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I lived through those exciting times when the massive changes took place in fashion and music, you felt grown up at 15, and your story evoked all those memories for me. London was wonderful then and there was no fear for yourself or of crime etc. Police were always around walking the beat and of course you avoided the “sleazier” areas which you were warned against many times by your parents…

However what a shocking end to your story and what happened to your friend (and you also). I sometimes think how lucky I was to have had a good childhood and caring parents. I was not aware of any abuse that was happening and still happens in families all behind closed doors. Of course nobody talked about things like this then and you just thought everybody's family was the same as yours. The only thing that seems to have changed is that there are now places to go to for help yet it is still happening…

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Every time I have been to London I think I have enjoyed it. Only time I ever felt uneasy was when I stayed in Rotherhithe YHA alone. Not the YHA itself - that was lovely and clean - but at the time (Early 00’s) there were lots of gangs knocking around on the streets and it made me a little wary.

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What a piece of writing, Julie.!

Raw, funny, visceral and clear and honest.

I’m honoured to ‘know’ you, and thanks.

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Aww cheers. Appreciate that :)

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We all carry our secrets, some heavier than others, it must still have been a relief of sorts for her to tell someone else... 💔

I was fourteen first time I flew over to the UK, stayed outside High Wycombe with friends of my parents, went into London a couple of times but wasn’t impressed, I’ve never really liked big cities.

Went there again briefly a few years ago on my way to a friend's wedding, fell in love with the city and ended up spending a long weekend on my own for my fortieth birthday...

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Yes I’ve been many times now and had differing experiences but on the whole I enjoy London.

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your writing is excellent, Julie. write a book!

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I think one day when I get enough chapters I might just put em together. Cheers. :)

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This is a amazing piece of writing Julie. Blew me away, I was riveted. Have you ever considered writing a novel? You really should, you have a rare, raw talent. Your story telling and descriptions are so vivid, I feel like I’m there with you. Thank you for sharing with us. x

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Cheers. I might get my shit together at some point. I am better with things that actually happened. I may ‘stitch’ all my little tales together at one point.

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You’re welcome.

If I’m ever in Hebden Bridge I shall look out for a woman with bright red lipstick, oddly coloured hair and VERY strident opinions, and give her a hug like a long-list sister❤️

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founding

That is a jaw dropping piece of prose, Julie. You really bring it to life. It got me thinking about a trip down to London that friend and I did around the same age (I make mention of it in a comment on this page:)

https://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/lives-remembered/saph-wright.html

But I couldn’t for the life of me remember any details now. It’s almost like I can’t grasp that it happened. I remember the warmth of the sun in a Henley pub garden, the feel of a woollen blanket at her relative’s house where we stayed - but anything else I chose to write now would be pure fiction based on fleeting impressions. I suppose I’m urging you to get it all written down while you still can!

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The piece you wrote for your friend is really moving. Sounds like she was very loved and is missed.

Memories are strange things - the way some are so vivid, others a complete haze. I think often they are connected with feeling as the stronger the emotions felt, the deeper the imprint is made.

Many of my strong memories are from my teenage years and I think that’s why. It was a period characterised by strong emotion for me.

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founding

Thank you. I think you’re right about emotion. Apart from being happy in the haze of a drunken hour here and there, I spent much of my teen years in a state of wry, ironic detachment (something I remain prone to, tbh). Perhaps that’s why my memories are much of a vague muchness?

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My kids have gone with Grandad today for their first time! I'm getting loads of syncs today! 🤣

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Hope they enjoy themselves:)

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They're having a blast I think! Xx thank you

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Oh wow :( . Kicked up a memory of a friend I walked to the station with telling me about her Dad abusing her, we were 13. I didn't know what to do or say, I feel I failed her somehow.

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So much of this stuff went on and goes on. I’ve a story about that with another friend too sadly. X

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💔💔💔

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The comments I make about nostalgia/things not being as they were I was making from the perspective of a sixteen year old girl.

The older I get, sadly I can see that although not perfect, many things were indeed better in the past. I’m not a complete ‘nostalgia flag flyer’ yet - i have to believe in the future or what else do we have - but maybe i can relate more now, being a parent and seeing what has been stolen from my son’s life and the unwanted additions.

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February 15, 2023
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Cheers Viv.

Yes I keep writing bits ‘chapters’ from my past as and when the mood takes me as that seems to work for me rather than undertaking a chronological feat.

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