Helen Ryan-Atkin or Betty Ramsbottom Contributor to the Mass-Observation
"I moved to Tunbridge Wells four years ago, in an attempt to escape from the overcrowding of East London. Lush and comfortable, it's very different from my native bleak West Riding. I love walking over the Common and Ashdown Forest - gets the wind in my hair! I work in London a couple of days a week - keeps the old brain ticking over, and have just finished a Life History Work course at Sussex University. With my two small children we explore the surrounding countryside, have trips to the seaside, and know virtually all the playgrounds, parks, zoos and castles within a fifty mile radius! Click to hear my voice.
"My father's passion for angling drove us to the farthest lochs and glens of Scotland, and my mother to despair. Each year my sister and I would hope for a holiday in sunny Cornwall (the name just evoked fields of yellow corn and sandy beaches), and a chance to squeal in the waves, rather than shiver on a misty harbour wall, but it rarley happened. My mum was far to good-natured to argue, and in fact we did always go somewhere which was breathtakingly beautiful. And Dad's legacy? A family of granchildren who love eating trout,but have no interest in catching their own supper."
"Representing my wild and adventurous days of freedom. In April 1992, whilst the UK was about to vote the Tories in for the last time this century, and Argentina was solemnly marking the tenth anniversary of the Falklands War, I hired a horse (mule?) and rode into the Andes, guided by Senor Perez, a local gaucho who was very courteous, and interested in the Argentinian-British relationship. He was a fan of Margaret Thatcher, but I forgave him, as he was so nice! One morning, coming down from our overnight shelter (a border-crossing hut), we met his friends, having their brew of 'mate', and we were invited to join them. It tasted disgusting, but of course I could never have let on."
"Pictured at their grandparents' house, Ewan was just over two, and Ella four months. Not so much a giggler, but a "honker", Ella wasn't very lady-like, but even so she loves dolls, clothes, and is definitely coy at times. Ewan runs around and shouts a lot, is into trains, cars and Wallace and Grommit. They seem to really enjoy each other's company - at times!"
Music and me: The importance of music in my life, what influences my tastes, etc Music at home: Type of music I play and listen to at home Music in public places: Why I prefer informal music sessions. Spending money on music: The amount I spend on live music, equipment and CDs, etc.
"My father's passion for angling drove us to the farthest lochs and glens of Scotland, and my mother to despair. Each year my sister and I would hope for a holiday in sunny Cornwall (the name just evoked fields of yellow corn and sandy beaches), and a chance to squeal in the waves, rather than shiver on a misty harbour wall, but it rarley happened. My mum was far to good-natured to argue, and in fact we did always go somewhere which was breathtakingly beautiful. And Dad's legacy? A family of granchildren who love eating trout,
"Representing my wild and adventurous days of freedom. In April 1992, whilst the UK was about to vote the Tories in for the last time this century, and Argentina was solemnly marking the tenth anniversary of the Falklands War, I hired a horse (mule?) and rode into the Andes, guided by Senor Perez, a local gaucho who was very courteous, and interested in the Argentinian-British relationship. He was a fan of Margaret Thatcher, but I forgave him, as he was so nice! One morning, coming down from our overnight shelter (a border-crossing hut), 
"Pictured at their grandparents' house, Ewan was just over two, and Ella four months. Not so much a giggler, but a "honker", Ella wasn't very lady-like, but even so she loves dolls, clothes, and is definitely coy at times. Ewan runs around and shouts a lot, is into trains, cars and Wallace and Grommit.