Monthly Archives: August 2012

Ricky and May, the workers, explain the history of the movement with photos and posters. An unpleasant memory stirs: a primary school trip to the Discovery Museum. Frankie reminds Derek, who says Yes. It was massive, old, remember The Time … Continue reading →

telling Dad, saying the words I’m gay. He didn’t have to with Mam – but she’s always had a different way of communicating. Mam just knows things, but keeps them to herself, keeps the peace. Dad would blow his top, … Continue reading →

serving in The Singing Hinny on Adelaide Terrace – not lattes and Americanos but Horlicks and strong Yorkshire tea to OAPs with bacon stotties and scones. Paddy’s helping Dad at the garage. The weather’s warm. It’s calm at home, for … Continue reading →

Frankie and Corinne are in the kitchen, Mam’s showing her the birthday photos. Corinne’s laughing at Paddy unscrewing Frankie’s ear, gets out her phone – Here, I took some of Frankie too, she flicks one onto the screen: Look at … Continue reading →

asks Corinne, Frank is sitting across the table at a coffee bar in town, Well, Frank fiddles with his spoon He’s older than me, at college. Aye He’s from Spain originally Aye? How’de end up here? His Dad’s an engineer, … Continue reading →

I’ve had three first kisses: Derek at Benwell Primary was experimenting, we didn’t feel guilty, it was innocent but we knew not to tell kissing Ned was like a dried out sponge that smelled of a cupboard under the kitchen … Continue reading →

Frankie sits under a tree, looks at the river stretching away, he takes a deep breath gets out his phone searches for Paul’s number. He feels the bark dig into his back, his legs get pins and needles as he … Continue reading →

Frankie, Derek and Corinne have had a few, are letting their hair down. No more exams – the rush has hit them. Get this, says Corinne doing the Twist, Frankie laughs, he’s doing air guitar I’m a heedbanger, he shakes … Continue reading →

Paddy’s gone bowling with his mates. Frankie says he’s going into town with Corinne, but doesn’t add that Derek’s promised to take him for a night out. At the bottom of Westgate Hill, Corinne and Frankie head for the club. … Continue reading →