This is a story of my early life, growing up in mid to late a70s Scotland, in a Catholic working-class background, in a mainly pre-war council estate, but with still the same hopes and dreams as any child. A lot of happiness stemmed from Christmas, holidays, television, pop music/radio, school, friends, church and hobbies. In particular, primary school was an extension of
This is a story of my early life, growing up in mid to late a70s Scotland, in a Catholic working-class background, in a mainly pre-war council estate, but with still the same hopes and dreams as any child. A lot of happiness stemmed from Christmas, holidays, television, pop music/radio, school, friends, church and hobbies. In particular, primary school was an extension of family. Holidays to Anstruther on the east coast in a caravan, and day trips to zoos, castles, particularly in Edinburgh, and Clyde resorts like Ayr all contributed to happiness. TV, particularly US programmes like Charlieas Angels, Six Million Dollar Man, and Loganas Run all influenced my life, as well as British TV and childrenas novels. Struggles were found with friends at high school, but nonetheless, exam success and enjoying everyday events like prizegivings and concerts as well as getting to know my extended family and joining them for gala days and other family events ensured a happy early adolescence. Religion too, from First Communion to Caring Church Week at school and retreats ensured a happy life under the ethos of the school. There were minor disappointments such as finding I was useless at skiing and most sports, practical things like cooking and sewing and lacking social skills, but I believe I had an upbringing which encouraged values of honesty and integrity against a harsh climate, low income, housing which then lacked amenities, poor health records, pollution and low life expectancy. The steelworks, once nearby, are now gone and all houses have modern central heating, UPVC doors and double-glazing.
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