Over the last two centuries it has become gradually easier for more people to visit the seaside. Bro Fred Walkington MBE explained how this happened, and how Bridlington changed to attract and benefit from the tourists. He had some excellent and rare photographs in his entertaining presentation.

It was the railways that opened up Bridlington as a holiday resort. City dwellers could benefit from “sunlight, natures stimulant and disinfectant” as Bro Fred said some early enticements claimed. Boys with homemade barrows would carry your cases to your digs for a few coins.

Bro Fred went on to describe the developments built to cater for the visitors including Princes Parade and Victoria Rooms, and later in 1896, Whitakers sea wall on south side with the first Spa built at the same time. At first you had to pay to enter these promenades.

Cafes sprung up, and amusements opened including Burgin’s Fun City and Joyland.  Bro Fred gave the back story of some of these family businesses.

Bridlington’s first class beaches were a major draw. The hire of deck chairs was an Edwardian innovation. Bro Fred was able to show that the earliest chairs provided to the council were by local firm Neal and Son.

Beach stalls sold a wide range of goods, pierrots performed, and donkey rides were offered. Bro Fred related how National newspapers organized sand castle competitions and even catwalk fashion shows.

Bro Fred went on to recount the rise of the various caravan camps from Graingers on the south side to Thornwick Bay on Flamborough head, facilitated by increasing car ownership. Bringing the story up to the present day, Bro Fred felt we are seeing a resurgence in this type of holiday.

In her vote of thanks Eileen Johnson remarked that Bro Fred’s atmospheric talk invoked in her memories of her Sunday School trips.