Nostalgia

Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be

This page is for occasional memories and has some pointers to other topics of interest to me.

I was brought up in Laleham, near Staines. I attended Buckland School from 1961-67 and Ashford Grammar from 1967-72. If you were there, then I encourage you to sign up at www.friendsreunited.com and join others from our generation in discussions of just how tall Mr Gerard really was and who painted graffiti on the walls in 1970.

I remember the Walls Ice Cream guy on a three-wheeled cycle with a massive basket of Ice Cream in front, before the Ice Cream Van became popular.

Long before I knew much about music I picked up a sampler album called “Bumpers” and found Nick Drake, who died by his own hand, aged 26 possibly by accident, in 1974. His albums are still available and I urge you to listen to them.

I also recommend the music of the late Bruddah IZ, as Israel Kamakawiwo Ole' was known, best known for his version of “Over The Rainbow” featured in the films “Meet Joe Black” and “Finding Forrester”. Most memorably, this was featured in the climactic 2001 episode of ER in which Dr Greene died. His CD “Facing Future” is available all over the world.

I still enjoy the music of Eric Idle who I first encountered in the children’s TV show “Do Not Adjust Your Set”. I like the Galaxy Song – give it a whirl sometime.

I first saw Mark Knopfler when he was the guitarist for a band called “Brewers Droop”. He seems to have moved on quite successfully.

One particularly fond memory I have is of a band called TROUSERS, a folk duo of justified renown, who peaked in their popularity in our area in 1977-80.

In 1983 I joined DEC and used a version of the Internet to communicate with other DECcies around the world using Notes. I still do.

Last Updated By Andy Leslie on Monday, April 21, 2008