Great post Margaret. My first thought is that, if the present trajectory for the world continues, 2125 could look pretty bleak! I so hope that we wake up to what matters…
I too have watched all the 7 Ups. Neil always reminded me of Dom. A beautiful and sensitive soul. I agree that it became much more about the human condition. And it was a fascinating project…I look forward to seeing the ones who survived to 70!
We were in Manchester a couple of weeks ago…great city!
There is something so real about the prospect of our habitat disappearing isn’t there? I think children usually have the most profound things to say. Thank you Sarah.
Thanks for sharing this Margaret. Years ago, I trained to be a befriender for people with terminal illnesses. As part of the training, and to help us empathise with the dying, we had to imagine that we only had months to live. Strangely, I didn't feel scared of death at all. But then they asked us to reflect on what we would like to say/leave to our friends/families (my daughter was a baby at the time) and a wave of sorrow and tearfulness welled up inside me. That drive to protect our kids is so strong! And something that one of the course tutors said has always stayed with me. They pointed out that, when a friend/relative dies, we grieve for one person, but when someone is dying they face losing everyone/everything they've known.
I remember the Seven Up! series well. Many recall the cheeky chappy jockey turned taxi driver, but, like you, I remember dear sweet Neil, a lost soul.
I think this might be one of my favourite posts of yours, Margaret. I feel strongly about the loss of community, and also attended a family funeral recently. Although a sad occasion, it was clear the coming together of young and old, was actually a joyous thing.
Thanks so much Sharon. We really are losing that sense of coming together and it’s so important. I’m really pleased you enjoyed reading. I enjoyed writing it despite the sad state of affairs.
Loved this, Margaret. I think your bequeathed gift of community and extending a hand to someone in need is beautiful and what the world needs in much greater supply these days. Sad to read about Neil and how he's struggled. As much as that series must've been eye-opening for the viewers, I'm sure it was difficult for the children to be in the spotlight and to know that the world would be watching and waiting to see what they achieved. So many young actors in Hollywood suffer the same fate. Thanks for sharing. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
Thanks HH. Yes I would have hated having the spotlight on me but a couple of them did withdraw- ironically one of them became a documentary maker. I think Neil’s life improved a lot and let’s hope it stayed that way. X
I would like to be able to leave them the NHS and a better education system. I’d radically overhaul the system of taxation so you couldn’t ever become a billionaire. It feels like any government who has allowed this has failed. When I have more energy I’d like to write more about this but it might need to wait until Christmas. When my energy levels dip too much I sometimes shift away from the politics stuff and back onto thinking about the craft stuff.
Have you ever done a time capsule ? I wonder whether much of what we put on the net will even still exist in another 100 years …
Thanks Joanna. Here’s hoping that an improved NHS and education system exist for them in 100 years. I think I did a time capsule at school. I can’t remember what went in it though but I suspect sweets were included.
The sense of collapse of what we had is very real. In my 1960s childhood and 1970s adolescence there was only the feeling of continuous progress. The French call the period from 1945 to 1975 "Les trente glorieuses" - the glorious thirty year period that saw France transformed after the war - and much more so than Britain, which lagged behind in technology and civic infrastructure.
I agree with Lewis above about harmless silliness. I think of that great stalwart of 1970s TV in Britain, to which the whole nation tuned in, It's a Knockout, and the European version when we were in the heady early days of EEC membership, as the EU was then. No influencers looking to make a million, no so called celebrities, none of whom I have the faintest clue about. Just ordinary people falling off inflatable logs into a lake of water.
I discovered 7 Up only a few years ago through the DVDs. Neil tore at my heart, the entrenched social and gender inequalities enraged me. And there were the seeds of Brexit already in Tony (?), the London cabbie who went to his Spanish villa and expected bacon and eggs in the local bar, but complained about immigrants to Britain.
What would I like my children to have? Peace, a society that values all races and gender orientations, a real community.
How sad to learn that Nick died. We so often quoted his, "They like to take their holidays in the country..." line. So many scenes with the kids from 7- and 14-Up still stay with me. There was one little girl just wishing she could have a home when she grew up that was "all nice and comfy." Oh, and the little guy wishing to see his dad, his forlorn face when he's exercising at school.
They're really unforgettable moments with these kids, all so honest with the film crew, maybe because it was so long before being viral or famous was fathomable to kids that age. They were just sharing. Surely a lot of that was Apted's skill in connecting with them, too.
I felt the same as you did about Neil. When we were part-way through the series, I expressed to a friend who'd seen the whole thing how sad I was at Neil losing his way. My friend said to me, "Well, I won't spoil it for you, but all I will say is, it's a long life." Funny, I think about that quote as much as anything else.
I'll certainly watch 70-Up (!) though it's sad to think who won't be in it, or behind the camera. What a masterpiece all of that series is, and how glad I am that you've written so beautifully about it here!
Thanks Rob. As you say there are so many memorable lines and moments. It really does crystallise a period in history and define so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it and thank you for sharing it too. Here’s hoping for some upbeat moments in 70 Up.
This post has touched me. At 66, I often think of my legacy, of not wanting to burden my children, and of leaving my affairs in order. All heightened by my brother's sudden death nearly three years ago. John, my brother, was friends with Tony Curran, who was in Seven Up. The boy who wanted to be a jockey. He worked with horses at stables in Epsom, went on to drive a black cab and do some acting. I think he changed his name for his acting work. I heard from Tony when John died. He wasn't able to come to the funeral. John would have turned 70 this year. Incidentally, I was a working class girl who was taking two younger siblings to school, from age 7. I was only taken to school on my first day, then found my own way.
Thanks Maria. Losing a sibling brings your own mortality into focus doesn’t it? I’m sorry for your loss. And interesting to hear that John was the same generation and knew Tony.
I took my sister to school too but not until I was around ten or eleven. It felt very young at seven. Different times.
Loved reading this- thanks for reminding me of the series and how insightful it was about class dynamics and the inheritance of social status. And such a great question about what to leave/donate for future inheritors. I'm still thinking but if we can't leave them sustainable institutional structures, I 'd like to leave them a trail of poetry and feminist philosophy and keep resistance alive.
Margaret, Thank you for this. Beautifully written.
I have watched every episode of Seven Up and was selfishly sad to hear of the death of Michael Apted. I wanted to see another episode! The subjects of the series were a little older than I am, but I found it a fascinating window into growing up in Britain, which is in many ways similar, and many more ways different, than growing up in Toronto, Canada.
I have travelled to the U.K. a few times, and read a great deal, and was aware of the class structure, and nomenclature around schooling, but the series taught me lots of things about taxi licensing and other things a mere tourist would never know.
My heritage is British and Welsh. My grandfather was born a bastard in Scotland. When his mother died in the late 1800s, he was shipped to Canada as an 11 year old indentured servant, with his birth family lying about his age so his "adoptive" family could legally discontinue his schooling.
He was a determined, intelligent man who overcame those very humble beginnings and married into my grandmother's fine upstanding Toronto family shortly after WWI.
He elevated to the position of Director in "the Bell". Would he have ever made it to that lofty title if he had not been, to put a positive spin on what must have been hell, given the opportunity to move to Canada? Watching a series like Seven Up makes me think not.
Thought-provoking, as always, Margaret. I have seen a couple of the "Seven Up" films over the years, and left feeling sad about the state of humankind. I honestly don't have much hope for the human race.
Sending you good vibes for dealing with all the admin. I'm so grateful to my mom for divesting herself of all the "stuff" in her house over the last few years. I hope she will live another 10 years (she's 80) - likely in our family - and although it might seem callous, I'm glad my dad died young and suddenly 30 years ago. We are going through dealing with Logan's poor dementia'd mum (who doesn't live near us) and that's been so frustrating and depressing.
Thank you Sheila. Dementia is a horrid disease and finding (and paying for) suitable care is a quagmire. It takes a toll doesn’t it? I do think we need to find hope and keep positive but sometimes you wonder what we’re playing at! take care x
Thanks for this.
Great post Margaret. My first thought is that, if the present trajectory for the world continues, 2125 could look pretty bleak! I so hope that we wake up to what matters…
I too have watched all the 7 Ups. Neil always reminded me of Dom. A beautiful and sensitive soul. I agree that it became much more about the human condition. And it was a fascinating project…I look forward to seeing the ones who survived to 70!
We were in Manchester a couple of weeks ago…great city!
Glad you had a good visit to Manchester Esther. Thank you for reading and your lovely comment.
This was so beautiful Margaret. For some reason, the little kid who hoped we would still have nettles in 100 years made me cry.
There is something so real about the prospect of our habitat disappearing isn’t there? I think children usually have the most profound things to say. Thank you Sarah.
Watched every film in the Up series, most in the theater. Profoundly moving. thx!
Thanks CG
Thanks for sharing this Margaret. Years ago, I trained to be a befriender for people with terminal illnesses. As part of the training, and to help us empathise with the dying, we had to imagine that we only had months to live. Strangely, I didn't feel scared of death at all. But then they asked us to reflect on what we would like to say/leave to our friends/families (my daughter was a baby at the time) and a wave of sorrow and tearfulness welled up inside me. That drive to protect our kids is so strong! And something that one of the course tutors said has always stayed with me. They pointed out that, when a friend/relative dies, we grieve for one person, but when someone is dying they face losing everyone/everything they've known.
Thanks James. That’s such a noble thing to do and I guess you learn an awful lot from speaking to people with terminal illness. Thank you for reading.
I remember the Seven Up! series well. Many recall the cheeky chappy jockey turned taxi driver, but, like you, I remember dear sweet Neil, a lost soul.
I think this might be one of my favourite posts of yours, Margaret. I feel strongly about the loss of community, and also attended a family funeral recently. Although a sad occasion, it was clear the coming together of young and old, was actually a joyous thing.
Thanks so much Sharon. We really are losing that sense of coming together and it’s so important. I’m really pleased you enjoyed reading. I enjoyed writing it despite the sad state of affairs.
Loved this, Margaret. I think your bequeathed gift of community and extending a hand to someone in need is beautiful and what the world needs in much greater supply these days. Sad to read about Neil and how he's struggled. As much as that series must've been eye-opening for the viewers, I'm sure it was difficult for the children to be in the spotlight and to know that the world would be watching and waiting to see what they achieved. So many young actors in Hollywood suffer the same fate. Thanks for sharing. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
Thanks HH. Yes I would have hated having the spotlight on me but a couple of them did withdraw- ironically one of them became a documentary maker. I think Neil’s life improved a lot and let’s hope it stayed that way. X
I would like to be able to leave them the NHS and a better education system. I’d radically overhaul the system of taxation so you couldn’t ever become a billionaire. It feels like any government who has allowed this has failed. When I have more energy I’d like to write more about this but it might need to wait until Christmas. When my energy levels dip too much I sometimes shift away from the politics stuff and back onto thinking about the craft stuff.
Have you ever done a time capsule ? I wonder whether much of what we put on the net will even still exist in another 100 years …
Thanks Joanna. Here’s hoping that an improved NHS and education system exist for them in 100 years. I think I did a time capsule at school. I can’t remember what went in it though but I suspect sweets were included.
I’m lucky so far - but life is still full of challenges so I guess you have to just stay focused and positive- the struggle is real
The sense of collapse of what we had is very real. In my 1960s childhood and 1970s adolescence there was only the feeling of continuous progress. The French call the period from 1945 to 1975 "Les trente glorieuses" - the glorious thirty year period that saw France transformed after the war - and much more so than Britain, which lagged behind in technology and civic infrastructure.
I agree with Lewis above about harmless silliness. I think of that great stalwart of 1970s TV in Britain, to which the whole nation tuned in, It's a Knockout, and the European version when we were in the heady early days of EEC membership, as the EU was then. No influencers looking to make a million, no so called celebrities, none of whom I have the faintest clue about. Just ordinary people falling off inflatable logs into a lake of water.
I discovered 7 Up only a few years ago through the DVDs. Neil tore at my heart, the entrenched social and gender inequalities enraged me. And there were the seeds of Brexit already in Tony (?), the London cabbie who went to his Spanish villa and expected bacon and eggs in the local bar, but complained about immigrants to Britain.
What would I like my children to have? Peace, a society that values all races and gender orientations, a real community.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Linda. Here’s to harmless silliness and a brighter future.
How sad to learn that Nick died. We so often quoted his, "They like to take their holidays in the country..." line. So many scenes with the kids from 7- and 14-Up still stay with me. There was one little girl just wishing she could have a home when she grew up that was "all nice and comfy." Oh, and the little guy wishing to see his dad, his forlorn face when he's exercising at school.
They're really unforgettable moments with these kids, all so honest with the film crew, maybe because it was so long before being viral or famous was fathomable to kids that age. They were just sharing. Surely a lot of that was Apted's skill in connecting with them, too.
I felt the same as you did about Neil. When we were part-way through the series, I expressed to a friend who'd seen the whole thing how sad I was at Neil losing his way. My friend said to me, "Well, I won't spoil it for you, but all I will say is, it's a long life." Funny, I think about that quote as much as anything else.
I'll certainly watch 70-Up (!) though it's sad to think who won't be in it, or behind the camera. What a masterpiece all of that series is, and how glad I am that you've written so beautifully about it here!
Thanks Rob. As you say there are so many memorable lines and moments. It really does crystallise a period in history and define so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it and thank you for sharing it too. Here’s hoping for some upbeat moments in 70 Up.
This post has touched me. At 66, I often think of my legacy, of not wanting to burden my children, and of leaving my affairs in order. All heightened by my brother's sudden death nearly three years ago. John, my brother, was friends with Tony Curran, who was in Seven Up. The boy who wanted to be a jockey. He worked with horses at stables in Epsom, went on to drive a black cab and do some acting. I think he changed his name for his acting work. I heard from Tony when John died. He wasn't able to come to the funeral. John would have turned 70 this year. Incidentally, I was a working class girl who was taking two younger siblings to school, from age 7. I was only taken to school on my first day, then found my own way.
Thanks Maria. Losing a sibling brings your own mortality into focus doesn’t it? I’m sorry for your loss. And interesting to hear that John was the same generation and knew Tony.
I took my sister to school too but not until I was around ten or eleven. It felt very young at seven. Different times.
Loved reading this- thanks for reminding me of the series and how insightful it was about class dynamics and the inheritance of social status. And such a great question about what to leave/donate for future inheritors. I'm still thinking but if we can't leave them sustainable institutional structures, I 'd like to leave them a trail of poetry and feminist philosophy and keep resistance alive.
Thanks Alison I think they’d both be very good additions to the gift.
I loved seven up and watched them all, and the spin off version , which introduced new children , I think in 2000.
I used to be really emotional watching it due to the social injustices. You’ve bought back some memories. Lovely post Margaret.
Margaret, Thank you for this. Beautifully written.
I have watched every episode of Seven Up and was selfishly sad to hear of the death of Michael Apted. I wanted to see another episode! The subjects of the series were a little older than I am, but I found it a fascinating window into growing up in Britain, which is in many ways similar, and many more ways different, than growing up in Toronto, Canada.
I have travelled to the U.K. a few times, and read a great deal, and was aware of the class structure, and nomenclature around schooling, but the series taught me lots of things about taxi licensing and other things a mere tourist would never know.
My heritage is British and Welsh. My grandfather was born a bastard in Scotland. When his mother died in the late 1800s, he was shipped to Canada as an 11 year old indentured servant, with his birth family lying about his age so his "adoptive" family could legally discontinue his schooling.
He was a determined, intelligent man who overcame those very humble beginnings and married into my grandmother's fine upstanding Toronto family shortly after WWI.
He elevated to the position of Director in "the Bell". Would he have ever made it to that lofty title if he had not been, to put a positive spin on what must have been hell, given the opportunity to move to Canada? Watching a series like Seven Up makes me think not.
Wow that’s some journey. Thanks for reading and here’s hoping that 70 Plus is as good.
Thought-provoking, as always, Margaret. I have seen a couple of the "Seven Up" films over the years, and left feeling sad about the state of humankind. I honestly don't have much hope for the human race.
Sending you good vibes for dealing with all the admin. I'm so grateful to my mom for divesting herself of all the "stuff" in her house over the last few years. I hope she will live another 10 years (she's 80) - likely in our family - and although it might seem callous, I'm glad my dad died young and suddenly 30 years ago. We are going through dealing with Logan's poor dementia'd mum (who doesn't live near us) and that's been so frustrating and depressing.
Thank you Sheila. Dementia is a horrid disease and finding (and paying for) suitable care is a quagmire. It takes a toll doesn’t it? I do think we need to find hope and keep positive but sometimes you wonder what we’re playing at! take care x