Bracklesham, Bracklesham Lane c.1955

Photo ref: B508019

I worked in Pontins as a waitress, the best job I ever had. I remember going to the beach after work with jam n' yorkshire puddings and having a blast with the holidaymakers. Chalet parties....!! I remember the closeness of the staff, like family. Long John (say no more!) June and Linda, Diane from Nottingham, Dave from Bletchley - my first boyfriend! John Hatch and his mates, wot a laff!

I had a holiday job for 8 weeks at Pontin's in the summer of 1967 before going up to Oxford University. I worked in the staff canteen with Philipe, a young Frenchman; and then also part-time as a barman. The camp deputy manager (Mr. Brown?) was reputed to have been Prince Charles' protection officer until the cherry brandy incident led to his resignation. Some of the chalet maids came over each ...see more

I lived and worked in the area for 20 years from 1966 and this was a time of slow change starting for Bracklesham. The lane is now called Sea Lane, the flowing tamarisk bushes have gone and both side of the road are lined with housing or shops with a pay car park on the seafront. In the early days there was a Pontins holiday camp in Farm Road (now a large housing estate) and Gibson's ...see more