Around Town

Now I would be around about six,
Mum would take us to the pics.
Sis and I would catch a bus to town,
Of our weekly joys, this wore the crown.

The Ritz, Gaumont and the Odeon,
Plus flea pit place, long since gone.
My orders were to go to a particular one,
Depending on where a suitable film was on.

Another thing I had to do, was get in it, it there was a queue;
Mum would meet us, from her work at a factory then I knew.
Always two films would be shown,
Never like now, one on its own!

Most films, the Huggets, Mrs, Miniver, those sorts;
Some adventures, Robin Hood, Lassie, or about sports.
The other film shorter, but still a good movie;
All innocent but we thought them all growy.

There would also be a small documentary.
For our pennies we got plenty.
One other showing not to amuse,
Was a short, true life 'Pathe' news.

Time to go, our mum now with us,
Off with her to catch a no. 2 bus.
Note, we did not have crisps by the packet;
Even today, half a spud, I think it's a racket.

No ice cream, or popcorn, or other treats,
And certainly, no not ever, a packet of sweets.
The 'Pathe' and the 'Gaumont' pictured news
Would give us all the war time views.

It's surprising too, as a little kid things they hears.
As mum used to say, "small kids have big ears!"
Some memories for that long time ago
Was from grownups talk, thinking we'd not know.

Dad on leave, he, mum and I, would go
To the labour club, arrowroot and Vimto.
Sister would stay home with a baby sitter,
Clubs membership rules wouldn't admit her.

A large room, stage one end, bar at the other.
"Be seen and not heard" would say my mother.
Funny what I'd see and hear in that place;
Pretend not to understand, keep a straight face.

In the corner and old upright piano;
Wartime songs every one had a go.
Dad would after several mild beers,
Would up on stage, serenade old dears.