THIS week Retro takes a look at the last year of the swinging sixties, when south-east London saw some free music and probably a lot of free love.

In September 1969, Bromley hosted its first-ever open air concert, and the journalist at the free gig made sure he offended the entire crowd in his report.

He said the four-hour concert in Library Gardens, which featured David Bowie, attracted hundreds of “hippies and curious squares”.

This placed members of the audience into two broad and insulting categories: the unwashed deadbeats and the grey-suited dullards.

If you’re wondering which category the journalist fell into, the following sentence from his report may give you a clue: “Police were also present to watch the proceedings.”

I like to picture him trembling in his grey suit as he stood among the “hippies”, worried he might catch a burning bra in the eye.

David Bowie also appeared at a free outdoor concert in Beckenham in September 1969, joining other musicians to play to a crowd of 2,000.

As well as performing his own songs, the Brixton-born musician compered the eight-hour show at the Croydon Road Recreation Ground.

Flower power was in full swing at the gig, with Bowie wearing a shirt with a floral design and members of the audience sporting daisy chains around their neck, making Mother Nature proud.

One man who was not so eco-friendly in 1969 was Frederick Burden.

He failed to see the irony of being both RSPCA vice-chairman and president of a club whose members shot birds for fun.

Beckenham Councillor Rose Birkett did see the irony and called for Mr Burden to step down from his position with the RSPCA, but he refused.

It was a fowl (sorry) situation, but most people were too busy enjoying free music to notice.

For more 1960s music nostalgia you can see Claire Sweeney and Su Pollard in the musical Shout! at The Churchill theatre in Bromley until Saturday. To book tickets, call 0870 0606620.