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

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...

Midweek Message 178.

The naughty things that happened in my old school library! Old words we no longer use, let's bring some back into everyday usage. Homemade chutney and other goodies... Join me for a relaxing chat. 

The Weather

The good old British weather affects more than people's picnics and BBQs. Many businesses rely on decent weather, especially at weekends. In this episode, amongst other stuff, I have a good old chinwag about the weather.

Midweek Message 177.

An English country village... the post office closes, the general store closes, the garage closes, there's no bus service, the red telephone box disappears, the pub closes... What! They can't close the pub! Join me for a good old moan!

Things I Don't Like. Plus, stress and anxiety, processed food and more...

I don't like many things. Processed food, modern cars, noise, crowds, credit cards... Please join me this Sunday for a good old rant about the things I don't kike. And, of course, the few things I do like.

Midweek Mdessage 176.

Did you go camping back in the old days? A ground sheet, a canvas tent that let the water through... Happy days. Or not! Old radios, old televisions... I've been collecting more junk! Join me for a chat.

Quality Built by Craftsmen before the days of Chipboard, MDF & Plastic.

In this episode, I look back at the way furniture and other items were built by craftsmen. Sadly, the use of chipboard, MDF and plastic has replaced quality materials. Dovetail joints in furniture have been replaced by wood glue and staples. I also chat about cars, 1960s girls, music... Please, join me this Sunday.

Midweek Message 175.

We've had some lovely weather... 23c - 73F at 7 o'clock in the morning! Excellent! Summer has arrived, albiet very late. I can feel an outside broadcast coming on if this weather holds. I hope you're keeping well. Happy days!

A Typical Day In The 1960s. Off To Work!

In this episode, I recall a typical day back in the 1960s. There was a transistor radio in the kitchen but no morning television to watch during breakfast. Leaving the house, you only needed your car keys and your wallet and perhaps a packed lunch... no mobile phone, laptop or other electronic devices. Also, Chinese whispers, rumours, malicious lies and more! Please, join me this Sunday.