Does anyone remember the free coach trips to the seaside that 1950s kids could benefit from? They were often organised by pubs and clubs, and my brother and I went on two annual day trips, usually to Skegness, Cleethorpes or Scarborough. In the mid-1950s they were the nearest thing to a holiday that we ever got. One trip was run by the Dial House Working Men’s Club (Hillsborough) and was a big affair, with a dozen or more coaches. We would have a lovely day, with a free lunch included - it was in Woolworth’s upstairs room (big, noisy, bare wooden tables but the fish & chips were delicious). The other outing was from the Holly Bush Inn at Woodland View, Rivelin. This was more "select", usually only one coach, and this time lunch would be at Lyons Corner Café etc., with linen tablecloths and spotlessly-apronned waitresses. A couple of adult volunteers would keep order in each coach, and give out sweets on the outward and return journeys. There was a stop for drinks and loos halfway (Caenby Corner if it was Cleethorpes) and we were even given spending money. I remember on one Holly Bush trip we were all given 4/6 (that’s 22½p for people who don’t remember real money) which was more than I ever got at one time (except perhaps during the Christmas carolling season). It would pay for half a dozen rides on the dodgems, rifle range etc. as well as the obligatory toffee apple and candy floss. We were all told the time and place to be for the return trip, but just to make sure we all had to wear a label with our name and details of the coach departure.

I remember them - used to go with the wadsly bridge club. The excitement as we all waited for the coaches on Halifax Road. Seem to remember we had a pack of sarnies and some spending money. Think we went to Cleethorpes and walked down to the end amusement arcade for the big dipper.