Journalling:
How dauniting must this have been... This was one scary Father Christmas. At the age of about 21/2 this may well have been my first encounter with the “merry” gentleman. I look quite taken aback! But a trip to the “Magic Cave” was a wondrous thing with all the traditional wintry scenes and snow everywhere. There were also two big rocking horses, Nipper and Nimble. Every year in November Father Christmas arrived in a pageant through the city preceded by floats, bands, clowns and dancers. (This still happens now and it has grown considerably over the years). It is all in stark contrast to the reality of our hot summer weather. The family generally spent Christmas in the caravan at the beach each year! Christmas 1948