Great Yarmouth and Gorleston mid 1950s

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston in the mid fifties. Initial introduction by Percy Trett one of the areas leading historians and a great natural world enthusiast.

[@user-qz4wf3sz9d]

Born in great yarmouth 1947 ,spent wonderful years enjoying the town and beach until meeting a lass from Manchester who was a holiday maker so at 18 years old when to manchester to marry my manchester lass 54 years later and still here with my holiday girl

[@lewstone1934]

My dad (Mr Albert Jeff, 1922-1993), whilst working as a Foreman Electrician for the Great Yarmouth Corporation- designed and installed the colourful illuminations that stretched the whole length of the golden mile from the early 1960s onwards. The waterways were also illuminated at night for the first time, and the children's cartoon and fantasy figures (also illuminated) were inspired by some of my toys and children's books. I am now 59.

[@rar321blue]

Fab.respect to him....this is great..do you have any pictures or video?..i ran blackpool for 20 years..thanks Richard

[@TurbulentDreamsStark]

This is lovely, the Yarmouth of my childhood. So sad how dilapidated it is now

[@Isochest]

People can call me racist if they want but Yarmouth has attracted immigrants mainly of European descent. Greeks first then Poles and Portuguese the latter whose language I understand. No easy life but hard work needed to earn a living

[@legionnairegonk4425]

A simpler, happier and better time. Oh to have a time machine and go back ....

[@lewstone1934]

I agree that times were simpler, and generally people had more respect for one another, dressed smartly and had better manners etc. However the 1950s, 60s and 70s were very racist. Also if you were gay you had to be very careful - otherwise if there was the slightest question about your sexuality you would be attacked - it was illegal until 1966 - but absolutely untolerated by everyone until the 1980s. The music was very diverse and creative but the food was absolutely basic and dire, as was the awful keg beer. Real ale didn't resurface until the 1980s. Also, if you went into a pub or a restaurant it absolutely reeked of cigarettes. I do remember and it was awful. If you went to the doctor he treated you like a second-class citizen; there were no first-name terms, and you had a much greater chance of death from disease or illness back then. It wasn't all good. The 60s brought ugly modernism - and bomb sites existed until well into the mid 1960s.... Just wiping away the rose pink spectacles a little ok....

[@sallybutton6237]

@@lewstone1934 innocent people weren’t stabbed or blown up as they commuted to work or walked down the street by our foreign “friends” as they are now.

[@rolande7]

Great to see that "The Waterways" have been returned to their former splendour. A real asset to the area, well worth a visit.

[@angelanicholson951]

This was really enjoyable. People were more dignified and polite, as well as well dressed and slim...unlike now.

[@hermanthetosser4219]

These days it's best to disguise self as Eastern European when ever visiting town. Usually black clothing

[@martinnorth2680]

Nice holidays here in the 1980s as a child. The old power station was a lovely building.

[@RonD84]

I live in Gorleston and was born at the northgate hospital in 1984, i grew up on King Street and eventually moved over to Gorleston, id love to go back in time life seemed so simple back then.

[@londoner71]

Omg, this video is a little gem! I lived in Gorleston, now I'm in Yarmouth. So nice to see places I know now... how were in the '50. Wow, wow, wow! Thanks so much.

[@sandrablickem6893]

Every year we went, lots to do. Really enjoyed my 50s holidays and beyond. Pity it went downhill.

[@davenewman4596]

What an excellent film, I work in both Yarmouth and Gorleston and recognised lots of the places mentioned, I know that in recent years the area has gained a bit of a reputation but I cant help but love it, it still retains the magic of a proper seaside town .

[@antonyholditch8849]

Holidays at Yarmouth and Gorleston were the the best time of my childhood,love the place.

[@tonypearce1876]

Ah how well I remember living in Great Yarmouth, Seafield Close to be exact, I was just starting my teenage years. Now at 75, here in Vancouver, living fond memories of those seaside days. I can smell the candy floss now!!

[@TurbulentDreamsStark]

Tony Pearce it would break your heart now, so scruffy

[@tonypearce1876]

Gali Gal....Thank you for that... what a shame, eh! Maybe the intended ‘sprucing’ up in town might help. Still the beach looks good.

[@trevormillington813]

I live far away in Australia but it's great to look back on the family holidays in a caravan at Caister on Sea called TORESTIN we went every year by train as dad worked on the railway in Nottingham.My dad was in the Navy during the war and at one time was on the Eastern Princess as it became known we went on it once.Yarmouth was great in the 50s and busy for the full season ,been back but it,s not the same.Thanks for the memories.....

[@stevenroberts3872]

I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s but i See certain parallels to our holidays. We went to Yarmouth and Jaywick Sands. Awesome 😎

[@jasonking9008]

Britain's past, I remember the very late fifties as a young boy and noticed how it progressively changed through the 60s.. Yes nicer, gentler, cleaner times.. Not a country then like the mess we have now..!!!

[@lewstone1934]

please read above - and do you have a jason king mustache ?

[@davidnm21]

Delightful film that brought back childhood memories both my parents and grandparents would have holidays in the town and seeing some of the children in the film, guessing it’s around the 1951/2, they would be in their 70s now!

[@noifurze6397]

Still great beaches abit run down now,used to enjoy the scooter runs in the 80 s and bank holidays many a day in the long bar and arcades,the roller coaster and crazy golf still great

[@keithclifford1455]

Been to that race course several times never dreamt that I'll be living round the corner to it.

[@frankensteinsmate]

I have all my family there so I’ve really enjoyed this ,thanks

[@keithbrowning3899]

I was born there in Feb 1952 and we moved away in summer 1955, All baby photos are taken in the marram sand dunes.

[@THEELDER1]

Loved watching this!! simpler times and no mobile phones or covid!

[@JamesPhotoLX]

Very interesting Vlog for me. I was born in Gt Yarmouth in 58, the product of a relationship between a local girl (I'm told Mary Pegg) and I was told an American airman. Unfortunately I was given up for adoption and was raised by my adoptive parents in Rugby (great people). Had a great life with them but I never travelled to Gt Yarmouth and often wondered what Gt Yarmouth was like and if my biological parents ever regretted their decision. There were many times after their deaths that I considered trying to trace them, but I'm guessing it's much too late now. Anyway thanks for sharing this.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

So many memories for so many people these places should be treasured

[@maxflight777]

A powerful and candid post...best wishes

[@annasutton8078]

You could try Long Lost Family, they have amazing sucess. Even finding family for foundlings, its never too late especially with D N.A.. Glad you enjoyed this, me too many happy days spent in Gt Yarmouth.

[@JamesPhotoLX]

@@annasutton8078 Thanks for the suggestion Anna, I'm currently living in China and have been here for over 15 years now. Do you think the program would really have any interest in my story? There's only the TV show, right? There's no organisation that offers this kind of service in the UK?

[@benfoster5253]

Brilliant 👏 what a great time to live in. ❤️

[@sandrathurlow9600]

We went there every year from the 1950s to 1970s and I myself have taken my family there several times love the east coast

[@hayley8238]

such a beautiful film, days when staycation really meant staycation, package holidays and cheap holidays abroad unfortunately was the demise of the great British seaside escapes, still at least we have memories like these.

[@chrislambert9435]

The Bus or Train ride to Yarmouth from Norwich was also part of the exciting Holiday

[@davidclarke7728]

Fascinating piece of history

[@michaelyates5976]

Great footage here. I remember my annual holidays in a caravan at South Deenes in the 50's. The daily climb up the Brittania column was eagerly looked forward to. And crabbing off the piles at the Yare river. Great memories here Roly. Thank you.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

South deens, nothing there anymore

[@michaelyates5976]

@@WalkWithMeTim Just memories now then. Smh.

[@chloeleonor]

I like the life before than now

[@RonD84]

Me too seems lovely back then wish i could go back in time 😊

[@chloeleonor]

It seems like thers no addiction in matirial before and now look at the world people not content to life now people want more more before is just a simple life

[@chrislambert9435]

Chloe Smith, yes all we got was chips & Icecream, the Bus or Train ride from Norwich was also part of the Holiday

[@q043x1]

@@chloeleonor All those happy children playing and interacting with one another and not a single individual wrapped up in imaginary friends on facebook etc.

[@attilathehen1555]

Can tell you are a local boy; “Gollstun” is a very specific pronunciation to the Yarmouth area. Us outsiders from further into Norfolk (20 miles away) say “Gorlstun” 😁

[@Larry]

Quite shocking to think "young Tommy" there is in his 70s now!

[@bl7355]

Even more shocking to think that we still have the same monarch on the throne!!

[@ry1774]

im sad a lot of this doesnt happen in yarmouth anymore since the place has gained a reputation, i wouldve loved to see what it would be like

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I think locals and holiday makers think differently

[@ry1774]

@@WalkWithMeTim im a local, but its just from what ive seen from the past 11 years living here, obviously my view is different from people who have lived here for longer though

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

I first arrived in Great Yarmouth at South Town station back in October 1958, en route to Hemsby where I was to spend two months at the meteorological office upper air school. Weekends were ours to do with as we wished and I would go by bus into Yarmouth. Cinema on a Saturday evening finished after the last bus back to Hemsby so I used to take the train from Yarmouth Beach station to Hemsby then walk to the Gables Guest House where we stayed. I went home (Westcliff-on-Sea) one weekend and the train, south went from Yarmouth Vauxhall via Norwich. It steamed so hard on the run from Norwich down to Ipswich that it blew something and died at Colchester with steam pouring out of the engine. I liked Yarmouth and it was much better than Southend.

[@grahambennett8151]

Note the Eastern Princess passing in the backround 7:5 onwards. This was moored right outside my first home, a hotel on Hall Quay, the Old Town Cafe 1952-1956.

[@paultrevett1287]

Omg just discovered this, my mum's family are Norfolk people from Stalham a few miles from Yarmouth, holidays where always spent there in fact still visit there now, there's something about Yarmouth that I still enjoy btw the market is a shadow if it's former self but the pubs are ok

[@johnmasters504]

I have been going there since 1961...

[@WalkWithMeTim]

😎🙌🙌🙌

[@ukgeographer]

Amazing to see all the men wearing ties

[@tomaszcz7928]

Lovely, careless times for children. Nowadays only smartphones, on line classes and masks.

[@G4RY1159]

No obese or mobility scooters or Illegal economic immigrant invaders Simpler times R.I.P UK

[@colinhazell6259]

Lovely!

[@sgtcrabfat]

Did anyone else look carefully for their parents too?

[@wobblyjohn]

I remember the pedal cars (6.30) fromm the early '60s and sailing my model yacht at Gorleston.

[@KennyWankpot]

To me, that prosperous, post-war England must have been a joy to have been part of. I think we may have peaked culturally at this point.

[@Christiannotdior]

Born n raised in GY in the 1980’s been living in the US for the last 10yrs, it will always have a place in my heart!❤ The commentary by a man called Percy Trett was a family friend who taught me to scuba dive, lovely guy!

[@cory8606]

would have been a great time to be alive. Life sucks these days.

[@elrjames7799]

@Cory: well, yes and no. Sure, both you and I both, perhaps, would like to return to those times (culturally if not financially), but knowing what we know now. For those living and aware then it must've seemed very much routine.

[@RonD84]

Simple times a great way of life even if times were harder money wise for most, id love to go back there

[@maxflight777]

Cory, I think its a bloody good question. do we have “rose tinted “ spectacles... Or were things actually better? I’m not sure. What were the problems then that we don’t see in the colour film above?

[@bigal3940]

Look how Great it was, busy with holiday makers. Do you think that if the railways hadn't been closed they would all still be there?

[@davidleggett2983]

@ 3 m 37 s thats me and my sister david and jean leggett one deckchair between us my dad only managed to nick one !

[@walthamwalker]

Great video not sure about the short walks lol

[@puresalvation2009]

I think it's such a shame we have dropped the ball and dropped our standards so much most of our towns and cities now are dilapidated worn out tired places. Go to Great Yarmouth Town Centre today and most of the shops to find the shut down or on their last legs. There's a really pretty looking Iron Bridge near the railway station in Great Yarmouth that needs a lick of paint and a little bit of investment made to it. It's a pity Great Yarmouth Town Council all the council responsible for Great Yarmouth has not made it more attractive and more appealing place to go to. They should hold their head in our hands and shame in the way they've let Great Yarmouth turn into what I consider a big dump. Great Yarmouth his quite like a lot of towns and cities nowadays. The centres of these cities are rubbish and litter strewn hell holes. Filthy dirty roads and pathways that make all your shoes filthy dirty as well. We used to have standards in this country we use to clean our streets better. Even the gorgeous buildings that are in this film have become dilapidated and worn out. It is a pity to see what was a great town become a ghetto and a slum. With a little pride. Creative thinking and Vision. Back Town Council can reestablish Great Yarmouth in the manner it once was and restore it to the great place it once was as well. I have really lost any iota of a clue what they're doing now. I agree with one comment below the people that there were much much better dressed that looked a lot less lobbying they do now. You look a hell presentable the women were in this film did you look at the slobby messes that modern British women have become. Not a tatty ripped pair of jeans in sight no a filthy dirty pair of trainers either that these horrible messy dressed British women of today dress in. I also agree with the lack of manners of today compared to then. We have dropped the ball and lost a clue with respect of manners as well. I think with our presentation and our manners we have become a right scruffy mess. I agree with another comment below. Let's bring back the old days and make these towns as clean and tidy that they once were. Also let's open up the town centre on bring proper shopping back to these towns as well. Last time I visited Victoria arcade in Great Yarmouth it was half empty I'm the shopping in market Gates shopping centres also today very disappointing. Again let's bring back the Great Yarmouth of old. Then maybe we'll be making some progress and getting somewhere. Thank you very much for uploading this excellent video however. I really did enjoy watching this. Get great sadness of how Yarmouth is turned out today. Pure.

[@hermanthetosser4219]

They're using hotels to house illegal invaders.... one hotel with up to 80 single men. Lock up your daughters

[@chrisread2265]

like to sea more chris from norwich

[@rolande7]

Although things were still tough for us in this post war period we could see better times ahead. Unlike post Covid19 which seems all gloom and doom.... let's hope not😀

[@maxflight777]

Before diversity ! ...Pray tell me which do you prefer ?

[@kevinparker461]

Before, without a doubt!.

[@jasonburns4071]

Diversity...

[@scottb4697]

@@jasonburns4071 You sad individual.

[@jasonburns4071]

@@scottb4697 Oddly I was thinking EXACTLY that about you.

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

@@jasonburns4071 This was back in the days when you could go out and leave your house unlocked. Then your cultural 'diversity' came along. Sorry, has to be said. Reality is a bitch.

[@toddcott9510]

It's a shame that Yarmouth has become such a grubby dump.

[@briancarr4607]

Pickaniny different times and attitudes from today

[@kevinparker461]

Harmless word that you could probably get locked for saying out loud these days, worlds gone mad & we know why.

[@colinluckens9591]

This video would be AWESOME if you could DIGITALLY IMPROVE IT a bit using today's technology - e.g. sharpen the resolution, make it less "jumpy", further improve the colour, add sound effects? (I know last one seems to be controversial subject...but IMO IF DONE WELL...greatly improves experience of video)......

[@rolande7]

You're absolutely right, the quality could be improved but from previous experience you would lose the nostalgic charm that comes with original celluloid.

[@lewstone1934]

Adding modern technology to this would ruin its period charm. Have you no class??

[@jasonburns4071]

And no Social Distancing or face mask. happy days!

[@stevesoultrain928]

Only good thing now about Yarmouth is caister soul weekender

[@boufontleflamingoetta8433]

How many people would name their horse Pickininy these days? Thankfully none!

[@hermanthetosser4219]

Great Yarmouth town is now known as little Portugal or little Eastern europa or a third world cess pit of decadence and decay

[@drwho8565]

They ain't here for a holiday either🙄

[@cathydyer3774]

Wow. Lovely film. The commentators voice is a bit annoying. 😊 . Everyone is slim/ skinny.

[@hermanthetosser4219]

11:27 - the illegal immigrants (invaders) were French back in the day