tomboys
05-02-08, 07:55 PM
I was lucky to spend many happy holidays at these camps.
Starting in the early 60s my family spent alternating years at the Puckpool and Dovercourt, then in later years my wife and I went with other members of family and friends to Puckpool, Woodside Bay, Mill Rythe and Dovercourt.
Puckpool in the early 60s was just like the Hi-Di-Hi that gave us so many laughs.
Another member mentioned the name Gus, when I started going there he was a waiter and did the entertainment too. My Nan would help him with the washing up after meals, he was a real gent.
Dovercourt had the trees just outside the chalets and even now I can hear the wind blowing through them when being 'tucked in' by Mum n Dad.
Us wagtails were off the dance floor by 7 (yes I still know all the words and tune), to give the adults a chance. Dad let me dance with him and I would stand on his feet to get the right steps. Every evening in the Ballroom ended with Goodnight Campers (So we'll say goodnight campers, see you in the morning. Goodnight campers I can see you yawning. You must cheer up or you'll soon be dead, I've heard it said, some folks die in bed, So we'll say Goodnight Campers, don't sleep in your braces. Goodnight campers, put your teeth in Jayces. Drown your sorrows, theres a bright new day tomorrow. Goodnight campers GOODNIGHT).
Every morning the race from the chalet to the toilets at the end of the block, then a wash in the handbasin and off to breakfast.
At Dovercourt depending on your chalet number you were in one of two groups, either Cads or College. All sports and games winners would earn points for their team and the results and points totals were read out. As they called the team name everyone in the team stood on their chairs and cheered then booed the oppositions points.
A weather report was always given, I can still recall, 'Today it's going to be 72 degrees', everyone cheered,' yes 36 in the morning and 36 in the afternoon'.
The daily papers were sold off a table tennis table in the ballroom.
I could go on but this is looking so long and there is one other subject I wanted to put into print.
In the 80's I had the privilage of attending Puckpool with the wife and our new born daughter and son of 3, the nursery staff were great and my wife had a wonderful rest.
The entertainments team had to be seen. The two entertainments managers Chris Cole and Tim Savage were, well out of this world. They had arranged a group of about 14 young talented boys and girls, Each were brilliant.
Glen Finnick, a right joker and great with the kids, the wonderful Miss Tina Monroe a voice like Lulu but from a small body. Nigel the magician he did get engaged to Tina, but things didn't go any further.
Chris 'Sibbo' Sibley (went on to be 'ents' manager up norfolk way), Woooaahh Matty the DJ, but I can not remember the band apart from being led by Jerry and did a great 'wig wham bam'.
During lighter moments we had the keyboard skills of Dave Montrose who was at Bembridge the last time I heard. He was replaced by a guy who was working at the newer Alveston Hall with his wife.
This lot were great all year, but Crazy Week was just that. In the days before tinsel and Turkey. Starting on the Saturday night when all the local camps put on their 'friday night' show's till the early hours, followed by National Custard Pie throwing Day, Grand Fancy Dress Ball, Everybody's Birthday, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
An exhausting week!
Should any of the old team read this please contact me.
Starting in the early 60s my family spent alternating years at the Puckpool and Dovercourt, then in later years my wife and I went with other members of family and friends to Puckpool, Woodside Bay, Mill Rythe and Dovercourt.
Puckpool in the early 60s was just like the Hi-Di-Hi that gave us so many laughs.
Another member mentioned the name Gus, when I started going there he was a waiter and did the entertainment too. My Nan would help him with the washing up after meals, he was a real gent.
Dovercourt had the trees just outside the chalets and even now I can hear the wind blowing through them when being 'tucked in' by Mum n Dad.
Us wagtails were off the dance floor by 7 (yes I still know all the words and tune), to give the adults a chance. Dad let me dance with him and I would stand on his feet to get the right steps. Every evening in the Ballroom ended with Goodnight Campers (So we'll say goodnight campers, see you in the morning. Goodnight campers I can see you yawning. You must cheer up or you'll soon be dead, I've heard it said, some folks die in bed, So we'll say Goodnight Campers, don't sleep in your braces. Goodnight campers, put your teeth in Jayces. Drown your sorrows, theres a bright new day tomorrow. Goodnight campers GOODNIGHT).
Every morning the race from the chalet to the toilets at the end of the block, then a wash in the handbasin and off to breakfast.
At Dovercourt depending on your chalet number you were in one of two groups, either Cads or College. All sports and games winners would earn points for their team and the results and points totals were read out. As they called the team name everyone in the team stood on their chairs and cheered then booed the oppositions points.
A weather report was always given, I can still recall, 'Today it's going to be 72 degrees', everyone cheered,' yes 36 in the morning and 36 in the afternoon'.
The daily papers were sold off a table tennis table in the ballroom.
I could go on but this is looking so long and there is one other subject I wanted to put into print.
In the 80's I had the privilage of attending Puckpool with the wife and our new born daughter and son of 3, the nursery staff were great and my wife had a wonderful rest.
The entertainments team had to be seen. The two entertainments managers Chris Cole and Tim Savage were, well out of this world. They had arranged a group of about 14 young talented boys and girls, Each were brilliant.
Glen Finnick, a right joker and great with the kids, the wonderful Miss Tina Monroe a voice like Lulu but from a small body. Nigel the magician he did get engaged to Tina, but things didn't go any further.
Chris 'Sibbo' Sibley (went on to be 'ents' manager up norfolk way), Woooaahh Matty the DJ, but I can not remember the band apart from being led by Jerry and did a great 'wig wham bam'.
During lighter moments we had the keyboard skills of Dave Montrose who was at Bembridge the last time I heard. He was replaced by a guy who was working at the newer Alveston Hall with his wife.
This lot were great all year, but Crazy Week was just that. In the days before tinsel and Turkey. Starting on the Saturday night when all the local camps put on their 'friday night' show's till the early hours, followed by National Custard Pie throwing Day, Grand Fancy Dress Ball, Everybody's Birthday, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
An exhausting week!
Should any of the old team read this please contact me.