So much has changed over the years despite the fact it feels like I only left secondary school a few years ago (and I’m sure I am not the only one).
Here are just some of the tell-tale signs of someone who went to school in the city in the 80s and 90s – see how many of these you remember!
13. A trip to the cinema - before Port Solent and Gunwharf!
The Odeon in North End was my go-to place when it came to a trip to the cinema - although I was also no stranger to the cinemas in Commercial Road or Cosham either and the same was true for many other 80s and 90s children. (And yes we all got our sweets from McColl's or Poundstretcher first!) The London Road Odeon in North End opened in the 1930s as one of the original Odeon Theatres but showed its last feature in 2008. I still remember watching Independence Day on a day when it was ridiculously packed! Photo: Steve Reid
14. Mooching around The Cascades and Commercial Road
Okay, I know technically you can still do this but us 90s children were the last ones who could spend their time hanging around the food court and enjoying the escalator fun at what really was the perfect place to meet and have a bit of a mooch about. Sadly it closed in 2004 as part of a massive £20m revamp of the western end of the shopping centre, which also saw the glass elevators disappear and the area converted to reconfigure the retail units around what is now occupied by Sports Direct and TK Maxx. A travesty many have still not forgiven. Photo: The News
15. Dinosaurs at Clarence Pier
Yep, once upon a time there were dinosaurs at Clarence Pier after a new Jurassic 3001 ride opened in 1994 replacing the Pier's "Wheel of Fortune" arcade which was destroyed in a fire. A robotic triceratops head sat next to the ride's name, and would occasionally roar at passers-by. The dinosaur themed children's ride would briefly take the riders outside to add to the fun at a time when the film Jurassic Park was at its peak. The ride closed in 2001 after the pier was sold and a decade later the façade was covered up removing all trace of the Jurassic theme. Photo: -
16. Home & Away and Neighbours
If you were not racing home from school to watch Home and Away, followed by Neighbours then what was wrong with you. The Australian soap operas were at their peak in the 80s and 90s churning out star after star in a hit factory which continues to this day - after all Barbie star Margot Robbie started her career there. I guess it put us in good stead for the next bit television programme which then dominated our lives - Friends! Photo: Google Images