About the author

Philip Wilkinson

During my childhood in Headingley, Leeds, in the 1970s, I was the oldest of five children. Our district was rapidly transforming into student accommodations, reflecting the changing times. Unfortunately, our family faced financial hardships, which compelled us to rent out the largest bedroom in our modest four-bedroom terrace house to two students. This arrangement helped us make ends meet, but it also meant we had to make do with limited space.

Our home had a cellar where we had a copper boiler and mangle for washing our clothes. Coal fires provided warmth in the two main rooms, as insulation was absent from the attic bedroom conversions (installed with the available funds from a grant scheme). The lack of insulation made those rooms very uncomfortable, especially during harsh weather.

In addition to the financial constraints, we didn't have a television or a car, which was not uncommon for families in similar circumstances at the time. However, our parents, who were actively involved in the evangelical Christian community, ensured that our entertainment revolved around our faith. We held Sunday school meetings in our lounge, fostering a sense of community within our own home. Another memorable experience was attending the televised Billy Graham rallies, which took place in marquees on Woodhouse Moor. These events provided spiritual nourishment and a sense of connection with a larger religious community.

Despite the challenges, we considered ourselves fortunate in one respect: we had an indoor bathroom and toilet. It was a small but significant comfort that set us apart from some others in similar situations.

Reflecting on those years, I realise that our upbringing taught us resilience and an appreciation for the simpler aspects of life. The contrast between those times and the conveniences and technologies we enjoy today is striking, but the memories and lessons from that period continue to shape who we are.is transformed into extraordinary tales filled with humour and wit. It is a testament to the power of imagination and the joy that can be found in even the most mundane moments.

The title of the book refers to one such tale involving a camping trip to the Hill Inn, Yorkshire, arriving soaked to the skin and plastered in mud, having fallen off a motorbike in the muddy construction for a car park, we noticed a new sign on the door, no motorcyclists allowed, the landlord called us back and holding the door open said “you two are alright, it’s only the dirty ones we don’t want”. This is typical of the many tales in this book, a reflection on life, sometimes shocking, sometimes rude, sometimes laugh out loud funny and when put together a record of a kid growing up in the 1970’s.

Recalling this tale, I was reminded of my experience starting high school, Government free school uniform was cheap and nasty by comparison with that offered for sale to wealthier families, once again I spent two years being bullied and segregated for being poor, my peers took one look at me and decided it’s only the dirty ones we don’t want.

In a journey through these light-hearted exchanges, we encounter an eclectic mix of topics, from tribulations in school, to motorcycles and rallies to pub escapades and unexpected surprises. Each question, transformed with a touch of humour, breathes new life into the mundane, inviting us to embrace the absurdity and find laughter in unexpected places.

Through the lens of this writer, we are transported into a world where storytelling and amusement collide. The author's playful approach, rewriting ordinary narratives with a twist of humour, infuses each page with a sense of whimsy and delight. From camping trips to rally mishaps, no subject is off-limits when it comes to tickling the reader's funny bone.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a delightful journey through these whimsical conversations. Let the playful banter and laughter-filled anecdotes brighten your day and remind you that sometimes, the greatest adventures are found within the realms of imagination and humour.