Things in living memory which seem very anachronistic now

[Brent Goose]

Not sure, but did this rely on the broadcaster sending out some signal? Ours had this system but as you say it was very unreliable.

Probably this which seemed to use part of the teletext code

Video recorder scheduling code - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[eoff]

Or setting the video recorder and missing part of it because the programme started later than advertised

(my last VCR had some of system that supposedly compensated for this but I never trusted it so continued to allow time at the beginning and end)

Yes, PDC...

PDC (Programme Delivery Control) Explained - 625.uk.com

PDC (Programme Delivery Control) is a method of controlling video cassette recorders so that rescheduled or delayed programmes are recorded in their entirety. PDC, also known as StarText and VPS, is a European TV standard. This document is an FAQ list about PDC written in layman's terms.

625.uk.com

Many new videos on sale today have Nicam, VideoPlus+ and PDC.
Most people have heard about the first two, but what is PDC?
Well, it's the amazing invention that enables you to set your
video recorder to tape a programme, knowing that it will be
recorded in full, even if the programme is shown later than
advertised.

 

[Raddleman]

OHMS brown envelops

 

[Lloyds siding]

OHMS brown envelops

Postage paid for your reply!

 

[GordonT]

The greater obsessiveness of young people over Valentine's Day in earlier years. Waiting for the postie to deliver anonymous cards complete with rhymes, hearts, kisses and acronyms such as SWALK.

 

[Sun Chariot]

One that's only 25 years past. Buy a mobile phone - and the store opens a book containing hundreds of numbers for the buyer to choose from.
I did just that early 2000 at Carphone Warehouse; the number I chose was a catchy, easy to remember one; and it's still with me, many providers later.

 

[GordonT]

(Good Old) "Yellow Pages" with JR Hartley et al. I used to work in a library which had stacks of them covering the UK. Apart from their primary use, two or three of them would also come in handy when giving an old fashioned projector a bit of elevation to set the display squarely onto the screen. Hernia-time for postmen when new editions of some of the more enormous volumes were being delivered.

 

[AndyPJG]

(Good Old) "Yellow Pages" with JR Hartley et al. I used to work in a library which had stacks of them covering the UK. Apart from their primary use, two or three of them would also come in handy when giving an old fashioned projector a bit of elevation to set the display squarely onto the screen. Hernia-time for postmen when new editions of some of the more enormous volumes were being delivered.

and "Thompson Local" directories?

 

[AM9]

and "Thompson Local" directories?

How many here remember the four volumes of London alphabetical numbers. ISTR they were A-C, D-K, L_R and S-Z. I was a child at the he time so they were each pretty heavy.

 

[styles]

My mum knows how to write shorthand.

I wonder if that really has much use in the days of cheap high quality audio recording devices, automatic transcription services, and AI which can summarise key points in conversations.

 

[ls2270]

How many here remember the four volumes of London alphabetical numbers. ISTR they were A-C, D-K, L_R and S-Z. I was a child at the he time so they were each pretty heavy.

You’re nearly right! To be pedantic, the first two were A-D and E-K. Amazing, I can remember that from forty years ago but ask me something from last week and I’m stumped!

 

[AndyPJG]

You’re nearly right! To be pedantic, the first two were A-D and E-K. Amazing, I can remember that from forty years ago but ask me something from last week and I’m stumped!

Welcome to my world!

 

[Western Lord]

How many here remember the four volumes of London alphabetical numbers. ISTR they were A-C, D-K, L_R and S-Z. I was a child at the he time so they were each pretty heavy.

Of course, a lot of people, especially famous ones, were ex-directory. However in the London phone books, if you looked under "M" you would find a large bold type entry (about half an inch high) saying STIRLING MOSS. There was a similar entry in the "S" volume and if you rang the number you might find yourself talking to Moss himself. Just one of the ways the great man kept himself in the public eye years after retiring from driving.

 

[Howardh]

Genuine question, if a youngster, say around 12-15yrs, was given an old round-dial phone, and asked to use it to ring someone up, would they know how? Any parents on here tried using old tech with their children?

Also makes me wonder when was the last time you put money into a pay-phone slot? last time I tried the minimum was 60p (3x20p if memory serves)?

 

[LowLevel]

I recently trained someone born this side of the millennium on the theory and practice of using cash bags. No slur on them, they just hadn't ever used cash in that way in their adult life.

 

[najaB]

Genuine question, if a youngster, say around 12-15yrs, was given an old round-dial phone, and asked to use it to ring someone up, would they know how? Any parents on here tried using old tech with their children?

There is (was?) a series of YouTube videos dedicated to just that premise - giving children of around that age old tech to see what they made of it. I'll have a hunt and see if they did the rotary phone.

 

[GordonT]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

 

[D6130]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

"Are you free, Mr Humphries?"'

 

[PG]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

Would sir not be required to put down a sizeable deposit before said garments were produced, lest sir receive said garments unfavourably and decline to complete his purchase leaving the outfitters, ahem, out of pocket?

 

[THC]

My mum knows how to write shorthand.

I wonder if that really has much use in the days of cheap high quality audio recording devices, automatic transcription services, and AI which can summarise key points in conversations.

I walked past a Pitman training centre this morning, which is where so many learned to type back in the day. I didn't expect to see the company still trading, to be honest. Diversify or die.

THC

 

[GusB]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

We had such a shop (John Rose, if I recall correctly) and I remember being taken there to be outfitted for a wedding. It wasn't a particularly large establishment, but it did the job. There is still a specialist outfitter along the same street but it tends to specialise in Highland wear.

"Are you free, Mr Humphries?"'

I'm free!

 

[pdq]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

I treated myself to some shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt recently. Whilst the store and service feel was certainly not camp in the slightest, they definitely model themselves on the gentleman's outfitters of old. I was very impressed with the measuring and advice, coming away with shirts that fit really well and that I feel good wearing. Not the cheapest but, compared to Next and M&S, not too bad either if you can do the multi buy offer. Four very nice, perfectly fitting shirts for £120.

 

[dangie]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

‘John Collier, John Collier, The Window to Watch’

 

[75A]

I can clearly remember going with my Mother to John Collier in Bognor to get my first suit before starting my first job

 

[AndrewE]

I can clearly remember going with my Mother to John Collier in Bognor to get my first suit before starting my first job

my trip was to Burton's for a "made to measure" suit in about 1968. I can't remember the occasion, could have been a family wedding, or maybe singing in quite a good choir when I was in the sixth form... Could even have been for university entrance interviews.
I think it was brown, and might still be in a cupboard upstairs - or more likely, that was my second suit for when I got married!

 

[simonw]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

Suits you, sir

 

[GordonT]

D6130 said:
"Are you free, Mr Humphries?"'

I'm free!

"You've all done very well!"

 

[Trackman]

Gents outfitters not specifically for wealthy "upper class" customers, staffed by knowledgeable, male assistants and supervisors with measuring tapes at the ready in order to ascertain sir's vital statistics in order to produce correctly sized garments for sir to examine and perhaps try on, to then be flattered by the staff member about how well sir looks sporting his prospective purchase.

And asking gentlemen which side they dress on as well.

 

[AM9]

my trip was to Burton's for a "made to measure" suit in about 1968. I can't remember the occasion, could have been a family wedding, or maybe singing in quite a good choir when I was in the sixth form... Could even have been for university entrance interviews.
I think it was brown, and might still be in a cupboard upstairs - or more likely, that was my second suit for when I got married!

Did you visit the adjacent billiard hall that almost every Burtons had next door/upstairs?

‘John Collier, John Collier, The Window to Watch’

Previously know ans 'The Fifty Shilling Tailor'.

And asking gentlemen which side they dress on as well.

Which you were advisedby a notice to adjust before leaving a public convenience!

Making a journey on a trolleybus.

In my formative years, my Grandfather drove trolleybuses.

 

[AndyPJG]

Have we had MacFisheries and Freeman, Hardy and Willis shops yet?