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It's so true, Jill, what a step backwards. Back in the day things were made with such artistry and craftsmanship. People treasured them and they stayed in families for generations. They were made so well, form, function, and beauty. Now, it's the norm to buy new furniture every few years, on a whim or for fashion, or because it falls apart and you have to. Same for clothing, I'm in awe of how men and women's clothing was once made. Now that was tailoring and dressmaking, exquisite! Not that you can't find well made things today, but it's a niche, a rarity. The general min

Stripped to the wood, 15+ layers of ugly paint later... He has to sit a year or so to get used to the dry weather before I start restoring the wood, replacing losses, re-glueing dowels, etc. It could crack in 6 months if I start now, gotta let this old boy's joints settle into his new retirement climate! http://

Did someone mention carousel horses ? Mrs C enjoying hersen, Albert Docks, Liverpool.

Oh carni, that's tragic, progress isn't always progress is it? That must have been bewildering for you, no? I only knew the Market Square had changed quite a bit, when I left it was still with the fountains, which I know weren't always historically there but still... My mates did a leg-and-a-wing and tossed me in one on my last day in the UK. T'was like pigeon poop soup, at least I kept my head out of it! I tried not to "squelch" when I got on the bus home, I was worried the bus driver wouldn't let me on. Better bring a box of tissues with me next trip home, a pint or two

Not really sure this warrants it's own post but don't where else to put it! I have always loved carousel horses, I blame the gallopers at Goose Fair for it. Well, forward a good few years and I came across an old beaten up carousel horse head that sold at auction, I had missed it by a couple of weeks. Hoping to find another, I began researching them. They have a fascinating history in the UK, Europe, and the US. Stemming from ancient Arabian games to test a warrior's skill, that in turn inspired medieval jousts. So began the hobby of collecting and restoring, as o

http:// Just a quick share of my sweet boy, Rogan, riding shotgun my way to the mountains

Thank you NewBasfordlad, I can't take any credit for him personally of course but I sure share your kindred appreciation of the beauty and the work. It is a marvel to me, how these men made such majestic things, given their resources in that era. They were Russian immigrants who came to America to start a new life. Their trade from home was wood carving. They started with women's hair combs, it was the only work they could get, then they progressed to horses. Finally owning their own business. Their first full carousel was a massive machine, however, it burned to the ground on openi

#26 I do vaguely remember that CT, did they also have function rooms. I think it was there we had a works Christmas Diner Dance I had to present the bosses wife with a bouquet. Thought I was the bees knees in my beautiful red chiffon dress I was only 16.

One of my favourite painters, actually from Notts, Arthur Spooner. This painting of his of Goose Fair I'm especially fond of, to me it's just magical. I can smell and hear the sounds of the fair when I look at it. There are much clearer pics of it online if you wish to see, or even better, in person at Notts Castle. http://

This took longer than I dared dream, twenty hours in, a gallon of Brasso and a half pound of wire wool down, I questioned my sanity. I could have paid someone to do it but it meant something to me to tackle it alone, I look at it now and see blood, sweat, and tears, (a bit of carpal tunnel too! ) http://

Skill's latest pair of new buses. One luxury coach & one luxury double decker. The DD is named "Arthur" after Arthur Skill the company founder. Not my poor quality picture but Skill's !

Yes, you are right about the Lyme disease, I should have asked if you were in remission, not just ok. I'm glad to hear you have been symptom free for 7-8 years now as it can be truly horrible, I know I don't need to tell you as you know full well. It's a very controversial topic in Canada, I'm not sure how it is in the States? I knew someone who ended up going down to the US to get tested many years back. Good for you for seeking out a treatment that works in keeping it at bay, I truly hope it continues to do so for you. I got very sick from eating a rotten, undercooked

Nobody knows if one is totally cured of Lyme ABA, I had a relapse after I was almost 100% right from the initial attack, took me right back to square one after so much hard work in rebuilding muscle tissue. But been symptom free for around seven or eight years since using a herb called "Catsclaw" which I attribute my cure too. At present there is NO medical cure for the disease, I've heard of horror stories from other Lyme patients over the heavy use of drug type antibiotics, which don't work, just a case of trying them to see if they improve a patients lot, I steered clear of them as we suspe

I love "genuine" bonfire toffee although I haven't seen it for ages. I've made it myself for a few years now on November 5th and it's always popular with the family. The edges are almost as sharp as glass which I guess is why it's no longer available. I never took to Parma violets or floral gums but I enjoyed cherry lips which were also quite fragrant. My wife always goes on about Bar Six. She says it was nicer than Kit Kat. My personal favourite was Cadbury's Lucky Numbers a chocolate assortment a bit like Quality Street. They didn't last long. I remember my cousins and I

Anybody remember this......the Carola Restaurant which was in the Odeon cinema when it became twin-screen in the mid-60s.

Never have liked modern buildings, cars or furniture. The older I get, the more I rebel against the throw away, wasteful society we live in. Last time I went into Nottingham, I didn't recognise it. Full of ugly modern architecture. When you look at what has been destroyed to make way for it, I could weep. We can never retrieve it. So sad.

Well done, ABA! Wonderful to see someone who is willing to spend money, time, blood sweat and tears restoring the past. I too love old artefacts and most of the furniture in my house is Victorian or earlier. Ikea holds no appeal for me!

Totally agree fly..............anyway just would'nt know what to wear.........

Thanks all. Have been trying to finish my never ending bathroom project today. When that's done, my serious DIY days are over. It all stresses me out too much. So I'm gonna stick to gardening and walking and days out.. Leave the plumbing to a .errr. plumber..

Thanks for your support again everyone. It means a lot. I do know that there are a few of you Nottstalgians out there going through ordeals of their own and and manage to get by without adding to this thread. Those of you that I know about are all still in my thoughts. I never talk about my health issues to people face to face, other than close family, and find my release in tapping away my troubles on this thread on my Laptop; I know that those of you that read my posts are doing it by choice as we have the option of reading the posts we choose. I thank you for that. Please don't think

All rather different from these days: At Huntingdon Street, early 1970s.

The old fashioned gob shoppers were great, contests were often had to see who could make them change colour the quickest.

That horse is so beautiful such craftsmanship. It reminds me very much of my one and only visit to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna back in the early 80s. I watched in awe as a horse working rider less but on a long rein leapt in the air just like that. Their Lipizzaner's are magnificent horse's just like him, working in a beautiful old world backdrop. If ever you find yourself in Vienna go its worth every penny.

Yes ABA, they do a number on your gardens. They love irises up north and agaves in our desert garden. Not sure what else, but they sure are ugly buggers. They are not from the pig family though as some think. We llve Arizona, been here 31 years. We are in the northern part (almost 7,000ft altitude) in the summer months, and the desert in the winter. Both so different. Lots of wildfires right now, I heard there are 14 different ones on the go, my son is working communications on one of them right now.

My favourites where, bonfire toffee (not the preformed sweets, the proper stuff, in shards) rhubarb & custards, sugar mice, mojos (spearmint - the best) fruit salads, the "cigarettes" (very un-PC now) the big Easter eggs (especially the Quality Street one) parma violets, drumsticks, Mr Freeze pops, sticks of rock from the seaside, sugar dummies, lemon sherbets, monster munch, frazzles, scampi crisps, 99s with a flake from the icecream man, cornettos, pepperoni sticks, prawn cocktail crisps, dip dabs, space dust (crackle - pop!) floral gums, jelly lager and beer bottles (again, not PC these

I feel the same ABA, I left Nottm in 1966, and was not even aware of what was about to happen, especially to the beautiful Architecture. I only moved approx 70miles away and I did keep visiting family in Gedling, but for a few years I never really saw the city centre. As my children grew up and we had more freedom, we could spend more time visiting. We would go into the City, and I would be so disorientated because some of the Old Nottm that I was so familiar with, had gone, Streets and areas in St Anns where my family had lived, just didn't exist anymore. As this was happening in N

Oh, you make me laugh, must have been a good story to go along with that Sounds like a dream to me too, I can't help feeling like I was born in the wrong era. So swooned with things of the past, they resonate much stronger than anything of today's day and age.

Thank you Jill! They don't make em' like they used to do they? I can just imagine you in a Victorian or Georgian abode, your profile pic reminds me of the lovely Old Masters paintings, I could easily see you in lovely foil-backed Georgian paste jewels and all the accoutrements of the era.

What to do about a pole? I managed to track down an original English Anderson galloper pole, had it packed up and shipped to Canada. The British Customs Officer had a great time ribbing me about the "brass pole" I was clearing, cheeky bugger. Oh, but was it ever in rough shape. Likely not been polished in a 100 years and the only reason you could see any brass shining through was because it was covered in remnants of varnish. I had my work cut out for me, my scullery maid skills were about to be tested... http:// http://

Carni just catching up and sorry to hear everything. You'll be ok its the waiting that gets to you. Fly could have given you at least one doughnut greedy greedy. Never mind when you find something nice and gooey eat it all yourself and dont tell Fly.

Only got back today from a few days away in the caravan with no wifi so have lots of posts to catch up with! Col and Carni - so sorry to hear of your problems .... we will be thinking and praying for both of you and hope all will be well.

I know I started this topic, and I'm sorry to say that in my wildest dreams, I never expected the overwhelming responses. I'm normally quite cold and unsympathetic towards other people's ailments, but have become far more aware of other people's woes. There are some people on here that I really feel for, and I don't always express my feelings towards them as others do. However, after having lost three brothers in law over the last three years, (one my age, and two very much younger) and currently other serious ailments amongst friends and family, I have become far more receptive of

I am once again in the middle of a scarey health time. I wont go into detail but as you all know only to well by now (Cos i'm mardy and keep tellin' yer) I have a heart problem. I now have another that has reared its ugly head in another part of the bod. I received the dreaded letter last week and have been called back in on Thursday for more tests and examinations. True to form; I have gone totally to pieces all ready. Hence the reason I am not posting much, my sense of humour seems to have took flight. You know Tony Hancock in 'The Blood Donor' That is how I feel now, mardy s.d am I.

Just for Carni:

Get Plantfit round with his gun FLY! Oh here we go, I'll be in bother for saying that .......

On returning home, there is stacks of damage to recently set plants, some dug out of pots, the bird bath knocked over and odd ornaments unseated. I'm a little despondent, but I love the neighbours cats visiting, and the squirrel family that live nearby. I reckon whilst I was away, the neighbourhood cats, local squirrels, the odd fox and a hedgehog or two have been having wild parties in my beloved garden. Little sods !

I can't remember if I posted this before, so in case I haven't, our Tiger !

Yer in fer a treat ! Loads to see, keep you occupied all day. Mrs C & me were there last Christmas. Enjoy yersen. Don't forget to have a wander around his lordship's "Gaff" !

Managed to get my pictures off photobucket Lovely sign this,heading towards the county of my birth Between Coddington and Newark In the castle grounds and the Civil war camp Time for reflection,the Polish war graves Newark Back road to Coddington Only four miles to go and a nice cuppa and bacon sandwich Rog

A nice ride out yesterday,this time on the other side of the A46 to my usual routes,I wanted to go up through Thorpe on the Hill,down through Eagle,Eagle Hall and onto Swinderby village where I planned to have a short stop to have a quick snack and a drink,after that it was onwards to my halfway point of Collingham which I am pleased to say is in Nottinghamshire (good to be back in my own county) another swig of water and a couple of biscuits then start to make my way back home,this time going over the A46 nearer to Newark the Brough turnoff to be precise then only a few miles left before

This lunch time I sliced a loaf on a bread board that I made 65 years ago. I was 13 years old at the time and at Berridge. I turned that bread board on a lathe and the piece of 'deal' was scrap from the centre of toilet seats. Can you imagine a 13 year old being let anywhere near a wood working machine with a large face plate these days? I started learning woodwork at 10 when at the Windley jr school. The woodwork shop was on Tennyson St annex. Again - can you imagine a ten y/o wielding sharp chisels and saws these days?

Long eared bat on the wall in an old store room,there was no hatch cover in the loft,so he used to come down each night for a wonder round,sometimes he was still there in the morning when i arrived at work,he/she is about the same size as a matchbox, Probably get shot for taking his/her picture,no bats were harmed during the taking of these pictures Rog

It seems our little feathered friend are looking to join the housing market so to give them a helping hand or should that be wing I built these for them out of some scraps of wood that was knocking about in my old shed so a few galvanised nails to prevent rusting and a few pieces of old plastic conveyor belting and here we are,just got to find somewhere to put em now,if I haven't got space in my garden I will have a nip out on me trike and just nail em up on some trees or bushes down the local lanes. Rog

Auf Wiedersehen Pet - Becoming increasingly relevant again as jobs continue to disappear 'Allo 'Allo - Refreshingly funny Goodnight Sweetheart - Interesting storyline - Bugga not on YouTube Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - TV Series not quite as good as the radio series but well worth watching Minder - "The World is your Lobster" I regularly watch many of these and other shows mentioned on my favourite tv channel YouTube

Mrs Catfan's new baby pet, freshly adopted & follows her around the garden & responds when called !

The ultimate sweet heaven. I usually only had either a ha'penny or at best a penny to spend but it never stopped me from wishing

My parents had four children under 5yrs of age, so money was short,some of the sweet things we enjoyed were home made.We would sit with a saucer of Cocoa and sugar, Delicious! and when dipping our little fingers in it was to slow,we would lick it up,hence the set chocolate faces, Rhubarb Sticks and Sugar, A real treat was Mams home made Brandy Snaps,Made in the black oven at the side of the fire, Rolling it round the poker to make the curl,and taking it in turns to have one. Another thing we used to do under supervision was all sit down with plastic needles and thread Puffed Wheat on to cotto

Katyjay, you're right about the garage. And just to prove it......http://www.pictureth...014489&prevUrl= Which also gives us a date for when the church disappeared

One thing hits you when reading this thread - we all have memories of going off for several hours away from home, and our parents didn't bother or worry about where we were. I remember when I was around 10/11 years old and I was beginning to discover girls, and during the long summer holidays one year, I used to spend most of the day hanging around the house of a particular set of twins. It was a five minute bike ride away for me, and I don't think anybody on our road knew where I got to - but nobody cared. My mum wasn't going frantic, even though I was only coming home for my dinner then g