The two boys stared at the result.

Little Malcolm was puzzled. ‘What’s skcollob?’ he asked.

An angry shout from the kitchen disturbed their concentration. ‘Where’s my shoppin’ list?’ yelled Mrs Robinson.

‘Bloody ’ell,’ muttered Big Dave. ‘C’mon Malc, we’re off!’

Ten-year-old Robin Knutsford was in the kitchen of his house on the council estate. His mother was making him a jam sandwich for breakfast and the radio was blaring away.

‘Why do we listen to t’Shippin’ Forecast, Mam?’

‘’Cause it’s important for fishermen.’

‘But we don’t know no fishermen, Mam.’

Madge Knutsford smiled as she recalled how she had known one in the biblical sense on a day trip to Saltburn-by-the-Sea. ‘Well, never you mind and gerron wi’ y’breakfast.’

‘Mr Pruett says ’e wants t’talk t’you, Mam.’

‘’Ave y’done owt wrong?’

‘No, jus’ opposite. ’E reckons ah’m very clever.’

Madge stared at her ginger-haired son, who always had his nose in a book, and thought of that red-haired seaman from long ago.

Joy Popplewell and Veronica Poole were in the General Stores staring up in wonder at Jeremy Bear.

‘Good morning, Jeremy,’ said Joy.

‘He was wondering if you liked his outfit,’ said Prudence. ‘He chose it himself.’

Today Ragley’s favourite bear sported a sailor hat, blue coat with brass buttons and white pillow-case trousers.

‘I think he looks really smart,’ said Veronica.

‘I like his shiny buttons,’ added Joy, clearly impressed.

Prudence was delighted. ‘Jeremy is very proud of his sailor suit. So, girls, what would you like?’

‘Well, I couldn’t decide between Pontefract cakes and mint imperials,’ said Veronica.

‘And I was thinking about dolly mixtures and sherbet lemons,’ said Joy.

‘I can see it’s a difficult choice,’ agreed Prudence. ‘How much money have you got?’

‘I’ve got a penny,’ said Veronica.

‘And so have I,’ said Joy.

Prudence looked up at Jeremy. ‘What do you think?’

The girls stared up at the bear, expecting him to reply.

Prudence nodded sagely as if Jeremy had uttered private words of import. ‘Jeremy has a good idea. He says put some of each in the same bag.’

Prudence opened four jars and put a generous scoop of sweets into two bags.

‘Thank you, Miss Golightly,’ chorused the girls. They looked up. ‘And thank you, Jeremy.’

Prudence considered the idea of mixing various sweets in one bag. I must try this more often, she thought.

The General Stores was empty when Vera approached the counter. ‘Good morning, Prudence,’ she said. ‘I need a packet of tea, please.’

‘I feel I must ask you, Vera, as I’ve mentioned it to everyone else …’

‘Yes?’

‘These are new. They’re Tetley tea bags. Are you interested?’

Vera stared in astonishment. ‘Tea in bags!’

‘Yes, so you don’t need a tea strainer any more. You just pop them in the cup and add hot water.’