The Mid 50s

A Memory of Polzeath.

My parents used to rent a couple of weeks in a flat on (I think) Atlantic Terrace. I vaguely recall that a Mrs Rudge owned the property - although I may have that wrong as it is such a long time ago. My memories are of lovely sunny days on the beach wielding a bucket and spade along with my big brother. Being keen swimmers we went body surfing with our father, who taught us how to catch the waves.

We lived in Bedford in those days as father taught at Bedford Modern until 1956. The holiday began with the long drive down in our Austin Somorset, stopping at Wells overnight at a hotel in the market place that claimed to serve the best breakfast in England. Then on over the moors the next day, (stopping en route to pick winberries) to Polzeath. I can recall getting up very early one morning, leaving the house and wandering across the beach to the rocks opposite - but was quickly spotted due to my bright pink dress and safely retrieved by my brother and father. I was five at the time and quite happy to be out on my own.
Every year I was bought a new swimming costume. I can recall the smell in the little shop we used to make beach purchases in - a combination of plastic, tin, sweets and sea. Very distinctive.