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My Granda’ was the Co-op Santa Claus
Click for youtube!
The snow was on the ground,
Mum made me wear a balaclava
My Sister in a funny hat.
Complete with sense of drama
The grotto was spaceship,
All silver foil and glamour
As we awkwardly awaited
The clicking of the camera
We stood like dummies posed
Yours may have been a hero
And a proper astronaut
But my Granda’ was the Co-op Santa Claus
Jack Frost was at the window
The kids all stood in line
Their necks half broke from looking
Expectant to the sky.
They flew him in by helicopter
Number one in the pecking order.
For all to see,
Your son and daughters
He waved from up on high
Yours may have been a pilot
Looped the loop to great applause
But my Granda’ was the Co-op Santa Claus
The kids said “Hello Santa”
Some blushed, some cried, some wet their pants
We, of course said “Hello Granda”
To astonishment and jealous glances
He called us by our Christian names
Our one and only claim to fame
Never mind you Johns and Janes
You all just kind of looked the same To him
Your Granda’ might be celebrated, or one of your in-laws
But my Granda’ was the Co-op Santa Claus
The hoar was on the lamp-posts
Granda’ in a carriage fine
Pulled by two white horses
The reindeer wanted double time
The kids all scrambled for a place
To be number one in the great toy race
For dolls and games from outer space
And records from the hit parade
And sweets and treats new or home-made
They clamoured for them all
You might not get just what you wanted
But I got mine because
My Granda’ was the Co-op Santa Claus
© Martin Rooney 2011
I am very pleased to have found your site with so many great
pictures which take me back to my childhood, growing up in
Coatbridge. Please find attached a copy of my picture of
“Santa’s Space Age Grotto” circa 1969.
Santa was my granda’ John Rooney who worked for many years for the
Co-op and the two weans are me and my sister. I have no idea who the
assistant Thunderbirds are behind us (however someone may recognise
them).
The photo was taken upstairs (2nd or 3rd
floor) of the Clifton House Co-op department store on
Main Street and I hope it is of use to
you.
Also on a related but separate topic, do you have any pictures
(inside or out) of The Record Shop (Kaylex) which was the next shop
up from the Co-op.? This shop was a very important part of my
childhood and I cannot find any photos anywhere of it. -
Coatdyke primary School also seems to be missing in action
L
Can anyone help?? |
