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

St Mary The Virgin Clapham Church West Sussex

Welcome to another of Ray's Roaming Rants. This time, I visit St Mary the Virgin Church at Clapham, West Sussex. The church, built in the 12th century, is in the woods. What better location for a lovely old building! I hope you enjoy this short episode.

An Announcement!

Hi, I’m pleased to announce that my new website, raysrants.info, is now live! Check it out to explore a collection of photos and video clips from my recent travels. Many of you have been asking to see pictures from the various places I’ve visited so, I hope you’ll enjoy what I’ve shared. I'll be adding more so do visit the page regularly.

Midweek Message 164.

It's raining again! Is the summer over? Crickey, I don't think it had even started. In this episode, the weather, falling in love with someone you should have, the Boy Scouts Bob-A-Job week... I hope you'll join me.

History, London trolley buses, diesel engines, trams, trains...

History, whether global or personal, can be either boring or fascinating. In this episode, I discuss the mistakes we've made in our personal histories and whether we've learned from them. I also talk about the history of London trolley buses, trams, diesel engines, trains, the pipeline from the Isle of Wight to France, and much more. Join me for a chat which, hopefully, won’t be boring!

 

Ray's Roaming Rants - Isle of Wight holiday May 2024.

This is the first of a new series, Ray’s Roaming Rants. We had a lovely time on the Isle of Wight. I made a few audio recordings of various places we visited during our stay which I hope you will find interesting.

Midweek Message 163.

I've been to the Isle of Wight. I won't bore you with the details but, in this Midweek message, I'll tell you a little about our holiday. Quarr Abby, Yarmouth Castle, the Solent, the weather... Please, join me for a quick chat.

Steam trains, electric trains, diesel trains, getting married and more...

Steam trains, electric trains, diesel trains, getting married and... Getting married? What's that got to do with trains? I'll be in the Isle of Wight when you listen to this episode. Fingers crossed the weather is good!

Midweek Message 162.

It's that time again. Welcome to another Midweek Message. Mods and Rockers, hippies... Who remembers the weekends in Brighton? Happy days! Did you have a scooter or a motorbike? Join me for a quick chat.

Dinosaurs, Alfresco BBQs, Picnics, a story and more...

Dinosaurs roamed the Earth 66 million years ago! What's that got to do with the 1950s? Not a lot. Alfresco, BBQs, eating outside... that wasn't a thing back in the 1950s and 60s. But it's very popular these days. Join me this Sunday for a chat about anything and everything.

Midweek Message 161.

Hello and welcome to yet another Midweek Message. The weather, cars, loud adverts, shouting and... I tell you a joke! Please, join me for a midweek chat.

Stories From The 1960s and more...

In this episode, on this beautifully sunny weekend, I recall a few stories from the 1960s. PLUS! A recording of a well known DJ on a well known radio station in 1973! This snippet will bring memories flooding back for many of you. Those were magical radio days. Please, join me this Sunday.

Midweek Message 159.

The summer has arrived! Probably only for a day or two... No, I mustn't be negative. The weather is beautiful. Holidays in Britain in the old days were great. The roads were clear, no potholes, driving was lovely... Did you go to Spain for your holidays back in the 70s? English fish and chips, English beer... You'd think we were back home!

The Eternal Triangle, Lies, Deceit, Adultery, Infidelity, Carnaby Street, local shops, landline phones...

Adultery in the 1950s? Perish the thought! Did people lie and cheat on each other back in the old days? Two-timing, deceit, lies... Not in the good old days, surely? Join me this Sunday and we'll find out. Also in this episode, Carnaby Street in London, local shops, landline phones, sound effects and more!

Midweek Message 158.

Clothes back in the 60s and 70s, strange characters, Lambretta scooters and more... Please, join me for this Wednesday's Midweek Message.

Tradesmen - Plumbers Electricians Decorators Handymen...

In the old days, there were loads of tradesman. There are tradesmen these days, of course. But how did they differ in the 50s and 60s? Join me this Sunday and we'll find out.