Bøker av Derek Tait

Exploring a fascinating pictorial local history of Plymouth through the sixties, seventies and eighties.

Explore the rich history of Plymouth in this guided tour through its most fascinating historic and modern buildings.

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Cornwall has changed and developed over the last century

Bordering Devon and Cornwall, the River Tamar stretches through some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the south west. Over the years, much has changed in the region. Gone are the many barges that once took fruit, vegetables and other produce up and down the river. The river was once a hive of industry with many tin, copper, lead, silver and tungsten mines along its banks.Much has changed but the river is still very busy with boats, dinghies and jet skis. Regular yacht races are held weekly and there is much activity as the river nears Plymouth. This book shows the many developments over the years including changes to transport, shipping and fashions as well as changes to the many communities that live nearby.

For over seventy-five years, Butlin's have been entertaining families of all ages. Billy Butlin opened his first holiday camp in Skegness in 1936 and continued to expand with camps at Clacton, Ayr, Pwllheli, Bognor Regis, Mosney, Minehead and Barry Island. In post-war Britain, families could enjoy a holiday at Butlin's for the equivalent of a week's wage. Their slogan was 'Our True Intent is all for Your Delight'. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of people visited Butlin's and many have wonderful memories of the friendly redcoats, the funfair rides, roller skating, boating, the talent contests and the beauty pageants.

An engaging journey through the Devon port city of Plymouth highlighting its heritage, people and places from across the centuries.

What it was like to grow up in 1980s Britain, from the Cold War to Duran Duran. This book combines memories, original documents and photos from that time.

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Devon has changed and developed over the last century

Very few buildings that stood in the centre of Plymouth before the War still remain. The city was devastated by enemy bombing especially during 1941. Many of the old, narrow, congested streets were destroyed completely, changing the face of Plymouth forever. After the War, a new modern City Centre was built with first class stores and spacious streets. Vast changes have also occurred in the areas surrounding the centre. Some areas are now totally unrecognizable but often a bit of old wall, post or fence will be exactly the same as it was a hundred years ago making it easier to work out where an old building, factory or farmhouse might have once stood. This book will prove appealing to both people who are interested in the history of the city and also to those who are interested in how the area has changed over the years.

Covers Cornwall in the Second World War, from the commencement of the conflict in September 1939, until its end in September 1945, featuring many forgotten news stories of the day.

Covers Devon in the Second World War, from the commencement of the conflict in September 1939, until its end in September 1945, featuring many forgotten news stories of the day.

Covers Bath in the Great War from the commencement of war in July 1914 to the Armistice in November 1918, featuring many forgotten news stories of the day. Describes what was happening in the city during the conflict including people's everyday lives, entertainment, spies and the internment of aliens living within the city.

With few TVs, children in the 1950s made their own entertainment: they played conkers, built dens and go-karts, climbed trees and re-enacted fights from the latest cinema blockbuster. Food was, for many years, still rationed and bought from the local corner shop. There was no pre-packed food, frozen food or many of the other luxuries that we take for granted today. Families would gather around the radio to hear the latest dramatizations such as the incredibly popular show Dan Dare, which was sponsored by Horlicks and was first broadcast in 1951. A trip to the cinema included a Pathe News reel, cartoons and a double bill featuring the latest movies. Much has changed for children over the years and this book shows what life was once like for the children of the 1950s including home life, school days, music and fashions.

Do you remember glam rock, flares, cheesecloth shirts and chopper bikes? Who could forget all the glam rock bands of that era, like Slade, Wizard, Mud and Sweet, or singers like Alvin Stardust, Marc Bolan and David Bowie?

Growing up as a child in Singapore and Malaya in the 1960s was an idyllic experience. Thousands of children of naval personnel will have the same fond memories of the time spent there, as Derek has. Who could forget the constant hot weather or the strange smells that you only seemed to find in the Far East? Who could forget the heavy monsoon rains, chit-chats or Tiger Balm Gardens? Other memories will include the markets, hawkers, amahs and snake charmers. Shopping was an experience in itself. Bartering was a way of life and anyone who lived there at the time would remember CK Tang's and Change Alley. Only going to school till 1.00 p.m. because of the heat and spending the rest of the day on boat trips or at the beach was wonderful, as were all the fantastic toys that were available at the time. This book will remind people of those far off sunny days of childhood, and will bring back many happy memories to those who shared in the experience.