OUR PEOPLE: Reflections on young lives
Mike Howard is a full-time resettlement officer with YMCA Norfolk, he has also provided supported lodgings, along with his wife Shauna, in Great Yarmouth since 2002. They have three of their own children and are also foster carers.
“When I get some spare time, I love to write ditties, and find this an excellent way of unwinding,” says Mike. “Somehow, the words just come into my head and if I don't write it down as soon a possible, the idea goes, and is lost forever. Sometimes, after writing a verse, I read it out to my wife. Sometimes, she gives me funny looks. Can't think why?”
 Beach Coach Station
Living in Great Yarmouth in the 60s and 70s, young lads would make (or get their dads to make) barrows to go “luggaging”. This was done on Saturdays throughout the summer, and youngsters would eagerly wait for the next coach to arrive at “Beach Coach Station”. I was one of these lads, and have put down a few words to describe the experience.
Beach Coach Station, that’s the place,
Full of people, cars and haste,
“A barrow for your luggage sir”
Blanking moments - they confer.
Then, on the barrow, the luggage goes,
Overloaded, and it shows,
Give the customer a smile,
The destination - half a mile.
What reward then for this job?
It’s got to be at least Two bob!
Then we get to their hotel,
The luggage safe, and all is well,
“How much have I got to pay?”
This, the customer would say.
Quite exhausted, feeling blue,
I’d reply, “It’s up to you”
After receiving a smile or frown,
They sometimes gave me half-a-crown!
This truly was the bit I like,
Some more towards my Chopper Bike!
The final words they all would say-
“Pick us up next Saturday!”
The Happy Ending
 Dad has come home drunk again,It’s driving me insane,
He raises hand,
I hear the crack,
Before I feel the pain.
I go to Gorleston sixth form,
I’m really feeling blue,
I see the welfare officer,
“Please, tell me what to do!”
I speak about my problems,
Looks like there here to stay,
About my dad and alcohol,
Since my mum passed away.
Directed now to the Town Hall,
I tell my story, true,
Same words fall from my mouth again.
“Please, tell me what to do!”
They ring someone, YMCA,
I have an interview,
I’m in Supported Lodgings now,
My life to start anew!
I’ve been in lodgings eight months now,
And Christmas time is here,
The Spirit of Christmas comes to me,
How different from last year!
Presents underneath the tree,
And one does bear my name,
Reminds me of those happy days,
When my mum did the same.
The telephone rings,
It is my dad,
Had treatment for addiction,
We meet and have a Christmas Tea,
He offers no affliction.
I love my dad,
I always will,
His bad ways I forgave,
And every year at Christmas time,
We meet at my mum’s grave,
And now I am a mother too,
And never do delay,
In sending out that special card,
To the YMCA!
Daniel's story
An angry young person, I can’t deny,
Can’t control temper,
As much as I try,
Now my parents have got divorced,
Neither has room for me,
Of course.
Friends say,
“Come and stay at mine,”
But the invites dwindle,
Over time,
No job, no warmth,
No food for me,
And no one takes me seriously.
I go back home,
I’m in a mess,
To see my mum,
She’s moved address!
I know now that there is no hope,
I’m sliding down the homeless slope.
Walking round till three in the morning,
“Move on son, this is a warning!”
Explain that I have no relations,
Sleeping rough,
In railway stations.
“How old are you?”
The copper asks,
And of my arm,
He takes a grasp,
I put up struggle, and break free,
I run away again,
That’s me!
Now I’m sitting in the station,
Hunger’s such a bad sensation,
I can’t stand this anymore,
Collapse now upon the floor.
Wake up now,
I’m feeling sore,
The copper who I met before,
Takes me to YMCA,
They agree to let me stay.
They put a worker on my case,
My benefits are sort with haste,
They also find me training too,
Things no longer look so blue!
A work placement I now get,
I have goals, and they are set!
When the placement is all through,
They say, “We have a job for you!”
Back now to YMCA,
“We have got something to say,
Go to council if you please,
Ask to speak to “Housing Needs,”
I trip over on the mat!
A key now to my council flat!
My life is now once more on track,
There’s no way I’m turning back!” | 