Newtown Naughty Boy

by Richard Blackshire

A mix of social history and the funny, wild adventures of a boy growing up in the new town of Hemel Hempstead through the post-war 1950s to the disco era of the 1970 anecdotes about how things were then. Discover what our schooling was like then, how he played freely in the open fields, who the odd numbers were, and why he had an obsession with science fiction and airguns. These are the Salad days of the Newtown Naughty Boy.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a detailed account of growing up in the fifties, sixties and seventies in one of the post-war new towns. The book is full of memories, some of which I shared and some were new. I hadn't thought about jubblies for years! The author shares his adult perspectives of the era and his personality shines through the writing. I really enjoyed reading it and think it would be a delight for readers of a similar age and for younger readers who want to get a flavour of those times.

[Richard Blackshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am the author I maybe slightly bias in my review. however I will submit here someone else's review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written in a fast paced style by breaking down blocks of years into various categories and visiting each for a short episode then returning to it later on. Little clues are given that a story will be expanded upon in another chapter and the reader looks forward to getting to that later chapter and find out more about the next funny story or situation.
The book starts with stories and snapshots of the author’s childhood which have been expanded by researching and sharing historic information about Hemel’s beginnings prior to it becoming a New Town. Family roots and their connections to the town are an interesting read and how the massive post war change in the area affected both this family and other local people and the London overspill families also.
The simplicity of life in the 50’s for families with little money and so few luxury items being available is demonstrated by the friendships and play of the author as young boy. Freedom bought about an element of mischief which is woven throughout the book and the tales of playing in woodland with camps, fires, guns along with an obsession with science and chemistry could have got the author into even more scrapes than they did.
How a boy is supported by parents, and just occasionally crossing the path of law enforcement shows how common sense and not over reacting can allow a child to grow into a decent adulthood.
This book also demonstrates that education doesn’t have to be totally academic and a child who struggles in some area’s can come good and find a decent employment path.
I must say my life has run on a parallel, growing up in the same area, going to the same schools and drinking in the same pubs. My memory had been quite sketchy as it is now so many years later but this book has made me remember the times well and with great fondness. I am sure however, that anyone with an interest in the era, location or just the life of a Naughty Boy will love this read! Roll on the sequel!

[Andrew Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might think Richard Blackshire's memoire of childhood/teenage years could have only a narrow, local interest. It's difficult for me to say because I am roughly the same age as the author and grew up in roughly similar circumstances - so, for me, it was a journey through my own early years and memories too. I remember so much that Richard also remembers and for those bitter sweet, faded recollections I am very grateful. (Spangles, those bloody 'Lucky Dip' bags that always disappointed, dirty motor bikes, clubs and buses and misunderstandings with the local police, cars, and fires and fireworks and bullies, and hateful games lessons,standing freezing cold near the goal at school.)

It's true that readers from other countries and other ages will not recognise some of the references. But the truths and sentiments in this book are the universal truths and sentiments of ordinary people everywhere, so please don't be put off by the place and time - this is a book about all growing up; some of its adventures are as funny as Just William's and as exciting as Swallows and Amazons - they just happen to be centred in an undistinguished English Newtown (Hemel Hempstead) in an undistinguished period of history (post war).

Taken only as a book, I am sure Newtown Naughty boy has some flaws. Richard never sets out to write faultless literary prose, and some of the sequences and chronology are a bit awkward, but it's best not to think of it as a book - it's more like a night at the pub with your oldest friends, talking, laughing and crying about those shared times of long ago. And, as a night down the pub with old mates, this is the absolute best.

There were moments that brought tears to my eyes - such as the priceless recorded voices of parents, now departed - and episodes that brought tears of laughter - look out for Terry, covered in cow dung, climbing a tree in a doomed squirrel hunt.

Richard Blackshire lets us in on his precious memories, but he also helps us remember some of our own.

[Carol Sandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this blast from the past. Even if it was told from a boy/blokes point of view it brought back so many vivid memories if time past. Excellent read that I will recommend to any fellow Hemelite.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this trip back in time

Well written and brought back memories of the disco era and teenage frolic ....Also good account of when kids played out and made their own entertainment.... Needs to write a sequel !!