I bought a Sunday paper this week. It’s unusual for me to buy a newspaper, let alone a Sunday one, but I had some time on my hands and was pleased for the chance to browse. I was astounded then as I turned to page 13 of one of the supplements to find an article on Anglesey. Not just any article, but Mark Radcliffe describing Anglesey as the place where he goes:
‘when things have been stressful and it sucks the stresses away somehow’.
As I read through the article I felt as though I had fallen into another universe – the universe in which I was reading the words of the enigmatic Walter from my novel Forgotten Children (which is still in manuscript form).
Walter has a favourite bench on a clifftop, from which he can see the wide bay below and enjoy the seabirds swirling and nature at its wildest. Imagine how strange it felt to read Mark Radcliffe explain:
‘If you climb up a little hillock opposite the church there is a bench there and sitting on it all you can see is the church, the church yard, the sea, the seabirds and ships. I’ve sat there many times, just me and my dog…’
In Forgotten Children Walter helps the protagonist Emily through a difficult time in her life, gently sharing his wisdom, wisdom that has come to him as the result of a difficult childhood. He settled in Anglesey as it gave him a sense of peace, a place where he could be at one with nature. He feels safe and part of a small community, where he is not judged.
Walter would agree with Mark Radcliffe who says about Anglesey that it has:
‘got under my skin and really does have a special place in my heart.’
Walter wouldn’t be surprised that I picked up that newspaper, or that the article was on page 13. I’m sure he would say that fate takes us to the places where we need to be.
