Alongside his broadcasting career, Stuart Maconie worked as a part-time farmer in partnership with my cousin BB. They ran their agricultural operation from my childhood home in Stockton-on-Tees, on the corner of Darlington Road and Kenton Close.

I managed to wheedle myself into Maconie’s orbit by taking on the job of his studio assistant. My main role was to provide feedback on his radio shows, and run simple errands.

One day I successfully provided an analysis of an interview that Maconie conducted with my friend JH. I felt obliged to admit, however, that I was somewhat surprised that a local covers bands merited mention in a highly-respected national radio show.

Then I agreed to fetch a bale of hay from the barn. Unfortunately I failed on this second mission. This was because I was distracted by the changes to Kenton Close. From around number 28 onwards, the tarmac outside the houses had been grassed over, and two sets of opposite neighbours had even constructed paths into one another’s gardens. It was also now possible to roam the woods at the end of the street, and an absolute joy to see several children playing outside unsupervised.