The Seagrove Sessions

Memories of going out in the 1950s and 60s, from Anna, Nancy, Ken and Arthur. More than a few laughs were had in this session. From the glorious powder room at the Palais to having a sneaky swig of VP wine at the pictures. To the 50 shilling tailors to the threat of the jaggy jersey school. Sure to bring back some memories if you were brought in the era.

Born in North London Diana was adopted aged three weeks. Her birth family lived in the same area and she talks about how difficult this was growing up and the complexities of her mother and father's relationship. Leaving London was always in her mind and to be living in Scotland a definite ambition. We hear about courting her husband, her family and travelling the world. More great stories from members of The Seagrove Centre.

Check us here: www.seagrovecentre.org.uk and on Facebook- NEDC Seagrove Centre.

Back to the 1950s and 60s and Nancy's memories of growing up in Abbeyhill. From going to her local picture houses- The Regent and Eastway and down to The Calton at Piershill. To watching weddings at the registary office on Montrose Terrace and waiting for the poor oot. The record shop on London and saving up for an LP. Work week dances and rushing for last bus home. An episode full of great memories.

Marion was born in Stockbridge in 1941 but moved to Royston when she was child. We hear about her school at Granton and her classroom that was heated by a parrafin stove. Having dancing lessons at Betty Brandons. Going to the pictures at the Embassy cinema. Singeing her hair in front of the open fire. Making icecream cones and wafers. Being courted by Tam, home on leave from the army and working for over 30 years as a cleaner for the police.

Allen's tales of Edinburgh in the 1950s and 60s. Lilyhill Terrace, Meadowbank and Dalgety Street area. Chip shops with coal fired fryers, rowing boats at St Margaret's Loch, the Red rag pub- which became the The Speedway Arms. The harshly named 'Spinster flats!" Being caught smoking and drinking at 15. Wild, evocative stories from the east side of the city.

Memories from Doris, Stewart, Hermina, Margaret, Daisy, Marian and Allen. A free ranging reminiscence session- from shopping at the store, smoking Willie Woodbines, staying warm in bed (under a mountain of coats), to school days, the three day week and watching the speedway at old Meadowbank. Our youngest story teller is Stewart(64), our oldest Daisy(94).

We begin with the subject of tripe and offal. Do we like it? Do we hate it? Its an episode all about food. How to make it last or eek it out in times gone by. Mince and tatties, pots of soup and stovies for tea. Thanks to Jinty, Anna , Nessie, Barbara, May and Colin for more great memories.

Join us in a good old blether about christmas and Hogmanay, in years gone by. From hand knitted christmas gifts, whether you wanted them or not, to out of tune sing songs on Hogmanay. The memories flow from- Jinty, Anna, Nessie, Barbara, May and Colin.

In the episode we spend some time exploring Abbeyhill in the 1950's and 60s. The shops, businesses, picture houses and school. Nancy tells us of her teenage travelling- to London and Dublin. Dancing up town. School days and her early jobs. Her early married life in a room and kitchen in Leith and her eventual move to Portobello.

For information about the work of NEDC's Seagrove Centre go to : www.nedc.org.uk

Photos: Lost Edinburgh and NEN.

Allen was brought up in the Parson's Green area of Edinburgh. His childhood memories include his many escapes from his parent's garden, at the age of six, to watch the trams at Northfield Broadway. His many delivery jobs, before and after school- milk, rolls and papers. An abortive attempt to become a car mechanic and his eventual job at a printers. Part two will follow!