Clickety click - life in ‘66: the year that Britain became the envy of the world
Neil Mach
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- author
- Fee:
- Expensed: would appreciate a reasonable contribution towards travel expenses
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 5th July 2025
- Tagged:
- 1966 | The Sixties | English Suburban History | Recent History
Complementing his community history talk “Standpipes and Sex Pistols: Remembering the long hot summer of ‘76’”, the Surrey based ‘paperback writer’ Neil Mach presents his social heritage presentation: “Clickety click - life in ‘66: the year that Britain became the envy of the world’ ready for the sixtieth anniversary of that sparkling year!
In 1966, Harold Wilson’s Labour Party won a landslide victory, the Beatles released Eleanor Rigby, Ford launched the Cortina Mark II, Bet Lynch debuted on Coronation Street, and the top boy’s toy was a dolly! Yes, one of the top-selling toys of 1966 was Action Man.
This was the year that Cilla Black.sang about ‘Alfie’, and Michael Caine played the part of the self-centered, narcissistic Cockney chauffeur. In the same period, Carnaby Street’s fashion scene flourished, leading an ordinary girl named Lesley Lawson to become the world's first global supermodel.
Do you remember seeing the third Hurst goal that made us champions?
If you remember Softly, Softly, Georgy Girl, No Milk Today, Mystery Spangles, and Emperor Rosko on Radio Caroline, you’ll adore this nostalgic look back at a time that was trendier, more hopeful, and certainly more vibrant.
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Defining events of 1966
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Foods eaten in 1966
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What was on TV in 1966
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Our musical choices in 1966
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Getting around in 1966
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Fashion styles of 1966
Depending on audience size & requirements, the speaker will tailor his talk to either 30 minutes, or 40 minutes.
The speaker will bring along souvenirs & artefacts from the period that can be shared around groups, and will help facilitate discussion and aid memory collection.
All age-groups will benefit from this enlightening and thought-provoking content.
Views: 8 | Enquiries: 1About Neil Mach
Neil Mach is considered highly skilled in the art of public speaking.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your audience is! The author has delivered speeches to audiences of various sizes and ages, ranging from theatres to living rooms, and from care homes to first schools.
With over 20 books written, Neil is not only a published author but also a multi-time NaNoWriMo champion. Neil describes himself as a ‘hippy grandad!’’
His home is located in Surrey, England, by the River Thames.
In National Novel Writing Month, he guides new writers in a well-structured mentoring initiative.
After retiring from public service, Neil became an internationally recognized author/journalist in the music industry. He founded the ‘Rock Pen’ school to nurture aspiring music writers and has made valuable contributions to various esteemed publications, newsletters, and blogs.
During 2021, he curated an exhibition that was highly acclaimed and delivered a talk on the ‘Coronation Charts’, which marked the beginning of pop charts in British music history.
In 2024, he arranged a temporary exhibition focused on Led Zeppelin in 1969. He later conducted presentations on the same subject.
Neil makes regular appearances on TV and is a frequent guest on radio and podcasts.
Don’t miss Neil’s fascinating 45–60 minute illustrated talk exploring the question, “What is Fantasy Fiction?” In his entertaining talk, the author explores the “need” for fantasy creation in humans and explains the fundamental definitions of the genre. He delves into questions like: What makes up the key element of fantasy? What is fantasy fiction? What is liminality? What is a liminoid experience? What’s the difference between myth and fairytale? What is the definition of magical? What is the difference between high fantasy and low fantasy?
The author is delighted to offer engaging & meaningful slideshow presentations to associations, care homes, book groups, schools, libraries, community centres, and societies across Surrey and Thames Valley area. If you need him quickly, the author is often available at short notice.
The author is aware of the financial constraints of small community groups and associations, so offers his illustrated talks for free, but would appreciate a reasonable contribution towards his travel expenses.
Neil brings mementos, artifacts, and ephemera with him to aid in triggering audience memories. He also provides his own equipment.
+++++++++++++++++++++++ Links:
https://www.facebook.com/author.neilmach
https://www.neilmachauthor.com/
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Significant podcast episodes:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/josiane-fortin7/episodes/80-Where-Fantasy-Authors-Ought-to-Begin-e1igc4n/a-a2ks2ah
https://www.spreaker.com/user/tomreaoch/neil-mach-author-so-you-want-to-write-fa
TV appearances:
The Repossible Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fStjDjkV9M&t=114s&pp=ygUJbmVpbCBtYWNo
The Self Publishing Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMmaTR7SSZ0&t=16s&pp=ygUJbmVpbCBtYWNo
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Neil Mach
- What is Fantasy Fiction? - with English fantasy author Neil Mach
- Rocking Surrey: History of Suburban Rock and Roll with music journalist Neil Mach
- The Fiction of Romani Culture: Exploring the way Gypsy people are depicted in literature
- Reflecting on 1969: Britain Thrusts into the Space Age
- Victory in Surrey: Reflecting on V.E. year in the County, 1945
- How to get a book started: How to Write Your First Book with author Neil Mach
- Surrey Farmland Girls - Triumph on the Land
- Standpipes and Sex Pistols: Remembering the long hot summer of '76
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