So here it is . . Merry Christmas!

"I spent my teenage years growing up with great 60s music. Memories are still instantly rekindled by the radio. Twist and Shout' and I'm back in St Francis Mission Hut in Bradley for the youth club. I Got You Babe' and I'm in Liverpool visiting the Cavern Club; All or Nothing' - bought for me by the boy who has now been my husband for 28 years. The Gay Gordons' and I'm . . . what's that? Do I really remember Scottish country dance tunes?

"Well, it's not really surprising. Every year up to 1965, the Bilston Girls' High School Christmas Party comprised what seemed like hours of military two-steps and highland flings. The agonies of being partnered by the mistress who normally tore apart your Latin homework were indescribable.

"Then, out of the blue, something revolutionary happened - the 1965 5th and 6th form Christmas party would be held jointly with Bilston Boys' Grammar School. Not only that, it would be with a live band!

"Rumour abounded. Hadn't the German teacher been at university with Spencer Davis? Didn't one of the 6th formers know someone who might know Paul McCartney's phone number?

"Soon posters announced a local band, the N' Betweens. They played pretty well, loud and noisy.

"Teachers patrolled the dimly-lit corridors to prevent any sixties swinging but we were all too busy dancing. The band enjoyed it, too.

"Some time later, after lots more practice and a couple of name changes, they emerged on the national pop scene as Slade.

"Merry Christmas, Everybody?"