Bradford Lad: Walking Into A World Of Learning
Mike Coatesworth tells how he was firstly a tutor, then the one who was being tutored.
When my children were nippers, I spent as much time as I could with them, taking them for walks in the countryside. We tried to take a different route every time we went out. On one occasion, after walking several miles, I had one child on my back and was carrying another as they grew tired.
We came upon a field with no animals in it and decided to rest there for a while and have our picnic.
We had been there about half an hour when the irate farmer approached us and told us off for being on his property. ‘What do you think this land is for?’ he demanded. "What if everyone wanted to come here for a picnic?''
‘You would cordon off a special area,'' I replied mildly. 'Supply tables and chairs. Make a lot of money by selling them farm produce.'
We went on our way. When I looked back the farmer was still standing there with his cap in his hand. Perhaps he was mulling over what I had said.
When we were out in the countryside and woods I taught my children how to indentify plants and trees, and the various kinds of wildlife. I wanted them to have the opportunities which I never had. I tried to educate them. I told them that if they concentrated on their studies they could be whatever they wanted to be. I guess they listened to what I said. All three of my children did well at school.
In later years, after an accident had confined me to a wheelchair, my children helped to educate me. For the first time in my life a truly enjoyed learning. I guess I hated school because I was forced to learn. When you want to learn it's a different ball game.
My kids and I still go out together, but now they look after me rather than me looking after them.
