The possibilities of the 1950s are explored in a new book written by an academic from the University of Chester.
Dr Stephen F. Kelly, Visiting Professor in Journalism at the University, is the author of the recently published Recollections of the 1950s: Home, Family and New Horizons (The History Press) which is available to buy
here.
The 1950s saw a major shift in the lifestyles of many people living in Britain. Levels of employment rose to new heights and the shops featured white consumer goods for the first time. Homes welcomed their first televisions and rock ‘n’ roll was born.
Other significant developments during the post-war decade included the National Health Service providing free healthcare to the nation, families enjoying going on holidays and Queen Elizabeth II being crowned.
The book includes interviews with former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock and footballers Bobby Charlton, Wilf McGuiness and Terry Venables. The book includes chapters on schooldays, TV and radio, trips to the seaside and the music and fashion from this exciting decade of change as the world emerged from the shadow of the Second World War.
Lord Kinnock also provides a foreword for the book.
Stephen, from Birkenhead, is the author of more than 20 books written mainly about sport and sporting personalities. He has an extensive career in both television and newspapers.
He said: “I grew up in Birkenhead in the 1950s. It was a defining era, the beginning of a new Elizabethan age. For the first time ever there was full employment, economic growth and optimism. Young people were beginning to make their voices heard and Britain stood on the brink of change.
“I hope my book captures some of this although it’s important to add that not everything was wonderful. Women often didn’t have careers, getting a divorce was difficult and equal rights for gay people were non-existent.
“It’s important that we hear the voices of ordinary people. What the era was really like for them in their daily lives. And that is what I’ve set out to do.”
