Travelling Man

I first watched this series when it was shown in 1984/5. I really enjoyed it at the time and became interested in the canals and canal boats and the possibility of living on a boat. That didn't happen but I did go on several canal holidays, firstly in 1985 with a school friend and his brother and with other friends after that.

Of course the series is dated but isn't that part of the appeal of rediscovering old TV programmes from our youth. I find it fascinating watching this, a time when no one had a personal computer, mobile phone etc. The episode called The Quiet Chapter where Lomax and the pub landlord are terrorised by a bunch of hooray henrys whilst inside an isolated pub is notable for its total lack of technology, which of course is taken for granted now - the only connection with the outside world an old Bakelite GPO phone. The fashions, haircuts, cars - it all adds to the sense of nostalgia.

I bought and still have the cassette soundtrack by Duncan Browne, in addition to the single and the blue padded Berghaus jacket as worn by Max on the canal in winter. Still keeps me warm and one day I'll take it on another canal holiday but this time with my wife and kids.