Growing up in 1960s London
I was lucky enough to grow up in 1960s London. It was a time of radical change in our culture, society and in our use of technology. I have attempted to paint a picture of that time by telling a short story of my life in 1965.
You can listen to my story by pressing play on the embedded file above, which has a recent image of the Capital as a backdrop.
I hope you enjoy it.
Links to the references used in the story:
1. Top of the Pops 1960s - https://www.bbc.co.uk/totp/history/index.shtml
2. Radio Caroline - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Caroline
3. Rolling Stones, "I can't get no satisfaction" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(I_Can%27t_Get_No)_Satisfaction
4. Beatles, "Yesterday" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yesterday_(Beatles_song)
5. David Bailey - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bailey
6. AGFA Billy Camera (My camera is shown in the lead image) - https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Agfa_Billy_I
7. Catford, South London - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catford
8. Roll film for cameras - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_format
9. Henry Cooper (Boxer) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Cooper
10. Crystal Palace running track - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Palace_National_Sports_Centre
11. Herne Hill Cycle Track - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herne_Hill_Velodrome
12. Carlton Racing Cycles - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlton_Cycles
13. Carnaby Street - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnaby_Street
14. Twiggy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twiggy
15. Cathy McGowan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathy_McGowan_(presenter)
16. The Post Office Tower (Now BT Tower) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BT_Tower
17. Pathé News - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathé_News
18. The Ipcress File (Film) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ipcress_File_(film)
19. Eleven Plus Exam - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleven-plus
20. Nuffield 'O' Level Physics (1965) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuffield_Science_Project
21. Original British Library - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Library
22. Stereo Valve Amplifier - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_amplifier
23. Stereo Long Playing Discs - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereophonic_sound
how did I not know you were a south london boy? I grew up in Tooting, and I suspect from your story details that I was born in the same year - 1952. Did you never try the Silver Blades ice rink in Streatham?
Retired
4 年2 of my uncles raced at the Herne Hill track; Frank Hart and George Barry probably back in the 40s with the Dulwich Paragon...I used to go to parties (now called Raves) at the club house...the was always a good attendance from the Dog in the village - i worked there behind the bar for a year before I disappeared into computers and a stint in Nairobi...... the changes in culture and society and the architecture of SE london since then are amazing..... like you i also somehow avoided football clubs
Retired
4 年Do you remember Don Louis at Herne hill and his beautiful ‘Italian’ bikes? I recently discovered that he was a Brit, Welsh or Northerner I think, his frames were often made by jobbing brazers! I had a Claude Butler bought from Edwards at Camberwell (still there) for passing the 11+. I still have a70s CB!
Former Chair, UK Centre for Carnival Arts
4 年A very enjoyable listen Jeff. I too reflect on those days and our time at the BT Tower (formerly GPO Tower). Keep active.
Thanks Jeff for sharing your wonderful time capsule. I wasn’t living in the capital but you’ve prompted many memories of a simpler life where as a teenager everything seemed possible!