Did the ‘70s arrive late in St Helens?

I’ve just finished my latest copy of CCW and, as always, particularly enjoyed the back page photo of a typical street scene from years gone by. It’s my favourite part of the ‘paper.

I was just wondering why you thought the photograph was from 1974? I would have placed the photo somewhat earlier, maybe 1969 or 1970? Having scanned the rows of parked cars it all seems very 1960s to me, but the newest car I could see was an Austin 3 Litre or Escort MkI. Surely by mid-1974 there would have been an Allegro, Marina, Cortina MkIII or Avenger lurking somewhere, but not one! Neither do there seem to be any of the new style reflective number plates. Just a further aside, you correctly mention that the native language rule for Eurovision was re-instated in late 1976, for the 1977 contest. However, there was some confusion at the time. Certain countries thought it was just a recommendation and not mandatory, resulting in both the Germans and Belgians being permitted to enter English language songs that year.

Anthony Owen, Letchworth Garden City

We generally use the dates given by the original suppliers of the images. Unless we find definite proof otherwise, of course – we’ve encountered Minis creeping into purportedly early 1950s shots before! – Ed

A recent The Way We Were image implied that St Helens wasn’t exactly awash with Allegros in the early 1970s.