When I was born, we still had rationing - not for everything, but I had my own ration book for a couple of years.

There was only one TV channel and it was in black and white, computers were science fiction, and programmed using switches.

No one had an electronic calulator, most phones were solidly fixed inside red or blue boxes, women wore stockings, petticoats and high heels every day and often a hat and gloves. Men wore suits, or 'flannels' and sports coat. Shoes were polished leather or brushed suede or pigskin.

Renting a house was the normal thing, as was buying on hire purchase, or saving up and doing without in order to afford something - though you bought it in the sales if you could.

If you had a fitted carpet you invited people in to look at it.

And now - it's just not like that any more.

Anne the Pleater