Postcard days are here again

July 22, 2015

Starting at the bottom of the UK...

We had family holidays here - well, nearby, not actually in the Pixie shop - around 1968 when this was sent to the Staff of Fox's Homely Stores in Attercliffe, Sheffield:

SUNDAY

Dear Staff,

Having glorious time down here. Today we are at Porth and its scorching Yesterday was spent at Crantock. It was beautiful. Hilda & I are having B&B just across the road from the camp where we stayed last year. Friday was rather wet all day. Hope you have enjoyed your holidays. Look after the customers and don't close before 6 P.M.

Love Joan

You get the feeling that she was applying the word 'Love' only in the very broadest sense towards her 'Dear Staff' and that she - and Hilda? - will double-check all the orders and accounts for the week they were away. The little girl in pink in the card is just about to confirm her suspicion that the 'well' is a crap fake with no depth to it and that making a wish there would be a waste of worn-out Victorian pennies.

Slightly similar, slightly sexy, '60s village moment preserved forever:

Tues/

At Ilfracombe at the moment lazing in great sunshine. Weather good Sat & Sun, yesterday cloudy & the change to-day, its nice. Been to Woolacombe, Sainton & covered most of Exmoor since you left thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope you arrived home safe & sound

Cheerio D&D + The Kids

It was sent to Mr & Mrs Thorpe, also in Sheffield, probably in that same famous year, 1968, as it went by pre-decimal thru'penny purple. None of that bollocks about having to wear a helmet whenever you so much as looked at a trike, bike, motorbike, pony, horse or whatever in those days!

This went for 7P in June 1979:

Tiny handwriting, so they packed a lot in:

Lutterel Arms Hotel Dunster

Were spending a few days here in this pretty spot with a little sun to cheer us up. The days have been depressing in Sidmouth with so much rain & wind.

We hope you're keeping fairly well dear. I think of you often & wonder

Felicity & Chris are coming to see us at the end of the month which will be nice. By then I hope the summer will have arrived. The countryside is looking very lush with all the rain we have been having.

Bell & Alice XX

Couldn't remember you number so have had to bring it home to post it.

Sounds meteorologically very similar to 2015.

The arrival of magnificent autoshite, including coach, at Dover back in Historical Times:

Dear Dad & Ted,

We're having a good time & weather We had a good look round London on Sunday. Saw the Horse Guards. We went to Boulogne yesterday & thoroughly enjoyed it. Were having a rest day today

look after yourselves. Nellie & Ted.

[A thought: Isn't it strange that none of the so-called 'Migrants' in the casually-racist-named 'New Jungle' camp, which the French have placed so conveniently close to the docks and tunnel in Calais, know that there are many other ports where you can cross the Channel? Perhaps it's just as well they are so ignorant; but I'm flattered that they all seem to imagine old England will be any better than anywhere else in Yurup...]

Here are several classic beauties on which to feat your eyes on The Promenade, Southport:

Dear Aunty Gwen, Uncle Harry & Stella

Just a line to thank you for Clair's birthday present, which she wore to enter the baby contest. The weather is not too good today.

love Gill, Mick, Clair Kath, Norman & Val.

The whole family in fact.

Hope this'll post OK and you can see them. Plenty more to follow...

1,686 · July 22, 2015

The Dunster postcard is now my desktop wallpaper.

July 22, 2015

So glad it is bringing joy Down Under, Major B.

A few more to brighten up the Interweb...

We are now up in Blackpool in August 1970, but both the photographer and postcard-sender have managed to resist the obvious phallic symbol and gone for South Shore Baths and Promenade instead:

Sunday afternoon

Dear Gwen Harry and Glenda

The weather [iLLEGIBLE stamped out by BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS 4TH SEP. - 25TH OCT.] nice & sunny so far we went to the Pleasure Beach this morning all the kids are on the beach we are going to the Donkey Derby They've built a new theatre here. Cheerio for now Kath Norman & All

Also sent to Sheffield; I seem to have acquired the Dronfield Woodhouse Thorpes' postcard collection, or at least the more shite-filled specimens therefrom.

This is from Jackson Bridge near Holmfirth, cashing in on a popular (why?!?) television series of the day:

Nice red shite included in great detail by 'Martin' the artist who painted it in 1987. Sadly never sent.

Scanned this one, but can't find the original which has probably been used as a bookmark or something:

Anybody recognise the place? Obviously I got it for the Moggie.

This contains much useful information from the publisher, the legendary J. Arthur Dixon, as well as from the senders:

The Market Place on Market Day (Tuesday) with Hexham Abbey AD 674

Sat [7 Sep 1987]

Dear Gwen & Henry,

Had a very enjoyable few days with Michael. Weather been pretty good until today but know you had the same treatment. Visited a lovely Patchwork Exhibition up here only wish I had all day to sit & sew Will ring when home

See you soon,

Jean & Noel

Well, yes, if only we all had all day to sit & sew; what a Patchwork Exhibition we should make...

2,262 · July 22, 2015

Not so sure the wishing well is still there; wasn't it washed away in the Boscastle Floods of about 10 years ago? The north Devon stuff is great! Croyde was where I started working for a V.W. dealer, Croyde Motors! (now Seat dealers) and I've spent many a happy summer in Woolacombe & Ilfracombe! Keep the postcards coming!

4,587 · July 22, 2015

This and its predecessors are some of the best things on here evah, proper old scat AS!! Love it!!

6,755 · July 22, 2015

Splendid.

July 23, 2015

This particular selection will be going abroad quite soon, but there are a couple from bonny Scotland...

Sent on Monday August 21st 1972 when many of us would have been worrying about the imminent arrival of September and having to get up early in the morning again:

A grey grim-looking place full of grey grim-looking vehicles. Could the coaches really be bringing sightseers to Lochgilphead?

Mon 21st

Having a good time here in Lochgilphead. Actually we are staying in a house about 10 miles away. The weather is not too bad but it could be better. Hazel and I have got a room to ourselves while Sheila, Fiona and Andy are sharing. We're going out for dinner 'cos it's Andy's birthday.

GILLIAN

That's 'Good-with-apostrophes-Gillian'.

This fascinating scene is SEA FRONT PORTPATRICK, FROM THE SOUTH CAR PARK. It somewhat confirms my theory that small communities were anxious to show how welcome you & your car would be and that there'd be plenty of parking . Line of beauties or what? He obviously waited for the water-skier, but I doubt if there was any of that going on in July 1973:

Dear Stella,

Having a nice time here despite rain wind and mist. Food is marvellous and my waistline is growing even more. (if that is possible) No decent males!

See you soon, Anne

You do wonder what happened to her in the intervening 42 years, don't you?

I'm guessing that Portpatrick might be on the west coast and that we could take a boat over to Ireland then drive down to the bottom left-hand corner and visit The Connor Pass, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry:

Creepy vehicle included. Must have been sent in an envelope after they got back because all it says is

Sorry couldn't post this everything on strike! Just like home but better scenery.

Love

Muriel/

46,379 · July 23, 2015

The censor was a bit heavy handed with that A35 - perhaps it was adding too much colour to the scene?

July 24, 2015

A35? Grey 35.

Found the missing card:

BATTLE ABBEY...William the Conq...1066....fine Abbey Gateway, etc. Never sent.

But now we're off to foreign parts (more foreign than Ireland anyway):

Fine Frogshite to be relished in the innocent Calais of yesteryear (1969 to be precise):

Wednesday.

Dear John,

Its very dull & cool here today We have just had our dinner in the park & are now eating French chocolate Biscuit

Love Mum & Dad

How do these people survive such constant excitement? Incidentally many First World War British servicemen are buried in the large Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Sangatte, which was on the news a lot when the 'Old Jungle', completely unorganised so-called 'camp' for migrants, was nearby. Most of them died in the military hospital at Calais before they could get well enough to get back to Blighty.

Q: Why is the migrants' camp right beside the Channel Tunnel entrance? Why isn't it in Dijon or Perpignon - or indeed anywhere else in France, quite a big country? This has never been explained, but it seems obvious that the French basically want the unfortunate migrants to make it to the Land of Milk & Honey (or, better still, die in the attempt). That's not right, is it?

Meanwhile - well, in July 1973 - in nearby Pontorson:

Dear Stella.

I am having a wonderful time here. The weather is good apart from the terrifying thunderstorms at night. Tomorrow we are going to see Le Mont Saint-Michel,

See you soon

Love Fiona

From the charming ultra-Right Wing Spain of General Franco:

Hotel Nuria, Tarragona

DEAR STELLA,

HAVING A LOVELY TIME THE WEATHER IS BOILING. WE WENT IN THE SEA YESTERDAY IT WAS FREEZING. PLEASE TELL MUMMY WE HAVE GOT ANOTHER HOTEL, AND WHERE THAT CROSS IS ON THE FRONT IS CHRIS'S AND MINE'S BEDROOM. TELL MUMMY IF SHE IS GOING TO WRITE TO WRITE TO VILLA RABASSADA AND TO PUT BROOK PARTY. I HOPE HER HAND IS ALL RIGHT. SEE YOU SOON.

LOVE

GLENDA AND CHRIS.

x x x

It seems amazing that people expected replies to their postcards and that the post was considered reliable enough to get them there within the week or two they were away. What's Mummy going to say anyway? Dad & the Cat & I are well. The gas bill arrived this morning. We watched a new comedy called Last of the Summer Whine on tele last night. It's crap compared with Dads Army. Lets hope they take it off soon. Dad says dont forget to visit Barcelona where he fought the Fascists & Stalinists. Love Mummy, Dad & Moggy xxx

18,876 · July 24, 2015

These are great! Really look forward to your posts, KG! That Dover one particularly ticks all my boxes - Zephyr, Bedford VAL AND a Cowley/Oxford! ( I have a strange collection,...) Having been putting other people's holiday dross into albums for many years I have noticed a strange tendency for Irish Republic postcards to always feature a solitary red car, often that Minx but also 100E, Cambridge or Cortina Mk1. Wonder if they were all the photographer's own car and if they were tinted in the printing process because I don't ever remember seeing all-over Red A60s years ago.

Its pissing down outside so we are just off to a local vintage emporium where I know there are hundreds of postcards, lovely postcards. Perving mac and creepy fingerless glove time, I think!

July 25, 2015

Hoping to see your discoveries here before long, mercrocker...

A few more from A Broad:

MALLORCA CALA BONA. Does anyone here give you a bona? Fnaar fnaar. Salmonella van by way of crud, far right.

Dear Glenda,

Having a great time. The weather is smashing. It is too hot to sit in it for a long time. I have a nice tan on my arms but my back is very sore.

See you soon

Lynne

PS Hope you had a nice holiday

Talk about mixed messages.

And towards the end of General Franco's unpleasant life from the Costa Brava:

Dear Stella,

I hope you are well, and enjoying yourself. This picture is of the campsite we are staying at in Spain. Yesterday I went in the sea with Jacqueline and we played with the lilos. The sea was warm but rough. I have got sunburnt on my arms and shoulders it is a bit painful but I manage. I hope you have a nice holiday in Scotland. This campsite is called the Green Dolphin it is very pleasant.

Love Noelle

xxxxxxxx

No danger of sunburn for Stella in Scotland in 1971, though midges are an ever-present itchy-skin threat there.

Next door country, Portugal:

Vigo in 1979:

This is our ship and we are enjoying every minute of our cruise. Everything is perfect & its so lovely to relax & have a good rest. Do hope you are feeling better. More news later.

Fondest love

Alex & Beryl

This, of course, was in the days before you had to risk your life from dim-witted local teenage death-cultists who had firmly grasped the wrong end of the stick about Medieval religion and got hold of guns and explosives every time you, harmless Alex & Beryl from Sheffield, tried to do a bit of well-earned sunbathing anywhere beyond Calais...

Some other friends went to Amsterdam in 1975:

Dear Gwen Harry & Stella,

You know the six of us who are here & I must say greatly enjoying ourselves. A very beautiful city this O.K. on the canals but road traffic diabolical. Had no rain but some mist. A very successful trip. Trust you are all well & enjoyed your trip down "home". Regards from we 6.

The last bit is explained by the fact that they had moved from Sheffield to Scotland (though all these cards were bought in Chesterfield, oddly enough). We could do a separate thread of postcards with Beetles (white Beetles even) in 'em!

4,444 · July 25, 2015

Q: Why is the migrants' camp right beside the Channel Tunnel entrance? Why isn't it in Dijon or Perpignon - or indeed anywhere else in France, quite a big country? This has never been explained, but it seems obvious that the French basically want the unfortunate migrants to make it to the Land of Milk & Honey (or, better still, die in the attempt). That's not right, is it?

A: The camp is down to the migrants arriving and setting up camp in the wilderness there. Its not an official sort of thing the French have directed them to, the migrants go to Calais because there are more opportunities to get here than any other port - 70 odd ferry departures per day plus the tunnel running continually. No other port offers that frequency of departures.

Excellent thread though, I do like a good postcard thread.

25,966 · July 25, 2015

Mon 21st

Having a good time here in Lochgilphead. Actually we are staying in a house about 10 miles away. The weather is not too bad but it could be better. Hazel and I have got a room to ourselves while Sheila, Fiona and Andy are sharing. We're going out for dinner 'cos it's Andy's birthday.
GILLIAN

That's 'Good-with-apostrophes-Gillian'.

Looks like Andy's going to have a happy birthday.

25,966 · July 25, 2015

...We could do a separate thread of postcards with Beetles (white Beetles even) in 'em!

This is yer very actual postcard!

25,966 · July 25, 2015

From the charming ultra-Right Wing Spain of General Franco:

Hotel Nuria, Tarragona

Incredibly...

http://www.hotelnuria.com/en/

...the main block still exists...

5,965 · July 25, 2015

Love these threads still think it would be funny to send some cryptic ones from some random places just so in 30/40 years people put them on the Internet thinking "wtf does that mean"

2,262 · July 25, 2015

I'm ALWAYS sending postcards when we are on holiday, and often when we're not! It's become a bit of a joke amongst family and friends that I'll send a postcard after an afternoon in Sainsbury's! As a result of my profligate postal activities I'm suffering from a (totally irrational) slight worry that one of my postcards will EVENTUALLY end up in this thread....

Stranger things have happened.....

2,788 · July 25, 2015

A: The camp is down to the migrants arriving and setting up camp in the wilderness there. Its not an official sort of thing the French have directed them to, the migrants go to Calais because there are more opportunities to get here than any other port - 70 odd ferry departures per day plus the tunnel running continually. No other port offers that frequency of departures.

Excellent thread though, I do like a good postcard thread.

I have wondered why some don't try their luck from Roscoff - Plymouth. Or even why the truckers don't divert to Brittany, can't be any more expensive than sitting in a queue in Kent for 12 hours?

Absolutely marvelous threads KG, always look forward to them.

July 26, 2015

Well, it's interesting about the unofficial camps; more or less what I thought. But this raises the question, why don't the French at least provide a proper camp? They must have plenty of old military facilities which could easily house the migrants with decent medical facilities, clean water, meals, etc. Think the EU could afford to do this. The vast majority of migrants are frustrated young men who can only cause trouble and do stupid, often fatal, things in their efforts to get here. If the French authorities settled them down properly - safely away from the tunnel and docks - and approached with doctors and counsellers, rather than dogs and paramilitary police, the situation might be less chaotic and dangerous. There have been refugee camps in history before. I have a friend, Hau, who was a Vietnamese 'Boat Person'. After rescue from the South China Sea he was put in an old British Army camp in Hong Kong by our boys and Gurkhas with guns. When I apologised to him for what I thought was rather heavy handed treatment he said: 'We didn't expect to be put in the Hilton. We were just glad to be alive.'

Anyway.

The Thorpes had this interesting friend, Betty, who sent a certain kind of card from rather weird, random parts of the USA every year:

Main Street of Nome, Alaska May 23rd 1968

Hi Folk's

This is quite a place! Cold for us the high today was 34% there is still snow. It is an old gold rush town Now Alaska Airline built a Hotel & jets tourists in. Its Colaful & people from States move here. We met a family from texas, She teaches school & he is a pilot lots of small planes. Kids really getting a thrill. We saw the natives tonight & one ol' lady took a shine to Bev she was in 7th heaven, Taking pictures so late We go back to San Francisco soon

Love Betty & gang

...which probably tells you just about everything of interest that happened in Nome that year.

In November 1971 they went to the Florida Everglades:

Hi all - this is us!

We had a 4 day weekend for Thanksgiving Instead of stuffing our selfs with turkey we came here! Its really a very interesting place & would you believe the 1st time we have been here But as long as we could go to England etc we left this for now there are lots of birds we are about to take Canoes out in back country & see if we can find a gator to play with! We got up at Dawn & watched bird's fish there are lots of coons! Do you all have wild life up there when you Camp! Will Send Pictures

Love Betty & etc

(Yes, I thought exactly the same about the coons.)

Ten years later (Jan 3rd 1981) she was still sending them, this final one from

Hi

Enjoyed Xmas with All the kids & my mother Went Down hill Skiing yesterday that is - H - I fell all the way down don't think we found our sport yet! It was fun but the ol bones are complaining today! Johnathan excellent skiing not much snow unusuall weather! Cindy expecting Aug more later Hope you had happy holidays in England

Love

Betty

This has got two 15c Special Olympics stamps (Skill. Sharing. Joy). Everyone gets a medal.

5,661 · July 26, 2015

coons prob = racoons.

7,216 · July 27, 2015

the bottom of the UK...

Very rude way to describe Boscastle.

I love these threads - thanks KG.

I like the silver R8 in Tarragona. And is that white car in Pontorson a 1300GT?

Also, Dover is my favourite castle, so that's me happy.

3,923 · July 28, 2015

Keep 'em coming.

These are great threads.

25,966 · July 28, 2015

Wonder if the Consul Classic outside the Hotel Nuria was driven from the UK? Hope it was a 1500... a three-bearing 1340 would've unwound itself somewhere in central France on the way back...

6,999 · July 28, 2015

Ref: Boscastle. I think the little house miraculously survived the flood, although I doubt the wishing well did.

July 28, 2015

The racist at their college in Alabama says to Forrest Gump that 'coons' are getting in and causing trouble. Gump replies 'We have trouble with 'em back home too. My Ma always gets 'em off our porch with a big ol' broom she's got.'

Anyone able to go down to Boscastle and check on the pixie well? (We used to stay in nearby St Teath. Yesterday's pasties were for the gulls in Tintagel. King Arthur wasn't ever very far away.) It may all be a bit more commercialised now, but the destruction of Boscastle was pretty upsetting as it was a lovely place. Hope all's well down there now.

July 28, 2015

Ref: Boscastle. I think the little house miraculously survived the flood, although I doubt the wishing well did.

It had to be rebuilt. Note the new chapel style window at the gable end.

25,966 · July 28, 2015

For purposes of easier comparison. Considering that the only remnant of the original 16th century building was the landward gable end wall, they've done a pretty good job...

July 30, 2015

Those five red floats hanging from the guttering have survived the decades. (The little girl in the pink top hasn't aged so well however.)

1,846 · July 30, 2015

Whats going on with the brand new rally prepared Maxi?

25,966 · July 30, 2015

^ World Cup Rally testing.

Postcard days are here again

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