memories

So many people I have spoken to this week can search their memory banks and remember when Newcastle was a thriving metropolis 'with class' (yes...believe it ) when the family would come in to town on the bus and get off at THE STORE, then they would walk up to the Mall, past all the shops ( yes, they were all trading ) up to either Wynns or David Jones for lunch at the exclusive eateries or  further up to the italian "new fangled" cappucinno cafe shops - shit I remember that - my favourite used to be where the Flight Centre shop now is and we would slide in behind the table and order off the menu.
wow.....I can remember a cappucino cost $1.23...
Having a coffee and cheescake ( they were the best ) at either DJ's or Wynns was the highlight of the week for us middle class families and going into town took a whole day - it was an expedition.You dressed up.
Everyone I have spoken to remembers the most fondest of memories of a Newcastle that has disappeared.
Dancing at the Jolly Rodger or the Palais till 3am or going to the coffee shops down on the west end opposite the Newcastle Workers...or on Darby street ( Hunter st end - was it called Seri's??? ) God those were the days...and they are my memories...those that I have spoken to dig deeper and talk about stuff that had gone by the time I travelled Hunter st.
What a pity - we are the second oldest city in Australia to have been settled. Our city centre has so much history and it is now going to go belly up because of people who cannot make a decision to save their lives.I have been hearing about change for Newcastle since before the earthquake.
Save our City?
It may be too late..
who is going to give a rats about Newcastle city centre when we are building the eighth wonder of the world at Charlestown! Oh so many ways to spend your hard earned dollar with FREE 3 hour parking.