Nostalgic memories of Kessingland's local history
Share your own memories of Kessingland and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 11 in total
My grandfather on my father's side, Jabez Herbert Henry Smith (known as Herbert) was born on 19th January 1885. At the tender age of 13 he was sent by his parents to take up a seven year apprenticeship at Devereux’s store in Lowestoft with a view to becoming a grocer. He eventually opened his own grocer shop “H.J.Smith” circa 1916 in the converted front room of a property known as Balham ...see more
Have good childhood memories of two weeks camping in July/August between 1977 to 1981 with my grandparents and brother camping at Denes Holiday Camp. Looked forward to going every year and remember two girls I saw each year (Debbie and Debra) who are part of my memories.
Diane
We as children from the village were allowed to use the pool and caff, grate times met lots of people. Mary
As a family group of about 15/20 we had 2 weeks in July/aug returning for reunion week in sept (great a week of school and no fines in late 60/70s) entered all the competitions ( looking for table E10) watching my mum running with a red barrel around the kids playground. Got some photos somewhere if anyone wants to see. Tea in the morning from the canteen by the pool, ohh happy days
My father was born in Kessingland in 1915 and as little children my sister, brother and me would go regularly to visit my grandparents there. They ran a grocery shop in Chapel/Church Road, the first house from the High Street. The shop, H.J.Smith, was a wondrous place for us as it held so many fantastic and equally dangerous elements. We used to watch our grandparents slicing the bacon and hams, ...see more
It was lovely to find this page as I have looking for info on the Old Denes holiday camp for some time now.
We first went there in 1977 in our Monza touring caravan and enjoyed a few holidays there.
It was kevin that taught me how to swim all those years ago and I remember going in the sauna to dry off.
Although it was a long time ago I still have many happy memories going horse riding and flying my ...see more
I was actually on a postcard just like the one above. The No. 4 bus had just arrived and the photo shows me and my cousin David walking with my aunt Gertrude. My parents used to holiday in a caravan on the cliffs in front of the Denes Holiday Camp. Wonderful holidays and fond memories.
My grandparents moved to Kessingland in 1974 when I was 3, my nan used to take me to the beach in the summer holidays and we ALWAYS went to Ivys shop! We got to know Ivy well, seems such a long time ago now and I miss those old lazy days.
Such a shame that these old memories have died. This photo really did make me reminisce in such a good way :))
I worked at the holiday camp between 1979 & 1986 & I've never found a better workplace in all those years since. I started, loading plates in the washing machine for 1 hr a night & worked my way up to running the kitchen night shift when it changed from the 3 meals a day to a take away. I remember mini olympics week & the fact that in just 40 years its gone from a weeks holiday & games ...see more
Nice to read the comments about Denes Holiday Camp. Brings back all those wonderful times. I went there with my brother and parents every year through the late 1950s and 1960s. I have found an old photo taken in the ballroom. Best holidays I ever had or wil have for that matter.