Quieter, Carefree Days.
I am Pauline Morgan (nee Real) and I am the little girl standing by the boat, whilst my brother Cliff is wading through the water. The cabin cruiser on the opposite side of the river is 'Silver Swan' owned by Gilbert Hazel of Castle Cary and looked after by my father, Rock Real. Our family spent so many happy hours on and in our beloved river Axe, as did the Sea Rangers to whom I belonged. Now in my mid 60's I still love to row or outboard up the river and enjoy the solitude still on offer there - with just the birds for company and the river, gently slapping the hull of my boat.
This wonderful photograph brings back so many happy memories of growing up in Axmouth with the river being one of our many playgrounds. It reminds me of a time when the pace of life was much slower and carefree.
Most of the children of Axmouth learned to swim in the Axe at the harbour and later took their first dives from the wall.
The house in the photograph is 'Haven Cliff' where in the 50's/60's Mr. & Mrs. Reg Cook and their son Richard lived. Mr. Cook was the Manager of The Midland Bank, Seaton and I worked at the Bank as a Bank Clerk at that time.
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RE: RE: Quieter, Carefree Days.
I think this is the bridge that crosses into Seaton, and which is now sidelined by a bigger modern bridge next to it. I was a boy at Allhallows school 1958-'63, and used to cycle down through Axmouth to reach the bridge, where we would catch shrimp under the arches then use it as bait to try for the bass you could see hanging in the current at low tide. I used to love the peace of the river as you cycled between Axmouth and Seaton, and have loved estuaries ever since.
Comment from Richard Tomlinson on Thursday, 25th February 2010.
RE: RE: Quieter, Carefree Days.
Hello Richard,
Yes that is the bridge. Bass - oh yes, my dad caught one when anchored in the river off Golf Links Lane - it was 12lb. 101/2 oz. and his best catch in many years of fishing in the Axe. I'll bet you didn't have a licence! Happy days!
Do you remember Paul Dallimore, the bursar, at Allhallows - he is distantly related to me by marriage.
Allhallows was bought by a developer and my brother - the little boy in the photo, who is now a builder, worked for the developer for about 6-7 years. My brother loved working and being at Allhallows and enjoyed sourcing period materials to keep the integrity of the building. Sad in one way that Allhallows succumbed to a developer, but at least the building has not crumbled to dust as have many other similar houses.
Best wishes,
Pauline.
Comment from Pauline Morgan on Thursday, 25th February 2010.