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 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 Dovetail joints in furniture have been replaced by wood glue and staples.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.

Midweek Message 174.

It's that time again! How are you? Keeping well, I hope. This week I'm chatting about the old photos of me in the 1960s that have been lost over time. Such a shame! The weather... it's raining. My new Union flag and much more. Please, join me.

Why are people so loud? The shops we loved and lost, and more...

In this episode, I'll ponder on why some people have such loud voices and laughter that can be heard over vast distances. They not only deafen everyone around them, but practically maim the inner ear... even at 30 yards! Also, the shops we loved and have lost. So many high street shops have gone, and we miss them! Foxes, hedgehogs, package holidays... Join me this Sunday for another good old-fashioned rant about anything and everything!

Midweek Message 173.

Hello, I hope you're keeping well. Loud people, loud music... Yes, I'm off on another rant about my poor ears. In fact, next Sunday's episode will cover loud people, as well as lots of other stuff. If you've nothing to do then, pease, join me.

English Villages, Sundays When The Shops Were Closed and more...

In this episode, I’ll be returning to a village where I once lived. Unfortunately, many villages have been absorbed by expanding towns, but a few have managed to escape the encroachment of the urban sprawl. Some haven’t yet been eaten up by the concrete monsters! I’ll also talk about Sundays, back in the day when the shops were closed and the roads were empty. Join me this Sunday for a chat.

Midweek Message 172.

Later this week, I'm off to visit my old village. I'm sure there will have been many changes since I lived there almost 40 years ago. I'll tell you all about it on Sunday. It's nice to be home after my week away in Bognor. Have you had a holiday this year? Are you planning to go away? What's the weather doing where you are? It's been awful here! Still, I mustn’t grumble!

Timeline Britain 1950s plus Bognor Butlins!

In this episode, I look back at the various events over the 50s 60s and 70s. In 1953, The first James Bond book, Casino Royale, was published. The Great Train Robbery of 1963. In 1961, the construction of the Berlin Wall begins. Plus, I’ll tell you all about my week at Bognor Butlin’s! Please, join me this Sunday.

Midweek Message 171.

Welcome to another Midweek Message. Daft adverts, The Mysterons, the weather, post codes, zones and lots more stuff!