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.
It was an earlier blog on the sartorial elegance of the 1970s that reminded me of an intrepid attempt to scale Mount Snowdon in North Wales. At the time, I … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – Hippy Attempt on the Summit of Mount Snowdon. What Foolish Things We Did as Students!
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.
I have spoken in a previous tale about taking A Levels and I must admit that at the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, or do with … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – A’ Levels, the Final Year at High School, Planning to Leave Home, Getting into College and Growing Older if Not Wiser.
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.
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.
Now, whilst my social life had taken over from any real attempt to learn anything at Roundhay School, there was more to it than just youth clubs. The regular meeting … Continue reading ‘Cup of Tea Tales’ – That’ll Learn Yer! Strike a Light, Oakwood Clock, Bond Bugs, The Cellar, Rocket Fuel and The Paint That Never Dried.
David M Cameron 