England, my England.

I came across this photo recently, and it took me right back to my childhood. This is exactly what England looked like when I was a wee whipper-snapper.

There were no E-bikes on the pavements, no-one carried phones in front of them, no-one wore rucksacks (unless they were off on a hiking holiday), no-one wore earphones all day long, and mass immigration had yet to commence. Most families were yet to own a TV; my own family certainly didn't.

Men wore shirts and ties and took pride in looking smart, Woolworths, Timothy Whites, and Mac Fisheries were still on every High Street, small children wore Chilprufe coats, and pukka 'Prams' were still common. No-one ate or drank in the street, and no-one dropped litter. Burger-joints were still unknown, and Supermarkets were still a rarity.

There was no Graffiti.

People aimed high. They wanted to be the best dressed, the highest paid, and the most successful and respected person in their community. Dumbing down had yet to be invented.

'Grooming Gangs' had also yet to be invented, as had 'Yardie' gangs. Hoodies didn't exist, nor did all-over body tattoos. Those with 'Mental Health' were looked after in special homes. 

No-one outside of a Football stadium would have been seen dead wearing training shoes or a sports track suit. And women didn't walk around half-naked.

Nor did people openly take drugs in the street, or walk around with open beer cans in their hands.

WW2 was not long over, and people wanted a better life. Everything was simpler. You went to school, got a job, married, bought a house, and lived happily ever after.

Sadly all that has changed over the ensuing years. I wonder why? Whether it's better or worse these days is another question!