With some old paperwork and stuff from my Mum’s house, I’ve just found a newspaper cutting from 1973 predicting life in my home town of Plymouth in 2001.

Here is an abridged version of the article from a Plymouth newspaper that operated between 1972 and 1983.

PLYMOUTH TIMES – 12 January 1973

TOPLESS ON THE HOE IN 2001?

In the year 2001 there will be nearly half a million people living in the Plymouth area.

More people will want second homes and weekend cottages.

Plymouth has been called the city of tomorrow. However the infusion of new blood since the war has forced the city to take a closer look at itself.

By 2001 there will be more ‘foreigners’ here. Their voices will be heard, if only because the others are silent.

Plymouth’s isolation has been responsible for a narrow point of view, but also the creation of strong self-assured individuals.

People will have more time to satisfy their own interests. Going to work will no longer be the imperative as more people will find there are fewer jobs but more social security.

“Men will have to accept that it is not a crime to be without a job” says Ron King, district chief of the AEUW.

The year 2001 may be golden

Fashion expert Jon Saberton certainly predicts glowing prospects.

“Right now the bra is being thrown away, clothes are becoming sexier, they are more functional, easier. And I think by the year 2001 we will see the topless look on The Hoe.”