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Please keep yourself safe 'It’s bad enough here. It’s horrendous in Spain' - Craig Brown, former Scotland boss Quote: 'Covid-19 is not a black swan event. It was waiting to happen' - David McCoy, Professor of Global Public Health By Andrew Atkinson Exclusive
“I ran away from home aged 16 - father was too handy with his fists”. In Part 2 of an tearful, heartwarming interview with Andrew Atkinson, Graham Stephen continues his childhood farm-life, running away from home, and turning to The Samaritans for solace. FARMERS son Graham Stephen looks back on yesteryear and said: "If I could turn the clock back, I'd do it all again". This, despite the beatings he took from his father, to sleeping rough, and turning to The Samaritans for solace. "Today, the farm lifestyle of children is one not envied. But I was privileged of life on the farm," said Aberdeen born Graham. "We benefitted from farm produce - gifted from potatoes, eggs, and chicken," said Graham, proprietor of The Oasis Bar and Restaurant in La Herrada, Los Montesinos. "I fondly remember and will never forget the farmer and his wife Mr and Mrs Gordon, who took great care and insuring we kept warm," said Graham, who lived in tied cottages with his parents. "The temperature in the heavy winters lead to looking out of the window. Beautiful, frosty patterns on the grass, in a room where a coal fire kept us warm," said Graham. "We were six miles away from shops and the village. And 12 miles from school but you thought nothing of it," said Graham. "At the time electricity was just beginning to be installed into country cottages, and
washing was done by hand and a scrubbing board - rung out through a mangle. "To think, now we live in nice homes, and drive nice cars," said Graham, 65, who lives in Los Montesinos. "My grandfather, fondly remembered - anti-capitalist of Alf Garnet, of what Donald Trump‘s open-minded view is today. I think he's been resurrected!", quipped Graham. Graham, who first left home at the age of 15, said: "I scooted off from home, owing to personal issues. "My first job was a glorious wage of £8.50 - eight quid and ten bob! Then I became a mink worker, on a mink farm. "Here, I had another fantastic boss, who taught me many of my principles and values, regarding staff and working. So true were his words today." Graham, married at 18, said: "Life plodded on. And made all the mistakes a young couple make." Turning to his parents, Graham said: "Mother was a shoplifter - and father was in prison, when I was born. "An uncle of mine is not my uncle, he is my brother. It goes on and on...and on." Aged sixteen, Graham ran away from home - after suffering beatings: "The reason I ran away at 16, was
CRAIG BROWN “Keep yourselves safe.”
because father was too handy - with his fists. "I couldnt do it anymore. Where I went my dog went. With my £8.50, it cost £8.10 shillings to keep me in Digs. "With the help of the Samaritans, the cost was £2.50. I had slept in my car for three months, or more. "Nobody knew - not even my workplace. I washed and changed every morning, in the public toilets nearby," said Graham
Former Scotland international manager Craig Brown CBE spoke to me about the coronavirus epidemic situation, in both Britain and Spain, as it sweeps across the world. "I believe although it’s bad enough here, it’s horrendous in Spain," said Craig, 79. "Please keep yourself safe," said Craig, Scotland National manager during 1993-2001. I told Craig of the situation in Spain, on lockdown, with borders shut and airport closures across the country (commercial flights). In the main only Emergency Services are allowed to go about their duties. All bars, businesses Restaurants, beaches, et al., are closed. Almost 2m thrown out of work; only allowed to go to the supermarket for food (strictly only 1 person) and to the pharmacy, if need be. Road blocks in place, throughout provinces. And lockdown extended until April 26, at present. In ending Craig, a non-executive director at SPL club Aberdeen, said: "I thank you for asking how I am in the situation we all find ourselves in. All the best and keep in touch." The Scottish Government issued a travel warning, criticising the irresponsible behaviour of people with second homes and campervans travelling to the Highlands, in a bid to isolate. A similar scenario mirrors people travelling from Madrid and other areas to the Costa Blanca resorts - despite the lockdown laws. Health Protection Scotland, a division of the NHS, warned in 2010 about the nation's ability to contain a long-lasting pandemic in a review of the nation's response to the swine flu pandemic. The pandemic lead to the lives of 457 people dying in the UK in 2009. HPS, who co-ordinates health protection in Scotland, warned Ministers improvements needed to be addressed - citing planning of mass testing and treatment facilities - including swabbing. The UK and Scottish governments have been criticised in some quarters, after the coronavirus pandemic hit, costing thousands of lives. In Scotland the figure stood at 218 (April 1). Mr David McCoy, Professor of Global Public Health at the Centre for Primary Care and Public Health at Queen Mary University London, said: "Covid-19 is not a black swan event. It was waiting to happen. "The failure to prepare the NHS for Covid-19 signals how it has not been led, financed or organised as a public service to work in the public interest to fulfil its national health protection function adequately."
