As a family we used to visit my father's elder brother Edward who lived in Bournemouth.  I really enjoyed going to the seaside and staying with our uncle and aunt.  As we got older our parents would go on a 2 week holiday abroad and Paul and I would stay with our uncle enjoying the bucket and spade trips to the beach.  When my parents returned from their trip I was eager to see what presents they have bought us.  The best one was receiving a black rubber ring to help me swim it had a seals neck I called him Blackie.   Paul got a blue inflatable rubber submarine. My father would try and teach us to swim but I never got the hang of it until I was taught professionally by a swimming instructor in a pool.  I think he was disappointed that I had not learnt from him.