A Child of Staveley

At the Empire, did you join the crush to get a good seat at the tuppenny rush ?

If you had a bit of luck did you call at Withams for an ay'penny duck ?

On the old Jimeze, did you ever skate, or watch Pufty Swift as he emptied each grate ?

Did you go to Mycrofts for wood or nails or buy your marbles from Sonkey Sales ?

Were you taken to Frisbys or the Co-op for boots did your dad ever wear Dicky Naylors suits ?

If you dad ever did, did you know it cost him less than a Quid ?

If your dad worked at Sand Spun or Devonshire Works he didn't get a bonus or even perks.

Or was he a Miner digging for coal, three days at work and three on the dole.

Were you sent errands for "Snaptins" or Duds", or sent to Hunts for leather or studs ?

When your Mam spent a tanner on neck-o-mutton and you asked for more, were you called a glutton ?

Tuppence for fish, a penny for chips did you ever spend ay'penny on crispy bits ?

On the Cross had you time to stand watching the Sally Army Band ?

"Thunderer", "Little Alfie", "Big John Bull", the vans and waggons they had to pull.

Did you ever stand and stare as they came in to Staveley Fair ?

The Peacocks, the Dragons, the Flying Chairs, all the rides had penny fairs.

At Billy Woods Booth, did you ever see Chick Benson, Kid Haycox or Sam McVea ?

Did you go to the Seaside with the Band of Hope or slide on cardboard down a grassy slope ?

If you say "yes", then I know you were a child in Staveley, sixty years ago.