The First Moon Landing & Pogle's Wood (1969)

The First Moon Landing & Pogle's Wood (1969) by Ray Darcy

I was just six years old when the first man set foot on the Moon.  I remember my mother pointing at the grainy image on the old black and white TV set, telling me `It's the Moon! Look - the spacemen are on the Moon!' 

And the crackling static and an American voice, speaking every now and then.  I'm sure that what they were saying would have been very informative.

Of course I was six years old and wasn't half as impressed as I would have been, if it had been `Pogles Wood' instead of this magnificent, historical event.

It wasn't until later that I became fascinated by space travel, sci-fi, space models, Dan Dare, Thunderbirds, Dr Who and PG Tips `cigarette cards' - `Race Into Space' (Google image search; lots of wonderful pictures of these cards here.  Ah, nostalgia..

Over forty years on, I have travelled back in time using Youtube as my portal into the past, and have marvelled at the footage I'd only previously viewed through the old and bulbous, black and white cathode ray tube.

It's still black and white and perfect for reliving that moment.

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I found a very good Youtube video on `Pogle's Wood', too, whilst on my travels.

Ah, a wonderful world created by Oliver Postgate. I don't know how many remember it, but Pogle's Wood was ever so slightly spooky and very other-wordly. The music is completely enchanting, too.

Many thanks to Youtube uploaders:-

Apollo 11 Moon Landing 1969 - beanz2u
Pogle's Wood - macbabb