On reaching State Pension Age (66). Thanks to the NHS
Indeed I am 66 today, being born on 31st October 1956 as the Russian tanks swept into Budapest & just as Britain, France and Israel were starting the debacle that was Suez.
Clearly I learnt my politics at birth.
I’m not a great fan of birthdays, although they are statistically significant-as I now qualify for a State pension, but as an historian one does note the passage of time.
Reaching 66 is something of a landmark since there were at least two occasions earlier in the year when it was more likely than not that I would not. Thanks to all at the University Hospital Cardiff and perhaps in particular to a nurse called Cerys for bringing me back to the land of the living on the second occasion. As the consultant noted, if I was a cat I would have used up one of my nine lives then.
My partner Megan has helped a lot to restore me to something like working order since I was discharged from hospital in mid-July
Hopefully the coming year will not be so eventful health wise. I remain working as an elected union officer because even at 66 there is no home but the struggle.
Anyway on my birthday I’m in Cardiff,(but I still live of course in Tottenham)
In addition the beard is still flourishing
I may have a beer….
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