Celebrating The 1970s - "The ME decade"

This CST activity aims to celebrate the 1970s, or "The ME decade" by reminiscing about some of the main news stories of the decade, the fashions, food and drink and best selling singles and albums and box office movie hits.

You could begin the session by asking members to reflect on their experiences of the 1970s. What memories stand out? Where were you at in your life's journey? What hopes and plans did you have?

Round 1. Idioms

What do these words and phrases mean?

Meanings ...

"Go bananas" - a loss of control or becoming overly excited

"Guilt trip" - manipulate someone to make them feel guilty so they do something for you

"In your face" - an exclamation of derision or contempt

"Peace out" - a common, cool way to say goodbye, often used with a two-finger peace sign

"Stoked" - a way of saying that someone was excited about something

"Flower power" - a way of referring to hippies and the culture associated with hippies in the late 1960s and early 1970s

"Far out man" - an exclamation of general interest and approval

"Groovy" - roughly synonymous with words such as "excellent", "fashionable" or "amazing"

"Dream on" - a dismissive response to someone who was being unrealistic or overly optimistic about something unlikely to happen

"Chill out" - telling someone to relax or calm down as a way of diffusing tension

"Can you dig it?" - wanting to share enthusiasm for a new song or movie

"Space cadet" - a way of referring to someone who seems disconnected from reality, perhaps due to drug taking

"Gimme some skin" - meant slapping the palm of your hand over your friends, sliding your hands back, flipping them over and repeating, as a form of greeting

"Bummer" - a way of expressing disappointment

"Get down and boogie" - a way of saying "shall we dance?"

Round 2. News

Discuss these news stories from the 1970s with members. Which events are best remembered?

While the Civil Rights Movement took place during the 1960s and the 'Civil Rights Act' was passed in 1964, activists continued to fight for equality throughout the 1970s. The death of Malcolm X in 1964 and Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 ushered in a new era of activism, and the 1970s is often referred to as the beginning of the post-civil rights movement era.

Other main news stories ...

22nd January 1970 - The 'Boeing 747' "Queen Of The Skies" enters commerical service with Pan Am. Did anyone fly on the 747? What was it like?

10th April 1970 - Paul McCartney quits from 'The Beatles'. Who was upset about it at the time? What are members' favourite 'Beatles' songs?

17th April 1970 - 'Apollo 13' splashdown, after a failed moon landing and a perilous journey home. Did anyone followthe story as it unfolded? Have members seen the Tom Hanks movie about the failed space mission?

21st June 1970 - Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the 'FIFA World Cup', with Pele scoring a goal in his third World Cup final.

20th November 1970 - The 20th 'Miss World' competition was held, with Bob hope crowning the champion Jennifer Hosten - the first black woman to win. What do members think of 'Miss World'? Was it just another misoginistic opportunity to judge women's bodies.

15th February 1971 - 'Decimal Day' when the UK decimalised its currency from pounds shillings and pence. What was the change like? Does anyone remembers what coins and notes there were?

1971 - 'Greenpeace' is founded in Vancouver, Canada, to protest aganist and stop a nuclear test. Its ship 'The Rainbow Warrior' is later launched in 1978. Was anyone a member of 'Greenpeace' or 'CND'?

20th October 1973 - 'Syndey Opera House' is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth 11. Has anyone ever been to a performance in this famous Australian landmark?

6th April 1974 - 'ABBA' wins the 'Eurovision Song Contest' in Brighton, England, with their hit song 'Waterloo'. Who watched it? Who likes 'ABBA' and what is your favourite song?

8th August 1974 - President Richard Nixon resigns during a live television broadcast after the 'Watergate' scandal. Who do members think has been the best US President in their lifetime?

30th October 1974 - Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fight in the "Rumble In The Jungle". Ali won by a knockout in the 8th round, reclaiming the 'World Heavyweight Champion' title. What phrases do members associate with Muhammad Ali?

30th April 1975 - The 'Vietnam War' ends with North Vietnam forces tanks rolling through the gates of the 'Presidential Palace' in Saigon, leading to American forces withdrawing. Did anyone take part in peace protests?

16th August 1977 - Elvis Presley, known as "The King Of Rock And Roll" dies aged 42 at his 'Graceland' home in Memphis, Tennessee. What are members' favourite Elvis songs?

16th October 1978 - Karol Wojtyler was elected Pope John Paull 11 by the Vatican Conclave, becoming the youngest elected in over a century aged just 58. He was also the first ever Slavic Pope to be elected and the longest serving, dying aged 84 on 2nd April 2005. Did anyone go to see him when he visited the UK in 1982?

28th March 1979 - The most significant nuclear accident in US history, a partial meltdown at the 'Three Mile Island' nuclear power plant, occurred on this date. In 1988, the NRC announced that, although it was possible to further decontaminate the Unit 2 site, the remaining radioactivity had been sufficiently contained as to pose no threat to public health and safety.

4th May 1979 - Margaret Thatcher, leader of the Conservative Party, was elected the first ever British Prime Minister, succeeding James Callaghan of the Labour Party. Who do members think has been the best PM of their lifetime?

The 'Gay Liberation Movement' flourished in the 1970s, fighting for equal rights for LGBTQ people and the decriminalisation of homosexuality. After the partial decrimninalisation in 1967, the age of consent remained at 21 for gay men in the UK. However, it wasn't until 2000 that the age of consent became the same for all - aged 16 - and until 2014 that same sex marriage was legalised. It took 30 years for 'Pride Month' to become official with a proclamation from former US President Bill Clinton.

Round 3. Fashion

All members have to do here is to name the fashion item and declare whether or not they wore each fashion item.

Can anyone think of any more?

Platforms, Cravat, Bellbottoms

Dungarees, Doc Marten's, Donkey jacket

Snorkel Parka, Hot pants, Tank top

Corduroys, Wrangler Denim Jacket, Peaked Hat

"Farrah" feathered look, Sideburns, "Purdy' cut

Round 4. Food & Drink

In this round, ask members to name and discuss the foods. Which are still available? What are their favourites (maybe rank the top three)?

Can anyone think of any more?

'Vesta Curry' - you can still buy these on-line. All you have to do is add water, bring to the boil and simmer

'Bird's Eye Angel Delight' - currently sold in five flavours: strawberry, butterscotch, chocolate, chocolate mint and banana. All you have to do is add milk and whisk into a mousse

'Blackforest Gateau' - a chocolate cake flavoured with black cherries and cream

'Fondue' - a popular dip style starter in the 1970s. Still very popular in the apres-ski culture

'Cadbury's Smash' - still available. Just add milk and butter to reconstitute the mashed potatoes

classic ad break - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBRCZLzn5pM

'Cheese & Pineapple Cubes' on cocktail sticks, made into a hedgehog

'SPAM' - 'Spiced Processed American Meats' - still available. Does anyone remember the turnkey which opened the can?

classic comedy sketch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycKNt0MhTkk

'Pilsbury Dough Boy' - you can still buy these prepared dough bake products to make bread rolls, croissants or biscuits

'Melon Slices' - honey melon sliced, finished with glace cherries to finish

'Prawn Cocktail' - another classic starter. Prawns prepared in marie rose sauce and served on a bed of salad with. slice of lemon to flavour

'Bird's Eye Arctic Roll' - a classic desert of vanilla icecream rolled inside sponge cake with jam. Still available

'Findus Crispy Pancakes' - still available, but sold under the 'Bird's Eye' brand now

'Chicken Tikka Massala' - a beloved British dish which originated in a Glaswegian curry house. What are members' favourite curries?

'Egg McMuffin' - McDonalds restaurants became widespread in the UK during the 1970s, with their American products quickly outpacing sales of the 'Wimpy' chain

'Sherry Trifle' - an all time classic desert, made with tinned mixed fruits, strawberry jelly, custard and double cream. Oh, and lots of sherry of course!

'Cadbury Curly Wurly' - still available, does anyone remember the Terry Scott advert?

classic ad break - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS1_hqw12UI

'Pot Noodle' - an all time classic, now available in several more flavours including the original curry flavour. Just add boiling water and yum, instant Japanese style noodles

'Creamed Chicken Vol au vents' - does anyone still make these, using tinned chicken in white sauce and filo pastry cases

'Warninks Advocat' - used to make a 'Snowball'. Still largely available at Christmas time

'Blue Nun' - one of the first wines available in the UK. Still available, German liebfraumilch sweet white wine. Other included 'Black Tower', 'Mateus Rose' & 'Bull's Blood'

'Babycham' - a sparlking light perry, still available. The classic party drink

'Cinzano Bianco' - a classic white Vermouth, served with lemonade. 'Dubonnet' was the red alternative. Still available. HM Queen Elizabeth 11's favourite drink was two parts 'Dubonnet' and one part Gin

classic ad break - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkjidE0WnAI

'Watney's Party Seven' - contained seven pints of bitter, which you poured via a spout. No longer available

'Marathon Bar' - chocolate bar containing nougat and salted peanuts. Renamed 'Snickers' in 1990

It is interesting to note that many of these products were prepared without cooking and heralded a generation of ready meals. Meanwhile, cookery skills diminished especially with Home Economics no longer being taught in schools.

Round 5. Movies

The idea here is for members to name the 1970s blockbuster movies and maybe rate their top three. Music clues are in the Spotify playlist below ...

Here are some additional questions if wanted or needed ...

- Name the characters? - Which actor is pictured in pain here?

- Name the nurse?

- Name the actor?

- Name the girl possessed?

- Name the actor?

- Name the actors?

- What outlawed organisation did he lead?

- Sing the five notes?

- What was his name before transformation?

- Name the boat?

- Name the actors?

- Name all of the James Bond actors?

- Name the actor?

- Where was this movie set?

- What was the piece of classical guitar music from the movie?

- Who was her mother?

- Name the actors?

- Name the comedy troupe?

Round 6. TV

Name the 1970s TV programmes. Here are a few more questions if wanted ...

Music clues are in the Spotify playlist below ...

- Who, on the left, got shot?

- Name the character at the front?

- Where was Manuel from?

- What was the name of his dog?

- What was their song called?

- Name the character in the black leather jacket?

- Name the characters?

- Name the children?

- Who was their informant?

- Name the presenters?

- How many characters can you name? - What would he be worth today?

- Who was his famous daughter?

- Name the actresses?

- Name the comedians?

- What was their hit song?

- Name the butler and the cook?

- Name the characters?

- Name the TV presenter?

- Name the characters? Can anyone do a 'Vulcan salute'?

Here is a link to a video of 'Abigail's Party', a classic 1970s comedy ...

You can download it for £2.99 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_rzqac3o9Y

Round 7. Albums

The idea here is for members to identify these best selling albums of the 1970s by artist or group name plus the album title.

Music clues are provided in the Spotify playlist below to ...

Movies

- Name the characters? 'STAR WARS' / PRINCESS LEIA, LUKE SKYWALKER, HANS SOLO, CHEWBACCA, CP30 & R2D2

- Which actor is pictured in pain here? 'ALIEN' / JOHN HURT (GET IT?)

- Name the nurse? 'ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST' / NURSE RATCHED

- Name the actor? 'SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER' / JOHN TRAVOLTA

- Name the girl possessed? 'THE EXORCIST' / REGAN

- Name the actor? 'SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT' / BURT REYNOLDS

- Name the actors? 'THE STING' / ROBERT REDFORD & PAUL NEWMAN

- What outlawed organisation did he lead? 'THE GODFATHER' / ITALIAN MAFIA

- Sing the five notes? *

- What was his name before transformation? 'SUPERMAN' / CLARKE KENT

- Name the boat? 'JAWS' / "ORCA"

- Name the actors? 'LOVE STORY' / RYAN O'NEAL & ALI MCGRAW

- Name the actors? 'THE TOWERING INFERNO' / STEVE MCQUEEN, FAYE DUNAWAY & PAUL NEWMAN

- Name all of the James Bond actors? 'MOONRAKER' / DAVID NIVEN, GEORGE LATHENBY, SEAN CONNERY, ROGER MOORE, TIMOTHY DALTON, PIERCE BROSNAN & DANIEL CRAIG

- Name the actor? 'ROCKY' / SYLVESTER STALLONE

- Where was this movie set? 'DON'T LOOK NOW' / VENICE

- What was the piece of classical guitar music from the movie? 'THE DEERHUNTER' / "CAVATINA"

- Who was her mother? 'CABARET' / JUDY GARLAND

- Name the actors? 'ANNIE HALL' / DIANE KEATON & WOODY ALLEN

- Name the comedy troupe? 'LIFE OF BRIAN' / "MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS"

- Who, on the left, got shot? 'DALLAS' / J.R. EWING

- Name the character at the front? 'M.A.S.H.' / RADAR O'REILLY

- Where was Manuel from? 'FAWLTY TOWERS' / BARCELONA

- What was the name of his dog? 'DOCTOR WHO' / K9

- What was their song called? 'MORECAMBE AND WISE' / "BRING ME SUNSHINE"

- Name the character in the black leather jacket? 'HAPPY DAYS' / "THE FONZE"

- Name the characters? 'THE GOOD LIFE' / TOM & BARBARA GOOD AND MARGOT & JERRY LEADBETTER

- Name the children? 'THE WALTONS' / JOHN-BOY, JASON, MARY ELLEN, JIM-BOB, ELIZABETH, AND BEN

- Who was their informant? 'STARSKY AND HUTCH' / "HUGGY BEAR"

- Name the presenters? 'BLUE PETER' / PETER PURVES, VALERIE SINGLETON & JOHN NOAKES

- How many characters can you name? 'CROSSROADS' / MEG RICHARDSON, JILL RICHARDSON, SANDY RICHARDSON, AMY TURTLE, ADAM CHANCE, SHOEY MCFEE, BENNY, VINCE & MISS DIANE

- What would he be worth today? 'THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN' / IN TODAY'S DOLLARS, STEVE AUSTIN WOULD HAVE BEEN WORTH $31.5 MILLION RATHER THAN $6 MILLION. BUT TODAY'S SUPERMAN WOULD COST MORE LIKE $460 MILLION

- Who was his famous daughter? 'OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS' / PAULA YATES

- Name the actresses? CHARLIE'S ANGELS' / KATE JACKSON, JACQUELINE SMITH & FARRAH FAWCETT

- Name the comedians? 'THE GOODIES' / BILL ODDIE, GRAEME GARDEN & TIM BROOKE-TAYLOR

- What was their hit song? 'IT AIN'T HALF HOT MUM' / "WHISPERING GRASS"

- Name the butler and the cook? 'UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS' / MRS BRIDGES & MR HUDSON

- Name the characters? 'DAD'S ARMY' / LANCE CORPORAL JONES, PRIVATE PIKE, CAPTAIN MAINWARING, SERGEANT WILSON, PRIVATE FRAZER & PRIVATE GODFREY

- Name the characters? 'CORONATION STREET' / STAN & HILDA OGDEN

- Name the TV presenter? 'THIS IS YOUR LIFE' / EAMONN ANDREWS

- Name the characters? 'STAR TREK' / UHURA, CAPTAIN JAMES T KIRK, DOCTOR SPOCK & DR MCCOY ("BONES")

ALBUMS

FLEETWOOD MAC / 'RUMOURS'

ELTON JOHN / 'GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD'