When I discovered the calming effect that the sea has on my psyche I go the beach to clear my mind, to feel at peace (I know not why it has this effect particularly if you consider I was brought up in the landlocked county of Shropshire). Whether it is the hush of waves to shore, the relentless movement or just the sheer enormity of it all that calms my mind – relaxing my mien. To this day you will see me hands clasped behind my back walking along the shoreline occasionally stopping to pick up a pebble that has caught my eye. Weirdly, my niece and God daughter does the same. At some juncture I am lost in reverie returning home with a pocketful of shiny stones and a spring in my step.