I came across this very important, to me, greeting card many years ago.
I have never sent it to anyone because I cannot part with it! From the first glance I thought this was me! It isn't, but it could have been! Clark's sandals, Peter Pan collared dress, straight bobbed hair.
Growing up at the seaside in Devon actually didn't require taking a holiday there, it was an everyday place. It was home. In summer we often ended days at the beach at Torquay station, just a short walk from the beach, to take the short run to the next station along the line. There, we'd hop on the local bus to our village, riding up a lengthy slow rising hill with views of blue Tor Bay beyond the rolling fields. It was a beautiful place to spend a childhood in the 1940's-50's.
An online newspaper article a couple of weeks back featured
the same station, the headline read. . . . . . .
PLANS TO MODERNIZE TORQUAY'S VICTORIAN RAILWAY STATION
Apparently the station fails to comply with the law on equality. Major changes are being planned to modernize and install elevators in the two towers so all passengers can use the footbridge to cross between the two platforms. Makes sense, should have been done long ago to assist disabled people as there is no step-free route between the platforms.
The building is listed because of its historic importance and a surviving example of Victorian railway architecture. It was opened in August 1859, later being rebuilt in 1878 as Torquay grew in popularity as a major holiday resort.
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My station photos were taken in May 2019, actually the last trip home as we've been unable to get back since the pandemic hit. Sadly, last year's trip was canceled, and although we are lined up to go this spring, it's looking doubtful with quarantine issues etc. That lovely sunny day in May we traveled by train to Cornwall to meet up with longtime blog friend Barbara (also known as Elizabethd at Small Moments). We had the most fun time with her, she is a special lady in many ways.  "A little girl curls up on the train seat at the end of a seaside holiday, clutching her bucket and spade, her comics and a rag doll." PICTURE POST cover - 1946 (Haywood Magee) It took a lot of research to find the original photo used on the card. Note there are railway workers outside the window, and the caption is 'The End of the Holiday.' I recall the plush velvet upholstery. Overhead there would have been a netting 'shelf' to put baggage, and the ticket taker would come round with a friendly smile. Those were the days of the wonderful steam trains. Sitting here this morning I had a wonderful surprise outside the window. One of those 'being in the right place at the right time' moments. A true gift! I will share with you later in the week. . . . . . and yes, it's all about 'the birds' again, of course! Stay safe - well - and warm.  |
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