LIFE is much different these days for Bishop's Waltham resident Robert Shields. He has lived in the town for 20 years since his retirement and plays a full part in the community as a minibus driver, community first responder, and organises of town team events. But before the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, a small army funded by Britain kept the peace across the original seven sheikhdoms. The Trucial Oman Scouts, led by British officers, were joined by Mr Shields in 1966, who served with them for nearly a year before attending university. This was before the oil had brought its wealth, before roads were built and before tourists had arrived. The traditional Arab way of life was ubiquitous.