The announcement

The detached house on Pottery Lane, Whiston, had a small kitchen that looked out to the front garden. It was the 31st January 1976 and I was sitting at the table, having just made a cup of tea for my mum.

In my world, I could have heard a pin drop and the moment that I was about to reveal all was approaching, I just didn't know when that moment would be, however, I knew it would be soon.

Another cup of tea and we both stared out the window, dad was out on his taxi rounds and probably would be in soon for another cup of tea. I knew the window of opportunity was closing as I wanted to speak to mum alone, gosh that was bad enough.

I heard myself say, "Jan is pregnant", and it was out, published, stated to the world. The small room echoed with my words, I'm sure my knees shook as the words floated around, the tension of the moment, and now, it was done.

Mum asked if I was sure it was mine as "If she'll do it with you, she'll probably be doing it with others" and I insisted it was, knowing that if I showed any doubt that they would stop me from doing the right thing.

The front gates opened, and the lights from the taxi swung in, mum looked at me and said "I knew she was pregnant and I knew you were going to tell me tonight" and I found myself staring unbelieving at her.

The front door creaked, dad came in, took off his cap and was about to take his coat off and ask for the kettle to be "put on" when mum turned to him and said "Arthur, I was right" and for a brief moment he was puzzled and then looked at me and shook his head.

There had been a five pound bet on it.