Childhood Memories

Rebekah Howarth

Barton-on-the-Heath, my childhood home, and the place I will always class as my home. I

lived in Barton from the age of zero up until I was nearly 26 and I have to say that it has to

be the best childhood home anyone could have. I have so many memories of the village that I am sure

won't fit on the page I have been allocated.

From an early age I was bought up to respect the countryside and its wildlife. Being taken to the lake,

walks upto the Deer park, watching Eddies cows, badger watching with my dad, watching foxes and rabbits

in the nearby field. All of these experiences, have encouraged me to look after animals and their habitats.

I wish that a lot of children had the upbringing I had, I know of children that can't go out and play

because it is unsafe and they have to sit in doors and watch TV or play on games consoles.

I will always remember rain or shine we would always be outside in the close, playing our favourite games,

scarper, laying an egg, wall ball, all games that had been passed down to us from our older siblings,

who too grew up in the village.

Watching it snow in the winter, now it just isn't the same, I remember when i was young, my older brother

would make igloos down Barton lane in the ditch, he would take myself and younger sister sledging down

the Great Wolford hill, we would make snowmen in the garden and have snowball fights.

Even a few years a go I would sit and watch my little sister and her friends doing the same,

it is so nice knowning that the traditions get passed down. I am not sure if these things would have

been the same if it wasn't for the village, if it wasn't for the quietness and safety of the village.

When I was a kid, my friends and I would complain that we didnt have a park, or a youth club, just something to do,

but looking back now I am glad we didn't because I am sure that if we did, half the memories I have now

and that I can share with my own kids just would not exsist.

I only wish and hope that I am able to bring my children up in a village like Barton, because then I know

they will have the same happy memories that I have.