|
 | |  | |
Memories of growing up in Leith. The trials and tribulations of the period, allied to the camaraderie of the community in facing up to an uncertain future made a lasting impression on John Stewart.
The Port of Leith Motor Boat Club met in a hall in Tolbooth Wynd immediately above Edgar's, the motorcycle shop. The members all had their boats moored on the Water of Leith at the side of the old Hawthorns yard.
Some of us became associate member of the club and would be invited to join the others as they messed about in their boats. Most of these boats were converted from old lifeboats that were procured from the ship breakers yard at Inverkeithing.
Although we were under the age for drinking alcohol, we never really tried to obtain it as such, but we did partake of it on occasions, especially at New Year time.
As for smoking, the dangers of it were not apparent then but it did not really interest us in the main. Some of the lads did have the occasional cigarette but this was only to impress the girls. I never began until I was 23 years of age, but now I am contented with a pipe.
By 1955, the Edwardian suits were making their entrance. This was in junction with the rock 'n' roll music introduced by Bill Haley. Like many of our contemporaries we were eager to don the gear.
Burtons in the Kirkgate was our main supplier of drape suits and drainpipe trousers in charcoal grey, sky blue or whatever.
With our hairstyles based on the Tony Curtis look and the DA to the rear, we were caught up in the fashion. Great Junction Street was our main promenade thoroughfare. We were the bee's knees despite the despairing attitudes of our parents.
We enjoyed the period as much as anybody, but our time together as pals was drawing to a close. Some of us had served our two year National Service and on returning were no longer teenagers. Our lives had been intertwined since before the War, but now ties were being loosened.
Some of us had found girl friends, others like myself had gone abroad and despite the attempts at getting back together, our lives had taken a different course.
In compiling this narrative, I have attempted to relive those days. Now looking back, I think we had a great time together, and I for one would not have changed it for anything.
Some of these guys are not around anymore, but if I am fortunate in any that are who might read this, then I would dearly love to hear from them. Here's Hoping.
John Stewart, 2001
| |  | |  |
To add a comment you must first login or join for free, up in the top left corner.
|
|
