Talk: Mostly we had it good: a baby boomer's journey

Did we baby boomers really have it so good?

 This was a question I set out to answer when I retired after a 40-year career in journalism. I decided to use the piles of material I had collected to write a memoir charting my progress through the second half of the 20th century. It took me seven years. 

This talk starts with my childhood in Wimbledon, not long after the end of war. It is a tough time of mourning and rationing, though these deprrivations provide lasting lessons. And, as the dull colours give way to the golds and reds of the Coronation, we learn that things can, after all, get better.

A little later on, after failing spectacularly at two forbidding schools, I take advantage of free college education and find a brand new university willing to give me - and many others - a chance.

My first job is as a reporter in a small country town, where my editor instils in me the value of simple writing, honest reporting, and a punning headline.  

Finally, towards the end of the millennium, I take advantage of the extraordinary advances in technology and medical science – from the miracle of modern medicines to the ability to phone home from the top of a bus. 

My conclusion is that we have been a lucky generation - an assertion that often provokes some llively disagreement. 

Copies of Mostly We Had It Good: a baby boomer's journey, will be available to buy at a special rate.

'An entertaining, Interesting and thought provoking talk ... I heard discussion breaking out all over the place...’ Richard Deavin, President, Epsom Rotary Club

Timing: The talk normally runs for about 40 minutes

Speaker’s details: I was a journalist on  national and medical newspapers and magazines, and after that ran a business teaching written communication skills to health professionals. I have written four books on medical writing and a memoir. I am an experienced public speaker and former chairman of Mole Valley Speakers Club.

Standard fee: £50

Zoom talks scheduled for 2021

January 26: Fetcham U3A

June 15: Cranleigh WI

July 7: Sanderstead WI

Previous talks include: Edenbridge Probus,South Croydon Probus, Moleside Probus, Banstead Rotary, Ashtead Rotary