Holiday fun in happier times
BUGLE reader Janine Willetts has sent in these small snapshots from days gone by, showing a bunch of Black Country pals enjoying themselves on the kind of inexpensive holiday that was all the majority of folk could afford some sixty years ago.
Janine writes, “With lockdown coming to us again and not being able to go on holiday without the worry of self-isolation, getting back into the country, getting our money back and all the other worries that come with getting away this year, or even early next year, here are some holidays that didn’t have that problem.
Lads
“Back in the 1950s this bunch of lads from Cradley Heath took a trip to Stourport. Ron Dunn, Brian Stafford, someone with the surname Sidaway and others.
“Ron would talk of his trip to Stourport with great fondness. He would always talk about his friend Brian Stafford, who he said he had not seen for about 40 years. I posted these photos on Facebook and Brian Stafford got in touch and Ron and Brian met again at a school reunion. Meeting up with Brian meant so much to Ron, who we lost the year later in 2018.
“Ron is the one in a white t-shirt, dark jacket and a white cap. Ron said that the group of friends just went off with the tent to Stourport – not much money, as no one had much money at the time, and what a fantastic trip it was. It must have been, as Ron talked about it until he passed away.
Next to nothing
“With people wanting to go abroad costing a fortune, or the top hotels around the country, this holiday cost next to nothing but meant so much to people.”
Simple fun in simpler times; is this the kind of “no-frills” holiday that you enjoyed with your family and friends?
Have you any pictures or an interesting story to share with Bugle readers? Please contact us at the Black Country Bugle, Dudley Archives Centre, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ or email dshaw@blackcountrybu gle.co.uk