I remember 106 Burdon Lane. I didn't, but I came across a reminder while re-reading A Passage To India. Either side of the number at the foot of page 106 I had pencilled "Remember" and "Burdon Lane" - it must have been more than 40 years ago. For that is where the 'first girl I loved', Barbara - known at Nonsuch as Bra - lived. I often see the house when driving over that way and invariably think of her mum and scary dad with their German accents. I remember Mr D once said Palestrina was only good for wallpapering to, Mrs D made apple strudel, Barbara's brother Colin brings to mind one of those brown warehouse worker's coats (like a lab coat) but I can't think why, and Barbara, sadly, I mainly remember for looking down her nose at me (after we had split up) because I didn't smoke. Pathetic. But I wish I had a photograph...

I remember three events that will cause me immediately to change the station when listening to the radio: anything by ELO; anything by Elton John except for Bennie And The Jets, Rocket Man or Tiny Dancer; The Stranglers singing Golden Brown.

I remember Fortes in Brighton. Is that how it was spelled? I think it was where there is now a Harry Ramsden's - just by the pier. And I remember going there after taking my 11-plus and sitting upstairs and having lunch and looking at the view. This was on a Saturday, but I don't know if this memory is true because I also remember having orange juice as a treat with our school dinner and being allowed out on the field.

I remember getting on a bus at Raynes Park (this was when the 118s used to do the route, which is a long time ago) and finding that it was about to be driven by John Goodwin, my quasi-uncle, who passed away last week. I don't think I ever saw John without a smile on his face. He gave me a bag of sweets to share with my friend on our way to Morden - and as far as I can remember we got a free ride.