The NEARLY 50 YEARS LATER AFFAIR...

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I first laid eyes on the very first TV CENTURY 21 Annual for 1966 in the CO-OP's KRAZY-KUTS (a shop in my home town) towards the end of 1965.  I got it as a present for the first Christmas in our new home, but because I had initially seen it while still living in our old one, I tend to associate it with both, though more the former than the latter (former in the sequence of that sentence, I mean - not in the actual history of events).

I managed to obtain a replacement for my childhood copy more than 30 years ago, and have since acquired another two, making, er... (where's my fingers?) three copies in all in my possession.  The most recent one I acquired for a mere fiver on eBay - in great condition too - while other sellers were asking up to £75 for the same book, none of them being one whit better than the copy I bought.

Sean Connery's twin in this pic, but a Steve Zodiac clone on the next page (not shown)

I have very fond memories of this Annual, and I remember a couple of my pals also having it way back when, but one thing I realized only recently is that I never bothered reading any of the text stories or features (with, I think, the exception of the one about the VASA) contained within its RON EMBLETON illustrated covers (at least, the front cover was - the back was blank apart from the TV21 logo).

So, unfinished business I thought, and promptly sat down to read them (and all right they were, too).  It may have taken me almost 50 years (48 years and eight months, to be precise), but I've now finally finished reading the Annual I first got as a young boy most of my lifetime away.  Know what?  It feels good to complete something, however long it may have taken me.  One day I may even get 'round to finishing the room I intended to start decorating almost 27 years back.

What's that they say about procrastination?  I'll tell you tomorrow - maybe!

Incidentally, there are quite a few text stories and features in the Annual (as well as picture strips) - these are just some of them.

COULD I BE FALLING IN LOVE?

Believe it or not, some people think the

legendary JIM REEVES sang only C&W songs,

like BIMBO and MEXICAN JOE, not realizing he

was a romantic balladeer whose rich, velvet voice

caressed a lyric as no other singer before or since.

Here's an example.  Phasers to 'swoon'!