Dad's been having a clear out and has sent me the copy of 'The Shetland Times' from the week I was born - not the day because it was, and still is, a weekly paper. There's more in it these days but this one made interesting reading partly because it reflects concerns about the burgeoning oil industry and the cold war - one correspondent to the letters page asks if the public have considered how the building of an oil terminal will make the them a priority target in the event of a nuclear war - but mostly because of the small adds. Baby sitters for 15p an hour, bank accounts with between 9.5% and 11% interest, 10lb bags of salted herring ...Dad and I were both surprised to see the North Start Cinema advertising x rated films. In so many ways the past is another country, but being British some things remain constant - complaints about a royal wedding extravaganza and observations on the wettest November ever have a familiar ring to them.
What a fun memento!
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of fun and kind of more junk to find a home for...
DeleteI love this sort of thing and lucky you for having it! There are spinner racks at the card shop detailing what was popular in years past, I'm riveted for ages.
ReplyDeleteIt's an odd one because it's such a small local paper, no news as such (unless you count what fishing boats were in harbour and who was done for drink driving that week)but lots of local colour.
DeleteHow cool. I always find that old ads tell the real story of a time and place.
ReplyDeleteThey really do Thomas - so much so that I'd love to see a few more of these but I think Dad's chucked the rest - shame!
DeleteFascinating! WE too have a selection of old copies of the 'Times' and also the 'News', which was always the more detailed reporter of events before it's demise. Full details of all the people attending, what they wore, the music played, what they ate even and so on. A glimpse into a past way of life now long gone. The only problem, like your Dad, is that they take up a lot of room, and every now and then a 'spring-clean' takes place and a few more are boxes of old brown faded papers disappear. :( On a different note entirely have you ever read any of these folks books ? A unique concept and I find them really good and thought you might like them too. Here is their website link and you can see for yourself. All the best, and I enjoy your blog and dip in and out for a 'book fix' every now and then! http://www.peirenepress.com/
ReplyDeleteHi Magnie - thank you for looking in. I do indeed know Peirene press and forwarded your comment to the lovely ladies there. Really looking forward to their latest release which hails from Finland and is billed as a mini epic. Sounds good to me.
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