Helen mead column

AS the country looks back 50 years, I've been doing the same. I've joined the rest of the nation by reminiscing - not about anything royal, but at the contents of a newspaper.

I browsed through an edition published on this very day 50 years ago to see whether there were any aspects of life worth resurrecting in 2002.

As a broadsheet, it was a heck of a lot more difficult to read on the toilet that's for sure - and, judging from the property pages, the lavatory would most likely be in the outhouse at the bottom of the garden. A definite change for the better, inside loos. Can't say that about property prices, though - I would have them back with pleasure. A "good-class house, three bedrooms, bathroom, sitting room and range" (a very desirable period piece nowadays) cost £2,250.

Though it did have an outside WC, which, as they would no doubt point out on the glut of TV property shows that plague us nowadays, would knock the price down a touch in today's market.

Surprisingly, cars weren't as cheap as I'd expected, although at present-day prices they'd be a steal. A Hillman Minx saloon cost £595 and a Jaguar £795. I wonder whether they had the added bonus of heavily-tinted Mafia-style windows, in common with many vehicles on today's roads.

One thing I would certainly welcome back is greyhound racing. What a great, inexpensive night out today's people are missing. When I lived in London I was a regular visitor to Catford dogs, mingling with the sheepskin-coated Arthur Daley lookalikes and their middle-aged, mini-skirted wives coated with fake tan and gold jewellery. Bring the dogs back, that's what I say!

We have been educated into thinking that the 1950s was a decade of inequality, of women at home looking pretty in Gingham dresses, while men went out to earn a crust. So I for one was shocked to see a report on a women's cricket match - the Yorkshire team lost to Middlesex by 49 runs. Funny, women's cricket has been going all those years, yet it remains low-profile and is still thought by many to be a bit of a joke.

Of course, not every 1952 female had it so good. The newspaper did contain the usual glut of adverts featuring smiley, apron-clad women doing household chores. One is pictured on her knees, beaming broadly while cleaning the floor, alongside the caption: "Mistress Mary bright and airy, Stardrops are made for you, To wash the floor or clean the door, A drop or two will do."

Personally, and at the risk of upsetting fervent feminists, I have nothing against such adverts - at least they reflect real life. I hate those smarmy TV ads in which men show us how to clean the bath. Men - whether 50 years ago or now - DON'T clean baths.

Adverts half a century ago are intriguing to say the least. I was drawn to one for Clarke's blood mixture, which apparently helps to cleanse the system of blood impurities. "Always ask for Clarke's" the advert urges.

I may just do that on my next trip to Boots, although if it's still available I feel they could benefit from a little PR advice over the name.

Equality wasn't paramount in that era - "Office junior (female)" was among the job adverts that would not survive today.

Overall, the 1952 newspaper, with its lack of colour, wasn't as bright and breezy. Yet I reckon I prefer the paper from 50 years ago. It had one massive plus over today's model - no football.

Fair enough, there was a tiny mention of the Olympic soccer team, but otherwise nothing. In June - indeed in summer as a whole - I don't believe there should be.