I was a timid youngster and soon learned that any tantrums or misbehaviour meant a slap on the legs or on the seat of my knickers in my very early years.

I also wanted to know if you had actually been spanked by another person that was not in your family?Then Mum’s hand came down with a sting far worse than anything before and now for the first time on my bare bottom. When I entered my room and closed the door behind me I was greeted for the first time by a cane hanging behind the door.

I was trembling: My nose almost touching the carpet, feet dangling just off the floor and legs shaking – the position was inescapable.

She lifted my school skirt, tucked the hem into the waistband then started pulling down my knickers. As someone who endured many over the knee spankings from both parents, I can honestly say it is the most used style of punishment in the UK when I was growing up.

The cane was on show for everyone to see including friends when they visited to play music or do homework, workmen, window cleaners and neighbours from across the road. Mum did punish me again over the years sometimes with others present but fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you view, never used the cane. I did not for a couple of weeks but then one afternoon the temptation became too much: I pressed the button and immediately the door opened – the lady grabbed my shoulder and marched me straight down the road to my home.Mum said she felt it when younger and I would soon feel it if there was any more misbehaviour adding that it should not be removed from where it hung. Mum became furious, grabbed my wrist and led me to the drawing room where she sat down and proceeded to pull me across her lap. We entered the lounge as Mum listened to the lady’s detailed account of my offence and her ensuing annoyance.