I started taking the Guardian when I was in my 20s, unqualified, living in a squat and in need of some semblance of knowledge to underpin my vociferous (though sketchy) viewpoints. The Guardian became my university. People like James Cameron (probably the wisest journalist I've read), Frank Keating (the funniest, though with the most florid prose) and Jill Tweedie were my mentors and heroes. And so it's continued. The Guardian accompanied me to university in my 30s and I was proud to be seen as a reader.
I find I've a flair for cryptic crosswords and, though not the most useful skill, it does seem to affect others. I was in further education management for a spell and, when absolutely bored with a meeting, would do the crossword. It infuriated some colleagues but strangely impressed them as well.
My son's just started at university and I'm quietly proud to see him reading the Guardian and doing the crossword too. These days I enjoy reading Polly Toynbee and, although she does not always reflect my politics, she is well briefed and has a fiery writing style. Fast approaching retirement, I look forward to spending more time with "my old friend" on board my canal barge home with a large glass of red.
