I’ve had a lot of time to think over the past 50 years and looking back, like a lot of us, I’ve made some foolish decisions - maybe I was different then, or maybe it was because I didn’t know who to ask.

Well either way, would I want to change them? Off the top of my head I’d say no - I was young, strong-minded and no-one was going to tell me what to do! Unfortunately I learned the hard way and had to suffer the consequences and pain that went with those decisions. As I’ve grown a little bit older I hope I’ve become a little bit wiser. On reflection maybe I could have made life just a little bit easier for myself and those around me if I’d done things slightly differently!

Anyway, here’s some of my thoughts on some of those decisions and a look at how things could have worked out differently - I hope they give you something to think about - I look forward to reading some of your thoughts.

So coming up first; What about the money - was it all that bad?

I have many memories in my life and if I had to say which has meant the most, it would be a struggle as to where to begin.  Some are good,  some are bad,  but here’s some of the better ones.  Some of the fondest memories I have are those of my early adult life, with Keith, my second husband and before we won the pools!  We had nought, we were skint, struggling to make ends meet. Keith, my husband, bought £7 a week home from the pit, and what with trying to feed four kids and paying the bills, the odd football coupon was a treat.  There is no doubt that at times it was hard and I mean very hard. My life story  But as I look back, it’s made me think about how rich I was in many other ways.  We were close as a family and as community.  We could leave our doors unlocked, we’ve lived in each other’s houses, yes that’s how we

lived.  The whole street was one big open house, one big family as it were, all nipping in and out of each other houses, having fun but also caring for those in need.  There was trust in the community and a sense of comradeship and solidarity.  Yes, it was difficult at times and you couldn’t take things for granted.  You had to face life’s challenge head on and not give up.  And now even though we all seem to be a lot wealthier,  with gadgets and luxuries to help make our lives better,  the question that keeps coming back to my mind is, are we really any better off? Are we truly happier? Where’s the community spirit that held our communities together?

Yes, they were the good old days!

Viv