David is an author of fantasy novels and a writer and producer of rock music. The site provides information of his creative works and has a regular blog of news of his latest work and insights into his life and past.
After my initial love of music, there was one thing I wanted to do, and that was be in a band. There were only two things that I needed to … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Making a Band. The Attitude! The Look! The Confidence! Just One Thing Missing!
My first memory of listening to music was on our radio at home. This largish piece of furniture was wooden, had valves that glowed hot and dials that magically tuned … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Let the music play! How music became a part of my life. The 1960s and 1970s.
The teenage years for most people are turbulent and exciting times, a time when we want to be older and leave being a child behind, but are not quite sure … Continue reading Cup of Tea Tales – Being a Teenager in the Late 1960s and Early 1970s. Coffee Bars, Juke Boxes and Pinball Machines.
I must start this by declaring that I haven’t any religious beliefs anymore and haven’t had any throughout my adult life, so it may seem a little strange that I … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Religion in the life of a boy in the 1950s and 1960s. – Ladywood Methodist Church, Oakwood and St. Wilfrid’s Harehills. Choirs and Youth Clubs until he was led astray!
One of the major changes from the childhood I experienced and that my grandchildren have, is playgrounds. Modern playgrounds are colourful, well built, architecturally designed and, above all, safe, whereas … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Playground Adventures in the 1950s and 60s – An Accident Waiting to Happen, or a Great Place to Challenge Yourself!
As I have said before, I was in Mr Kelly’s Year 4 class and I am sure the class size was well into the forties. He was a middle-aged man, … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – It Seems So Old Fashioned Now! School Life in the 1960s.
As I have said before, I loved Harehills C.P. School, and I think it was my experience there that set me on the road to becoming a teacher and spending … Continue reading ‘Cup Of Tea Tales’ – All the Fun of Primary Schooling – ‘Triers’ Badges’, Six of the Best, Recorders, Choir, Craft, Art and Country Dancing – Harehills C.P. School in the 1960s.
After about twelve lessons, Mr Waites, the driving instructor, told me he was putting me in for my test. I beamed with delight, but then the anxiety hit. How would … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’- My Adventures Learning to Drive, Taking the Driving Test and Working for WRAGGS Motorcycles. 1971 Leeds.
I have spoken about the early cars that my family had, the Austin, and the Ford Prefect, and these were followed by an Anglia, Cortina, Mini and various Escorts. My … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Cars, Learning to Drive, Drivotrainer and My Mother’s Driving Adventures.
When I have written about the Eleven Plus in the past, some people have been upset, as their experiences of the system were far from positive. However, it was a … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – The Eleven Plus at Harehills County Primary School. Post War Family Life, and the Importance of Secondary Education.
My very first memory of a trip to the seaside was before we had got our first car. We were still living in Lawrence Avenue, off Easterley Road, and it … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – A Trip to the Seaside on the East Coast in the 1950s and 60.
This morning I was trying to remember when the UK introduced the decimal currency and that got me thinking about my first job as a child. The currency changed on … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Learning to Work. First Jobs in Leeds, 1960s. Weeding, Newspapers and the First Cigarette!
David M Cameron 