The joys of illicit sherry swigging

Christmas memories from Jack Drummond

What is your favourite Christmas memory?

It's difficult to remember exactly how old I was, but I'd hazard nine or ten. It was the year (c.1960) that I discovered the rich, sweet, fruity taste of cream sherry, swigged surreptitiously from my grandmother's decanter while my parents put the finishing touches to our Christmas goose. Whenever I taste sweet sherry now - even smell it – I go right back to my grandmother's drinks' tray and that tall, beckoning cut-glass decanter.

It was also that long-ago Christmas that I received a gift from my parents that couldn't be wrapped. It was a racing bike – drop handlebars, six gears, with a leather saddle that today would surely be classified as an offensive weapon. They had hidden it in the conservatory, where none of us ever ventured in winter. Just before lunch my father asked me to check that the conservatory doors were properly closed. And there it was, leaning against the icy window panes. I remember standing there – head spinning with disbelief, delight and too much cream sherry. My very own racing bike – could life get any better? Interestingly, that bike came with another gift that couldn't be wrapped – freedom, independence and the giddy sense of a world waiting to be discovered.
 
What is the worst present you’ve ever given or received?

I'm happy to report that I've never received a gift I wasn't delighted with. As for inappropriate presents I might have given, family and friends have so far been too polite (or maybe too terrified) to voice any distress, despair or horror at what I've selected for them. Let's hope it lasts.

What are your plans for this Christmas?

Four glorious days in Cornwall with my wife's parents – to whom 'Avalanche' is dedicated. There'll be delicious lie-ins while my daughters are entertained by their doting grandparents, a glorious procession of fabulous food and no shortage of festive spirits. As usual there'll be an attempt to make me join the family for afternoon walks, but as usual I'll resist. A walk is only really worthwhile when there's a pub at the end of it and a car to bring me home.
 
Are you giving any books this Christmas?

Of course, if only because they're so easy to wrap.
 
What book would you most like to receive this Christmas?

Ideally the next Jack Drummond adventure, neatly bound and ready for the bookshops. Since I have to write it first, that's not really an option. In its place, I'd be very pleased to unwrap Fred Buller's 'The Domesday Book of Giant Salmon'. It'll make a great read while the rest of the family go for a walk.

Any tips for surviving the festive period?

There are those kindly but misguided folk who recommend moderation. In my experience, a tumbler of ice-cold semi-skimmed milk last thing at night to wash down a 200mg Neurofen tablet have yet to let me down.
 

Posted 10/12/2007 12:56:18 by Jack Drummond with 0 comments.