Silver and Golden Wedding Anniversaries
In March 1955, grandma and grandad celebrated their silver wedding, in October 1956, Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank celebrated their golden wedding and, in July 1957, Arthur and Ella Lofthouse celebrated their silver wedding (see Chapter 62).
Mum and Dad’s Wedding Anniversary
Mum also noted her (and dad’s) wedding anniversaries. In June 1957, after being married for one year, mum noted receiving 15 cards and one telegram. She also noted that she bought dad a spade and a pair of shears and he bought her a set of saucepans! Mum did not record their wedding anniversary in 1958. This was only two weeks after Tricia was born and. perhaps, she had other things on her mind! What she did note that day was that Tricia had a cold and that the health visitor came! On their third wedding anniversary, mum, dad and Tricia were staying with Dorothy Lofthouse. Mum noted that they received four cards and a telegram.
Birthday Parties
Sharon Rowe
In February 1959, mum noted going to Sharon Rowe’s birthday party. But, she noted that Tricia cried to come home when dad arrived so she took Tricia home and dad came “when he’d had his tea”.
Ruth Holloway
In July 1959, mum, dad and Tricia went to Ruth Holloway’s third birthday party. Ruth’s mother, Joan (nee Fisher) had been involved in the Bourne Junior Youth Club with mum (and dad). Mum noted that they did not stay long as the party happened at a time when she was feeling unwell. According to mum’s diary, the party was on Saturday 18 July. But, the date on the back of the photos is 16th which was the date of Ruth’s birthday.
John Randall
In August 1959, mum went to see Denis (dad’s brother) in the afternoon to take a present for his son John. John had turned four on 5 July.
21st Birthday Parties
During this period, as there had been in the early 1950s, there were a number of mum’s friends who had 21st birthday parties.
Robert Ollerenshaw
In June 1955, Robert Ollerenshaw had his birthday party at the chapel on a Saturday afternoon. According to mum, about 50 people attended.
Shirley Sadler
On 5 September 1955, mum and dad went to Nottingham for Shirley Sadler’s 21st birthday party.
Hazel Munns
On 10 September 1955, mum and dad went to Hazel Munns’ 21st birthday party at chapel.
John Overfield
In November 1956, John Overfield had his 21st birthday party, also at chapel.
Dorothy Lofthouse
In January 1957, mum and dad went to Stokesley for a few days to attend Dorothy Lofthouse’s 21st birthday party.
Marilyn Seville
In August 1957, mum and dad went to Driffield for Marilyn’s 21st birthday party. They stayed overnight and came home the following day.
Mum’s Own 21st Party was Cancelled Because of Grandad’s Ill Health
Mum was scheduled to have her 21st birthday party at chapel on Saturday 17 September 1955 but this was cancelled because grandad was ill and was in hospital at the time (see Chapter 65). The planned party was a relatively formal affair in that there were printed invitations, acceptance cards and a printed cancellation notice.
A Smaller Scale Party
However, on her birthday itself, grandma, dad and Pearl Hodges organised a less formal, surprise party for mum with which she was clearly delighted. It was attended by Pearl and Ken Hodges, Renie and Jim, Edna and Sylvia Bust, Mrs Deakin (Edna’s mother), dad’s parents, and Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank. Mum noted that she had lots of presents, 57 cards, two telegrams and two silver keys. Grandma and grandad bought her a petit point lampstand. They also bought her a Singer sewing machine, which they got later, in October and which cost £66 18 3. Dad bought her a petit point hairbrush etc., a manicure set and a jewel box. Grandma, mum and dad went to visit grandad in hospital at night.
Announced in the Local Paper
Mum’s 21st birthday merited two notices in the local paper’s “Coming of Age” section, one from grandma and grandad and one from dad.
Letters on her 21st Birthday
Mum also received and kept several letters related to that day. These were from Arthur, Ella and Dorothy Lofthouse; Auntie Dolly; Olive, Alf and Carole Holland; and Marilyn. I have transcribed these as follows.
Arthur Ella and Dorothy Lofthouse
Auntie Dolly
Olive, Alf and Carole
Marilyn Seville
Birthdays and Presents
Grandad 1955
Grandad came out of hospital on his birthday in 1955. He noted that grandma bought him a set of pajamas and that mum and dad bought him a B&D (presumably Black and Decker) electric drill.
Grandma 1956
In May 1956, mum and dad bought grandma gloves, table mats and an egg slicer for her birthday.
Mum 1956
In 1956, mum’s birthday was lower key than her 21st had been. She went to Nottingham for the day and met dad at 12.15. They then went to see “Lilac Time” at the Royal[2] at night. Mum noted that she had had a lovely birthday.
I am not completely sure if mum was referring to the Theatre Royal or a cinema by that name. However, I am not aware of any cinema in Nottingham by that name so it was likely to have been the former. If so, they may have been seeing an operetta.
Dad 1957
In June 1957, mum noted that she bought dad a gardening fork and bathing trunks for his birthday. They went to the Theatre Royal (see Chapter 31) at night to see “Wanted One Body” which mum rated “VG”.
Mum 1957
In 1957, mum noted that, for her birthday, dad bought her a black handbag and pick-a-stick and grandma and grandad got her an evening dress.
I recall this game as a child and we already had a modern version of the spin-off, Jack Straws. I managed to acquire a vintage version called “Pik-a-Styk” which reminds me of the version we used to have when I was a child. When I showed this to our son, Stephen, he recalled having the game as a child. I later found it in a box. I think it is a modern copy of the game.
Grandad 1957
On 1 December 1957, mum bought grandad a purse and a box of chocolates, presumably for his birthday.
Dad 1958 and 1959
Mum did not mention dad’s birthday in 1958 or 1959.
Mum 1958
For her birthday in September 1958, mum received 24 cards and one telegram. She received a chip cutter and lavatory brush (!) from dad, a five-year diary from Tricia, which presumably dad bought given that Tricia was four months old, and a half tea service from grandma and grandad.
Tricia 1959
Of course, May 1959 was Tricia’s first birthday. Mum noted that she had 33 cards and lots of presents including a dog on wheels from grandma and grandad (see Chapter 71).
Mum 1959
In 1959, for her own birthday, mum noted receiving 22 cards. Tricia bought her a record, Lonnie Donegan’s “Battle of New Orleans” (see Chapter 64). Dad bought her a pen although they were to get it later.
Grandad 1959
In 1959, for his birthday, grandad noted that he received eight birthday cards.
Bonfire Night
I am not sure if mum, dad, grandma and grandad had celebrated November 5th prior to having children but, in 1959, mum noted that they had a few fireworks for Tricia and that she liked them.
Christmas 1954 – Taking Down Decorations
On 6 January 1955, mum noted taking the garlands and Christmas tree down.
Christmas 1955
On 15 December 1955, she noted that she and dad had written Christmas cards and packed presents. She also noted dressing their Christmas tree on the 22nd. The next day, she noted decorating the dining room, front room and hall. On Christmas Day itself, grandad noted having a “small party”. Mum noted that she got up at 6.30am. She got a workbox and Yardley’s hand cream from dad and she gave him a “briefcase etc.” She also noted that Pearl and Ken Hodges joined them for the day. On Boxing Day, they stayed in all day but went to a pantomime at night. Ken and Pearl Hodges returned for the day on the 27th. On New Year’s Eve 1955, mum noted packing her Christmas presents away.
Christmas 1956
In 1956, mum noted that she bought most of her Christmas presents in Nottingham on 12 December. However, her diary is blank from the 17th. Grandad noted that they had a small party and, on Boxing Day, he went on the bus to mum and dad’s as they had a party. He noted he went on the 4.15 bus and came home at 9.15. At this point, mum and dad were living behind the shop in Station Street having moved there in November that year. It seems that Jim and Renie had come to stay with grandma and grandad for Christmas as they went home on the 30th.
Christmas 1957
In October 1957, mum ordered her Christmas cards for the year[1] from Pearsons the Long Row Department Store. She got them on 6 November for a cost of 51/6.
Mum may have bought some Christmas presents before this date but she recorded buying the rest of them on 18 December.
On Christmas Day, mum noted receiving a dressing gown and a diary from dad. She gave him the game Cluedo, which they played in the afternoon and at night. They went to grandma and grandad’s for dinner and tea. Others there included Auntie Bertha, Uncle Frank, Jim and Renie. Mum noted that she picked Jim up on Christmas morning, presumably because he had been working on Christmas Eve. Grandad described it as a “nice, quiet party”.
On Boxing Day, they went back to grandma and grandad’s for dinner and tea. Bert, Edie, Marilyn and Jennifer came for the day and they stayed overnight.
On the 27th, mum and dad went with Edna Bust to pick prizes for the Sunday School prizegiving. They again had dinner and tea at grandma and grandad’s and they went to Edna’s at night. In January 1958, mum wrote thank you letters.
Christmas 1958
In 1958, mum wrote her Christmas cards on 12 December and she noted wrapping Christmas presents the next day. However, she only bought dad’s present on the 20th.
On Christmas Eve, Auntie Bertha, Uncle Frank and Renie came for Christmas. Mum got a powder compact from dad and a set of spoons from Tricia. Mum and Tricia bought dad an ashtray and “Brilcreem [sic] etc.” Apparently, they bought Tricia a Christmas tree.
Jim and Renie came to mum and dad’s house on Christmas night to play cards and Eva stayed with them. They had dinner and tea at grandma and grandad’s on 26th, 27th and 28th.
They played Cluedo on Boxing Day afternoon and, the next day, Jim and Renie came to mum and dad’s at night to play Cluedo.
On 1 January 1959, mum wrote a few letters. Then, on the 5th, she took her Christmas cards down and, the next day, she went to grandma’s to take their cards and decorations down. On the 8th, she took the decorations off grandma and grandad’s Christmas tree.
Christmas 1959
In 1959, mum did most of her Christmas shopping at the end of November. A couple of days later, mum took Tricia round the shops in Nottingham to see the Christmas lights. The next day mum wrapped all her Christmas presents. Mum and dad put up the Christmas decorations at grandma and grandad’s house on 19 December.
Eva came to stay from the 20th through to the New Year. Renie also came to stay. On Christmas Day, mum, dad and Tricia went to grandma and grandad’s for dinner and tea. In the evening, mum and dad played the game “Careers” by themselves. Dad had bought it for mum as a surprise.
Grandad noted that, on Christmas Day itself, they had, in addition to themselves, mum, dad, Tricia, Eva, Jim and Renie. On Boxing Day, they again went to grandma and grandad’s for dinner and tea. At night, Jim and Renie played Careers with them. The following day, the Fawthrops came to visit, Eileen, Jack and their two children, John and Susan.
Friends and Family Visited
Various friends and family members came to visit, often for meals. Such visitors included Bert, Doris, Peter, Rita, Adrian and Bertie Cirket; Lynne and Anne Evans; Eva Evans; Eileen, Jack, John and Susan Fawthrop, Ken and Pearl Hodges, Mrs Kemp, who was Kath Evans’ mother and grandmother to Lynne and Anne; Rev and Mrs Leach, Cyril and Minnie Parkin; Basil Parkin and his family; Shirley Sadler and Les Vryenhoef; Bert, Edie, Marilyn and Jennifer Seville; Bertha and Frank Seville; Jim and Renie Seville; and Janet and Maureen Stark. In November 1958, mum noted that they had asked dad’s parents to visit but “they didn’t come”. Mum does not explain why nor if this represented a problem. It is notable that dad’s family featured less in mum’s diary than her own family did. Whether this meant they had less contact with them or was just mum’s perspective is less clear.
Visiting Friends and Family
Mum and dad sometimes went to visit friends such as Edna Bust (including after she moved to Heanor) and Ken and Pearl Hodges. However, there was little if any mention of people she appeared to have been very friendly with earlier, such as the Roomes and the Ollerenshaws. Mum, dad, grandma and grandad also frequently visited family members who lived relatively locally, including Cyril and Minnie in Ilkeston; Eva, Olive and Alf in Grantham and dad’s parents in Kirkby.
Mum and Dad Often Went to Grandma and Grandad’s House
From November 1956, when mum (and dad) moved out of grandma and grandad’s house, to the back of the shop in Station Street, they frequently visited grandma and grandad’s house. They went there most Sundays for dinner and tea. Also, they went up for evenings at least two to three times per week. They helped out, and took advantage, of the garden. In June 1957, grandad noted that “Sheila & Roy came up to sit & loll about in the garden”.
Meals Out, Plays and Concerts
Ministers Concert at the Albert Hall
In April 1955, mum went to the Albert Hall (see Chapter 54) in Nottingham to see “Ministers Concert” which mum rated “QG”. I am not sure what this was. I have not managed to find a play by this name so perhaps it was a concert by religious ministers?
Grange Farm and “You & Your Wife” at the Playhouse
In September 1955, mum and dad went with Pearl and Ken Hodges to Grange Farm in Toton for dinner and then on to the Playhouse (see Chapter 31) to see “You and Your Wife” by Denis Cannan. Mum described it as “very nice”.
Grange Farm
Opened in 1949, this restaurant was housed in a renovated stables and milking parlour on a 17th century farm. It gained a reputation for high quality food and a homely atmosphere and became the place for birthday celebrations, Christmas parties wedding receptions and celebrity visits. It closed in 1994 and the site was redeveloped for housing.
Wedding in Paris at the Opera House in Blackpool
In October 1955, while on a chapel trip to Blackpool, mum went to the Opera House (see Chapter 52) to see “Wedding in Paris” which mum rated “VVG”.
Dick Whittington the Ice Pantomime
On Boxing Day 1955, mum, dad, grandma, Renie and Sylvia Bust went to see “Dick Whittington” as an ice pantomime in Nottingham. Mum described it as “VG”.
Dry Rot at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham
At the end of September 1956, mum, dad, grandma and Edna Bust went to the Theatre Royal (see Chapter 31) in Nottingham to see John Slater in “Dry Rot”. Mum rated it “VVVG”.
Old King Cole at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham
In January 1957, mum and grandma went to see Vic Oliver in the pantomime, “Old King Cole”. Dad did not go as it was midweek and he was away on a course in Norwich.
I bought a programme for what I think is this performance but it was being sold as from 1955/56. While Vic Oliver did perform in “Old King Cole” over several years, I think the 1955/56 performance was in Birmingham. This was featured on the BBC on 15 January 1956. There is nothing on the programme itself to indicate year so, given mum’s diary entry, I believe this performance was from 1956/57.
Honeymoon Beds at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham
In July 1957, mum and dad went to the Theatre Royal to see “Honeymoon Beds” by Cedric Richards which mum rated “VG”.
Murder at the Vicarage at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham
In June 1958, mum and dad went to the Theatre Royal in Nottingham to see “Murder at the Vicarage” by Agatha Christie. This was part of Norwich Union’s 150-year celebrations of being established. Presumably, this was celebrating the Norwich Union being established in Nottingham as the Norwich Union was established in 1797 meaning that it would have been established for 150 years in 1947.
Dinner at the Welbeck Hotel
Before the theatre, dad attended a dinner at Welbeck Hotel before the theatre trip. Grandma and grandad had Tricia for the evening and mum, dad and Tricia all slept at grandma and grandad’s. There is still a Welbeck Hotel in Nottingham but the one dad went to was demolished in 1970.
Meeting up in Nottingham
Mum sometimes met dad in Nottingham, e.g. on a Saturday, after he finished work. They might eat out, for example, in 1955, at Boots and then go on to the cinema, such as the Elite (see Chapter 21).
Cinema in Kirkby
Mum and dad also sometimes went to the cinema in Kirkby, including to the Regent (see Chapter 21). Mum’s diaries contained details of 11 films she saw in 1955 but only two in 1956. She appears to have stopped recording the films she saw from February 1956. In August 1959, she went to the Portland (see Chapter 21) with Carole to see “Life in Emergency Ward 10” which mum rated “VG”.
Further Meeting Up in Nottingham
In June 1955, mum and grandma went into Nottingham and met dad. They then bought mum a lavender dress for her 21st birthday party.
At the end of August 1955, on a Wednesday, mum met dad in Nottingham after work. They had tea at the Arboretum (see Chapter 52) and they then went to see grandad in hospital (see Chapter 65).
The following Saturday, mum and grandma went into Nottingham and met dad at 12. They went to Trent Bridge and had their dinner there before going shopping in the afternoon. For mum and grandad, dinner was always a midday meal. I have tended to avoid using the term because these days it commonly denotes an evening meal but it is difficult to refer to lunch as that is not a term mum or grandad used at that time although they did start using it later.
In June, on the Tuesday after Whit, dad worked in the morning only. So, mum met him and they went to Gunthorpe Bridge and Gunthorpe Lock. One of mum’s photos shows foam whipped up by the weir. Apparently, this is/was caused by detergents not being filtered out by sewage filters. Then, they went to the Theatre Royal to see “Bed, Board and Romance”.
Going for Walks
Mum and dad also sometimes went for local walks, including to the quarries, to the park and over the forest, including after Tricia was born.
Goose Fair
In October 1955, mum and dad went to the Goose Fair in Nottingham after they had been to Ron Rowe and Barbara Spencer’s wedding.
Dancing
Mum noted dancing ballroom to Reginald Dixon in October 1955 while on a chapel trip to Blackpool. On 17 December that year, mum went to the Henry Mellish (HM) Dance. Henry Mellish was the school that dad attended. She described it as “vv nice” and noted that she got home at 12.30. On Christmas Day that year, she and dad went to a 12-4 dance.
Playing Bowls
Mum and dad sometimes played bowls with friends, including Ken and Pearl Hodges, and with family. In September 1958, grandad noted that Jim and Uncle Frank played bowls afternoon and evening with mum and Renie joining them in the afternoon. There are also photos of dad bowling with friends while on holiday in Perranporth in Cornwall in 1955.
Card and Board Games
Mum recorded playing a variety of card games including 500 up, rummy and canasta. In October 1958, mum noted playing Cluedo with Basil and his family when they visited. In November, they played Cluedo when Renie visited. They also must have had the game “Sorry” as mum said they played it in December 1959. I recall playing this game as a child.
Day Trips
Skegness Easter Monday 1955
On Easter Monday 1955, mum and dad went for the day to Skegness with Tom and Edna Bust and their daughter Sylvia.
Trent Bridge and Gunthorpe Bridge at Whit in 1955
On Whit Monday, in May 1955, mum, dad, Margaret Bostock and Robert Ollerenshaw went to Trent Bridge in Nottingham for the afternoon after the Sunday School procession. The next day, grandma, grandad, dad and mum went to Gunthorpe Bridge in the afternoon.
Anderby Creek in August 1955
At the start of August 1955, for the Bank Holiday Monday, mum noted that she, dad, grandma and grandad went to Anderby Creek in Lincolnshire in the car.
Trentham Gardens in August 1955
The next day, in the afternoon, they went to Trentham Gardens including to the open-air pool. Mum said she went in and that she could “nearly swim”. Apparently, the pool was built in the 1920s, closed in the 1970s and was demolished in 1986.
Driffield April 1956
In April 1956, mum, dad, grandma and Renie went for the day to Driffield.
Clumber Park, May 1956
Also, in May that year, mum and dad went with Ken and Pearl Hodges to Clumber Park.
Sutton-on-Sea and Hunstanton August 1956
In August 1956, for the Bank Holiday Monday, mum, dad, grandma and grandad went to Sutton-on-Sea for the day. Mum noted that she wore the new sundress she had made. The following day, they went to Hunstanton for the day.
Photos of Sutton-on-Sea and Huntanton
In mum’s photo album, there are unlabelled photos which seem to correspond to these trips. They come after mum and dad’s honeymoon photos and before a concert photo which is dated December 1956. So, the dates fit. The photos that I think are of Sutton-on-Sea feature a promenade and wall while those that I think are of Hunstanton feature a pier which looks like Hunstanton pier. Grandad looks quite thin and frail but this was after a long period of illness and just a week before he posed for delayed wedding pictures with mum.
Hunstanton Pier
This pier opened in 1870 but the pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1939. Most of the pier was destroyed in a storm in 1978 and the remaining building was destroyed in a fire in 2002. There is an arcade and bowling alley at the site of the pier and there are plans to redevelop the pier.
Skegness Illuminations August 1956
On 18 August 1956, mum and dad went with Jim and Renie by train to see the illuminations in Skegness.
Bolsover Illuminations August 1956
A couple of days later, they went by car to see the illuminations in Bolsover.
Alton Towers August 1956
Two days after that, they went to Alton Towers (see Chapter 63).
Bilsthorpe August 1956
At the end of August, grandma, grandad, Uncle Frank and Renie went to Bilsthorpe to see the place where Jim worked.
Bedford September 1956
On 2 September 1956, mum, dad, grandma and Renie went to Bedford for the day to see Aunt Lois. They went in the car leaving Kirkby at 8am and arriving in Bedford at 11.15. While in Bedford, they saw Auntie Annie and Uncle Frank. They left Bedford at 6pm arriving back in Kirkby at 9.15.
Auntie Annie
While mum referred to her as Auntie, I think she was her first cousin once removed. Grandma’s father had an older brother Samuel whose wife was called Annie. That Annie died in 1949 but their daughter was also called Annie and this is who is being referred to here.
Uncle Frank
This was another of mum’s first cousins once removed. His father William (Bill) was another of grandma’s father’s older brothers.
Grantham February and March 1957
In February 1957, mum, dad, grandma and grandad went to Grantham to visit Arthur and Eva, who moved there in December of the previous year. Dad continued by train from Grantham to Norwich to resume the course he was attending. They did the same two weeks later in early March.
Epworth April and August 1957
In April 1957, on Good Friday, grandma and grandad went with Jim and Renie to Epworth. I am not sure if Epworth was one of their “go to” places but they also took Arthur and Ella Lofthouse there in August 1957 when they were visiting. It is some 55 miles from Kirkby but it is of special significance within Methodism (see Chapter 52).
Flamborough Head Easter 1957
On Easter Monday, mum, dad, grandma and grandad went to Flamborough Head lighthouse. They took Carole Holland with them, as she was staying with them at the time.
Return via Driffield…
They came back via Driffield, presumably to see Marilyn and her family.
…And Stokesley
The next day, mum, dad, grandma, grandad and Carole all went to Stokesley to visit the Lofthouses. The group photos of that day feature “Auntie Vi” and “Auntie Ethel” but I am unsure who they are, friends or relatives of the Lofthouses presumably. This visit was the day after Dorothy got engaged to Alf Taylor. However, he does not feature in the photos of that day.
Ilkeston and Crich Stand June 1957
In June 1957, mum, dad, grandma, grandad and Renie went to Derbyshire including to Ilkeston, to visit Cyril and Minnie, and to Crich stand.
Trent Bridge and Edwinstowe in August 1957
In August 1957, while Lynne and Anne were staying, mum took them in the car to visit Trent Bridge. The next day, grandma took them with Sylvia Bust and Renie to Edwinstowe.
Ladybower Dam April 1958
On Good Friday, in April 1958, mum, dad, grandma and grandad visited Ladybower Dam (see Chapter 63).
Skegness Easter 1958
On Easter Monday, that year, mum and dad took Carole Holland and Sylvia Bust by train to Skegness for the day. That same day, Bert, Edie, Marilyn and Auntie Bertha came to visit grandma and grandad.
Tricia Starts Going on Trips from May 1958
From May 1958, trips out started to include Tricia too.
Trent Bridge June 1958
In June 1958, when Tricia was just one month old, mum, dad, grandma and Tricia went to Trent Bridge for the day.
Mansfield Park, Newstead Abbey, Edwinstowe and Ilkeston August 1958
In August 1958, visits were made to Mansfield Park, Newstead Abbey and Edwinstowe. For example, on 4 August, mum, dad, grandma and Tricia took Carole and Sylvia Bust to Edwinstowe. On 6 August, after mum had been to Ilkeston twice – to take and pick up grandma, grandad and Eva after visiting Cyril and Minnie – mum commented that Patricia was fed up of going out.
Driffield March 1959
In March 1959, on the day after Easter Monday, while Anne Evans was staying with grandma and grandad, mum, dad, grandma, Auntie Bertha, Tricia and Anne went to Driffield for the day. In the afternoon, they went to look round the hospital where Marilyn worked.
Driffield Again in May 1959
In May 1959, mum, grandma, Tricia, Jim and Renie went to Driffield for the day.
Brislington May 1959
Bert took them to Bridlington in the afternoon and, apparently Tricia loved the sea.
Trent Bridge and Nottingham Castle in May 1959
A few days later, mum, grandma and Tricia went to Trent Bridge. Mum noted that grandma took Tricia to Nottingham castle and got her to sleep.
Newark May 1959
On Whit Monday, in May 1959, mum, dad and Tricia went to Newark.
Baldersby May 1959
That same month, mum, dad, grandma, grandad and Tricia went to visit Alf and Dorothy Taylor in Baldersby.
Ripon May 1959
In the afternoon, grandma and grandad went into Ripon.
Thoresby Hall June1959
In June, grandma, grandad, Jim and Renie visited Thoresby Hall (see Chapter 63). They paid one shilling for car parking and two and six each to go in but grandad considered it worth it.
Newstead Abbey June 1959
Later that month, mum, grandma and Tricia visited Newstead Abbey.
Chesterfield and Hardwick Hall in June 1959
A few days later, mum, dad, grandma and Tricia went to Chesterfield and to Hardwick Hall (see Chapter 81).
Sutton Lawns July 1959
In early July, dad, Marion Slater and Tricia went to Sutton Lawns while mum went shopping in Mansfield. They returned there later that month and mum commented that “Tricia paddled a lot”. Grandad was there and he commented, “E, S & P had a picnic. I did not”!
Newstead Abbey July 1959
That same month, grandma and grandad took Jim, Renie and a friend to Newstead Abbey.
Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe July 1959
On 21 July 1959, mum, dad, grandma, grandad and Tricia went for the day to Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe. It was a Tuesday and dad had a day off.
Clumber Park August 1959
In August 1959, mum, grandma and Tricia went to Clumber Park with Auntie Bertha, Bertha and Dawn. This refers to Bertha and Dawn Curtis. Bertha’s husband Albert is also mentioned in the diaries. They married in 1938 and her maiden name was Berwick. Her mother was Annie Berwick who also appears in the diaries and was Auntie Bertha’s niece. She lived with the Bowlers for some time and was just two years younger than Auntie Bertha.
Visiting Dorothy and Heather Taylor in September 1959
On the day after her birthday in 1959, mum, grandma, dad and Tricia went to see Dorothy and her baby, Heather, for the day.
Longer Holidays
Perranporth 1955 – Plans are Made
In January 1955, mum and dad decided to go “down South” for their holiday that year to stay in caravans. They decided to go with Margaret Bostock and Robert Ollerenshaw, Margaret Varnam and Ken Roome and possibly with Barbara Spencer and Ron Rowe. On the 8th, Pearl and Ken Hodges said they would come away with the group in the summer if Barbara and Ron didn’t go. In June 1955, mum noted going to Margaret Bostock’s house to discuss holiday plans. In the end, Barbara and Ron did not go so Ken and Pearl did.
Travelling to Cornwall
They travelled by overnight train in two cabins to Cornwall and arrived at 12.30.
Liskey Hill Camp
They stayed at Liskey Hill Camp in Perranporth and mum noted that they were in caravans L and M. Mum also noted that she and dad were in one caravan with Robert Ollerenshaw and Margaret Bostock.
Arrived on Saturday and Headed to the Beach
They arrived on a Saturday and spent the first afternoon on the beach.
Another of mum’s photos shows a CSSM beach mission in Perranporth although she did not specifically mention this in her diary. CSSM was Children’s Special Service Mission now Scripture Union. Much later, Jo and I were involved in a Scripture Union beach mission in Seahouses. Jokingly, CSSM was known as “come single soon married”. Apparently, the beach mission in Perranporth still runs (Covid permitting) and is known as “360”.
Newquay and Chapel on Sunday
On the Sunday, they went to Newquay for the day. Mum and dad went to chapel at Bolingey at night.
Bolingey Chapel
Bolingey is about half a mile from Perranporth. Initially, I could find no record of a Methodist church there but found an old chapel on Chapel Hill that is now flats, through Google Streetview. It was a Wesleyan chapel and there is a detailed history available. The larger of two chapels on the site was built in 1831. From 1967, the chapel was only used in the summer because of problems with the heating. It closed in 1978 and was converted to flats.
Monday in Perranporth
They spent all day on Monday in Perranporth.
Tuesday in Truro
On Tuesday, they visited Truro.
Wednesday in Perranporth
They had another day in Perranporth on Wednesday.
Thursday in Falmouth
Then, they visited Falmouth on Thursday.
Friday to Penzance and Land’s End
They went to Penzance and Land’s End on Friday.
Perranporth and Newquay on the Second Saturday
On the second Saturday, they stayed in Perranporth in the morning and went to Newquay in the afternoon.
Chapel in Bolingey on Sunday
On the Sunday, they went to chapel again in Bolingey, this time in the afternoon.
Monday to Penzance
Then, on Monday, mum and dad went by themselves to Penzance.
Tuesday and Wednesday to St Ives
On the Tuesday, they went by themselves to St Ives. Mum thought St Ives was a lovely place. So, the next day, they went back to St Ives, this time with Ken and Pearl Hodges, Margaret Varnam and Ken Roome. I am not sure why Margaret Bostock and Robert Ollerenshaw did not go. Mum said that she and dad went into the sea twice that day as it was hot.
Thursday in Perranporth
On the Thursday, they stayed in Perranporth. Mum and dad went in the sea in the afternoon.
Theatre in Perranporth
In the evening, they went to Perranporth Theatre to see “The Importance of Being Earnest”. I have struggled to find details of a theatre in Perranporth. It seems the Miracle theatre puts on productions in the Memorial Hall but also it appears that this hall only opened in 1957 and the Miracle theatre company was only established in 1979.
Friday to Newquay
On the Friday, they packed. Mum and dad went to Newquay in the afternoon.
Saturday Travelling Home
On the Saturday, they had to be up at 4am to catch a 6.40 train from Perranporth. They got back to Kirkby at about 8.30.
Travelling in Cornwall by Train
While in Cornwall, they travelled by train.
Among mum’s photos are one of a train arriving into Chacewater station, which closed to passengers in 1964 and others of Perranporth Beach Halt. When this station closed, the sectional concrete platform to what is now Falmouth Town railway station.
Honeymoon in Torquay 1956
Planning the Honeymoon
In January 1956, mum wrote to Torquay to arrange their summer holidays, which would be mum and dad’s honeymoon.
Torquay in June
They went there for two weeks at the beginning of June, immediately after the wedding.
Overnight at Abbey Hotel in Kenilworth
On the night of the wedding, they stayed at Abbey Hotel in Kenilworth, just to the south east of Birmingham. The original Bowling Green Inn that occupied the site was demolished from 1884 and replaced with a new hotel in 1886. This was originally called the Bowling Green Hotel but later changed its name to Abbey Hotel.
Driving to Torquay
On the Sunday, they left Kenilworth at 9.45 and then drove to Torquay, arriving at 4.45. They stayed with a Mr & Mrs Sinclair at Greenacres, Asheldon Road, Torquay. In 1992, retirement housing was constructed on this site.
Monday Shops and Bishop’s Walk
On the Monday morning, they went round the shops and, in the afternoon, walked along Bishop’s Walk. This was a cliff-top walk, created by Henry Phillpotts who was Bishop of Exeter for 38 years in the 19th century.
Sunshine Follies on the Pier
In the evening, they went to see “Sunshine Follies” on the pier. It appears that this was a recurring show put on each summer in Torquay by Michael Kebby at the Concert Hall, Princess Pier. In 1956, it appears this was the sixth year of such a show. The Concert Hall was destroyed by fire in 1974. The pier itself was closed in 2014 because of wave damage but major renovation work started on it in 2018.
Tuesday More Shopping and to Babbacombe and Oddicombe Beaches
The next day, they went round the shops again and then to Babbacombe and Oddicombe beaches in the afternoon. Mum mentioned that she went in a pedal boat on the water.
Tuesday Totnes, Kingsbridge, Torcross and Dartmouth
At night, they went a run in the car to Totnes, Kingsbridge, Torcross and Dartmouth.
Wednesday More Shopping, Paignton Zoo and Winning a Toni Home Perm
On the Wednesday, they again went round the shops in the morning and to Paignton Zoo in the afternoon. At night, they went to a show on the pier and mum won a Toni Home Perm! Toni was the first brand of home perms. They ran a series of adverts comparing home and salon perms under the heading “which twin has the Toni”?
Thursday More Shopping and Buckfast Abbey
Again, on the Thursday morning, they went round the shops. They went to Buckfast Abbey in the afternoon. One of mum’s photos was labelled as showing a Methodist church opposite Buckfast Abbey. This is Buckfast Methodist Church. It was erected in 1881 on what was the main road through the village but is now within the grounds of the abbey. The chapel is still active and was refurbished at the end of 2013. Although its membership is small, it hosts substantial numbers of visitors because of its location. There is a good video of the inside and outside of the chapel on Youtube. The chapel also has a Facebook page.
Pavilion Theatre to See King’s Rhapsody
At night, they went to the Pavilion Theatre to see “King’s Rhapsody” which mum rated “VG”. Opened in 1912, the Pavilion Theatre operated as a theatre until the 1970s when it became a skating rink and then a shopping arcade. As of July 2020, it was closed awaiting restoration. It cannot be demolished as it is a listed building. King’s Rhapsody is a musical by Ivor Novello.
Friday More Shopping and Brixham to see Mayflower II
On Friday, as usual, they spent the morning in the shops. In the afternoon, they went to Brixham, a town on the other side of the bay from Torquay, to see Mayflower II. This is a replica of the original Mayflower and was built at Upham Shipyard in Brixham in 1955-1956. In 1957, it sailed from Plymouth, Devon to Plymouth Massachusetts. It returned permanently to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 2020. At night, mum and dad went to a show on the pier and dad won a flower bowl!
Saturday to Plymouth
On the middle Saturday, they went to Plymouth for the day. Mum considered the shops “lovely”. They went to the Odeon at night to see “The Feminine Touch” which mum rated “VG”.
The Odeon in Plymouth
Three cinemas in Plymouth have at various times been called the Odeon. The first, and the one mum was referring to, was originally called the Regent when it opened in 1931 in Frankfort Street. It changed its name to the Odeon in 1940 and continued with that name until 1962 when it was closed and demolished. Slightly earlier in 1931, the Gaumont Palace had opened in Union Street and, in 1962, this took over the Odeon name until it too closed in 1980. The name was taken on by the cinema previously known as Drake but this too closed in 1999.
Sunday Chapel and Oddicombe Beach
On the Sunday, they went to chapel twice and also to Oddicombe beach in the afternoon.
Monday Meeting up with Dorothy Lofthouse in Sidmouth and Exmouth
On the Monday, they met up with Dorothy Lofthouse in Sidmouth. They went to Exmouth in the afternoon and they went to the cinema there to see “3 Coins in the Fountain”. Mum and dad had seen this before in January 1955 at the Elite in Nottingham.
Tuesday Shopping, Paignton and Babbacombe Show
On Tuesday, they went round the shops in the morning and mum bought a new dress and material to make a sun suit. They went to Paignton in the afternoon and to Babbacombe show at night, which mum rated “VVG”. I was not entirely sure what the Babbacombe show was but it appears to have been some form of variety show that ran over the summer months.
Wednesday Babbacombe Downs and Shopping
On Wednesday, they went on Babbacombe Downs in the morning and round the shops in the afternoon when it was rainy. At night, they had supper with Mr & Mrs Marsh-Jones. Perhaps they were people they had met in Torquay?
Thursday More Shopping
On the Thursday, they went shopping all day as it was rainy. At night, they went to see Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in “Forever Darling”. Mum rated it “VG”.
Friday Babbacombe Downs and Shopping
On Friday, they went to Babbacombe Downs in the morning and round the shops in the afternoon. They bought a barometer. At night, they went to Babbacombe show which mum rated “VG” this time.
Saturday Travelling Home
They travelled home on the Saturday, leaving Torquay at 8.15 and arriving in Kirkby at 6.45.
Stokesley to Visit Dorothy Lofthouse in January 1957
In January 1957, mum and dad went to visit Dorothy Lofthouse in Stokesley for a long weekend, Friday to Tuesday. They went by train leaving Nottingham at 5.30 and arriving in Stokesley at 11pm.
Middlesbrough and Other Activities
The next day, Saturday, they went to Middlesbrough in the afternoon. Mum bought a black mac! They went to a youth club party at night in Carlton with Dorothy. On the Tuesday, they went to Middlesbrough again and then at night went to Dorothy’s 21st birthday party which mum described as very nice. They travelled back to Kirkby the next day leaving Stokesley at 11.05 and arriving in Kirkby at 6.45.
Norwich in January 1957
In January 1957, dad was away in Norwich for a course. Mum visited him for a long weekend, Friday to Monday, in mid-January. As far as I know, this was the first time mum visited Norwich. They may have passed through when they went on holiday to Yarmouth in 1954 but mum did not note this then. She travelled by train, leaving Kirkby at 1.30, arriving in Norwich at 7.03, where dad met her.
On the Saturday, mum and dad looked round Norwich in the morning and afternoon and they went to the pictures at night. Mum did not note where they went or what they saw but she did comment that it had been very good. On the Sunday, they went to Yarmouth for the day and they went to Central Hall (see Chapter 52) at night. On the Monday, mum left Norwich at 9.31 arriving back in Kirkby at 3.45.
Guernsey July 1957
Making Plans
When mum got back from Stokesley in January 1957, she wrote about plans for a holiday in Guernsey in the summer. A couple of days later, she wrote to St Ives about a holiday so it seems that she may have been considering two options at that point. These were both places she had been before and liked. Four days after having written to Guernsey, she heard back from them so then “wrote to airport”. The following day, she received more replies from both Guernsey and St Ives. Three days after having written to the airport, she heard back that “they can get us to G”.
Flight to Guernsey
At the end of July, mum and dad went for two weeks to Guernsey. They left on a Friday, by train from Kirkby at 7.25am arriving in London at 10.30. They flew from London at 2.45pm arriving in Guernsey at 4.15. Assuming mum’s photo is of their plane, it seems they flew British European Airways. This company existed from 1946 to 1974 when it merged with British Overseas Airways Corporation to form British Airways. I don’t know precisely the connection but one of the Benson and Hedges cigarette tins that I have mentions that it was specially packed for BEA (see Chapter 88).
The Queen was in Guernsey at the Same Time
Mum noted that they saw the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when they arrived. The Queen made her first visit to Guernsey since being crowned on 26 July 1957, the day mum and dad arrived in Guernsey. The Queen was welcomed by over 6,000 schoolchildren. Her itinerary included a visit to St George’s Hall and a firework display over Castle Cornet.
Havelet Court Private Hotel
In Guernsey, they stayed with Mr & Mrs Le Friec at Havelet Court Private Hotel in St Peter Port. I have not identified this. I did find a Hotel de Havelet but I don’t think this is the same place.
Saturday Beach and Docks
On the Saturday, they sat on the beach in the afternoon and mum noted it was warm but with a cool wind. They went round the docks at night.
HMS Shrimp
One of mum’s photos dated that day (27.7) shows a midget submarine. This might be HMS Shrimp as it visited Guernsey in the 1950s.
Tomatoes
Another of mum’s pictures of the docks shows loading tomatoes. She noted that the crane carried 150 boxes of tomatoes at a time and each box weighs 12lbs.
Guernsey Lifeboat
Yet another picture shows the Guernsey lifeboat. From other pictures, it seems this was the Euphrosyne Kendal (prior to having its wheelhouse fitted). This served as Guernsey’s lifeboat from 1954 to 1971.
Flying Christine
On the same website is a picture and description of the Flying Christine which mum also photographed. This was an ambulance launch operated by St John’s Ambulance from around 1952 until it smashed against Connaught Quay when it broke from its moorings in 1963. It was replaced by Flying Christine II and III.
Lighthouse
Mum also has a picture labelled “Guernsey Lighthouse”. However, there are/were several lighthouses on Guernsey. The one she photographed appears to be Castle Breakwater in St Peter Port.
Sunday Ebenezer Methodist Chapel
On Sunday, they went to Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in the morning and sat on the beach in the afternoon. They stayed in at night.
Apparently, Ebenezer Methodist Chapel was established in 1815 and was the site of a tragedy in 1834 when 1,000 people were in the building and a stampede cause many deaths and injuries . The church closed in 1993 and then lay derelict before being redeveloped for housing in 2012.
Monday Shopping and a Bus Tour
On the Monday, they went shopping in the morning and on a bus tour (No. 1) in the afternoon. They went for a short walk at night.
Tuesday to Sark
The next day, they visited Sark for the day and then, again, had a short walk at night. They went on a boat called Silver Commodore. Apparently, this operated until 1962 when it was sold.
Wednesday to Herm
On Wednesday, mum noted going in the sea and that they went to Herm for the day.
Affairs of State at the Little Theatre
At night, they went to the Little Theatre (see Chapter 52) to see “Affairs of State” which mum rated “VG”.
Thursday Shopping and to see Beau James
On the Thursday, they went shopping in the morning and then sat on the lawn in the afternoon. At night, they went to see “Beau James” which mum rated “quite good”.
Friday to Petit Port
On the Friday, they went to the shops and harbour in the morning. In the afternoon, they went to Petit Port including climbing up and down the 289 steps. Mum noted that she went in the water.
Saturday Shopping, Harbour, Petit Port and an Aircraft Carrier
On the middle Saturday, they went shopping and to the harbour in the morning. In the afternoon they went back to Petit Port with Mr and Mrs Gill. Mum went in the sea. That night an aircraft carrier came into the harbour and they went to see it at night.
Mr and Mrs Gill
I am not entirely sure who they were and wondered if they were people mum and dad met in Guernsey. Their address was in mum’s 1957 diary. They lived in London. A Mr and Mrs Gill were mentioned in Arthur Lofthouse’s letter to mum at the time of her wedding in 1956 (see Chapter 62).
HMS Bulwark
Mum had a photo of the aircraft carriers. This is labelled on the back as Aircraft Carrier Bulwark. It was initially commissioned in 1954 and was scrapped in 1984.
Sunday Ebenezer Methodist Chapel (Again)
On Sunday, mum and dad went to the Ebenezer Methodist Church again. They stayed in in the afternoon as it drizzled a bit. At night, they went for a walk and to the bathing pool.
Monday Shopping, Harbour and Bus Tour
On Monday, in the morning, they went shopping and to the harbour. In the afternoon, they took a bus tour (No 3) and then went back to the Little Theatre to see “Dear Murderer” which mum rated “VG”.
Tuesday Shopping and Fermain Bay
On Tuesday, they went to the shops in the morning and to Fermain Bay in the afternoon. They came back by boat from which I think mum photographed Castle Cornet. This is labelled as Guernsey Castle from the sea. At night, they went on a bus tour with Mr & Mrs Patchett. Mum’s diary has no more details of these people.
Wednesday Shopping and Petit Bot
On Wednesday, they went shopping in the morning and to Petit Bot in the afternoon. They went to see “Anastasia” at night which mum rated “quite good”.
Thursday Harbour and Little Theatre
On the Thursday, mum sprained her foot and they stayed in in the morning. They went to the harbour in the afternoon. At night, they went back to the Little Theatre for a third time, to see “Reluctant Debutante” which mum rated “VVG”.
Leaving Guernsey
On Friday, it rained all day. Mum and dad left Guernsey at 1.30 and got to Nottingham at 8.45 where grandma and Carole met them at Nottingham Midland Station (see Chapter 63).
Baldersby with Alf and Dorothy Taylor May 1959
At the end of May 1959, mum, dad and Tricia went for a week’s holiday with Alf and Dorothy in Baldersby. This came only a couple of weeks after the family had made a day trip to Baldersby to see Alf and Dorothy.
Saturday to Ripon
They arrived on the Saturday and they went into Ripon in the afternoon with Dorothy.
Sunday Chapel
On the Sunday, mum went with Dorothy to chapel in the afternoon and dad went with Alf at night.
Monday Ripon (Again)
On the Monday, they went to Ripon in the afternoon and for a walk at night. This trip had been recommended by the doctor as both mum and Tricia had been unwell. As soon as the Monday, mum noted that both she and Tricia were feeling better.
Tuesday Fountains Abbey
On the Tuesday, mum noted that they went to Fountains Abbey and, at night, she and Dorothy went to see “Room at the Top” in Ripon.
Wednesday Saltburn and Brotton
On the Wednesday, mum and family went to Saltburn for the day while Dorothy went to Brotton. Mum noted that they went to Brotton for tea. She also noted that Tricia loved the sand but was not so keen on the sea!
Thursday Shildon and Darlington
On the Thursday, they visited the Lofthouses in Shildon, spending an hour in Darlington on their way there. Ella was not very well while they were there with angina.
Friday Ripon (Again)
On Friday, Dorothy and mum went to Ripon in the morning and dad, mum and Tricia went there in the afternoon.
Saturday Heading Home
They left Dorothy’s at 8.40am on the Saturday arriving back in Kirkby at 11.20am.
St Leonards-on-Sea July 1959
At the end of July 1959, mum, dad and Tricia went by train to St Leonards-on-Sea for a week. Mum sent some luggage in advance. They travelled on a Thursday and arrived just after 1pm. They went on the front in the afternoon.
Friday Pevensey Castle
On the Friday, they went on the front in the morning and to Pevensey Castle in the afternoon.
Saturday and Sunday Affected by Illness
The next day, mum was not too well but dad took Tricia out a little in the morning and afternoon. On the Sunday, dad was not too well so mum took Tricia for a walk in the park with Peter, Rita, Adrian and Bertie, in the afternoon.
Monday Beach and Cinema
On Monday, they went on the beach in the morning and the afternoon. At night, mum went with Rita to see “Carry On Nurse” which she rated “VVG”.
Tuesday Shopping, Beach and Pier
The next day, they went shopping in the morning and then on the beach and pier in the afternoon.
Wednesday Front and Cinema
On the Wednesday, they went on the front in the morning. In the afternoon, mum, Rita and Doris went to see “The Shaggy Dog” and dad took Tricia to the pier. Dad went by himself to see “Carry on Nurse” at night as Peter was ill.
Thursday Home
On the Thursday, they went home and grandma picked them up from the station.
Family Members Visited
Various family members came to stay with grandma and grandad and/or mum and dad during this period.
Carole Holland 1957, 1958 and 1959
Carole Holland came to stay in April 1957 over Easter and again in August of the same year. During that August trip, she divided her time between grandma and grandad’s house and mum and dad’s.
In April 1958, she came to stay again this time with her grandma Eva, although Eva stayed on a week longer that time. Carole and Eva came to stay again in July/August 1958. On this occasion, mum picked them up in Grantham and, after the visit, took them to Gunthorpe Bridge, where Alf picked them up.
Carole again came to stay in August 1959 with Eva. During that time, Sylvia Bust came to stay too and they made visits to Trent Bridge and Heanor.
Sylvia Bust
Sylvia came across to mum and dad’s house regularly after Tricia was born. She occasionally stayed over.
Lynne and Anne Evans
Lynne and Anne Evans also came to stay from time to time. These times included April and August 1957. In March 1959, Anne came by herself (i.e. without Lynne) to stay at grandma and grandad’s for Easter. The reason Lynne did not come was that she had gone to stay with Carole in Grantham at that time.
On Good Friday, grandma and Anne went to see Auntie Bertha in the morning and mum, dad, grandma, Tricia and Anne went to see Cyril and Minnie in the afternoon. On Easter Monday, mum, dad, Tricia, Renie and Anne went to Clumber Park. In August 1959, Anne came to stay with grandma and grandad, again without Lynne. During this stay, they visited Mansfield Park and Bull Farm Park. On this occasion, they dropped Anne home in Riddings after visiting Cyril and Minnie in Ilkeston.
Eva
Eva, grandad’s sister came to stay with grandma and grandad fairly frequently including sometimes with Carole. Times when she stayed included April 1957, April 1958, July/August 1958, October 1958, Christmas 1958, March 1959, May 1959, August 1959 and Christmas 1959.
Cyril and Minnie
In October 1958, Cyril and Minnie came to stay at the same time. The frequency of Eva’s visits seems to have increased towards the end of this period. Might that have been related to Arthur’s death and potentially any domestic problems that were being encountered prior to his death? He died in 1959 (see Chapter 65).
Cyril and Minnie also came to stay in September 1959. While they were staying, they went to visit Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank, and also to see Jim and Renie. On the day they went to see Jim and Renie, they also took Tricia to paddle at the racecourse. This appears to be a park on the site of an old racecourse.
Grandma, Minnie (I think), Renie and Jim
Bert and Doris
At the end of July 1958, Bert and Doris came to stay with grandma and grandad for a week. They stayed until Sunday 3 August, when Tricia was christened.
On the Tuesday, grandma and grandad went with them to see Auntie Bertha and they also called at mum’s for tea and to see the new television!
From Wednesday to Friday that week, Bert and Doris went to Driffield. Sometimes, Bert, Doris and family were able to visit for a day or a meal as they stayed with someone else in the area, e.g. Auntie Bertha.
Peter, Rita, Adrian and Bertie
In July 1959, Peter, Rita, Adrian and Bertie Cirket came to stay with grandma and grandad. At this point, Bertie was about seven months old. They arrived on the Sunday and, the next day, mum, grandma, Tricia, Peter, Rita, Adrian and Bertie went to Gunthorpe Bridge. On the Tuesday, Peter, Rita and Adrian went into Nottingham and grandma and grandad looked after Bertie. On the Friday, mum, grandma, Tricia, Peter and family went to visit Auntie Bertha.
Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank
Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank often came to stay with grandma and grandad, particularly at Christmas but also at other times. For example, they came to stay for a week at the end of August 1958. On the Saturday, mum, dad, grandma, Auntie Bertha, Uncle Frank and Tricia all went to Newstead Abbey for the day.
On the Sunday, grandad noted that he, grandma, Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank went to mum’s for tea. Mum also noted this and that she, dad and Tricia had been to grandma and grandad’s for dinner. On the Monday, mum, grandma, Tricia, Auntie Bertha and Uncle Frank went to Trent Bridge after dinner.
Auntie Bertha
In October 1959, just a few weeks after Uncle Frank died (see Chapter 65), Auntie Bertha came to stay with grandma and grandad. Grandad’s diary mentions that Annie came with Aunt Bertha. I think this refers to Annie Berwick. Auntie Bertha came to stay twice the following month and again in December, but not for Christmas.
Dorothy Lofthouse and Alf Taylor
In May 1957, Dorothy Lofthouse and Alf Taylor came to stay with mum and dad for a week. They had got engaged the previous month. They arrived by train on a Saturday at 9.30pm and mum met them at Nottingham Victoria station (see Chapter 63).
On the Sunday, they went to the Sunday School Anniversary and then to grandma and grandad’s house for dinner and tea. Mrs Kemp and Lynne and Anne Evans also came for tea. Lynne and Anne’s mother’s maiden name was Kemp. Mrs Kemp was her (Kath’s) mother, so Lynne and Anne’s grandmother – which explains why she brought them to tea.
On the Tuesday, grandma took Dorothy and Alf to Grantham. On the Wednesday, mum took Dorothy and Alf into Nottingham, where mum got a parking ticket (see Chapter 63) and then to Edwinstowe at night. Dorothy and Alf left on the Saturday, by train, at 1.20 from Kirkby.
Arthur and Ella Lofthouse
In August 1957, Arthur and Ella Lofthouse came to stay with grandma and grandad for a week, arriving on a Wednesday and leaving the following Tuesday. They came by train and mum picked them up from Nottingham Victoria station (see Chapter 63) .
With grandma and grandad’, they visited a number of places that week including Gunthorpe, Epworth, Cliff College (see Chapter 63) and Matlock. They also went to visit Cyril and Minnie. Arthur preached at Bourne on the Sunday night. They left from Kirkby Bentinck station (see Chapter 63) and mum dropped them there.
Arthur and Ella came again, for a further week, in April 1958. Ella arrived on a Wednesday, one day earlier than Arthur. This visit coincided with mum and dad moving to Diamond Avenue, mum being unwell and dad taking exams, so fewer details are recorded of their visit than might have been otherwise.
On the Monday, grandma, grandad, Arthur and Ella went to Grantham, and the next day, they visited Belper, Ashbourne, Dovedale and Buxton.
The following day, they were going to Sutton but the car was hit by a coal lorry at Kirkby Cross (see Chapter 63). Although no-one was hurt, they did spend the rest of the day sorting out the car and the damage caused to it. The next day (Thursday), Arthur and Ella returned home by bus.
Dorothy Lofthouse
In July 1958, Dorothy Lofthouse came to visit for a week. She arrived on a Tuesday and, the next day, mum, grandma and Tricia took her to Trent Bridge. The following day they went to Newstead Abbey and, on the Friday, they went to see Auntie Bertha and visited Edwinstowe.
On the Saturday, they were joined by dad for a trip to Skegness and Sutton-on-Sea.
On the Sunday, they went for dinner and tea to grandma and grandad’s. At tea-time, they were joined by Eva, Olive, Alf and Carole from Grantham. At night, dad was taking a service at New Cross and Dorothy went with him. On the Monday, they “stopped in all day” and Dorothy returned home on the Tuesday. There are photos of the trip to Sutton-on-Sea but it is surprising that, although Tricia may be in one of them, she is not central to these. In the photo showing grandma, mum and Dorothy, there is some kind of box at grandma’s knee and a possible head on the right of mum’s lap! From mum’s diary, Tricia did go on the trip so must be somewhere! I have certainly not found a photo of Dorothy holding Tricia although it is possible that such photos did exist and were passed either to Dorothy at some point or to Tricia when mum died.
Arthur and Ella Lofthouse
In April 1959, Arthur and Ella Lofthouse came to visit again. Mum and dad picked them up at Chesterfield station (see Chapter 63). They arrived on a Saturday and, on the Monday, mum, grandma, Tricia, Arthur and Ella went to Southwell and Hoveringham. On the Tuesday, mum, grandad, Arthur and Ella went to Sheffield and Worksop. On the Wednesday, mum, grandma and Tricia took Arthur and Ella to Derby station from where they were heading to Weymouth and Portland.
In October 1959, Arthur and Ella Lofthouse came for the weekend. Mum, grandma and Tricia picked them up from Chesterfield station. On the day after they arrived (Saturday), they went for a drive round Moorgreen and Hucknall. On the Monday, they went to Nottingham and Gunthorpe Bridge. They left on the Tuesday from Chesterfield station.