This book tells of life during a unique period of British social history. Brought up during the great depression of the 1930s, Ray Saunders tells how he worked his way out of his impoverished 'Dickensian' surroundings to a life filled with many opportunistic adventures. Living in Kent in 'bomb alley' and working on the railway during the blitz and VI rocket attacks, he later leaves to set himself up as an illegal bookmaker. His many court appearances culminated in Ray defending himself in the High Court. His love of horses led him to a Swiss equestrian centre and thence to Spain where he bought two Andalusian stallions. He converted a barn and ran a successful stud becoming a founder member of The British Andalusian Horse Society. Told in Ray's unique way, there are many humorous encounters, together with more poignant moments. The many characters include his grandfather 'Dusty' who at the age of eighty and registered as blind, got a job with the local authority as the 'lollypop man' to a nearby school! Ray also experienced the privileges of European travel after the war, which would be much envied today. Along with his beloved wife Jill, they were among the first of the new age tourists, as they were welcomed back to a continent that was restarting its tourist industry.
