I’m sure we’re all looking forward to your return!
Will look forward to your return Mr M… 
Hurry back Mr. M, yours is the first thread I turn to when I visit OFF.
Me too the only reason I visit here.
Thank you for your kind comments. We can now resume…
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/chacha_zpsae0f1841.jpg
1960: The ‘Mighty’ Trade Unions
In 1960 the country was moving into the era of severe industrial relations disputes. Trade Union leaders were frequently seen on television in the news and in serious discussion. The would-be dance pupil depicted here looks very much like my memory of these men (and, yes, I do mean men.)
The intended teacher isn’t at all confident of this pupil’s ability to make it in time. Indeed, I suspect that no union boss would want to be seen excelling at the cha cha cha. The Labour Party Conference was different. I have a memory of seeing a picture of a dashing young Barbara Castle on the dance floor at such an occasion.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/football_zpsb844cbab.jpg
1960: Such Civilized Hooligans
Looking back it seems such an innocent age.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/music_zps0309c8c2.jpg
1960: What You Can Do with Your Other Hand
Music that has been scored for one hand is normally intended for people who have only hand. This cartoon suggests another reason why such music may be composed.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/equality_zps67fd6b4f.jpg
1960: Keeping Up Appearances?
The populist French politician gets into the sedan chair and then walks instead of riding. What point is he making? By getting into the chair he seems to be declaring himself more equal than the populace at large. By walking he is showing that he really is equal to them. The crowd seems to be impressed by this gesture.
I’m not at all sure that eighteenth century chairs were equipped for this degree of equality.
The modern equivalent being the shirtsleeves rolled up and no tie politician photoshoot. Not much has changed
Indeed. Who do they think they’re fooling?
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/empty_zps45130e18.jpg
1960: Party Time
His glass is empty because he’s just splashed its contents over his chest. The very hospitable hostess isn’t concerned with his long-term well-being. This scene is probably an exaggeration but Anton has given us an amusing cartoon to smile at. Just look at those slender feet and footwear to match…
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/like_zps2bbbbd52.jpg
1960: Aversion Therapy?
He is so confident that the boy wouldn’t like the strong alcoholic drink that he isn’t bothering to see if he is right. This cartoon couldn’t appear today. The most charitable interpretation of his intention is that the taste will discourage his son from indulging for a long time to come.
I doubt that such a reaction would have then taken place. Today avaricious alcohol suppliers produce a version for children with lots of sugar to disguise the taste but with the same side-effects.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/graph_zps7f32e065.jpg
1960: Off the Graph
More gallows humour here. Nowadays the CEOs of failed companies don’t jump out of the window. They just draw their big pensions instead.
A couple of questions, at what size would the originals have been produced, and what has happened to the original artwork. ?
I can’t give a certain answer. As to size I imagine that it was the one which was printed in the magazine. No graphics software in 1960! As to the artwork I would imagine that it hasn’t been kept.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/parrot_zps46705c44.jpg
1960: What is Bothering Her?
The classic parrot joke doesn’t go like this. There the bird’s previous owner was a retired sea captain and the vicar is just coming round for tea. Here, however, there won’t be any swearing – just a reference to sports news.
So why the cover? I can’t imagine. If there was some real sports coverage I would understand. I always fast forward when watching the news. I always pre-record that programme. That way I can avoid the commercials, show business and – of course – anything to do with sport.
But it’s surely over the top to cover the parrot’s cage just because the bird is repeating the announcer’s introduction.
Me too. I hardly ever watch any programmes live and, as for sport, change the channel immediately - except for cricket, of course.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/schedule_zps33c2fa5e.jpg
1960: A Special Case
CND and marching to Aldermaston was very much the rage for young people at the time. I personally knew several people who were hugely involved in the protests. The way that they are depicted here fits in with my memory of the time.
The drawing of the lone businessman at the back protesting about his income tax does not correspond with my memory of the time. He is probably a throwback to the 1930s. I wonder if the point of the joke is really that it is as absurd to protest against nuclear weapons as it is to protest about taxation.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/visitor_zps0614365a.jpg
1960: A Fanfare for the Common Man ©Aaron Copeland
This nondescript individual represents a lifeline to the owner of the stately house. Without the entrance fees from the hordes of visitors this owner would have had to sell up.
The visitors don’t dress up for the occasion nowadays.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h8/S22904945/Myalbum/quiet_zps916ddeed.jpg
1960: Party Planning
‘Quiet’ is not necessarily the correct word. My guess is that she means that this way they won’t complain about insufficient booze. Looking at the type of bottles I would expect this to have been a black tie occasion.