agree bhg,
for the first time eva - really ?
In 1958 I was catching with my sister the bus to the next town ( 0810 ) and then at school end, walk to a different stop over the hill to a different bus back to The Square in my own village 16.30
there were two others ( sisters ) who did the same journey
I kept my last season ticket - summer 1960 - £1 19s 6d
I was pre-school when I announced to my mother I wanted to take the bus home from the same place - and I admit at the age of four I was placed at the bus 'terminus' and the conductor was told where to boot me off. 1956
I dont think the world is more dangerous
but parents' attitudes have changed
when I was a chile, play was only supervised 10% of the time - I only recollect an adult present when they wanted to pick a child out and clout him for some previous alleged misdemeanour
now play is supervised for more than 90% of the time