Born in Bentwood, Essex, the author Ted Bailey was sent to a boarding school in Croydon, just before he was seven-years-old. In those early schooldays, he was very small compared to most of his fellow pupils. There was some bullying which was difficult to avoid as a boarder. Also, he positively hated organised games, especially football outside in the winter. As they were compulsory, unfortunately, there was no getting out of them. Being useless at all sport, he was always the last pick for any team as he stood shivering alone. When finally picked he would hear the muttered groans: 'Oh no, not him again'. It was humiliating. One freezing February morning, everything suddenly changed for him. The dreaded football was off because of iced up pitches. 'Great!' he thought. But no, the alternative was as bad: some races around the rough school cinder track. No better! However, this session produced a startling outcome. A whole new direction in his school life followed this, which had long term results.