Chilblains and Chitterlings: A Working Class Childhood in 1960s Birmingham

by Dawn Fallon, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

In this evocative childhood memoir, Dawn reflects on her past after finding herself transported back to the 1960s during her evening commute following the pandemic. With humour and honesty, she relates the remarkable story of how she was almost not born and details her earliest memories of growing up on a council estate in Birmingham. She reminisces about her neighbourhood, school days, recreational activities, food, games, and cherished family memories.

Dawn paints a rich tapestry of nostalgia from the 60s and 70s, capturing the special essence of the decades that shaped her future. It is a personal and detailed account of growing up in the 60s and 70s, rekindling the aura of those decades…so whether you read it all, or pick out the bits that take your fancy, it will take you a trip down memory lane.

Genres: Memoir

Audible Audio

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

I was born in Birmingham to working-class parents in 1959. I worked hard at my music studies and obtained a music degree, graduating in 1980. I joined the Civil Service in January 1981 as a Clerical Officer, eventually gaining a promotion to work as a VAT Control Officer. I currently live in Devon and am a hotel pianist.

Reviews

[Beth Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a title like this, I knew I would love this book. I did.

The reader is taken from a modern-day setting on a nostalgic journey to the author’s childhood in the 1960s. Hers is a working-class upbringing in Birmingham, which she describes with fondness and fun, including her father’s love of the dreaded chitterlings. Although this family was not financially wealthy, they enjoyed enviable riches in their closeness, including with friends and neighbours.

Dawn Fallon is a remarkably talented storyteller. Her incorporation of the ‘Brummie’ accent in dialogue adds a charming authenticity, as do her vivid portrayals of daily life. This includes her insightful reflections on the education system of the time and how she navigated the pitfalls associated with the controversial 11+ exams.

This memoir offers a precious glimpse into the social history of its time. By following the author’s childhood experiences, the reader learns how Dawn flourishes and discovers her musical talent, which becomes the foundation for her later career. It is a joy to read and a delightful stroll down memory lane.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn reminded me of things I had totally forgotten about from the 1960s. One being that wonderful piece of furniture that was a gramophone & radio…beautiful wood…it stood in pride of place in the lounge. And another delight the bright colours of the penny sweet…a fruit salad! This is such a great trip down memory lane. Dawn presents a fascinating account of her early years in Birmingham, and all it meant to her. Her wonderful family of ‘rellies’ all get a mention…that’s the longest chapter! She did not get to pursue a music career in the 1970s, if you’ve read one of her other books you will know that! When the time is right however…Do read this wonderfully nostalgic and entertaining book. Highly recommend.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book, and almost by the end of the first chapter I'm wondering how Dawn lived my life? She brought back so many memories of my time growing up in the 60s. It's obviously not my exact life, but so many things resonated with me, and I was saying "Oh I did that!": "We ate those!": and "Oh gosh I'd forgotten about that, but I so did that!" all the way through. A lovely treasury of memories that I'm sure many people will relate to, even if they weren't brought up in 1960s West Midlands. The feelings are the same wherever and whenever you grew up, this is so very evocative.

[Stephen Malins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dawn's childhood memoir of a working class girl who grew up in 1960s Birmingham, in the Midlands of the UK.
She had an absolute delightful style, and way of bringing you into the living room of her home, and then out into the back garden where she describes the smells and sighs of summer.
The songs and poems her parents sang painted the picture of course. I was touched by the good humour, love and affection, and the modesty of her family proving that where good fortune reigns, you don't need much else.
In fact, she had riches which set her up for the years ahead. Beautifully told.

Also, make sure you don't miss out on the likewise refreshingly told Confessions of a Tax Inspector that tells you that not all biscuits and cakes get taxed the same!

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another delightful book by Dawn Fallon.
The author flashes back to memories from her childhood, and I found them quite entertaining. Some of them were hilarious, like when her parents played along with her pretending to be a dog when she was in preschool, so they could get her to drink her tea and eat her food. That was just one of the many fabulous moments in this book.

[Jill Robbertze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming memoir. I am from the same era. Although I didn't grow up in the UK, (I grew up in Durban, the most British part of South Africa) this brought back so many memories of my own childhood. The tinned Fray Bentos meat pies come to mind, I have not thought of those I since I was a child !!!!! Even though some of her experiences were quite different to my own, it still evoked many memories that have been buried somewhere in the back of my mind. What a lovely childhood and fun family !!!!
I will be looking out for more from this author.

[Whistler's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming memories of childhood from a likable author.

I read and loved this author's "Confessions of a VAT Inspector" which tells about her years working with mom-and-pop businesses making sure they were paying their sale taxes correctly. Predictably, the book-keeping was frequently sketchy, but the cups of tea and the homemade treats were priceless. I was excited to find that she'd written a book about her childhood.

Being American and a Southerner, I first thought of Birmingham, Alabama. Once I realized that she was talking about the Birmingham in northern England, things were clearer.

Much has been written about the rise of the English "nanny state" and most of it has been critical. It's sad that most Americans are fearful of anything different from the known. We are also too quick to believe propaganda created by groups with a vested interest in keeping working class people poor. Were you expecting the AMA to praise "socialized medicine" which would cut their gigantic profits from medical care significantly? More fool you.

In the post-WWII years, the U.S. experienced an economic boom that moved many families from the working class into the middle class. Unions were strong and workers thrived as never before. Sadly, that system is now being dismantled and the gap between the rich and the poor gets bigger all the time.

In England, the post-WWII years were grim. The destruction caused by German bombing took many years to repair. The rationing that disappeared in the U.S. as soon as the war ended lasted another ten years in England. It wasn't until the 1960's that the Labour Party government was able to bring about significant improvements in the lives of working class families. But when it happened, the change was dramatic.

Ms Fallon tells about the huge differences in the poverty her parents (and their parents) experienced as working class people compared to the relative prosperity she and her younger sister enjoyed as children. She was one of only two children and both parents worked outside the home, so she was one of the lucky ones. Even as a child, she was aware that single-parent families with many children weren't able to provide as much for their kids as her parents did. "A rising tide lifts all boats" is a pleasant political fiction that benefits only the wealthy.

Her parents were also happily married and that makes a big difference in a child's childhood memories. Clearly, both parents loved their children and wanted the best for them. Her mother was very much involved in her daughters' lives, striving to make sure that they were as happy as possible.

The English school system of testing children and routing them into academic and non-academic schools is different from ours and I have reservations about it. I think many children who simply don't test well are denied opportunites that they could benefit from. On the other hand, our system of assuming that all children are academic whiz-kids and college-bound creates frustration for many kids who would be happier in a trade-based program. There's good and bad in any system.

This author is likable and that makes her books worth reading. I enjoyed this one very much and I hope she keeps writing. My memories of childhood are so sketchy that I'm always amazed by people who seem to remember so much. Her stories of her immediate family and her extended families on both sides are delightful.

It's a fine book and I'm glad I found it. The miracle of e-publishing means that ordinary people are able to publish their life stories. In print books, only celebs can write their memoirs and I much prefer to read about regular folks.

[Alison Cubitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilblains and Chitterlings: A Working Class Childhood in 1960s Birmingham is a window into a world I knew nothing about and hooked me from the start. It’s as much social history as personal memoir. Growing up, there might not have been much spare money, but to make up for that there was a life rich in community, friendship and supportive family. A lively and engaging storyteller, Dawn’s personality leaps off the page.

The story starts in the present, with Dawn doing what she loves, working as a musician, being paid to play the piano. I wouldn’t be giving away the plot if I said that her story is remarkable, a kid who grew up on a council estate, who had to overcome many hurdles in her young life.
I enjoyed the nostalgic references, from the people’s lottery, aka the Football Pools; Clark’s shoes, the brand that shod every other child in Britain, as well as Radio Rentals, the company that persuaded most of the population to hire their TVs, rather than own them.

One aspect of life this reader won’t miss is how that era’s educational system academically streamed children at eleven. Dawn had to sit the unfair 11 Plus exam, which gave middle-class children, whose parents could afford extra coaching, the tools to pass exams. But Dawn didn’t let her exam results hold her back, thriving at a school that valued the arts over academia, giving her the confidence to study music at university. She details the detour she took before playing music professionally in an earlier memoir, which is as thoroughly engaging as this one.

Highly recommended.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilblains and Chitterlings is a delightful and fascinating account of Dawn’s childhood growing up in Birmingham during the 60’s. It’s such a heart-warming story which brought back some fond memories too. I grew up in a council house as well and also remember the warmth and camaraderie of neighbours.
Dawn has perfectly captured the changes that came with better wages and better housing and the fact that there was an enthusiasm to embrace new opportunities, especially for working class people. Wonderful memories of a loving childhood and the strength of family ties were beautifully described.
One thing that did make me smile was her father, and years later, Dawn herself, renting a TV from Radio Rentals. I can relate to that as my husband was a TV Engineer. He worked for a local business that rented out TVs. It was incredibly popular during the 60 and 70s to rent TVs. A different world.
I was hooked from the start and thought the title was fascinating. I have now discovered what chitterlings were/are. All I can say is - no thanks!
It's truly a terrific trip back in time and a genuine piece of social history. Written in a charming and engaging way it’s just a pleasure to read. I enjoyed the photos - I always like looking at photos. It's an added bonus for me and I’m sure for others too.

[Ronald Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn’s first chapter captivated me. Once captivated, I read the entire book! This is memoir at its best.

“Chilblains and Chitterlings” takes a fond look at the post-WWII past in and around Birmingham and other parts of England. While capturing wistful tenderness she doesn’t shirk from exposing the hardships and heartbreaks that she – and many of her readers -- experienced during those challenging decades.

Dawn takes us on a comfortable and nostalgic journey that delights and makes us laugh. She reminds us of our own growing up, our grandparents and parents, our schooldays, supportive neighbors, our hobbies and pets, the games we played, and sooner or later our discovery of the opposite sex. She writes with a lightness that highlights her early life and kindles our own memories in a way that validates our past – one that we know has largely gone from England forever.

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all Dawn Fallon’s books, I knew this would be a treat when I was asked to beta read it. As expected, I loved it. Dawn has a lovely, heartfelt and natural style that makes the reader feel like a friend from the first page. This book, starting with her experiences as a hotel pianist, then takes the reader back to her childhood in the 60s. Although I am a few years older, I was able to relate to so much of what she writes about life at that time. The music, the food, the songs, fashions, customs and expressions; they were all things I remember vividly. I’ve always liked childhood memoirs and this one really struck a personal chord. Written in a charming and disarming style, it is full of humour and affection, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, Dawn. I loved every page!

[Judy Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Dawn’s books so this peek into her childhood was a real treat. Hearing about working class British neighborhoods was fascinating. I felt like I was getting a history and geography lesson but in a charming and highly entertaining way. As an American, I loved seeing the differences and similarities of life in the 60s in our two countries. Dawn is a talented writer and I recommend her book.

[Pat Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a fortunate beta reader for this book.
Its a delightful trip down memory lane for the Author. A childhood spent growing-up in Birmingham UK in the 1960’s.
I also grew-up in council housing, a flat in London. The authors recollections brought back memories for me too.
A nicely written memoir - I think Dawn has captured so much in this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a lot of friends in England that grew up during that time frame so I knew a lot of what they had to go thru. It was a good book to read.