A Life Changing Experience, 1970.

A Memory of Shepton Mallet.

The photo of the Market Cross takes me back to two memories, of 1970 & 1975. On & off, I lived on the Hillmead estate from the '60's to late '70's.
June 1970 - the town is full of young people, with long hair. Noisy motorcycles - mostly British - go round the Cross. The Post Office, at the left of the picture, is covered with sellotaped notes - it has become a contact point for people attending the 'Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music'. This was held at the Bath & West Showground, one of the attendees was a Mr Michael Eavis. Who soon started the Glastonbury Festival.
Back to Shepton 1970. I'm watching the motorbikes circulate around the Cross. I'm 10 years old. A decade later, hair nearly down to my waist, I'm riding a Norton Commando down to Stonehenge Free Festival.
1975. On my way back from school, notice something happening by the Market Cross. Walk over to take a look, then there is lots of shouting. Turns out the 'Wurzels' are making a film of 'the Shepton Mallet Matador' & I've walked into shot.