'WIDER still and wider shall our bounds be set'.

Those words and that music bring back pride, hope, optimism a strong feeling of faith in ones self and ones country, but is it still true?

For all our boundaries are being shrunk by petty rules and regulations.

We are being restricted, and so now are our children.

I'm afraid if we don't let them learn how to protect themselves or to discern dangers, will they ever feel the urge for adventure and challenge?

How can they learn to avoid life's pitfalls if they are never allowed to come into contact with them?

Life is full of risks and it's vital you learn that as soon as possible, Schoolteachers must live in a constant state of apprehension.

It's a case of never chastise a child, never be alone with a child, and oh! Crime of crimes under no circumstances ever put a sticking plaster on a cut finger.

And should you dare to kiss it better then you are in danger of being thought a paedophile.

Well all this extreme nonsense has gone way too far.

Danger: life's full of it, it's a vital part of growing up to understand that, then you've a chance.

But if you are always protected and cosseted I fear you may fall by the wayside, so I think it's back to the 'Wider still and wider shall their bounds be set' and let them play out, walk to school, and don't let them sit forever watching telly.