The Tale of a Tale

The Tale of a Tale is a companion to The Tale of a Hip (published 2018). It expands on the theme of taking up ballroom dancing seriously in middle age, and the problem of misaligned bones, a limiting factor in many aspects of Pamela’s life, leading ultimately to hip replacement. Despite difficulties, she and John go on to take professional exams in both ballroom and Latin American dancing, and teach for more than twenty years, offering the joy, companionship, and relief from worldly cares they have experienced themselves to a large number of people.

A second strand of the book follows major current events, notably Brexit and COVID-19, and shows an old person’s take on social change, and the march of technology. Controversial issues related to equality and diversity are explored from a then-and-now perspective, with humour, and respect.

Pamela grew up in Yorkshire, moving to the Home Counties with her parents in her teens. Until her early twenties, she worked in London department stores, and as a nurse at St. George’s hospital.

After spending several years as a stay-at-home mum, Pamela studied for a degree in English at Reading University, followed by working in technical and non-technical editing posts for some years. More recently, she taught ballroom and Latin American dancing in partnership with her husband John, for local authorities and independently. This came to an end in 2008, when John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.