The FOC thread.

Anybody do the 'Whit walks'? I remember as a young'un in Uppermill walking behind a big church banner with my Sunday School mates and using pea shooters to bombard other Sunday Schools from Delph and Dobcross. The walk culminated in a brass band contest in the park. For all I know these walks still occur.
My Nan lived on the corner of Edmonton rd (one road up from ten acres) and Briscoe lane and we would stand in the garden and watch them all come down the lane.
 
Anybody do the 'Whit walks'? I remember as a young'un in Uppermill walking behind a big church banner with my Sunday School mates and using pea shooters to bombard other Sunday Schools from Delph and Dobcross. The walk culminated in a brass band contest in the park. For all I know these walks still occur.
Such a pity they binned the fancy dress but on the Saturday was such a laugh ruined by bellends in the end
 
Anybody do the 'Whit walks'? I remember as a young'un in Uppermill walking behind a big church banner with my Sunday School mates and using pea shooters to bombard other Sunday Schools from Delph and Dobcross. The walk culminated in a brass band contest in the park. For all I know these walks still occur.
Ever see "East is East"? The opening scene in that film.
 
About time us cantankerous old fossils had our own thread where we can talk shit and bang on about the good old days.


Who remembers The Plank.
View attachment 162023

*The Plank* (1967) is a classic example of British slapstick comedy, directed by and starring Eric Sykes, alongside Tommy Cooper. The film is nearly wordless, relying instead on physical gags, expressive sounds, and impeccable timing to deliver its humor. It tells the simple yet chaotic story of two hapless builders who attempt to transport a single wooden plank across town, resulting in a cascade of mishaps and comic encounters. Though the premise is modest, the execution is a masterclass in visual comedy, paying homage to silent-era traditions while infused with a distinctly British flavor.

Filmed primarily in the Putney area of London, *The Plank* offers a delightful snapshot of 1960s suburban life, with terraced houses, narrow streets, and period vehicles providing the backdrop for the mayhem. The film cleverly uses real locations to stage elaborate gags—from run-ins with pedestrians and vehicles to increasingly absurd obstacles that complicate the builders’ simple task. Putney's recognizable streets and urban character ground the humor in everyday British life, enhancing the relatability and charm of the film for local audiences.

Beyond its comedic brilliance, *The Plank* is celebrated for its ensemble cast of well-loved British comedians, including Jimmy Edwards, Hattie Jacques, and Roy Castle. Its success lies not only in its humor but in its nostalgic appeal, capturing a time when comedy was often physical, family-friendly, and rich with character. Decades later, *The Plank* remains a beloved piece of British cinema—a testament to the enduring power of simple storytelling told with expert comedic craft.
Remember it well. Don't make them like that any more. Trouble is these young Uns have no sense of humour if they watched it.
 
I suppose it was the mid 60s only on a friday night as a treat dad used to send me and my brother to the corner shop to get some sweets, we had 6 old pence to spend each and you could either get one bar of chocolate like a Mars Bar, kit kat or a Crunchie or loads of bits and pieces like flying saucers, Bubble gum or Black Jacks etc,
Mum always wanted Bon Bons and dad usually had dark chocolate like Bournville, it took me ages to make my mind up and the old witch behind the counter used to get annoyed :-)
Later in the late 60s I remember the 50p coins comming out & my nan said she was going to leave me one in her will, 50p seemed like an absolute fortune!
My dad was one of 11, all of them poor, except for one brother, he owned a small business and was the only one with a car (own house, garden and everything). Early 50's, he took me and my dad to a City away game (not sure if it was Leeds or Sheffield), any way, dropping us off at home he gave me a Half-Crown. My usual pocket money was 3d,it seemed like a fortune at the time.
 
Anybody do the 'Whit walks'? I remember as a young'un in Uppermill walking behind a big church banner with my Sunday School mates and using pea shooters to bombard other Sunday Schools from Delph and Dobcross. The walk culminated in a brass band contest in the park. For all I know these walks still occur.
we used to knock at the neighbours doors to show off our new clothes and they would give us a penny of two!
 
Reel to reel? You rich bugger!

The only reel you'd find in our house was on a fishing rod, and even then it woudn't reel in properly.

Radio 1...? You mean the Home service?

My mate had an old radiogram in their parlour. We used to think we were listening to Russian spies when we found a foreign station.
Radio Caroline was the big thing then. Pirate radio they called it but it played all the latest records. B B C was shit.
 
I Should've added knocking on doors with a shite Guy Fawkes extorting money off people.
Extorting Money...
Two friends and I used to stage mock fights at a bus stop. As soon as anyone approached they would run off. I would lie on the floor "injured" and claim the two lads had stolen my bus fare...could earn two or three shillings on a good night.
 

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