A Nottingham author has published a book on growing up in St. Ann's during the 1960s and 1970s. Simon Smalley has published his memoir about what life was like in the close-knit community and growing up as a gay man in the city.
Simon was born in 1962 and lived in St. Ann's with his brothers and father. The memoir, 'That Boy Of Yours Wants Looking At' shares fascinating descriptions of life in the area before the demolition happened in the 1970s. It highlights the changes that have taken place in the city and also, attitudes towards the LGBT+ community. Prior to this, areas of St. Ann's were known for poverty with many still living in poor housing conditions.
It is estimated that around 30,000 people lived in just half a square mile – three times the population density of the city. Eight out of ten homes had no indoor bathroom and over half had no hot water. Despite this, the area was known for having a strong sense of community spirit with a lot of local shops and pubs.
