Exactly Newport Boy. And nothing dreadful ever happened to you.

My father put me on the steam train at Kings Cross for Durham. The first time I was about seven, and was excited to be sitting in a carriage all the way (5hrs) 'Up North' to see my auntie. The guard was probably asked to keep an eye on me, but I never saw him. I even found my way to the toilet by myself. It was just assumed I would, so I did!
The thing is, according to statistics there are no more child murders or paedophile attacks nowadays than back then.
I'm so grateful for the freedom we were all given, as it gave me enormous confidence when I travelled alone to Canada from London Airport at 17, then on to Uni by myself.
I know older folk have always grumbled about 'youth today' but really, youngsters now cry if you look at them and seem incapable of doing anything without parental support. I feel sorry for them actually.