Ray’s Rants Life in the 1950s 1960s 1970s Great Britain girls England family UK work school British music night clubs pubs fashion pirate radio Caroline English holidays television

Midweek Message 198.

It's that time again! I hope you're keeping well. The sun is out here, the sky is blue, there's a gentle breeze... Happy days!

Neighbours! Good ones, bad ones… are you a good neighbour?

I hear so many stories about bad neighbours. Are you a good neighbour?  Do you pull fences down or grow huge hedges or park your car to block a driveway? Loud music and wild parties, gardens full of rubbish… In this episode, I’ll chat about neighbour, both good and bad. Please, join me this Sunday.

Midweek Message 197.

Have you ever heard of a one-way street, which is two way for bicycles? What a crazy idea! I hope you're keeping warm in the Northern Hemisphere. It's zero degrees here! However, spring is getting a little closer with every passing day.

What will the new year bring? The Weather, catching thieves and more.

New Year 2025. In this episode, I'll talk about the new year and what it might hold for us. I'll also be reminiscing about years gone by. The weather, catching thieves and lots of other stuff!

Midweeek Message 196

Happy New Year! Let's hopoe that 2025 is better all round for the world.

New Year 1951 to 2025 Christmas New Year Boxing Day Sales...

New Year 1951, when I was born, until now, 2025. In this episode, I ramble on about new years and Christmases of the past and today. Also, lots of other stuff!

Midweek Messahe 195.

Merry Christmas! I hope you're all having a lovely day! Don't eat or drink too much... That includes me! Be good, be merry and enjoy yourselves!

What will happen when there are no pubs left?

What will happen when there are no pubs left? Once, the pub was the heart of the community—a place where locals gathered, stories were shared, and news of the district was exchanged. It was more than just a place to drink; it was a social hub that connected people, strengthened relationships, and gave communities a sense of identity and belonging.

What will happen when there are no pubs left?

What will happen when there are no pubs left? Once, the pub was the heart of the community—a place where locals gathered, stories were shared, and news of the district was exchanged. It was more than just a place to drink; it was a social hub that connected people, strengthened relationships, and gave communities a sense of identity and belonging.

On Leaving School What Was Your First Job?

What was your first job after you left school? Did you stay in that job until your retirement? Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at work and school and girls and just about everything else back in the old days.

Midweek Message 192.

When I was a boy, I wanted to be a steam engine driver. It was exciting, it was amazing... every boy wanted to be a train driver! What job did you want to do when you grew up? What job did you do? Let me know.

The Winter of 1962/63.

Winter is here so let's talk about the dreadful winter of 62/63. I was twelve years old so I remember it well. Also, we'll have a moan about traffic jams, your favourite Christmas presents, storm Garragh, food and much more. Please, join me.

Midweek Message 191.

Christmas eve in the old days. Over to the pub at lunch time, back to work after a few beers only to be sent home... wonderful! On Christmas day, shops were closed, pubs were closed... everywhere was closed! Happy days!

Making Money Moonlighting Food Additives Christmas in the 1960s and 1970s.

How easy was it to make money back in the old days? We were a nation of shopkeepers. But we were also a nation of moonlighters. Many people worked on private jobs in their spare time. Also in this episode, brussel sprouts and Christmas trees, renting out part of your garden, food additives, hormones, pesticides… Join me for an hour of light relief, and moaning!

Midweek Message 190.

I think we have too much in the way of technology. Mobiles phones, computers, iPads... The PC displays the blue screen of death! The TV said it has no connection, check your HDMI cable... It's all too much! Life used to be relaxed, peaceful, tranquil... Happy days!