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 great thrill of starting High School was the chance to do woodwork. This was something quite magical. We had to wear aprons to protect our uniforms and we were … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Workshops and Playing Pirates in PE.
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 TeaTales’ – The day of Judgment – Leaving Harehills and Starting Roundhay.
After receiving notification that I was to attend Roundhay School for my secondary education, there was a period where nothing really happened. Summer was approaching and, from memory, it was … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Starting Roundhay School, or at least getting ready.
My first memory of listening to music was on our radio. This largish piece of furniture was wooden, had valves that lit up and dials that magically tuned in to … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Let the music play!
I had better start off by saying that I have never had any success as an angler, and probably that is a term I shouldn’t use when describing myself. My … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Gone Fishing, Hook, Line and Sinker!
It seems strange nowadays, but when I was born in the 1950s, most families did not own cars. Transport was public and it meant utilising trains, trams, buses and coaches … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Day Trips and the Opening up of the Yorkshire Countryside.
After my mother got over the delight of my going to Roundhay School, there was a hiatus where life returned to normality and Mr Kelly, at Harehills County Primary, continued … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Final Year at Harehills C.P. School. Cricket, Silver Blades Skating and the build up to leaving primary school.
The title to this week’s tale may appear a little confusing, but all will be revealed if you read on. I must have been part of St. Stephen’s Scouts for … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – The assassination of Robert Kennedy, Consulate cigarettes and Scout Camps.
It was my elder brother who was the trailblazer for me as I grew up. He was the first to try everything, being four years older than me and so … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Ladywood Cubs, (Oakwood), St Stephen’s Scouts, (King Lane)
I must start this by declaring that I haven’t any religious beliefs anymore and haven’t had throughout my adult life, so it may seem a little strange that I am … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Religion in the life of a boy in the 1950s and 1960s. – Oakwood (Ladywood) Methodist Church and St. Wilfrid’s Harehills.
As a child I remember the excitement of going to the fair. When I was very young it was the small permanent funfair at Roundhay where there was a Helter-Skelter, … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Woodhouse Feast and Roundhay Park Fair.
For keen parents in the 1960s there was one thing in primary schooling that they desired and that was for their children to pass the Eleven Plus. Now for those … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – The Eleven Plus – Harehills County Primary School.
