Found this on Southampton Heritage. This photo is from 1907, so no I am not in it, and no I wasn’t taking the picture, before any smart arse asks. Behind the camera is one end of where Bitterne precinct now is. The fourth one of these houses, number 7, was where I was born. A typical two up, two down with 10 (TEN) residents, by the time we moved. Mum, dad, 2 girls and 6 boys. We moved from here, during one of the coldest winters in UK history, 1962/63, giving us for the first time an inside toilet and a proper bath. Before that it was an outside toilet and a tin bath put down in the kitchen. At the end of the houses is the “rec” which is now part of the dual carriageway linking Bitterne to Northam/town centre. The houses are no more. It was one of the lads we used to meet at the rec who first called me Badger.
Hey guys, if you are a bit short or 'Likes' get posting as the new born St Godders will give you one.
Any detectorists amongst us ? I got my first detector this week - playing with it in my back garden I found a 1886 half penny, then a gold signet ring with an inscription `JF to FC 17th June 1880`. Talk about beginners luck! I originally bought it to search the Portsmouth area for signs of primitive civilisation. But I soon realised I don`t need a detector for that - just have a look around.
I see that a Victoria Cross, awarded at Rorke’s Drift, is up for auction. They reckon £8000, but the last one to sell made around £40000, I think the article said. As a young’un, I don’t think any film had a greater impact on me, than Zulu. I was in awe of the men’s bravery and the organisation by the officers. Even if it comes on tv now, I will either watch or record it. 11 VCs awarded. 150 versus 3000+ Only 17 British deaths and 15 wounded. Without wishing to glorify war, this has to be one of the most amazing victories ever.
It was a testament to the Martini-Henry rifle as much as the men who fired it. I went to Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana a few years ago and was taken on an amazing tour of both sites by the incredible David Rattray (sadly RIP) who explained so much, it really brought it alive. The British army suffered an appalling loss the day before the battle of Rorke’s Drift and cynics may say that was the reason it was held up as such a fine victory and so many VCs were awarded. As an aside, Henry Hook was badly portrayed in the movie and he wasn’t the “skiver” at all. I have a book about him, as well as David Rattray’s account of both battles - fascinating reading.
The Xmas 1962/3 was absolutely freezing...there was ice in the Solent. We were without gas at Xmas as pipes froze and cracked. We had sausages cooked on a primus stove for Xmas dinner...best tasting meal ever.
Me too. I’m wondering how they will restart the show since (despite all living within a 100 yds of each other) the characters spend all their time in the pub, cafe and bistro. Will they carry on as usual with a disclaimer before the show that they have made it contrafactual
A news item out of the BBC archive from a couple of years ago has resurfaced. I remember reading it the first time, but reading it again still astonishes me. It's the story of a boy who grew up to be a teacher, and played the part for 17 years... and yet he couldn't read or write: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-43700153
Forgot to add that I, also, love that film and always watch it when it comes on - despite having the DVD!