The Way we Were!

I was recently looking at a local website called 'Facts About Durban.' It features many interesting snippets of information about the history of our City and also the personal memories of some of my vintage who have lived their lives here.

There is a section called 'The way we were' with much on the beach and places such as The Cuban Hat, Uptons and the XL Road House. At these you could pull in in your Ford Cortina or VW and get car service with the tray clipped onto your car door. Ah...nothing like a pie, curry gravy and chips to fill up the corners. I can still taste and smell them.

The other beach front venue was known as the Mermaid Lido and stood on the sands of South Beach. It had tourist type shops on the ground floor and a large hall on the first used for various shows and functions.

The Lido was also a venue in the late '50s for 'sessions' - or Rock 'n Roll jols - where Dickie Loader and the Blue Jeans often played. As this attracted 'Ducktails' the infamous 'Ghost Squad' of the SAP would lie in wait at the XL Road House until things got out-of-hand and then swing into action. Quite a few battles raged around the Lido with those in blue versus the 'Duckies'

Your typical Ducktail had Brylcreemed hair combed back and then together at the rear which was ideal for for a high speed burn down West Street on a BSA Road Rocket, Gold Star or Triumph Tiger 110. (No sissy crash helmets required in those days) Not a hair out of place!

Your Ducktail also wore leather lammies, khaki rammies and Jarmin shoes. (Complete with steel studs in the soles and heels to make lekker klapping noises when he walked). Luminous lime green or pink socks were also a 'must have' accessory with a nice studded leather belt to take care of the middle section.

Your Duckie female wore similar attire but shoes would be 'Tom Toms' and a blue tight Orlon top was de rigueur. This was worn back-to front to best show off.....well...er...what makes girls girls! It was claimed at the time that these were unhealthy as the tightness of the garment interfered with men's breathing!

The Lido has gone and consigned to fading memory. But if you need a refresher then click here!