Posted by John Birch on July 02, 2000 at 00:05:58 from m197-mp1-cvx1a.man.ntl.com:
In Reply to: Nancy's age in SA posted by Prue Eckett on May 29, 2000 at 22:56:53:
I think Mrs Walker is basically the "perfect parent", at least from a child's point of view. Closely followed by Mrs Blackett. I think all of us would have LOVED to have had parents who would not only join in our fantasy and role playing games, but allowed us the full run of islands, fells, lakes, boats etc. armed with matches and an endless supply of provisions.
Or maybe life was rather different 70 years ago.
It was certainly simpler and easier. I think in this day and age an "updated" S&A would be greatly shortened by the unexpected arrival of members of the local Social Services Department, not to mention National Park Authority, Fire Prevention officers, Ministry of Agriculture officials (re. the selling of milk - esp. presumably unpasturised), Health and Safety Authority (no lifejackets!) and so on.
It would probably finish with the S&As in care, several local farms closed down following the imposition of heavy fines, and the confiscation of Swallow (or at least guests at Holly Howe being banned from using it for insurance reasons).
Ah progress.....