One story I worked on during the Autumn of 1981 focused on “The Teachers,” a commune-school group in Wales with an office in London. Although I didn’t end up writing about that group then, I did interview some of their principals in London. My story would have focused specifically on a young child who had been put out into the wilderness alone at night by the group, for some minor misdeed or another. Mine would have been a good story, had I chosen to formally write it up and have it published.

The highlight of the 1981 Camden Jazz Festival was the performance by the Archie Shepp Quintet, including Charlie McGhee on B-flat horn. I interviewed Mr. McGhee after the performance, and saw backstage how the group was respected by visitors, scribes, and crowd.

In Autumn 1981, I reported on a pain relief conference in London. It was a fairly dry experience. It has prompted a few related recollections, though, which tie in well, I hope, with my vague memories of that conference.