Todber Caravan Park, Bonfire Nights
Does anybody reading this remember Tom Varley's steam museum/bonfire nights in the big brick barn with the music from the engines and parch peas, hotpots and bonfire on top of the hill. Or the little pool in the first static field in the bottom left corner. Or the outside toilet blocks with the handringer outside and big pot sinks that sometimes small children were washed in. My memories of Todber go from 1972- 82, does anybody else remembers anything from that time? The field day on the playing field in the village or walking down to the cattle market from Todber for something to do? No computers in those days.
Memories Links
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How has this scene changed?
Do you know who lived or worked here?
Why is this photo significant to you?
Particular points of interest - transport, architecture, fashions etc.
Comments
1 comment has been shared so far in response to the memory "Todber Caravan Park, Bonfire Nights".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: Todber Caravan Park, Bonfire Nights
I remember it all well! We had various caravans there from about 1970 (an old 1950s job with polished wood furniture, gas lights and coke stove) until the late 90s, almost opposite the little paddling pool to start with. I remember catching little grey shrimps in the pool, also playing "down the ditch" at the bottom of the field in smelly, slimy mud. Then there were dens and treehouses in the deep tree-covered gully on the "top field".
Tom Varley's steam engine rallies were an annual highlight (did anyone ever see Tom without his wooly hat and pipe?) - I "drove" more than one traction engine for a few yards on those days! Bonfire nights were also great fun, but not as much fun as playing in the embers the following morning.
Yes, I remember the toilet blocks and the washing-up sinks - but I'd forgotten about the clothes wringers until reading it here. There were always swallow nests in the toilets during the summer.
Loads of happy summer weekend memories: walking down to the the cattle market in Gisburn, round Coalpit Lane, climbing Pendle Hill, trips to Nelson and Burnley (pie and peas from Holden's market cafe), into the Yorkshire Dales, to Morecambe and Blackpool illumination. Then in adult times taking the bike there and cycling off into the Dales.
The place has left me with a lot of happy memories, a lifelong love of the Yorkshire Dales and (despite being a dyed-in-the-wool Yorkshire rugby league fan) a continuing affection for Burnley Football Club. Up the Clarets!
Comment from David Pickersgill on Wednesday, 15th July 2009.