Coronation

It was 60 years ago, in 1953, but I remember it well. At that time, most people did not have a television set so the Coronation became a very social event as those with TV sets opened their doors to their neighbours - at least, that it was they did in Nursery Close, Shirley! We (my mother and my two sisters) went across the road to Mr and Mrs D and we all sat round in their front room watching a black and white TV. I remember there being toasts and I was allowed a small sherry. I had to concentrate hard not to laugh at some of the ceremonial where there was some religious chanting. A great day which left everyone feeling uplifted and proud to be British.

Television, choice of channels

Most people did not have a television set in the 50s. If they did the screen was, by today’s standards, very small.  All programmes were in black and white until the end of the sixties when colour came in. No morning programmes and I think that in the 50s and 60s TV only started at the end of the afternoon and carried on until maybe 10:30. When TV broadcasts finished at night, the National Anthem was played as part of the close down sequence and it was not unusual for people who had been through the war to stand whilst it played.
The choice of TV programmes was extensive. In the early 50s, I think that the choice was BBC1 or, alternatively, BBC1. By the end of the 50s, some people could get ITV too. In the 60s, I think that most people (that is those with TV sets) had the choice of 3 channels - BBC1, ITV and BBC2 which, to be honest, seemed enough! Quality was not as good (remember we are in pre-digital times) and the screen had 405 lines instead of the later (not in the 60s) 625 lines.