My family first moved to Stevenage in 1953.

 

Our house in Bedwell was so much better than the old place we left in Hackney, East London. We had an inside toilet and a bathroom!

 

I attended Alleynes Grammar School, my brother Heathcote and my sister Barclay. It didn't take long to know and feel the 'them and us' attitude towards newcomers. There was then a definite line between 'Old Town' and 'New Town'.

 

Then, there was a very strong local (Hertfordshire) accent in everday speech compared to our fairly broad 'Cockney' accent. However, we blended with our contemporaries even though those in certain businesses and professions tried to make the difference feel 'real' and 'a fact of life'.

 

So, it's with great interest that I wonder how things have really changed over the years and if there are any residual biases still left to deal with?