HELP to ID a strange book

[wolveschick]

I took this out of the library on a permanent basis in the early eighties. A collection of short stories- I can remember one being about several favours of ice cream and the odd one about a teenager whose dad secretly joins a rock band where they dressed up as elderly folk on zimmer frames and were a huge hit on TOTP etc. The song went "I'm so old I'm falling to pieces, all my skin is lines and creases" I can remember that but not the book title.

Also around the time a novel about gymnasts which was a bit dark-broken legs etc and eating disorders.

Any clues?

are you absolutely sure you aren't recalling a drunken party/dream in the early 80's !! it sounds very bizarre indeed?

I know, but I took it out soooooo many times and can picture the illustrations but cant remember the title (incidentally just tracked down an Enid Blyton title I was CONVINCED was a dream). This one may have been american. It will bug me forever!

Was the gymnast book "Chalked Up"? It was published in 1986.

Not a book but there was a series about a gymnast called bella in one of the girls comics in the early 80s (judy or something like that) Could it have been that?

I read that too! There was a story about a girl at a bus stop too called Salmonella. The author was Tim Kennemore and the title I believe was Here Tomorrow, Gone Today. Ooh my memory does still work!

Thanks so much tabbycat. Have just ordered a copy. Thought this was so obscure I would never find it without a title or author. heckythump-will look into that one. thank you, thank you!

I loved Here Tomorrow, Gone Today!

Tim Kennemore also wrote a book about gymastics called The Fortunate Few, where gymnastics was the national sport rather than football. Perhaps that's the one you're looking for?

tallest tower-yes, it is hopefully that book. It is ordered and on it's way. Am really pleased as in a week I have tracked down all 3 elusive titles for childhood that have bugged me for years. I hope they don't disappoint when they arrive. Thank you all.