1970's and early 80's
By Mandy Melbourne
Every year from the ages of 2-14, my mother, grandparents and I went on holiday to Gt Yarmouth. (1972-1984). We used to travel by train from the Midlands, and I remember looking forward to seeing the windmills on our journey, as I knew we were nearly there.
We started off staying at the Flamboro Hotel on Marine Parade, and then later we stayed at the Sunnyside Guest House in Trafalgar Rd. The proprietress was a lady called Peggy Nekrews. Her brother Sid used to work in, and I think own one of the beach cafes; the one nearest to Joyland. I also remember him standing on the beach announcing the sea trips to Scroby Sands.
My Grandad was always an early riser; he used to take a stroll up to Marine Parade, and buy his paper from the vendor (who was the same guy every year), and have a cuppa in Sid's cafe. Peggy used to serve in the cafe first thing, before heading back to the B&B to make breakfast for her guests.
Joyland was my favourite place to go. I especially loved the Snails. It took me years to pluck up the courage to go on the Ark, as I don't like heights. When I did finally do it, I thought the view was great. wasn't brave enough to go up the Oasis tower though.
My grand parents always went into Barrons arcade every year, to play bingo and the Barron brothers always remembered us, and greeted us like old friends. Every year was the same; we would look round at all the prizes, and decide what we wanted, then pool all our winnings together. One year, my mum had to lug 2 suitcases home, while poor old Grandad had to carry a huge chiming wall clock that my Gran wanted. How they got them back on the train, I don't know. Funny how that clock never worked properly after my Grandad died. Grandad also used to watch the fishing at the end of Brittania Pier. It's such a shame the Piers are no longer what they were.
Does anyone remember the Wild West Shows on Marine Parade? I think they must have demolished the open air swimming pool by then, and it was before the days of the Marina Centre. The place was made to look like a western town, and there were shootouts between the Sheriff and the outlaws. Also there were wrestling matches held there, when the Wild West Show wasn't on.
There were also the Go-Karts and the pony rides, which sadly are no longer there. Now Amazonia and the Sea Life Centre.
Every year I used to have my photo taken with a small monkey by Barkers the Photographers. They also used to have photographers walk around the sea front taking photos of holiday makers.
Other memories include a trip on the Golden Galleon, the Venetian Waterways (sadly other attractions which are no longer with us.)Chipperfields Circus, and seeing the demonstrations in Docras. I remember getting seperated from my family in Docras, and getting free sweets until we were re-united. Thankyou Docras!!!!Also there used to be 2 wax work museums on Regent Rd, and didn't the Windmill Theatre have handprints and autographs in concrete in the pavement outside?
One year I we met up with my Uncle and his family, and a big crowd of us caught a Blue Bus to the river. There waiting for us was a boat called the "Aquarius". We went on a trip across Breydon Water, and moored at the Stracey Arms, where we sat on benches outside enjoying the weather, the scenery, and the adults a few beers.
I took my kids to Gt. Yarmouth in 2005 for a holiday. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but it was a little sad that a lot of the things I found magical about Gt. Yarmouth are now gone. Some things haven't changed; the snails are still a hit, as are Docras sweets, and even though my family now travel by car, and not train, we still look out for the windmills.