In the 1990s, Sarah Poyntz suggested that I write a Country diary contribution for the Guardian. I sent off a possibility, partly to please a favourite and inspiring teacher at Callington grammar school, Cornwall. The column’s then editor, Jeanette Page, liked it but said there was no room just then.
Almost a year later she phoned to ask for a couple. Both were printed and I continued on a regular basis.
Sarah was an excellent teacher of English and history, much respected by her pupils. We kept in touch and she was happy to read pieces that reminded her of happy days living and teaching in our area.
