ABSTRACT
Ordinary memories, perhaps, but couched in the language of later less ordinary times in Margaret life. Their ‘ordinary’ memories included rows, drinking, beatings, domestic violence, family break-up and – for one child – removal to a children’s home. Many of the contributors’ accounts of their childhood and schooldays are likely to resonate with other people’s memories of the same time, or with the memories of their parents and grandparents. George Coley’s family memories were mixed. He always spoke warmly about his father and enjoyed talking about the pubs and dominoes of his youth. Although some members of the group were sent away from home in childhood – to a hospital, children’s home or boarding school – everyone had their early memories of going to an ordinary local school. The following extract from Past Times captures some of the group members’ individual and shared memories of their home life.
