It’s been a while since I’ve popped down there, which when I sat there enjoying watching and listening to the tide coming in and the calmness it brings is annoying. Going down there is very calming for me, and I wonder just how much those two years at Gap House have impacted me. My dad spent a couple of years of his childhood in Torquay and it’s clear to see his love of that part of the country and I think being at boarding school there has had a similar impact on me. Luckily it’s not that far away for me and I can drive down there easily. So why haven’t I been down there? Part of it is cashflow. The first half of the year has a few expenses for me from birthdays to car MOT. But in part that’s an excuse, it doesn’t cost much in fuel, and I don’t need to spend much if anything when I’m down there. A large part is mental health, and the factors that contribute to it. Things I need to overcome and I am in therapy for them.

While I was down there last week I did take a moment to look at my old school, which isn’t there anymore. It’s been torn down to build houses on the land. Part of me is pleased its going to be houses and not another weird looking apartment block, but I am sad to see it gone. I have some great memories from there and I know others do. It has a special place in a lot of hearts and I hope the families who move into any homes on the land have happy lives there.

I didn’t have much time so I didn’t really spend as much time as I have done previously as I had an errand to run and then therapy. It was good though. I always enjoy my time down there, but I enjoyed the drive there and back too. It’s good for my mental health as well, so I absolutely need to go down there, and other places around our beautiful coastline, more often.

Have you got an affinity for somewhere from your childhood?