A 1950s Portsmouth childhood

For children in Portsmouth, the 1950s was an exciting time.

With the war over and a renewed enthusiasm in the air, life was good.

There was a range of entertainment – as well as day trips and holidays to the beach, families could relax in front of the television, enjoy their favourite stars on the big screen and dance along to the radio.

For Valerie Reilly, the ’50s was a time of celebration of national, local and personal events, which she recalls in absorbing detail here.

If you remember the docks, trips to Southsea and exploring bombed-out buildings, then you’ll enjoy this charming look back at an exciting era.