Live radio show celebrates 50 years of Hackney
Gillian, Lucia, Stephen, Daniel, Mo, at the live radio broadcase. Photo Kuba Nowak, Hackney Council - Credit: Archant
Residents shared their memories of a bygone era at a special live radio discussion to mark 50 years of Hackney borough.
Daniel, Mo, Gillian, at the live radio broadcase. Photo Kuba Nowak, Hackney Council - Credit: Archant
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, hosted the one off Remembering ‘65 Listening Party; broadcast live via Spreaker.com on Friday May 8.
In 1965 the London boroughs of Hackney, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington merged to form what is today known as the London Borough of Hackney.
Participants spoke candidly about their personal experiences of growing up and living in Hackney, discussing issues like employment, the cost of living, clothes, socialising and the weather.
Stephen Manning, a teenager in 1965 growing up in Hoxton, said: “In 1965, in Hoxton it was sharp suits or brushed denim and Hush Puppies.
“We had a thing called the Hoxton Café Society. People with sensible shoes came down to look at us because it was the East End.
“Hoxton was still a tight knit community, you knew everybody and was related to half of them.”
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Daniel, Haeems moved to the borough in 1960, said: “Trolley buses were running from Stamford Hill to Aldgate, it was sixpence. It was very cheap.
“I got £5 per week wages at that time, but it was enough, as the rent was only £1.50, it was very cheap.”
Older residents have also been meeting other younger residents to talk about how growing up in Hackney has changed over the years, and a selection of these conversations have been recorded and will become part of the Hackney Archives collection.
A short film will be exhibited in the Hackney@50 exhibition from June, which is currently on display at Hackney Museum, showcasing a collection of 50 artefacts from across the decades.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, cabinet member for health social care and culture, said: “Hackney has seen a great deal of change over the years, and it’s really interesting to hear people talk about their experiences of Hackney. Projects like this can help bridge the generation gap, and show us that we’re all not so different after all.”
