Wednesday, 27 April 2016

The 1960's in Focus


Twin tub washing machines were the height of fashion in the 1960s, central heating was only a dream for many. 





Even the rag and bone man still traipsed the streets with his old cart and horse.



The telephone box at the end of the street was the only place you'd be able to make a call from; very few homes had their own phone. 



Storm Clouds Gathering is set in these times with the backdrop of a Yorkshire mill town. 
Three women, each different in their way of life: Kathleen Mitchell, a loving hard working mother and wife. To make ends meet she works all hours she can in the nearby wool mill. Her best friend Shirley Burton, unfortunately without children, also works in the same mill, but doesn’t quite have the same views on married life. Her behaviour leads her into a situation that she has no idea how to handle. Then there is Anne Simpson, a school teacher at the nearby junior school where Kathleen’s children attend. Anne fights for the rights of children not to be bodily mishandled as punishment for misbehaviour which was often the case in the 60’s. 

Together these three families bring a rich story of love, friendship and heartbreak. And, as close and sure as they are about tomorrow, none of them realise that by the end of the summer of 1965 their lives will never be the same again.

6 comments:

Rosemary Gemmell said...

I remember all those, Pauline! Will definitely need to read your book at some point.

Unknown said...

Great new look for the Blog, Pauline. Loved the sixties post. My mum had a washing machine like that one. And the telephone boxes were the mobile phones of the 60s. I remember them well. Happy days. xxx

Pauline Barclay said...

Hello Rosemary, I do too! Thanks for stopping by and I hope if you do read Storm Clouds Gathering, you will enjoy. Hugs xxx

Pauline Barclay said...

Hello Madalyn, my mum did too! As for mobile phones, something unheard of back then. Thanks for you comment on the Blog. Have a fabby day. Love xxx

Jean Bull said...

Happy memories! We still have a phone box like that, but it's got a defibrillator inside. How times change!

Pauline Barclay said...

Hello Jean, thank you for stopping by. And yes, how times have changed at least it is just as much a help line as before...! x