Hands up if you’ve got false teeth. How many?

These days it is hard to tell. Once upon a time, if you owned a mouthful of artificial gnashers, they did stand out. The best single word to describe a full set of falsies would be ’obvious’. They just looked like two identical rows of white china tooth-like shapes.

Have you ever seen the rotating tooth trick? If you know someone who owns a mouthful, ask him if he can play ’spin the teeth’. The skill is to rotate the full set from back to front without taking them out. I once knew this bloke who would have a conversation with you and when it was your turn to speak, he would put you off your stroke by continually rotating his teeth as he listened to you.

And I once saw someone taking a bite out of a cream bun. He held the bun in a firm grip and took fair sized bite. Unfortunately, the teeth wouldn’t let go of the bun, but it gave everyone a good laugh.

Anyway, the other day I fired up ’Pullyman One’ for a trip into town. It was a rare, fine winter’s day, blue sky, bright sunshine and freezing. But well wrapped up, warm and snug, I set off. I was going to buy a new tooth brush. A simple enough task, you would think. In my dreams.

In the old days, for example, if you went to buy a packet of tea, you had the choice of Brooke Bond or Typhoo. Next time you are in Shoprite, just count the number of varieties on sale today.

You get the point.

Well, the same thing applies to toothbrushes. There must be hundreds to choose from.

You can buy soft bristles, firm bristles, round head, straight head, shaped handles, non-slip handles, pink brushes, blue brushes, brushes that are kind to your gums, or tough on plaque and gentle with enamel.

You name it, there will be a tooth brush on display that has been designed to deal with it.

Now for years, I used to see my dentist for a regular six monthly check-up and, as I grew older, I gradually lost more and more teeth. Just normal wear and tear you would think.

Six or seven years ago, I decided to adopt a new approach.

Instead of going in feeling fine and coming out with a sore mouth, I would only go to see him if I had a problem. The result is that I haven’t seen him since. I’m sure that he has probably never given my absence the slightest thought, and why should he? But I have not had a single problem since.

When you are in your late seventies, believe me, you will suffer enough pain and discomfort without looking for it.

Anyway, back to the tooth brush, I was in Boots, the shop not the wellies, and I was standing in front of row after row of toothbrushes.

First question, how much do I want to spend?

There was a special offer on display that caught my eye. A choice of shapes, bristles and handles for only £1.

Job done, decision made, where do I pay? Then I spotted the electric models, Now who in the world would pay nearly £250 for a tooth brush?

A quick answer would be no-one. They were on offer for half price.

But I was hooked. I went electric. I had joined the modern world for £20. If I ever see my dentist again, I’m sure that he would approve.

And now I need some help. Does anyone have any old family photographs of life in Pulrose? Street parties, church concerts, the Sunshine School, or anything at all. Do you have any tales or stories of life in Pully? Do you remember Johnny O’Hanlon’s shop or Pulrose Cafe? Do you have any memories to share of well known characters?

Do you remember the salmon jumping up-river at the power station, or did you ever have your hair cut at Snotties? Anything at all.

If you can help, just give me a call on 676240. It would be good to hear from you.