Childhood Holidays In Orford

A Memory of Orford.

Looking at these photos of Orford, my main impression is how little Orford has changed over 70 odd years. Add modern cars and some colour and these views would still look the same.
Our family spent many happy holidays in and around Orford between 1968 and 2002. We considered ourselves temporary residents for parts of the year. When we were children in the late 60's and early 70's Orford was certainly not the affluent town it is now and some properties were very neglected and run down. It is good, nowadays, to see everywhere looking so well-maintained and restored.
There used to be a small general store-cum-newsagent-cum-sweetshop near the top end of Church Street where we used to load up with sweets and papers for our stay. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the couple who ran the shop and the shop is now a house.
There was also a butcher's shop on Market Hill, just where it leaves the square. The butcher was a stout man who used to wear the traditional stripy apron and straw hat. He used to stand outside in the sun when the shop had no customers. That shop is also now a house.
As children we were required to stay in the garden of The Jolly Sailor, waiting for a cola and a packet of crisps, but later on I remember seeing "Old Harry" in the pub. I can't remember if it was dominoes or another game that was his favourite?
On Fridays we would join the queue at the castle for fish and chips from the van. They were the best ever.
In the summer we would buy an ice cream from Peter's ices van near the quay and wander over to buy books at the private house near the Jolly Sailor. They used to sell books from their summerhouse in the garden, in aid of charity.
We always had at least one visit a year to the top of the castle - just to check that the scenery hadn't changed - and many walks along the seawall.
When we were children, Havergate island used to be covered in huge radar aerials, which could be seen from miles away, and the lighthouse was in use.
Before leaving Orford for home we used to stop at Friends garage for petrol.
On a recent visit to Orford I was very sorry to find the "smokey man" had gone from Bakers Lane. We must have been among his first customers all those years ago and we had a particular liking for his smoked ham hocks.