Back in 1973, a large lump of the school in which I taught detached itself and landed on my head. This put me into early retirement - and nearly killed me.

Then, suddenly, on April I, 1982, apropos of nothing in particular, Continuo flashed into my mind. Such a simple concept. All players, regardless of age, could play together - or even play solo.

My husband Alan and I formed a company, and five months later Continuo went on sale in the U.K., soon becoming Britain's top-selling game. Now, Continuo and its siblings have sold over six million sets around the world.

A string of other successful games followed. Whilst I invented the games, Alan playtested them. The partnership worked very well as I proofread his bridge writing