The Swinging Sixties

1960's buses

Our red telephone boxes

The Dalek and Dr Who

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I'm coming to terms with my age after last week's revelation but it did set me off down memory lane to my teenage years in the sixties, half a century ago. The world was a different place then. I thought I would share with you six of my memories from those days.

Do you remember?

Mary Quant and Carnaby Street...  Mary Quant changed the world of fashion with her new clothes designs. She liked pinafore and tent dresses in bright colours and the psychedelic look. In 1965 she launched the mini-skirt. The 'Quant' look became a worldwide phenomenon. Carnaby Street in London became the place to see and be seen.

The Beatles and The Mersey Sound... I think my fondest memory of those long gone days was the musical revolution. Liverpool became the centre of the music world with The Mersey Sound. Initially, it was The Beatles who made the breakthrough with their single Please please me which shot to #1 in the charts. Other Liverpool groups followed:- Gerry and the Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, The Searchers and The Swinging Blue Jeans.

The Mini... that small economical vehicle. We had a red one and I had my first driving lessons in that mini.

£/s/d... the UK's old money. Pounds, shillings and pence. The 'd' standing for denarii from the Roman times. There were 12 pence to a shilling and 20 shillings to £1. I learned all of that in school and did numerous sums involving those figures which were all rendered useless when we switched to decimalisation in 1971.

The Carry On Movies... I love watching those old movies on the box these days. I was president of the Film Society in College and have memories of reel changes etc in the pre-digital age. The films of the era were so different from today but portrayed our humour and way of life. The 'Carry-On' series have become an institution.

Dr Beeching and the demise of the Railways... In the sixties as more people had their own vehicles and freight moved to roads from the railways it was Dr Beeching's job to change the railways from steam to diesel and electrification. He axed many of the minor lines which were the main transport modes between villages in rural areas. I remember travelling from Sheffield to York on the steam train. What I now find amusing is that where I live the old railway lines have been revamped and now the metro uses that route!

Have fun folks. If you can remember these things fifty years have just disappeared so enjoy today and tomorrow before the next fifty disappear as quickly.

Love Lady M  xxxx


                                         

All aboard for ATHENS!

Hello People,

Well, our time in Moscow has come to an end. Awesome experience. . . Bolshoi ballet, the circus and Red Square not to mention ST. BASIL'S!

Anyway, come and join us on our flight to ATHENS. We love you all, Sofia.

1. Athens is the capital of Greece; it is in Southeast Europe and one of the European Union countries.

2. Greece consists of a mainland area and several islands. Athens is situated on the south part of the mainland.

3. The main language is Greek, although English, French, German and Italian are also spoken by those in tourism and many of the young people.

4. Since 2002 the currency has been the Euro; prior to that it was the Greek Drachma.

5. The religion is 97% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

6. Athens sprawls across the central plain of Attica; often referred to as Attica Basin which is surrounded by four mountains.

7. It has been continuously inhabited for at least 7,000 years.

8. It was chosen as the capital of the new State of Greece in 1834 after the Greek War of Independence.

9. In ancient Greek, the name Athens  relates to the goddess Athena. There is a myth regarding this name. Both Poseidon and Athena, requested to be patrons of this city. They competed for it by each bringing a gift. Poseidon produced a salt water spring by striking the ground with his trident thus showing naval power, whereas Athena created the olive tree symbolising peace and prosperity. Athena was chosen by the people.

10. Athens has hosted the Summer Olympics three times in 1896, 1906 and 2004.

11. Perhaps the most famous landmark in Athens is the Acropolis. Originally built in 5th century BC during the 30 year leadership of the Athenian politician, Pericles. It was the most sacred place for worship in Greece.

12. The term 'Acropolis' in Greek, simply means 'High City' and translated as 'Citadel' in English. Today's visitor to the Acropolis takes a steady climb up to the Parthenon, the great temple situated on the top. While walking up one can only think and marvel at what the original city of Athens surrounding this magnificent temple must have been like.

13. This Acropolis is nominated to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

14. Athens, steeped in history, has numerous museums and is one of the world's main centres for archaelogical research.

15. It has 148 theatrical stages including the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus which hosts the Athens Festival from May to October every year.

16. At the centre of the city is Syntagma Square, where the Parliament and most of the Ministries can be found.

17. The magnificent 15.5 hectares of The National Garden of Athens,  completed in 1840, is a green refuge in the heart of the city.

18. The old quarter of the town is known as Plaka, which is around the Acropolis. It is picturesque with winding streets, tavernas, craft shops and a famous flea market.

19. Athens has a superb transport system; a large bus fleet, trams,  metro and railway service. Take a tram ride from the centre to Paleo Faliro, just 30 minutes to the outskirts of the city and see a different side to Athens. It's the coast!

20. Its nickname is 'The Glorious City' and if you live there you are an Athenian!

"Well, here we are Donald in Athens. Let's do the Parthenon first. Do you remember the last time we were here?"
"Sure do, Sofia. It was that naughty weekend, paid for by Derek. It's all in 'her' book."
"Next week, 'she' is finishing this touring lark in Rome."
"Guess, we had better enjoy ourselves then before the show is over."
"Did you know, Donald, that Mother Teresa would be 100 on 26th August, this Friday?"
"Wow, I wonder if she will be celebrating upstairs?"
"No, shouldn't think so. . .she's not the type."
"You're right, as usual Sofia. So, are you going to leave them with a thought for the week and then we can hit the Parthenon."
"Yes, but don't forget you can still view 'her' interview at www.SarahButland.com "


Thought for the week: A true friend is one soul in two bodies (Aristotle, Greek Philosopher 384-322 BC)