23-Oct-2002, 11:22 PM
Hello Martin, Possibly Peter may find a spot for this in his collection of small pieces, form the days before cars, television and just post-war. Newly married we decided to have a day of our annual holiday on a day trip down the coast of North Wales.. It started with a smart walk to Leyland Station to get a train to Wigan, change at Wigan North western to the low level station for the Manchester to Liverpool train.(There were plenty of trains in those days. Once at Liverpool, I can`t remember whether it was Exchange or the other, it was a very quick walk down to the Pier Head to catch the St.Tudno boat. The sail was down the Mersey to the Mersey Bar and the open sea, then going very leisurely down the coast in sight of land, they were lovely views from the sea. The boat called at Llandudno to let some passengers off, and pick some up, then onwards down the coast to the Menai Straits stopping at Beaumaris. We were allowed about one and a half hours ashore to see the place and get something to eat, before going back on the return sail. Finally we would arrive at the Pier Head and begin the mad rush to get the trains to Wigan and then Leyland. The final walk home from the station was a time to recall all that had gone by since the early morning walk, truly a day to remember before motorways and rapid transport which we have today. The catering on the boat was very good considering it was just after the end of Rationing, but still in a period of austerity. Memories..... Cheers, Bill.