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DAVIDW, so kind of you to post the above photograph of yourself, even though you describe yourself as: 'smug'. 'Tea Towels and Aprons' were a necessity for a woman back then; for her birthday, I'd often buy my mum an apron out of my earnt spending money.

Congratulations Bilboro-lad, on choosing a lovely topic for us to write upon; 'nights closing in' is a beautiful phrase to be reminded of......... I love the twilight, when you witness the colours of the day turning into tones, then gradually into the shades of evening............ When I was a senior girl and well into studying for O'levels, I'd rush/ run home from school to catch children's television programmes; lying in front of the tiny screen, I'd watch: Tuesday: 'Lassie' with Tommy Rettig. Wednesday: 'Robin Hood', later replaced with 'Lennie the Lion'*. Thursday: 'The Buccaneers

Films for us at school were: 'Oliver Twist'* - shown in the main hall (we had to pay 2 shillings (10p) to see this, quite a sum back then). 'A Tale Of Two Cities'* - shown in a class room. *Note the emphasis on Classics by Charles Dickens

It is lovely the Chris Rea song: 'Driving Home At Christmas'. PS: It's going Crazy on here this afternoon!

I've become interested in the social history of modern day music lyrics.............

Michael, I well remember the long and interesting series: 'The World At War'; I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't available on 'You Tube'......... PS: I Love History - it was always one of my best subjects at school. PPS: I'll be checking You Tube after browsing 'Nottstalgia'....................

Well said Basfordlad and thanks for reminding me that I've the Fantastic record by Slade to look forward to at Christmas, easily one of the best: 'It's Christmas Everybody!" shouts Noddy; one of the best bands ever : "Mama Weer All Crazy Now!"

'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree' by Brenda Lee belting out ; can't beat the feeling - simple as that - really gets you into the spirit...........

Hi Bilbraborn, always got half way through Joyce's novels but his short stories and his life I find good reading. Here's an interesting fact - you may know this: in his travels, he earnt his bread and butter money by teaching and whilst doing so, managed to write when lying down on the edge of his bed - his notebook on the floor, incredible!

Hi Bibraborn, I note that you, like me, admire the literary works of James Joyce - love the poetry of WB Yeats too. A few years back I took a bus holiday around Southern Ireland - the Dingle Peninsula. We stopped for a time at a hotel that Charlie Chaplin had frequented; I bought a coffee and brandy in the bar and was delighted to chance upon a collection of black and white photographs of James Joyce enjoying a glass, standing at this same bar. I bought a poster of 'Irish Writers'; here's a quote of Joyce's from this: "I will not serve in that in which I no longer believe, whether it cal

Good to see that this thread was well contributed to: at some stage on page 1, I thought it was in danger of dying. So, Great Guns, the tradition of 'Bonfire Night' and the history of Guy Fawkes lives on................Hip, Hip, Hooray

Hi Bilbraborn #27: I've recently been informed that my 6 year old grand-daughter has taken to going to bed early so that she can read her Enid Blyton books; the news thrilled me, especially as I used to do the same when a child - nothing could compare to escaping up to bed with a Library book or one of Enid's super mysteries.

Hi Alison, the above gave me a laugh- can't be bad to start my day.....................

Remembering Graham Stark as playing loveable type rogues - the little man against all the odds......... 91, a good innings Graham. God Bless...........

Congratulations BASFORDRED on being Crowned Pssssssssssst: don't let it go to your head........

Absolutely Loved 'Bonfire Night' as a kid: Dark, dry night, bonfire piled high - ready to light - Guy Fawkes sitting on the top of the bonfire, lots of fireworks - normally bought from either the sweet shops or newsagents. The assortment of fireworks included: Sparklers, Catherine Wheels - my favourite - Rockets. Loved all fireworks available, except Bangers; how was it that these were the boys' favourites? Dreaded the days building up to Bonfire Night; I'd do my best to stay out of the way of gangs of boys passing: odds on they'd throw a Banger after you and scram, laughing their soc

Katyjay, I remember Frances having quite a bit of time off school; we used to wonder where she'd got too as she'd not long been at 'William Crane': her mother was often ill (may have been an invalid) and Frances could have taken time off to look after her - the men being at work. Do you remember a girl name of Rosemary Jacks who lived on Ainsdale Crescent? She was in a similar situation: the only girl born amongst grown up brothers, I recall Mrs Jacks suffered terribly with rheumatoid arthritis and Rosemary called upon to help her - the men being at work.

I see there's some home made chicken soup with noodles left in the pantry; 'waste not, want not', that's my philosophy, so you know what I'll be having for tea tonight! PS: Bought a fresh chicken from Iceland the other day, cost: £3 - a real bargain; cooked it in the slow cooker with carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, stock, herbs and flavourings. Result: Delicious, lots of meat and tasty; served me for three days plus the chicken soup I made from the carcass............... PPS: Can well recommend the chickens from Iceland........

Katyjay, I well remember Frances: tall, slim (as we all were back then), long fair hair, softly spoken; didn't know she was your next door neighbour, she lived in a middle house and I thought you lived in a corner, bay windowed one.

Hi Katyjay, the name: 'Frances Watts', certainly brings back memories; at one time, was she in the Junior Girls' at 'William Crane'? PS: did she have pretty, long, fair, wavy hair? Or was that a girl name of Angela, who lived on Ainsdale Crescent - her mother was a widow.

I rely heavily on the 'Winter Fuel Allowance', using it to pay for the upkeep of my Gas Boiler. Refusing to live on Benefits, it's the only perk I receive (apart from my Bus Pass) whilst living on a small pension.

I was very sensible during the years of my youth; in fact too sensible. Looking back, what I should have done was slung my baby on my hip and gone and joined the rest of the Hippies troopsing to the Rock Festivals back then; what better than to have had first hand experience of Jimi Hendrix live. Now, through the wonders of technology I can watch him on 'You Tube'; just one complaint: whatever happened to his best version of 'All Along The Watchtower'? - his step sister removed it because it was Sublime, that's what happened!

Let's not forget the Nottingham author: Geoffrey Trease - he of 'Cue For Treason' fame. Years back, he gave a talk to my school in the Music Room; a very well spoken and generous - in terms of writing advice - Gentleman. At the beginning of every Autumn term, we were given a Classic to read; well remember reading 'Cue For Treason' in my second year - exciting and adventurous. PS: an incredible Biography of this writer is provided on 'Google'; Geoffrey: an admirable man, how lucky we schoolgirls were to have him visit.

Good Luck with your project Briyeo, you fellas read so constructive with your computers; wish I had your skill but can't be too greedy, I'll content myself with being a painter (fine art type)...............

When I was a kid it was a great experience, exciting even, to witness the Chimney Sweep's brush popping out from the top of the chimney - either my dad's or from those round abouts. PS: I still keep an open fire, nothing like it for reading by or watching the telly on a Winter's eve - oh and I forgot, for toasting bread or pyklets / crumpets on.................