"One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind"

These immortal words were spoken by Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) when setting foot on the moon on July 21, 1969. Way back then life was different, more optimistic - the future of discovery and science. Today we are beset with international crisis - war and the rumours of wars, global warming, terrorism, pollution, mass migration, over population, food shortages etc. There is no forum that allows for a sense of security. The hegemonic powers of the past have lost their sway and influence. Despite the fact that America was knee deep in the quagmire of Vietnam, Nixon was President, and the cold was was in full swing, there was a - hint of optimism. However it was no more than that, life was not all roses. I was working at the time in stage management at Newcastle Playhouse Theatre, and can clearly recall that day in 1969. Seeing earth from the moon must have been an extraordinary experience, he and us were changed for ever by the visit. There was indeed - a man in the moon - so when we look up at night - we can all imagine what it must have been like to be Neil Armstrong.