Holidays in the 50's

I know a lot of bloggers hanker after a vintage life. I too love the fabrics, ornaments and furniture from times gone by. However when looking through some old photo's I found the one below of me in a vintage fashion that I don't think will return- the knitted swimsuit. As you can tell I had already been in the water when this was taken. It just about covers me up but the weight of the water it soaked up made it pull down and feel heavy. I also remember the horrid feel of the wet wool feeling itchy against my skin. What a relief I remember vividly as mother helped me out of it and wrapped me in a warm towel. The following year mum had purchased a lovely turquoise one made from the wonderful new fabric called Nylon. Finally I could go in the water without worrying.

My childhood was not good although it could have been far worse don't get me wrong. Until I was 48yrs old I pretended to everyone including my husband that it had been fine. But after receiving counselling I was able to talk about it. My dad had problems and could have possibly had what is now known as bipolar although we were just told he ' suffered with his nerves'. A ridicuous term that as a child I never understood what it meant. Growing up I hated him for spoiling holidays, Christmas etc. Now I know more about mental disorders I realise that he couldn't have helped the way he was. Just added that information because although it looks like we had a happy time on holiday it wasn't all fun and laughter.

We were fairly poor growing up as my dad wasn't always in regular employment so I know I was very lucky to go on holiday once a year to the seaside. My grandparents had a caravan at Winkups Caravan Park near Rhyl in Wales and we went there for several years. We lived in the Midlands far away from the coast and to see the sea for the first time as we arrived at our destination was magical. Today I can see the sea from my bedroom window and I still get a thrill everytime I look out. I manage to find one photo of the caravan but it isn't very good. We had gas lighting and long walk to the loo. My goodness reading this you must think I am ancient.

I would go on the donkeys, eat a Knickerbocker Glory in the cafe, go to the park with the tricycles that were on a specially built track with traffic lights and if dad was in a good mood we went on the canoes on the lake.
This is the park where we went on bikes and on the canoes and feed the ducks.
My brother didn't want to go on the carousel with me and that's why we have the miserable faces on this one. I remember the fuss he made but I don't mind it's one of my favourite childhood pics.
P.S. Just Googled Winkups and it appears that may still exist until a few years ago at least. I won't be paying a return visit though to find out. Don't want to shatter the memory of arriving at the campsite or sitting in the cafe and devouring the colourful giant Knickerbocker Glory.

Guess what? I also found the bikes I so loved going on. Looks like I wasn't the only person . A Bill Jones had a photo from his memories of holidays in Rhyl in the 50's.