1970 Living above my parents’ newsagent shop in Warwick (cool with the free sweets and comics) and attending Newburgh Junior School. 1971 11+ test: Tough, slightly weird tests designed to sort the wheat from the chaff. The prize was choice of several grammar schools in the area. September: Started at Leamington College for girls asContinue reading “My 1970s”
Author Archives: jroauthor
Bestselling toys of 1970s
Who can forget the Clackers (69) craze in the early 70s – and who didn’t have bruised knuckles? Anyone else remember watching a Slinky (45) “walk” down a staircase? Pure magic. The metallic, springy toy seemed to have a life of its own as it gracefully tumbled from step to step. Here’s a few ofContinue reading “Bestselling toys of 1970s”
RIP Sasha – the most faithful of friends
Five weeks ago today, we said a sorrowful goodbye to Sasha, the most patient, loving Collie-cross a family could ever wish to share almost a decade and a half with. She came into our house nervous and afraid courtesy of who knows what experiences she’d suffered before turning up at the RSPCA centre. Scarlet, ourContinue reading “RIP Sasha – the most faithful of friends”
Celebrating Keith A Pearson
I’ve been a fan of this British author ever since I heard him on Ken Bruce’s Popmaster back in January 2021. But his latest novel is so blinking brilliant, I thought it was about time I swung the spotlight on some of his masterpieces. The Last Stop Video Shop A poignant, darkly humorous novel aboutContinue reading “Celebrating Keith A Pearson”
1970s Sports Cars
I remember the first time I really started noticing cars – I would have been around 15 or 16 and the guy living in the first house on our road built himself a red kit-car. It was the coolest thing ever.Any fan of James Bond movies will appreciate the emphasis on what he drove, butContinue reading “1970s Sports Cars”
1970s Cars
The 1970s was a tumultuous time for the nation’s manufacturing industries but that didn’t stop the public buying British cars – and many of the bestsellers were UK-made. The remainder of the bestsellers list is made up of European-American machines from the likes of Ford and Vauxhall. Car makers ditched the chrome grills, the woodContinue reading “1970s Cars”
Goodbye Gorgeous Girl
1970s Books
The 1970s saw a diverse range of bestselling books, reflecting the era’s cultural shifts and literary innovations. Among the best books of the 1970s, some stand out for their enduring appeal and impact on generations of readers. Stephen King’s The Shining introduced readers to a world of spine-chilling terror and psychological thrills, solidifying his statusContinue reading “1970s Books”
1970s Men’s Magazines
During the 1970s, men’s magazines played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of masculinity, evolving to reflect changing societal norms and interests. Many featured a mix of articles on fashion, grooming, fitness, and relationships, alongside more risqué content. This decade saw the rise of several influential publications that shaped the landscape of men’s media. TheyContinue reading “1970s Men’s Magazines”
1970’s Boys Comics
Boys comics of the 1950s and 60s presented a world of constant, dependable friends and reliable traditions. Easter always brought loads of adventures involving eggs. In August, the sun always shone on the sands, the cliffs, the lighthouses, the sparkling sea and the crabs. In November, the pages and the title whirled with sparks andContinue reading “1970’s Boys Comics”
JRo Author 