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

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!

Mr Jobsworth, Firms Man, you can't do this, you can't do that...

You've heard of Mr Jobsworth. Oh, you can't do that, it's more that my job's worth to allow you to do that. Mr Firmsman... You've broken the company rules! I'll have to report you for doing that! Join me this Sunday for a chat and a laugh.

Midweek Message 189.

In this Midweek Message, I talk about a village where the leader of parish council is a right jobsworth, a firm's man... or woman. You can't do this, you can't do that! Crikey, what a daft state of affairs!

When I Was A Boy - PART TWO.

Shop rents, utopia, farmers, cuttings from plants, beer barrels, mail order... There's a lot to get through in this week's podcast episode. I hope you enjoy it!

Midweek Message 188.

Playing in the street, grandchildren, fish and chips, pavement parking, old photos... Please, join me this Wednesday for a chat.

Village LIfe, Shopkeepers, Grandparents, old Radio Plays.

Village Life, Shopkeepers, old Radio Plays... Do you remember The Navy Lark, Handcock's Half Hour, Steptoe and Son... Happy days on the radio! Also, I talk about grandparents playing a major part in children's lives. Join me for a good old chat!

Midweek Message 187.

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you're keeping well. It's getting cooler here in Britain as we head towards winter. What's it like where you are?

What do you do in your free time?

What do you do in your free time? Do you get any spare time? These days, it seems that everyone is so busy they rarely have time to sit down for five minutes. Retirement isn't at all what I'd thought it would be. Do this, so that, go here, go there... Please, join me this Sunday for a chat.

Midweek Message 186.

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. It's mild here, 15C which is 59F. I've bought some coal for our open fire and sorted out the kindling wood, so we're ready to go. Are you ready for Halloween? We have a tub of sweets by the front door ready for the children should they pop round. Happy days!