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What was the best Generation
- Thread starter bilsat
- Start date
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Hi All.
What generation had the best life? I would say the generation born after WW2, my generation.......
Born 1946 into a new world,new health service,etc
Enjoyed school, walked straight into an apprenticeship, plenty of work in the redevelopment of Birmingham,Bought a house easily, got married and had 3 children.
Now retired due to illhealth but looked after by the NHS.
Yes I think this was the best generation.
Pete
Please ignore previous thread, I pressed a wrong key and it was sent before I finished..**
What generation had the best life? I would say the generation born after WW2, my generation.......
Born 1946 into a new world,new health service,etc
Enjoyed school, walked straight into an apprenticeship, plenty of work in the redevelopment of Birmingham,Bought a house easily, got married and had 3 children.
Now retired due to illhealth but looked after by the NHS.
Yes I think this was the best generation.
Pete
Please ignore previous thread, I pressed a wrong key and it was sent before I finished..**
Di.Poppitt
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
I am a bit longer in the both tham Alberta and bilsat, born '37 but I agree. How lucky are we to be able to recall a much slower way of life, we walked a lot, very few of us had a car, we knew all the neighbours, and had family all around us. What a thrill it was when the money you had saved bought you what you had saved for.
I think the years mentioned are possibly right in many ways but not for all ways or all people. The old dreary, damp back to backs, with one lav for several families, were around for much of the time mentioned. We lost many industries to lower cost centres, and from what I read here much of the old housing was replaced with cheap uninspired construction. Manufacturing jobs have been lost..for ever. The smogs that were exprienced may be in the past now; but would they not also have been in the past if the manufacturing industry had been kept and stack scrubbers used. Also natural gas instead of coal fired has made a difference.
I suppose that when compared with time spans encompassing major wars and serious depressions and shortage of medical sevices and being victim to any of these; the years mentioned are about right but far from great. Like the writer, I served an apprenticeship after gaining GCE O level. I earned HNC and went on to further studies. Even after this the industrial wages were not very good and a skilled person could do much better elswhere in the Comonwealth. When you read here about traffic light polishers making mints of money and then a skilled worker at a chain and brake manufacturing plant about to lose his company pension because of underfunding; the company now being in the hands of foriegn interests, it raises a few questions in my mind about the good life. We were bombarded with Holywood movies during the earlier years mentioned and, after watching many such, what I remember mostly thinking, was 'their kitchen was bigger than our whole dreary, cold, rented house' upstairs and down.
The years mentioned may be valid but I fear that we have also witnessed a slow inexhorable decline and the inability of leadership to do anything about it. Perhaps "engineering" a soft landing is all that they could do and maybe that is what we are experiencing now.
Anyway it's a new year now and maybe it's time to look forward to it.
I suppose that when compared with time spans encompassing major wars and serious depressions and shortage of medical sevices and being victim to any of these; the years mentioned are about right but far from great. Like the writer, I served an apprenticeship after gaining GCE O level. I earned HNC and went on to further studies. Even after this the industrial wages were not very good and a skilled person could do much better elswhere in the Comonwealth. When you read here about traffic light polishers making mints of money and then a skilled worker at a chain and brake manufacturing plant about to lose his company pension because of underfunding; the company now being in the hands of foriegn interests, it raises a few questions in my mind about the good life. We were bombarded with Holywood movies during the earlier years mentioned and, after watching many such, what I remember mostly thinking, was 'their kitchen was bigger than our whole dreary, cold, rented house' upstairs and down.
The years mentioned may be valid but I fear that we have also witnessed a slow inexhorable decline and the inability of leadership to do anything about it. Perhaps "engineering" a soft landing is all that they could do and maybe that is what we are experiencing now.
Anyway it's a new year now and maybe it's time to look forward to it.
jennyann
Gone but not forgotten. R.I.P.
This is not an easy one....it all depends on what aspect you are coming from.
The above posts say a lot and I agree with them. Rupert I also agree with.
When I first saw the question...top of mind..was the fact that my Mother maintained that the time between the two World Wars was to her a great time. She was born in l908 and the mid 1920 s were a exciting for her with new fashions and music, etc. and also the l930 s. That was her aspect if you know what I mean. Until I had lived my own life from 1941 on I was fascinated by my Mothers younger era and thought it must have been good.
Personally, I agree with Alberta though. It was tough after the Second World War but there was so much hope and opportunity for many people after being dragged down by social conditions.
The above posts say a lot and I agree with them. Rupert I also agree with.
When I first saw the question...top of mind..was the fact that my Mother maintained that the time between the two World Wars was to her a great time. She was born in l908 and the mid 1920 s were a exciting for her with new fashions and music, etc. and also the l930 s. That was her aspect if you know what I mean. Until I had lived my own life from 1941 on I was fascinated by my Mothers younger era and thought it must have been good.
Personally, I agree with Alberta though. It was tough after the Second World War but there was so much hope and opportunity for many people after being dragged down by social conditions.
B
Beryl M
Guest
The Greates Generation
I agree wtih Rupert and Jennyann there is more than one side to this question:
Distorted images cloud our eyes -The roles we play: Hoping to 'land a big one' 'Feed the agenda' 'Grease the wheel' 'Catch the brass ring' 'Keep up with the Jones' 'Ride the gravy train' 'Climb to the top’ 'King of the mountain' 'Be on the winning side' 'Maintain the status quo' 'The ends justify the means' 'Scratch my back’ ‘I'll scratch yours' 'Don't upset the apple cart'
Clone-mentality days are numbered - these shadows block the view - we're blinded by refraction - Dare to be rare we are sons and daughters of survivors and over comers. What pathetic milk-toast we've become - Fear and self-absorption are tools in greedy hands feeding us opiates to kill pain and dull our eyes. .
For a generation dubbed as “The Greatest Generation”, it is very concerning and disturbing that society often opts to turn the other cheek to the needs of our Senior Citizens. The generation who raised us to 'respect our elders' deserves much more of our respect, time and consideration and less of our jeering and ridiculing. They sacrificed their careers, their hopes, their dreams and often, their needs so that we could thrive as a society. Now that we are doing what they had hoped we would do by “thriving” and these citizens are reaching the age where they need the nurturing of their younger counterparts, we need to be returning the favour, instead of hanging these individuals out to dry. We are the products of our grandparents’ generation, however directly or indirectly, and we need to live up to the standards that they have set for us, just as they sacrificed for our needs, years ago.
Never again will the world be as it was during these citizens’ lifetimes. Never again will the struggles they faced be as real or as remarkable and never again will there be a generation with the capability to conquer the obstacles with as much grace and agility as those citizens forever known as ‘The Greatest Generation.’
I agree wtih Rupert and Jennyann there is more than one side to this question:
Distorted images cloud our eyes -The roles we play: Hoping to 'land a big one' 'Feed the agenda' 'Grease the wheel' 'Catch the brass ring' 'Keep up with the Jones' 'Ride the gravy train' 'Climb to the top’ 'King of the mountain' 'Be on the winning side' 'Maintain the status quo' 'The ends justify the means' 'Scratch my back’ ‘I'll scratch yours' 'Don't upset the apple cart'
Clone-mentality days are numbered - these shadows block the view - we're blinded by refraction - Dare to be rare we are sons and daughters of survivors and over comers. What pathetic milk-toast we've become - Fear and self-absorption are tools in greedy hands feeding us opiates to kill pain and dull our eyes. .
For a generation dubbed as “The Greatest Generation”, it is very concerning and disturbing that society often opts to turn the other cheek to the needs of our Senior Citizens. The generation who raised us to 'respect our elders' deserves much more of our respect, time and consideration and less of our jeering and ridiculing. They sacrificed their careers, their hopes, their dreams and often, their needs so that we could thrive as a society. Now that we are doing what they had hoped we would do by “thriving” and these citizens are reaching the age where they need the nurturing of their younger counterparts, we need to be returning the favour, instead of hanging these individuals out to dry. We are the products of our grandparents’ generation, however directly or indirectly, and we need to live up to the standards that they have set for us, just as they sacrificed for our needs, years ago.
Never again will the world be as it was during these citizens’ lifetimes. Never again will the struggles they faced be as real or as remarkable and never again will there be a generation with the capability to conquer the obstacles with as much grace and agility as those citizens forever known as ‘The Greatest Generation.’
Louisa
master brummie
A bit of a long answer but this is my opinion about my day
I was born in 1944 and yes there were many down sides to life in those times, but having lived through both times I can honestly say that I would rather be living in the 50's and 60's with good music and plentiful jobs, in Birmingham anyway and where I knew the food was local and fresh and had not travelled hundreds of miles, the hospitals were well run and clean with a matron and ward sister who kept everything ship shape in single sex wards.
Patients felt safe and knew they would be well looked after and if they had an operation they went to a convalesant home by the sea which they had paid for from the 6d a week taken out of their wages with the saturday fund. They were not expected to miraculously recover within a few days and go home and then back to work sooner than they should.
Our GP knew all my family and relatives and we trusted him that he would do what was best for us not like todays cost consious NHS budget. If you paid your stamp you expected and got the right treatment not like today.
We had back to back houses with no bathroom and a small scullery which fitted a cooker and a sink and one person if you were lucky.
The bugs which appeared on the ceilings and walls over night which had migrated from next door when they distempered the walls and then went back again in to the neighbours house when you painted over your walls again.
The shared toilets and arguments over whos turn it was to clean it or to put the cut up squares of the news of the world sunday paper threaded with string and hung up on a hook behind the lav door.
The wash house in the middle of the yard and the strict rota of the use of the washing copper and washing line and the wrangling for families to change their washing day or get some extra time in the case of illness or bed wetters of which there were quite a few in our yard.
But even though times could be hard or harsh for many families the one thing that I remember was the good will between neighbours and the way families stuck together and people looked out for each other without expecting any return other than when it was the turn of their family to go through some difficult patch or ill health then they could be sure that the neighbours they had shown kindness to would be there for them too.
I remember the times when I worked in the factory and the girls who were courting would work extra shifts to save up for their bottom drawer and we all looked forward to attending the wedding the knees up afterwards and workmates started to save up for a small gift or clubbed togather to get the couple a bigger suprise present. So we all had something happy to look forward to.
There was much more safisfaction in saving and looking forward to buying something than rushing out to get credit. If you couldnt afford it with your wages then you went without until you had saved up enough to get it. We shopped at the Coop to get the dividend and saved this toward Xmas. We saved green sheild stamps as well. We joined the Xmas club in the butchers and any of the local shops early in the year and saved a few shillings towards Xmas food and treats but then children didnt expect expensive toys in those days they thought a watch was a luxury present or a comb and hair brush and a shiny new shilling.
Many of the 'get out of debt' or 'manage your money better' ideas promoted by television or radio programmes today have been practiced by the older generations for years and many older people are still naturally careful with their money having lived in the days when it was hard to come by. I wonder how many families today hand out grown clothes down to the next child or give them to neighbouring families.
Yes there were disfuncional families around in those days and many families put up with a lot, but they stuck together and didnt rush for a divorce so easily. Even in a disfunctional family, children felt more secure because they had a network of relatives who they visited often, who could offer support and good friends of their own age to rough and tumble with.
At school there was support for children as the teacher knew which children came from a poor or struggling family and there was extra help or support and sometimes money from a school fund for those in dire circumstances.
Children had respect for their teachers and learned how to read and write properly with capital letters reaching both lines in the exercise book and the other letters reaching exactly half way up the line and children learned tables in a parrot fashion which stuck with them and helped them make quick calculations for years to come. I still use it now. There were tests every friday for mental arithmetic and spelling.
The difference was that children in my day actually liked to do well and be praised for their good work. I dont remember any child in my class being bullied for being a no it all, for one thing the head master would have got to hear of it and the bully would have been caned. Many of us had end of year prizes of a book. We had a few possessions but respected both our own property and other peoples and we learned how to look after what we had. Not like todays throw away society.
Crime did go on but the local police patrolled the streets and children were in awe of them. Any mischief was dealt with by the policeman on the spot and a threat to tell your father was a great deterant. If there was a local crime the police usually had a good idea who the villans were and they did not get away with it.
Compassion and empathy is sadly lacking in our modern society even in families and it has resulted in a self interested society with many people prefering to live on their own.
No one seems to have a laugh any more in our politically correct society, not like we did when I was a child. We told jokes and no one was offended because it was not meant or taken personally even if you recognised yourself in the subject of the joke everyone recognised it as just a joke and no harm or insult was intended and that was all the importance it got and everyone laughed.
Socialising outside the home has deminished in favour of the internet which some perceive as being safer. Fewer pubs or working mens clubs with bands, no places left to dance the night away, no one walks any where no wonder our health is suffering and many people are lonely.
No I think my day was much better and I fear for the way the world is going today.
I was born in 1944 and yes there were many down sides to life in those times, but having lived through both times I can honestly say that I would rather be living in the 50's and 60's with good music and plentiful jobs, in Birmingham anyway and where I knew the food was local and fresh and had not travelled hundreds of miles, the hospitals were well run and clean with a matron and ward sister who kept everything ship shape in single sex wards.
Patients felt safe and knew they would be well looked after and if they had an operation they went to a convalesant home by the sea which they had paid for from the 6d a week taken out of their wages with the saturday fund. They were not expected to miraculously recover within a few days and go home and then back to work sooner than they should.
Our GP knew all my family and relatives and we trusted him that he would do what was best for us not like todays cost consious NHS budget. If you paid your stamp you expected and got the right treatment not like today.
We had back to back houses with no bathroom and a small scullery which fitted a cooker and a sink and one person if you were lucky.
The bugs which appeared on the ceilings and walls over night which had migrated from next door when they distempered the walls and then went back again in to the neighbours house when you painted over your walls again.
The shared toilets and arguments over whos turn it was to clean it or to put the cut up squares of the news of the world sunday paper threaded with string and hung up on a hook behind the lav door.
The wash house in the middle of the yard and the strict rota of the use of the washing copper and washing line and the wrangling for families to change their washing day or get some extra time in the case of illness or bed wetters of which there were quite a few in our yard.
But even though times could be hard or harsh for many families the one thing that I remember was the good will between neighbours and the way families stuck together and people looked out for each other without expecting any return other than when it was the turn of their family to go through some difficult patch or ill health then they could be sure that the neighbours they had shown kindness to would be there for them too.
I remember the times when I worked in the factory and the girls who were courting would work extra shifts to save up for their bottom drawer and we all looked forward to attending the wedding the knees up afterwards and workmates started to save up for a small gift or clubbed togather to get the couple a bigger suprise present. So we all had something happy to look forward to.
There was much more safisfaction in saving and looking forward to buying something than rushing out to get credit. If you couldnt afford it with your wages then you went without until you had saved up enough to get it. We shopped at the Coop to get the dividend and saved this toward Xmas. We saved green sheild stamps as well. We joined the Xmas club in the butchers and any of the local shops early in the year and saved a few shillings towards Xmas food and treats but then children didnt expect expensive toys in those days they thought a watch was a luxury present or a comb and hair brush and a shiny new shilling.
Many of the 'get out of debt' or 'manage your money better' ideas promoted by television or radio programmes today have been practiced by the older generations for years and many older people are still naturally careful with their money having lived in the days when it was hard to come by. I wonder how many families today hand out grown clothes down to the next child or give them to neighbouring families.
Yes there were disfuncional families around in those days and many families put up with a lot, but they stuck together and didnt rush for a divorce so easily. Even in a disfunctional family, children felt more secure because they had a network of relatives who they visited often, who could offer support and good friends of their own age to rough and tumble with.
At school there was support for children as the teacher knew which children came from a poor or struggling family and there was extra help or support and sometimes money from a school fund for those in dire circumstances.
Children had respect for their teachers and learned how to read and write properly with capital letters reaching both lines in the exercise book and the other letters reaching exactly half way up the line and children learned tables in a parrot fashion which stuck with them and helped them make quick calculations for years to come. I still use it now. There were tests every friday for mental arithmetic and spelling.
The difference was that children in my day actually liked to do well and be praised for their good work. I dont remember any child in my class being bullied for being a no it all, for one thing the head master would have got to hear of it and the bully would have been caned. Many of us had end of year prizes of a book. We had a few possessions but respected both our own property and other peoples and we learned how to look after what we had. Not like todays throw away society.
Crime did go on but the local police patrolled the streets and children were in awe of them. Any mischief was dealt with by the policeman on the spot and a threat to tell your father was a great deterant. If there was a local crime the police usually had a good idea who the villans were and they did not get away with it.
Compassion and empathy is sadly lacking in our modern society even in families and it has resulted in a self interested society with many people prefering to live on their own.
No one seems to have a laugh any more in our politically correct society, not like we did when I was a child. We told jokes and no one was offended because it was not meant or taken personally even if you recognised yourself in the subject of the joke everyone recognised it as just a joke and no harm or insult was intended and that was all the importance it got and everyone laughed.
Socialising outside the home has deminished in favour of the internet which some perceive as being safer. Fewer pubs or working mens clubs with bands, no places left to dance the night away, no one walks any where no wonder our health is suffering and many people are lonely.
No I think my day was much better and I fear for the way the world is going today.
Sakura
master brummie
I was also born in 1944 and so much of what you have written I can both relate and agree with.
From the hospital ward protocol which I think is sadly missing here in Canada. It is hard to tell who is a doctor, nurse, housekeeping or administration. I worked on ward 5 at the general hospital and the sister was a tyrant but boy was it clean and ship shape.
Although everything is not perfect in the eduction system, I do think our children have had a better education than I did. The main problem being now is parents are not at home to support the children and the parents don't in many cases support the teachers.
How true, you do have to be careful what you say and even what you joke over. As you say Louisa we had a laugh and got over it, people were far less sensitive and we just had to get on with life. Having said that we are looking at it from a child's point of view, as that was what we were, so maybe our parents didn't feel like that.
So those of us born in the 30's and 40's probably were born in the best generation, seeing the start of the space age and now living through many inventions and changes. Although my father thought he lived in the best generation as he saw the invention of insulin, penicillin, cars and aircraft, he died at age 69 in 1972.
We should cherish our memories and be glad for what we had and what we now have.
But as Rupert says it is a New Year and time to look forward.Mo
From the hospital ward protocol which I think is sadly missing here in Canada. It is hard to tell who is a doctor, nurse, housekeeping or administration. I worked on ward 5 at the general hospital and the sister was a tyrant but boy was it clean and ship shape.
Although everything is not perfect in the eduction system, I do think our children have had a better education than I did. The main problem being now is parents are not at home to support the children and the parents don't in many cases support the teachers.
How true, you do have to be careful what you say and even what you joke over. As you say Louisa we had a laugh and got over it, people were far less sensitive and we just had to get on with life. Having said that we are looking at it from a child's point of view, as that was what we were, so maybe our parents didn't feel like that.
So those of us born in the 30's and 40's probably were born in the best generation, seeing the start of the space age and now living through many inventions and changes. Although my father thought he lived in the best generation as he saw the invention of insulin, penicillin, cars and aircraft, he died at age 69 in 1972.
We should cherish our memories and be glad for what we had and what we now have.
But as Rupert says it is a New Year and time to look forward.
Mo
jennyann
Gone but not forgotten. R.I.P.
Beryl and Louisa also Sakura you have laid out so much with regard to this topic. Louisa....your thoughts match mine in so many ways and I am guessing many people who were brought up after the WW2. I suppose people who haven't lived through these times won't have a clue what we mean and wonder if we imagined a lot of it. Many days I get thoroughly upset at the
attacks on the elderly for no reason what so ever and for the young people who are murdered as well. It happens here in Canada as well. Much of the deficit behaviour promotes depression and sadness in many citizens both young and old simply because a lot of it doesn't make sense and as citizens we are constantly faced with "over the top" political correctness as well.
It's endless and I see no end to it. Thanks for posting your thoughts all of you. I have enjoyed reading them very much.
attacks on the elderly for no reason what so ever and for the young people who are murdered as well. It happens here in Canada as well. Much of the deficit behaviour promotes depression and sadness in many citizens both young and old simply because a lot of it doesn't make sense and as citizens we are constantly faced with "over the top" political correctness as well.
It's endless and I see no end to it. Thanks for posting your thoughts all of you. I have enjoyed reading them very much.
Many points raised by Louisa ring true but I don't think that the era was that rosy. Being a bunch in mean circumstances does not change the circumstances. But I understand the theme of camaraderie. I believe that the people living in the dominions (of the time) had better and more fruitfull lives though and I must admit that, generally, the people here are very friendly but that may be changing now as Jenny pointed out.
I think that general education in Brum was 'mostly' at a higher level than here at the times spoken about; certainly at the craft and technical levels. The trouble was that as time went by in that period, there were fewer and fewer jobs available in which to apply your knowledge. It got to the point that Technical Schools changed their curriculum to lower academic levels. There was not much point in training people for jobs that would not be there. It seems to me that the same thing has been happening here over the last years notwithstanding university enrollment. If I were at school right now I think I would study Business and Mandarin Chinese. Learning to design and make things is a waste of time now. Perhaps, from the remuneration point of view, it always was.
I think that general education in Brum was 'mostly' at a higher level than here at the times spoken about; certainly at the craft and technical levels. The trouble was that as time went by in that period, there were fewer and fewer jobs available in which to apply your knowledge. It got to the point that Technical Schools changed their curriculum to lower academic levels. There was not much point in training people for jobs that would not be there. It seems to me that the same thing has been happening here over the last years notwithstanding university enrollment. If I were at school right now I think I would study Business and Mandarin Chinese. Learning to design and make things is a waste of time now. Perhaps, from the remuneration point of view, it always was.
Sakura
master brummie
Rupert you are certainly with it - That is exactly what our son has done. He did his MBA at Hong Kong University which has a very strong British background. And is now working for a new Hong Kong based company as the R&D manager and strategist at the invitation of one of his University profs. who is the CEO and one of the top strategists in Asia. Time will tell what the future holds.
Mo
B
Beryl M
Guest
Memories of the 20th Century
These 19th century over crowded Back to Back housing had to go – They were an eyesore to the City - People forced to live in them as Louisa remembers with bugs on the walls and ceiling was a disgrace . . . These people were survivors good honest people who worked hard deserved much better and warrant our respect. .
These days new streets pave the way into a new era. There are new generations that will walk untroubled along the way but long before this new era there was another time laying down the foundation stone for the times ahead. . .
It’s on streets Handsworth I thought we could have a wander down. . So as we sit on the doorstep of tomorrow chasing all our yesterdays let me take you back in time. . .
On Churchill Road St Mary’s school at 9 years of age I remember being in (William the Conk’s) Mr. George’s class when I had moments daydreaming staring out the window see a bird touched by the sun winging its way across the sky. The floor would turn from dull to golden and the ceiling rosy jerking me back to life to what was a mental arithmetic session - Not being sure of the answer I made a habit of putting up my hand take a stab at it just to let him know I was worth bothering about! Then at four thirty like a choir of angels came the ringing of the school bell time to go home - I could only think of tea time and mom’s hot buttered toast – toasted with a long fork over an open fire real comfort food to me!.
Outside in the streets there would be black smoke pouring out from the chimney pots.. . and there were always those people who followed behind the horse and carts collecting the horse droppings for their roses . .There was a great variety of sounds in the district, like the knock up call or the Rag man. .
We’ve progressed from slates to blackboards to lap tops. We’ve done our ten times tables and our logarithms and now we have software in pentiums hooked up on the internet. .
Long gone are the days of buying a bundle of sticks from a cart out in the entry. - And when did you last see a gypsy, the onion man or a man at your door selling shoelaces? Todayyou live with central heating and smokeless fuel. Most people have a digital alarm clock Am & Fm Radio to wake them and chimney pots on rooftops now have another landmark. In most streets satellite dishes are fixed to bring pay TV direct into the homes. Cable TV networks from around the world are now easily accessible.
During the Second World War there were Air Raid shelters back yards and in the streets - and when the sirens went off, people would go running to where some stories and songs would be shared until the danger had passed. Then when Birmingham was hard hit in 1941 by German Bombs many parents’ sent their children to the country for safety - unfortunately not all were welcomed with open arms. .
Seasons have changed like the faces that have come and gone. However, one thing that has never changed though, it is that old smile people have worn on their faces. . Through thick and thin Brum has always had a grin. Social life has been another big part of people’s lives back then. There where always the dance halls and the Pubs where people would flock to. .
From what I hear Brum today has a long list of social Clubs that provide a combination of meals, drinks, entertainment and games most people enjoy. With the diversity of music so popular are the social clubs these days that you would have to book months ahead to secure a spot for a golf club dinner, or a business group luncheon
In the Depression as in war time everybody was affected by troubles. It would be impossible to sum up the amount of sadness, suffering and heartaches that have been brought to Birmingham in those troubled years, but again it’s the character of the people that has survived through it all - is a credit that they have kept their smile and connected together in spite of their hardship. . .
It is said ‘We are strongest when we are on our knees’
What a life - God bless Brum and its people the salt of the earth. . .
These 19th century over crowded Back to Back housing had to go – They were an eyesore to the City - People forced to live in them as Louisa remembers with bugs on the walls and ceiling was a disgrace . . . These people were survivors good honest people who worked hard deserved much better and warrant our respect. .
These days new streets pave the way into a new era. There are new generations that will walk untroubled along the way but long before this new era there was another time laying down the foundation stone for the times ahead. . .
It’s on streets Handsworth I thought we could have a wander down. . So as we sit on the doorstep of tomorrow chasing all our yesterdays let me take you back in time. . .
On Churchill Road St Mary’s school at 9 years of age I remember being in (William the Conk’s) Mr. George’s class when I had moments daydreaming staring out the window see a bird touched by the sun winging its way across the sky. The floor would turn from dull to golden and the ceiling rosy jerking me back to life to what was a mental arithmetic session - Not being sure of the answer I made a habit of putting up my hand take a stab at it just to let him know I was worth bothering about! Then at four thirty like a choir of angels came the ringing of the school bell time to go home - I could only think of tea time and mom’s hot buttered toast – toasted with a long fork over an open fire real comfort food to me!.
Outside in the streets there would be black smoke pouring out from the chimney pots.. . and there were always those people who followed behind the horse and carts collecting the horse droppings for their roses . .There was a great variety of sounds in the district, like the knock up call or the Rag man. .
We’ve progressed from slates to blackboards to lap tops. We’ve done our ten times tables and our logarithms and now we have software in pentiums hooked up on the internet. .
Long gone are the days of buying a bundle of sticks from a cart out in the entry. - And when did you last see a gypsy, the onion man or a man at your door selling shoelaces? Todayyou live with central heating and smokeless fuel. Most people have a digital alarm clock Am & Fm Radio to wake them and chimney pots on rooftops now have another landmark. In most streets satellite dishes are fixed to bring pay TV direct into the homes. Cable TV networks from around the world are now easily accessible.
During the Second World War there were Air Raid shelters back yards and in the streets - and when the sirens went off, people would go running to where some stories and songs would be shared until the danger had passed. Then when Birmingham was hard hit in 1941 by German Bombs many parents’ sent their children to the country for safety - unfortunately not all were welcomed with open arms. .
Seasons have changed like the faces that have come and gone. However, one thing that has never changed though, it is that old smile people have worn on their faces. . Through thick and thin Brum has always had a grin. Social life has been another big part of people’s lives back then. There where always the dance halls and the Pubs where people would flock to. .
From what I hear Brum today has a long list of social Clubs that provide a combination of meals, drinks, entertainment and games most people enjoy. With the diversity of music so popular are the social clubs these days that you would have to book months ahead to secure a spot for a golf club dinner, or a business group luncheon
In the Depression as in war time everybody was affected by troubles. It would be impossible to sum up the amount of sadness, suffering and heartaches that have been brought to Birmingham in those troubled years, but again it’s the character of the people that has survived through it all - is a credit that they have kept their smile and connected together in spite of their hardship. . .
It is said ‘We are strongest when we are on our knees’
What a life - God bless Brum and its people the salt of the earth. . .
Oisin
gone but not forgotten
I smiled when I first saw bilsat's duplicate posts. I thought he'd developed a stutter like Roger Daltrey singing "...T-t-t-talkin' bout my Generation".
Of course my generation was the best, it's the only one I belong to - the only one I've experienced living in.
Having said that, and even taking into account Rupert's posting, when looked at objectively, the sixties was probably the greatest decade of optimism ever. Yes, there was still deprivation, poverty and discrimination of all kind but at least efforts were being made in all directions to rectify these negatives. Okay, mistakes were made. It was a steep learning curve and that was inevitable. For instance, housing could've been better planned but it wasn't a total disaster.The task of rehousing was massive following the war but millions were at last lifted from the unhygienic environment of the slums and given integral sanitation in their homes in an incredibly short space of time.
It was a time of liberation, equal rights movements, freedom to demonstrate against war, inequality, exploitation, or any other injustice.
Music, art and fashions, all reached a peak that hasn't been equalled since. Every aspiration seemed achievable - man walking on the moon proved to enforce this optimism.
So yes, my generation has to be the greatest. Or do I merely think that way because I was young, healthy and happy way back then?:redface:
Of course my generation was the best, it's the only one I belong to - the only one I've experienced living in.
Having said that, and even taking into account Rupert's posting, when looked at objectively, the sixties was probably the greatest decade of optimism ever. Yes, there was still deprivation, poverty and discrimination of all kind but at least efforts were being made in all directions to rectify these negatives. Okay, mistakes were made. It was a steep learning curve and that was inevitable. For instance, housing could've been better planned but it wasn't a total disaster.The task of rehousing was massive following the war but millions were at last lifted from the unhygienic environment of the slums and given integral sanitation in their homes in an incredibly short space of time.
It was a time of liberation, equal rights movements, freedom to demonstrate against war, inequality, exploitation, or any other injustice.
Music, art and fashions, all reached a peak that hasn't been equalled since. Every aspiration seemed achievable - man walking on the moon proved to enforce this optimism.
So yes, my generation has to be the greatest. Or do I merely think that way because I was young, healthy and happy way back then?:redface:
Is there anyone out there from Ward End? I grew up in William Cook Road. Went to Ingleton Road, Thorton Road and Ward End Hall schools. I am female and I was born in 1946.
Everyone seems to be from Alum Rock, no-one has mentioned Ward End at all.
Love to hear from anyone.
Everyone seems to be from Alum Rock, no-one has mentioned Ward End at all.
Love to hear from anyone.
Ray Barrett
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN R.I.P.
I think my generation was the luckiest.Born 1936 in the slums, in humble cicumstances,bombed during the war,couldn't get any worse...the only way was up.
rowan
Born a Brummie
Born 1940, I think our generation had hope.......hope that world war would never happen again.......hope that our lives would be better than the previous generation......hope that we could change life........ and we have seen most of that happen.
I can still remember the elation I felt when John F Kennedy became President, the real belief that our generation was the one who, with him were going to make a difference.
The music too made us different to our elders.....it was ours and we were the first ever teenagers to boot!!
I believe we are each born to our own time and that time to each is the best.
I expect my children will believe that their generation was the best and I am sure it is, as will future generations believe in their time.
But yes.........our generation's time REALLY was the best, the very best!!!
I can still remember the elation I felt when John F Kennedy became President, the real belief that our generation was the one who, with him were going to make a difference.
The music too made us different to our elders.....it was ours and we were the first ever teenagers to boot!!
I believe we are each born to our own time and that time to each is the best.
I expect my children will believe that their generation was the best and I am sure it is, as will future generations believe in their time.
But yes.........our generation's time REALLY was the best, the very best!!!
Graham
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
oldMohawk
gone but not forgotten
Nicely said Rowan - I entirely agree. I sometimes wonder what our parents thought at that time with a major war in progress, and in 1940 we were not entirely sure we would survive it. I never got round to asking them - too busy growing up - into the wonderful 1950's.
Graham
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Rowan hit the nail on the head when he said that everyone will think of their generation as being the best, but there can be no denial that the 50s and 60s, in the western world, will go down in history as being something really special.
Having said that we must not forget what an amazing time it must have been for Brummies during the industrial revolution, but I doubt that even 'Stitch' would remember that.
Having said that we must not forget what an amazing time it must have been for Brummies during the industrial revolution, but I doubt that even 'Stitch' would remember that.
Alf
Gone but not forgotten. R.I.P.
I was born 1936 & agree with Di, & Ray.
But I'm glad because I lived through the 50, 60,70,80,90,and I'm still here in 2000.
Many people I have known never had the chance including my younger Sister.
I'm also glad that I've been part of the computer & electronic times.
I'm also sad that my parents & Grandmother who taught me so much including my school teachers are not here to see where I am now.
Finally I'm glad I have been able to find so many nice people on this Forum
But I'm glad because I lived through the 50, 60,70,80,90,and I'm still here in 2000.
Many people I have known never had the chance including my younger Sister.
I'm also glad that I've been part of the computer & electronic times.
I'm also sad that my parents & Grandmother who taught me so much including my school teachers are not here to see where I am now.
Finally I'm glad I have been able to find so many nice people on this Forum
MiriamB
master brummie
I was Born in 1933 and I agree that I think our generation was the best.
We had very, very little but I think I can remember never having saying "can I have this, can I have that" - no point in asking as there was never extra money. We played 'make believe' - we kids had rows but never the violent of today.
I'm glad I am among the people who made the history of all the mod. cons. for the kitchen etc. [don't know how my mother coped with all that scrubbing] also for the Television, computer etc. Miriam.
We had very, very little but I think I can remember never having saying "can I have this, can I have that" - no point in asking as there was never extra money. We played 'make believe' - we kids had rows but never the violent of today.
I'm glad I am among the people who made the history of all the mod. cons. for the kitchen etc. [don't know how my mother coped with all that scrubbing] also for the Television, computer etc. Miriam.
I was born in 1946 and I wouldn't argue that I think mine is certainly the luckiest generation in recent history. The NHS, good schooling, increasing standard of living, improving quality of food, no national service. However, I also recall how stuffy and suffocating my life was until I was around 15 - it really was kids should be seen and not heard in my family. Dead silence was required in the evenings and on Sunday afternoons. I was forced to attend church even though I had no faith whatsoever.
My generation really took off in about 1963, and I think it was largely to do with economic conditions and the pop-music of the time. What a thrill it was to hear my dad say he hated the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, and so on! But for the first time in history there was nothing he could do about it. We put two fingers up to oppressive authority, both in the family and in Society. And it was great! We had money, freedom, the lot!
Oh...we also discovered s-e-x too. Didn't we....?
Big Gee
Proud to be an unreformed hippie and a rebel to this day!
My generation really took off in about 1963, and I think it was largely to do with economic conditions and the pop-music of the time. What a thrill it was to hear my dad say he hated the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, and so on! But for the first time in history there was nothing he could do about it. We put two fingers up to oppressive authority, both in the family and in Society. And it was great! We had money, freedom, the lot!
Oh...we also discovered s-e-x too. Didn't we....?
Big Gee
Proud to be an unreformed hippie and a rebel to this day!
M
Mossy
Guest
The 60s sex drugs and rock and roll
Mau-reecceee
Mau-reecceee
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