What would a holiday in Skegnes be like without a donkey ride?
And indeed what would a holiday, in a holiday camp, be like without a tallent or fancy dress competition? See below.
Rosie was dressed as Simple Sue, one of the camp entertainers and came second,
the Bisto kids were first.
Jane was Jane of Mansfield
and Terry was The Sheriff of Broken Jaw, a film showing in the local cinemas at the time.
My mam and dad took me to the miner’s holiday camp for 10 yrs running; they used to save up all year to go.
I have some fond memories firstly travelling there on the coach and when arriving at the big gates there was always someone there to greet you.
I’ve attached a picture, see above, of one of my favourite entertainers; his name was Mick Millington if my memory serves me right.
He was brilliant, in the theatre there was talent competitions for us kids and knobbley knees competitions for the mams and dads, Mick and another entertainer called Doug (I think) would compare everything.
In the days there were always things to do like treasure hunts, sandcastle competitions on the beach.
Mams used to strut their stuff round the outdoor swimming pool.
One fantastic bit of fun for the kids was on the polished ballroom floor, we all took our shoes off with just socks on we ran our hearts out sliding and slipping as all the mams and dads threw money onto the dance floor. Fantastic
When dusk came off all the kids went to the dormitory, and the fun started again.
What days, I’m afraid they wont come back.
Hope I’ve helped re-kindle some memories.
Paul M Gatley
04 January 2007
Age 54 ( Ilkeston )
