by Paul Creasey » Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:36 pm
Having been immediately behind Keith in the queue to buy the "No Retreat" CD/DVD at The Acorn Theatre, I'm happy to echo his sentinments about Malc's excellent composition as well as Past Masters fine rendition on stage.
Another aspect of the CD/DVD appealed to me, too - the sleeve notes.
I was born in Roe Lane, Pitsmoor, Sheffield, in 1944, and vividly recall the devastation left by the Sheffield Blitz. Indeed, there was a large hole in the ground opposite No 83 (which must have been somewhere behind Dey's School of Dancing - later The Mojo Club) left over from The Blitz, and tales of our family's experiences during those dark days have passed into Creasey/Hurditch folklore. It was especially interesting reading about The Marples Hotel - as a young 'un one of my "treats" was to be taken to The News Theatre in Fitzallan Square to see the non-stop cartoons - and "The Mucky Duck", where, as "The Boardwalk", we now go from time-to-time to see/hear various Blues/Rock Bands. I also have happy memories of the post-war Cockaynes Store - I think that's where the toy department had an impressive (for the 1940's!) pre-Christmas display of toys, train sets, etc - another "treat" for the young PC!
I'd better NOT go-on about arriving from Lincoln at Victoria Station in the early '50's to stay at Roe Lane for Christmas - the massive Christmas Tree in the Station entrance hall, the lift down to The Wicker, and the Tram ride up Spital Hill to Pitsmoor.
Like Robbo, I, too, feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to live a "normal" life, and remain very grateful to those who dealt with the devastation of the World Wars. The sentiments expressed in the excellent CD/DVD sleeve notes are important, especially to the post-war generations who can have little or no understanding of the sacrifices made by so many.
More power to the collective elbows of "Past Masters" in raising awareness, and funds for The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.
Regards
Paul