Summer Holidays From 1949 Onwards
Despite its northerly location The Broch was the Summer Holiday destination for our family from my birth in 1949. My mother had been born there in Grattan Place where the Scottish side of the family had originated. They were called Summers and were deeply connected to the Fishing Industry with my Grandfather managing the George Walker business for many years.
Fraserburgh was such a change from where we lived in Buckinghamshire that the holidays were just different. I well remember the distinct smell of the harbour - the gut factory - the tarred nets on The Links. The beach was and still is quite superb with the weather somehow always being warm and sunny in July and August. At that time the distinct memory is of Irn Bru - Fish and Chips - Soft Ice Cream the like of which we do not alas see today.
We were particularly trainspotting fanatics then and now so it was quite a change to see LNER and LMS steam locos on passenger and heavy fish trains every day.
When my mother died we took her ashes back to The Broch in 2000 so there still is a reason to return despite my wanderings away.
Gerald F. Rivett March 2007
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RE: RE: Summer Holidays From 1949 Onwards
Dear Sir, Refreshing my memories of the Broch whilst reading your (Gerald Rivett's) memories, I also knew your grandparents and and often spent time in their house, as your uncle Stuart Summers was one of my school friends. Mrs Summers your grandmother was a gentle sweet lady and your grandfather was a fine gentleman. If I remember correctly there were three boys and I believe three girls, Elsie, and Bunty, and ? on the third. I was born in 30, Grattan Place, which is now owned by my cousin Albert Ogston who I am sure would be delighted to hear from you. I now reside in the U.S.A. and would be glad to hear from you also to share some more memories, Yours truly, Walter Crawford.
Comment from Walter Crawford on Monday, 1st March 2010.
RE: RE: Summer Holidays From 1949 Onwards
When I think of the wonderful way we spent our time outside as children, our way of life then is so far removed from the high tech way of life that the children have today. On my father's side I was Broadsea and my mother's Grattan Place, so I spent most of my time building rafts on the rocks, swimming in water of 56os then over the Bents and sand hole after it was cleared of mines from the Second World War. On Sundays everything was closed up and the caretaker camr round on Saturday evening to lock up the swings; a bar on the slide, and a chain to tie the roundabout down. I often ask the question, "When did God change his mind?". Just teasing! I wouldn't change my memories of growing up in the Broch for all the computer games of today. In closing it became an attraction to visitors to go to the harbour Sunday evening to see the struggle of the fishing boats seeking to leave when the South Kirk clock chimed midnight, indicating Sunday was over and God had gone to bed. No wonder they were called Holy Brochers. Nevertheless great memories!
Comment from Walter Crawford on Tuesday, 2nd March 2010.
RE: RE: Summer Holidays From 1949 Onwards
I was born in Inverallochy, Fraserburgh 1n 1947 to Anne Downie Summers, one of four Summers daughters (Olga, Isobel, May were the others) in a little stone house.
At age 18 months we moved to England (now Australia.)
I remember my Mother talking about the Broch, and apparently I went walking on the Links with Uncle Sandy.
My grandfather went to sea in the fishing boats.
I did take a visit back to Scotland a few years ago and found my birth house, but unfortunately no one was home. I did have a chat to people up the road who knew my mother and aunts at school thogh.
Would love to hear anything about the rest of the Summers family around that time.
Comment from Malcolm Galer on Sunday, 1st January 2012.