Coronation Street
I was in England when Coronation Street was in its infancy. My husband and family were posted to Germany with the Canadian Air Force. While he was getting settled there our children and I stayed with my parents in England for 6 months.
They introduced me to Coronation Street. They were avid fans and never missed a programme, which was quite a feat in the days before tape recorders, on succeeded visits home I couldn't wait to catch up with passed episodes, about which my parents were only too happy to enlighten me.
Coronation Street was on Monday and Wednesday evening, in those days three generations of our family would be ensconced in front of the T.V. with unbounded anticipation.
I remember the days of Ena Sharpels (my mother's favourite), Minnie Caldwell, Annie Walker, Martha Longhurst, a very young Ken Barlow, and many more who have long since left us.
Since those first days I have only missed episodes when it was beyond my control to see them.
The characters through the years have become like old and beloved friends. I'm in good company, the Queen is also one of the Street's biggest fans and even visited the newly built outdoor set in 1982.
When the 1st episode was broadcast, one T.V. critic wrote "the programme is doomed," but he evidently hadn't bargained for the writer's fine ear for dialogue and their observation of life in Northern England.
Coronation Street seems to be able to transcend time. Even now I can't wait to see what my favourite characters such as Mike Baldwin, Deidre, Ken Barlow, Gale, and Sally, and many more are doing. My only regret was when Liz McDonald left the show. I'm thankful that now in the days of tape recorders I never have to miss an episode, I wish it was on 7 days a week.
-June