Member Bro David Moore reviewed how Flamborough became a tourist hotspot, in particular analysing how the arrival of the railways and increasing prosperity played their part. He also considered what the future might bring.

David said that before the railways arrived Flamborough was a self contained village. For the few visitors who came, it was the cliffs and seabirds that attracted them. Shooting the birds and egg collecting were popular and David explained how changes in the law over time stopped this.

The railways changed everything. There was a rapid expansion in visitor numbers. David outlined two attempts that were made to extend the railway system to Flamborough. Hotels were opened and charabanc trips catered for the visitors.  A 1901 report described, “Roads occupied by an unceasing procession of coaches, charabancs and cycles”.

The 1930’s saw caravan camps and wooden cabins proliferating on the cliff tops.  David related how these developments were moved back and controlled.

Flamborough needs tourism but David said many feel more development would spoil the headland which an ongoing effort to declare it an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” might help to counteract. 

The vote of thanks was given by Bro Garry Sunley.