Now that would take me 51 years to write!!!..................I was brought up in Shepherds Bush by an amazing Mum Joan, now aged 76. She was a VERY rare lady in those days, who owned lots of big bikes. They include 2 Arial square 4's, 2 triumph speed twins, BSA Bantam, Triumph Terrier, Arial 600, Jawa, Francis Barnet 250 Twin. When I was born she got a 'Busby' side car, to put me and her Boxer dog in (she did not give up riding even then). Mum was secretary of the Alperton & Wembley motorcycle club, and often went to the Ace Cafe during the 50's. She has some incredible stories and pictures to share. She got sacked from a telephonist job at George Wimpy, simply because it was considered 'unladylike' to arrive and leave on a motorbike (even though she packed a suitable work skirt/dress in her bag). Mum has also ridden countless other big bikes, and did trials/scrambling as well. She used to do all her own repairs too!!! She bought me my own Bike, a BSA C15 Star as a teenager. She soon realised I was "too girly" to follow in her footsteps....I got into classic cars instead!I moved from another dangerous part of London, to live in civilized Rayleigh during 1989. I have always been on the fringes of the 1950's scene, but got into it properly 16 years ago. I met my partner Geoff 15 years ago. Please believe me when I say we have NEVER had a row in all this time. We are both easy going, and give each other the space and freedom we need. People can't understand it, as I am often out with my male friends, either with or without Geoff. Our relationship works well for us, and we are perfectly happy as we are. I am a typical Aquarius, which explains a lot about me. I am a little eccentric (in a nice way). I relate best to people who are a bit different from Mr & Mrs average. I am a good person at heart, and am always polite and friendly to people. I am rather sensitive, and get hurt very easily. I like to make genuine friends for life (if possible). However, there are lots of 'fair weather/fickle friends' and 'users' out there! I have come unstuck a few times, but never seem to learn to toughen up.
We don't have kids, but have 2 rescued cats instead (easier and cheaper). We had always owned rescued dogs as well up until recently, but loosing them is just too painful.
We own a 1957 Ford Zephyr, which needs a bit of work doing. My every day car is an American 1988 Chrysler LeBaron.
Our pride and joy is our white 1961 Chrysler New Yorker. It is a gigantic, all fins & chrome beauty. I drive it more than Geoff does. You would be amused to see me take up 4 bays in the supermarket car park....2 length ways, and 2 width ways! I don't care if the 'norms' think I am selfish....ha ha!
Background from Google search result
50's Rock & Roll Tribute (Dance Swing & Boogie Woogie) Rocky http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1yry980XFdw
This is a great video, surprisingly made by a DJ in Argentina. Lots of original jive clips for you to enjoy with me. Love Ruth xxx
Ryan Francois Choreography Show-reel http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fZtoAa6VbjY
Ryan Promo
Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas (in my opinion) can wipe the floor with us all. OK, it may not be 1950's style rock and roll jive, but who cares. They are just the best dancers around, and are multi talented. It is a long video, but well worth watching all the way through. I have seen them live many times, with my jaw on the floor!!
1961 Chrysler New Yorker -- Dennis Gage presents (THE IDENTICAL CAR TO OURS) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZuLpbhISV4
This is an absolutely brilliant video of a similar car to ours, and is well worth watching. It has been recorded for television, and so is well made and very informative. It is interesting to hear how very rare these cars are, even in America
