Olton and the missing D

Hi Tim

After meeting you last night, I thought some more about Olton near Solihull.

Although it's only a few miles away, I don't have any signifiant connection with the place.

However about four years ago I was doing some sessions with a group in a drop-in centre for people who had mental health difficulties. The route to this centre took me through Olton.

So though Olton is very prosperous, for me it's a place tinged with sadness. The people I was working with had great strength and courage, but they also had experienced huge losses (loss of health, perhaps loss of jobs, friends, close relationships.) So thoughts of fragility and loss, and the difficult road back to well-being were always with me when driving through Olton.

Maybe Olton is Oldton with a lost 'd'? The d could stand for many things - death, depression, desire, drunkenness, dreams...

You could visit Olton and see for yourself.

All the best

Sibyl Ruth

p.s. Forgot to say - the 'd' is also for Dad....