Memories of Torquay, 1930s, by Anonymous

From MemoryArchive

Who: Anonymous
What: Memories of Torquay
When: 1930
Where: Torquay, England

A good friend of mine was telling me of her memories of her childhood, in the 1930s. "Growing up in Torquay surrounded with all the beaches, we took them for granted. Every day at 3.55pm the London Express train would arrive at the station and we would watch the crowds of visitors off load, all very pale and white heading for their B/B and within a few days they would be so burnt from the sun and sea air. Oh so painful!

After breakfast at the B/B they would have to be out all day come rain or shine until their evening meal. Young folk headed for the beach, seniors renting a deck chair sixpence an hour (Torquay was expensive) and if you were really lucky you rented a beach hut that was luxury.

We would sit on the promenade and try to pick out the honeymooners, walking hand in hand...all new clothes especially a new raincoat and shoes that really hurt."