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.
One of my earliest memories of my father is his returning home after work and producing what he called ‘magic’. That is, he would pull out some sweets or bars … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Ashworth’s Sweet-Shop, Harehills. Sweets, Victory V Lozenges, Sweet Cigarettes and Other Delights We Have Lost Over The Years.
As a child, there was always great excitement during the buildup to Bonfire Night. For one thing, my mother’s pet toy poodle, Sabeau, went hysterical at this time of year. For … Continue reading ‘Cup Of Tea Tales’- Remember, Remember the Fifth of November – Bonfire Night Shenanigans! Not Fun for Everyone!
There appeared to be two types of people at Roundhay School and they can be split into those who would cause their parents’ concern and those who wouldn’t. I was … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – We were so Bad! Music, Hormones, Teacher Baiting, and the 1970s. The Serious End of High School, the Lower and Upper Sixth Forms, Going Co-Ed, a Shock for the Teachers, but Heaven for Us.
I remember wondering, what is the point of living beyond nineteen as it was downhill all the way from there. I now realise the absolute folly of such a thought, … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – What Foolish Things We Do in Our Youth! Fancy Dress Jester Debacle, the Robin Caper, the Quink Ink Fiasco and the Shocking Experience!
Swimming! It is one of those things, like reading, riding a bike, or driving a car, that there is one moment when you realise that you can actually do it. … Continue reading Cup of Tea Tales’ – I Dreaded Going! Oh, How Cold! Swimming Lessons at Harehills County Primary and Roundhay School.
During my life, I have seen many wonderful things and, unfortunately, some terrible ones. I was born in 1954 and it has been a lifetime of major change, a period … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – A Lifetime of Global Successes, Disasters and Wonders! Space the Final Frontier.
It must have been in the late 1950s when I was first taken to what we called Bardsey Woods. It was just off Weatherby Road and a mile or two … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Hetchell Woods (Bardsey) and Crags – A Special Piece of God’s Own Country or County! One of my Favourite Places to Visit.
Yorkshire has some of the most spectacular countryside in the UK and one less visited place is Trollers Gill. It is a gorge in North Yorkshire and is well worth … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – The Wonderful Yorkshire Dales. Trollers Gill, a Place with a Mysterious Legend and the Mine where I Diced with Death.
I was thinking about High School and what was particularly different to Primary School, and a number of things swirled through my mind. The first big difference was that for … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Labs and all Manner of Magic, Misery and Mayhem. What Must have been the Worst job for a New Teacher, Chemistry with Boys with only one Aim, to Make Your Life Hell!
In 1966, there wasn’t much fanfare when you left school. There were no fancy balls or special ceremonies, just a clearing out of your desks, a few words from Mr … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Judgment Day- Moving to High School, Leaving Harehills County Primary and Starting Roundhay School.
As a young lad, I spent a lot of time in Roundhay Park and I have many good memories of the wonderful place. In particular, the lakes were an opportunity … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Roundhay Park Lake Adventures – Boating, Piracy and a Near Drowning in one of the Country’s Most Beautiful Parks.
There were several occasions when I got in trouble at school, but luckily for me, they were not very serious, or my crimes weren’t discovered. I started Harehills the very … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Trouble at School! He’s just a very naughty boy! Harehills County Primary, Stainbeck Preparatory, Roundhay School, and the Astoria Nightmare.
David M Cameron 