1959: To Russia and Back

The long trip to Leningrad


 Leningrad in the 1950s, today St Petersburg

Influenced by a book called Soviet Education Today written by Deanna Levina and lent to him by R.F.MacKenzie, John Aitkenhead decided to visit Russia with his good friend and Galloway farmer, Hugh Paton. They drove Hugh’s Jaguar across Europe to Leningrad, a journey of over 3300 km each way and met local poets and other Russians during their visit.

On their return John was in great demand by local village Groups to come and speak about their tour.

John and Hugh with his Jaguar Leningrad 1959

John with unknown Russian Poet in Leningrad

John, Hugh and the same Russian Poet, Leningrad.


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