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

When perfume was called scent and petrol was 7/6d a gallon.

In days gone by, fish and chips were wrapped in newspaper, perfume was called scent, school kids got the cane, beer was 16 pence for a pint in my local pub...  And, a few extracts from a little book written in 1878 about bringing up children. Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at the old days.

Midweek Message 185.

We're getting through October. Winter is nearing! I hope you're keeping warm. The sun is out as I write this but it's pretty chilling outside. Child care, weddings, conker trees... I hope you enjoy this week's Midweek Message.

Housewives 1950s 1960s. Were they slaves?

Housewives back in the old days were often no more than slaves chained to the kitchen sink! According to a book I've been reading, the man was the master of the house and his authority shouldn't be questioned! Crikey! Please, join me this Sunday.

Midweek Message 184.

In this episode, architecture, the Isle of Wight and more... who remembers Disprin, the dissolvable aspirin tablets? They were prescribed for anything and everything back in the old days! Is it good to take several tablets every day? I don't think so.

Good Things in the Good Old Days, and much more...

I love the good old days. You could get an appointment with the doctor. You didn't have to wait on the phone listening to Greensleeves for an hour. Travelling by car was a breeze. Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at the good old days.

Midweek Message 183.

It's that time again. How are you? Keeping well, I hope. Adverts, changing times, excuses and reasons... Join me for a midweek chat.

Inside British houses, my Isle of Wight trip and more…

This week, I’m looking inside British houses. Where is the bathroom situated? Is the kitchen at the back or the front of the house? Where is the lounge, the dining room, the bedrooms… I’ll also be talking about my Isle of Wight trip. Please, join me this Sunday.

Midweek Massage 182.

I recorded this Midweek Message on Sunday 29/9/24 because I won't be here this Wednesday. I'll be having a great time, hopefully, on the Isle of Wight! You'll hear all about it next Sunday.

Buildings, architecture, old houses, new houses and more...

Where have all the lovely old buildings gone? What happened to the old architecture? I’ve just driven past a new block of flats on the seafront. It looks like a prison block! Please, join me.

Midweek Message 181.

Hello, how are you? Welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you enjoy my 10 minute chat about new words replacing old words, farm animals, the weather and so much more.

Kids Then and Now.

What did children do back in the 50s and 60s? Back then, it was a totally different world! I doubt that youngsters of today would be able to grasp the idea of life back then. Also in this episode, wireless and TV back in the old days, mobile phone these days and lots of other goodies. Please, join me.

Midweek Message 180.

Autumn was lovely for kids back in the old days. They'd don their wellies and help dad in the garden. Sweeping up leave, poking the bonfire with a stick, baking potatoes in the embers... Happy days!

The Waverley Paddle Steamer, Southampton Docks and more.

I'm not going to bore you with too much talk about the Waverley cruise but I will mention it. Also, Southampton Docks, steam engines, freight trains and more... Please, join me.

Midweek Message 179.

It's getting colder. In fact, I've a good mind to light the coal fire! No, I must try to make the autumn last as long as I can. I hope you're keeping well. I have a quick story to tell in this Midweek Message. I know you like stories from the good old days.

Stories From The Past, A Visit To Amberley Museum and more.

We visited Amberley Museum the other day. The sun was out and it was hot... just like summer! Also in this episode, stories from the past, old word we no longer use, scroungers and more...