Foreword

It's only the dirty ones we don't want

The title of the book refers to a 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.