Sunday 22 November 2009

Derby Punks

One of my favourite authors is Roddy Doyle.  Not that I get much chance to read fiction nowadays.  Most of the books I do read are on topics like business or food or renovations or interior decorating or or or ... you know - 'how to' books. And I do it out of necessity, seeing as we are doing everything ourselves, for the first time. 

Eva.

Getting back to Roddy Doyle... many of his stories make me think of my own childhood and life at home with four older brothers.  Let me show you:


From left to right: Brother Gary (3rd boy), Brother Alan (1st born), brother Brian (2nd boy).  


Brother Robin (4th boy).  And then, there's me, as you know:


Helen (1st girl, 5th and last child).

What always cracks me up about these old photos are our hair styles and the clothes we wore.  Mam knitted almost every jumper that ever graced our tiny backs.  They were usually bright colours, so that she could '...spot 'em in a crowd...' as she would say. They lasted for decades and were worn by all of us (and others in between).  Usually, the pants were too large, hence the belts and / or braces holding them up, way above our waists.  Gotta love the high waists!

Don't we all look like butter wouldn't melt in our mouths? Don't be fooled; - each and every angelic child you see above was once a gang leader in our Midlands neighbourhood.  The Mods, The Troggs, The Dogs, The Bovver Boys, The Skinheads, The Slapheads, The Scrappers (in no particular order).  Mostly, though, we were known (and feared) by our surname, and on any given day, in alley ways and entry ways, down streets with either terraced houses, semi or detached and even on the new estates, you could hear local kids shout out to their mams, in somewhat high-pitched, anxiety filled voices:

"Mam, mam!  It's the Hudsons!"

12 comments:

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Oh you are all adorable! I go through phases where I read nothing but fiction- then I can't stand fiction and read nothing but non-fiction, self help or how to books... so funny. I wonder why that is?

Mrs. White said...

I cannot even imagine any of these sweet children bringing fear into their neighborhoods! (smiles

love and hugs to you
blessings
Mrs. White

Mrs. White said...

Tell us more dear Helen.....

Blessings
Mrs. White

will said...

Are you suggesting there should be police booking numbers held by each in the photos?

Ken Devine said...

Not the Hudson's from Derbyshire?? Oh, my goodness!!

Alan Burnett said...

I am sure I was warned about you lot when I was younger. Enjoyable post.

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Oh how crafty was your Mum? And to use the bright colours so you wouldn't get lost! Brilliant. How great to have all those male buddies. I had two sisters and so we were all very girlie. xx

a Bohemian Market said...

Hi Helen:
What delightful photographs of you and your brothers. What a cool Mom to knit with the bright colors!!!
I am now a follower of you and will keep in touch. I have only been to Heathrow airport flying through and would love to visit, one day, your wonderful country.
I am glad to meet you and I will be back.
Peace & hugs
carole

Midlife Roadtripper said...

This story of you and your brothers appears well worthy of a longer tale. Four older brothers? Was your table set before you had a chance to decide what the dinner might be? No doubt, a tough girl you are. Or, perhaps the best athlete in the group?

Millennium Housewife said...

never, ever force home knits on your children. Unless of course you're taking photos for future amusement.

geraldgee said...

I was roughly halfway down my family of seven but the one in front of me was a girl so hand-me-downs was bad news!

French Fancy... said...

Yes you do all look very cute - you Hudson kids!

CATERPILLARS & KEEPING IT REAL

 Table talk amongst our children is and always has been, -  a rabbit warren . We start off in one hole and end up in another -  quick smart....