DO you remember going down the stairs in the Playhouse past the pictures of all the film stars to watch Ben Hur?

If you do, then you are sure to enjoy Gutterbluid Anne Derrick's new book 'What Were We Like ?!', which is packed full of memories of a Peebles childhood in the 1950s and '60s.

Anne has lived and worked in Peebles all her life, retiring from the maths department at Peebles High School in 2007 after 35 years service.

Her book originated as a series of articles in Peebles Old Parish Church magazine but these were so well received that she has added considerable new material to form a fully-illustrated 56-page book.

Anne said: "It all began 18 months ago writing for the church magazine, I couldn't beleive the response, people were stopping me in the street and also to say how much they enjoyed my pieces.

"It's in no way a history of Peebles but some personal recollections of what it was like growing up in the town back then. The book wrote itself to be honest."

Anne has put to paper a whole shedload of memories, including recollections of life at Halyrude, Kingsland and Peebles High Schools, what we wore (did you have a liberty bodice or a Davy Crockett hat ?), Sundays in the Fifties (remember the huge Sunday School in the Parish Church Hall?) and the Shopping Experience in Peebles (perhaps you had your shoe size checked in the x-ray machine at Hebenton's?) and much, much more.

If you remember having your high tea at Wilson & Sime's or bought sweeties at Nancy Drummond's, then this little book is definitely for you.

The book which is being printed locally by Reiver Press in Galaahsiels will be formally launched in the MacFarlane Hall on Sunday, June 19 immediately after the Old Parish Church morning service, at a special price of £4 for that day only.

It's then on sale from Monday, June 20, price £4.50, at Graham McGrath's, The Tontine Hotel, Castle Warehouse and Maison Douglas Hairdressers.

In addition, Anne will be signing copies of her book in the MacFarlane Hall on Beltane Friday morning from 10.30am until 11am. All profits from the sale of the book will be in aid of Peebles Old Parish Church..