When World War 2 ended, Britain had a new problem. One of recovery in so many ways. Food rationing continued into the 1950’s, damaged buildings across many parts of the country needed either clearing or repairing. The austerity taxed the nation in so many ways, but life improved throughout that period. H shaped TV aerials appeared on chimney tops and technology improved domestic essentials such as carpet cleaners, kettles, toasters and many more.
The 60’s arrived, and life changed quite dramatically. Pop music, miniskirts and tights, and the ‘pill’, to name just a few. In the Autumn of 1959, having completed my apprenticeship and moved into the company’s Production Engineering office, I received a letter informing me that I would be receiving my call-up papers to undertake my National Service. The press had been indicating that the government were considering ending National Service and I ended up being one of the very last young men to be called up. I had other ideas.
Shortly after the letter arrived, the Sunday Observer carried an advertisement for applicants with technical qualifications to apply for a commission in the Royal Air Force Education Branch. I applied, and many months later I found myself teaching Boy Entrants at RAF Cosford.
During an evening in 1963, I witnessed the change in Pop Music from static delivery at the microphone stand to non-stop cover of the stage, thanks to hand microphones and stage craft.
I went home and wrote this poem, which is now in my POEMS BY AN OLD CODGER – BOOK ONE.
Available at AMAZON BOOKS.
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1960’s and MORE
The 1960’s was a pivotal time,
Second age of feminism came on-line.
Hippies, miniskirts and ‘burn your bra’,
Computer mouse and hatchback car.
Beach Boys, Hendrix, Bardot, and Dylan,
Baez, Connery, Hepburn, and Streisand.
Space race to the moon watched by all,
Touch-tone phones and the Berlin Wall.
Living in a time of change for all,
Clothes and Hair, Rock and Roll.
Cold war tension with nuclear threat,
Gay rights and bikinis that made men sweat.
Macmillan spoke of ‘the wind of change’,
It was a wind of both width and range.
Science, fashion, lifestyle, and food,
He also said: ‘We’ve never had it so good’.
In 1963, at the Cinema in the local town,
I witnessed the change in music, its delivery, and sound.
I took a coach full of RAF lads, their evening was free,
I sat in the stalls not sure what to see.
The Top of the Bill was Chris Montez of ‘Lets’ Dance’,
The first half went well, as I sat in a Music Hall trance.
The interval came and I saw all around
The young audience had begun walking up and down.
The safety curtain went up for the second half,
But the youngster kept moving and having a laugh.
Centre stage stood a static Gerry Dorsey trying to sing,
This audience ignored him, with an atmosphere growing.
Poor chap, he hadn’t a chance at all,
Stood thinking “How soon can I leave this Hall”.
As he finished his act the tension was rising,
I soon realised why; it wasn’t surprising.
On ran four slight lads dressed in dark suits,
With mop top hair, and certainly not brutes.
They say there were four of similar age,
But I swear I saw five as they covered the stage.
The youngsters yelled as the boys stood on the piano,
Not stopping, they sang, played, entertaining ever so.
The Hall was alive, a new era was coming into play,
The Beatles were here and here they would stay.
I witnessed first-hand an act like a seer,
That night their message was loud and clear.
No longer static performances at work or at play,
It’s dynamic action that will always hold sway.
Copyright 2023 Neil Davies
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Stay Safe,
Neil.