The main reason for my visits was to buy a Top Twenty record single, but occasionally it was to buy an item which was quite new to me - it was called a stylus. When I think how switched on kids are today re: computers, iPhones, et al I have to smile at my innocence.
Our first record player at 6/2 Oxgangs Avenue was a portable record player that when it was packed away looked like a small suitcase. It was daft really, because in most households it was set up permanently, however if you chose to close it down after play, particularly if there was little space in your bedroom, it was useful and compact. I guess the concept behind it was that you could take it with you to visit friends to play records together.
I got my first one from The Club. It was a very happy day when it arrived - at that moment 20 weeks of payments weren't a concern; and after all I had my paper money from Baird's Newsagent's for delivering morning papers as well as The Edinburgh Evening News in the afternoons.
My first introduction to the intricacies of the stylus was when something went wrong - the record wasn't playing properly.
'Have you tried out the stylus, Peter?'
'The what?'
'The stylus - the needle - you'll find it located under the arm - it comes out! You'll get one at Robbs - Neep!'
I seem to recall the styluses came in different sizes and brands, because I had to return the first one I bought - initially it was a little tricky to fit, but once I had done it I felt quite proud of myself - like a proper technician - a real man!
The first record that I bought was in 1967 was Scott Mackenzie's San Francisco'. It remains a haunting track taking people back in time. Another record I bought was Peter Sarstedt's Frozen Orange Juice which I remember playing relentlessly on a jukebox in a cafe in Grantown-on-Spey on a holiday with my grandparents.
During the late spring of 1969 we'd been visiting my father who had hospitalised himself for another six week spell at the Andrew Duncan Clinic to try to get himself back on the wagon after he'd been on a bender. Visiting him was difficult, but we were supportive, particularly my mother.
I seem to recall the styluses came in different sizes and brands, because I had to return the first one I bought - initially it was a little tricky to fit, but once I had done it I felt quite proud of myself - like a proper technician - a real man!
The first record that I bought was in 1967 was Scott Mackenzie's San Francisco'. It remains a haunting track taking people back in time. Another record I bought was Peter Sarstedt's Frozen Orange Juice which I remember playing relentlessly on a jukebox in a cafe in Grantown-on-Spey on a holiday with my grandparents.
During the late spring of 1969 we'd been visiting my father who had hospitalised himself for another six week spell at the Andrew Duncan Clinic to try to get himself back on the wagon after he'd been on a bender. Visiting him was difficult, but we were supportive, particularly my mother.
Those daily visits were made easier by playing table tennis in the hospital's games room - it was great fun to do something as a family - it was something which we could all join in and participate as a family - good competition and several laughs - but wasn't it incredibly ironic that it took such a visitation to such a place to facilitate such a rare happening!
Will and Tom
Will on the ropes! from Paw!
I've never thought about that irony until typing this blog. Over a decade ago I bought a table tennis table and we all play out in the garden from the spring through to the autumn - even the non-sporty Alison and 'Unc' Iain Hoffmann on his regular visitations! It's given much fun over the years and the occasional argument!
On reflection was there something in my subconscious - was the decision less about free will?
After Mother, Anne Hoffmann Jr and Iain Hoffmann and I visited the hospital we used to stand outside Robbs' Electrical Shop awaiting the dear old Number 16 Bus to take us home.
After Mother, Anne Hoffmann Jr and Iain Hoffmann and I visited the hospital we used to stand outside Robbs' Electrical Shop awaiting the dear old Number 16 Bus to take us home.
I'd enjoy looking in Robbs' window at all their goods.
And it was on the way down for such a hospital visitation that I had nipped in to Robbs' to buy Get Back by The Beatles. Their record label featuring a large apple was good enough to eat - the novel design captured my imagination.
Let It Be by The Beatles must have been on the go around this time too.
Let It Be by The Beatles must have been on the go around this time too.
Leaving the hospital was always bitter-sweet.
As a boy a part of me was glad to get away from the hospital and the people in there and also from my father, but I also felt very guilty too and a sorrowfulness descended as we strolled along Miller Crescent, turning to wave to my father as he receded into the background.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
