present, I am in my second year of retirement and have hopes to join the local Bridge Club and learn how to play this King of Card Games properly!
I can honestly say that throughout life, Mathematics has proved to be my trump card!