As children, our parents took us to the Wild Coast as it was then known, where we thrived at places like Bashee River Mouth. Unspoilt beaches and simple rondavels. One holiday my brother, 4 years older than me, and his pals collected crabs and put them in their sisters beds! Apple-pieing our beds was another favourite of the boys.

I have photographs taken by my parents of some of these memorable times and they, together with your memories you have shared with us, are real treasures.

Thanks for the memory …

Ahhhh, sweet Jan! Your children sound divine parents. Cricket, Momopoly, skateboarding…..You are right – there is hope!!!
With a smile I kiss your eyes
Gaynor

Their “old” Llandudno valley childhood must have been something else, Margo!
With a smile I kiss your eyes
Gaynor

When we were children, our parents would take us to the Wild Coast for the December holidays where we stayed in bungalows at places like Bashee River Mouth. These were ideal family holidays and there were always plenty of other youngsters around of Ken’s and my age. I remember collecting shells and using them in various games, and one time my brother and his friends collected small crabs and having ‘apple-pied’ the girls beds they slipped the crabs into them! If it rained there was always a games room where one could play Ping-pong, or sit and read. At the end of the holiday we would fill up empty bottles with Sea Water to take home for our beloved Elizabeth who helped Mom with the housework.

My Granddad made my friend Mignon and I each a set of stilts by attaching tins onto the sides of planks, which we used to walk on, while screeching with delight. During other holidays, the adults were polite enough to sit through a ‘concert’ we children choreographed for them. Unfortunately they had been subjected to our numerous practice sessions for weeks beforehand, but we still got an encore at the end.

Despite our lack of TV, Cell phones, computers etc. we all grew up healthy, happy and a lot less stressed than modern youngsters are. I am grateful that our 2 granddaughters have been brought up in the old-fashioned way and although they both have cellphones they use correct grammar and spelling when sms-ing, they both love reading books and prefer non-fiction, the younger one excels in sport and the older one loves nature.

Amongst other things, my Grandfather attached tins to the side of two long boards, and my friend Mignon and I, walked with these contraptions all around her back garden screaming with delight! We gave concerts at the end of the year in the holidays, to the adults who had had to put up with our practising for many weeks before, but they always gave us an encore!

My Mom was born in the Transkei and for the December holidays we would drive from Pretoria to Kei River Mouth, or Bashee River Mouth and stay in bungalows. The days were spent collecting shells, swimming, laughing and playing. One holiday my brother Ken who is 4 years older than me, and his friends collected small crabs from the beach and put them into the girls beds which had been ‘apple-pied’ by the boys.

We grew up with a knowing how to share, imaginative minds, a love of books and reading, being independent and could actually talk to people of any age.

I am very grateful that our daughter and son-in-law have brought up their two girls with these principals. The outdoor life is something they all love, whether it is in their own garden, the sports field or going for walks and outings as a family. Although both girls have cell phones their use is restricted by themselves as are movies.

Unfortunately today’s children grow up far too quickly.

I loved your descrtiption of marbles…I used to play marbels but son’t remember the words you used…perhpas the game of marbles and its language evolved……..but like you we used to play in the neighborhoood…and like you i used to play cricket……a story here…

Many years ago a show i was in toured to port Elizabeth – city of my birth and I met up with my cousin and his good friend at a bar over the show. Suddenly his friend turned to me and said “I have to get something off my chest.” I looked at him…mystified…I hadn’t seen him in years. He went on, ” We were playing cricket when we were kids, you were bowling, I went into bat and you got me out first ball and you stood with your hands on your hips and shouted, “Next!” I laughed…I told him i had to play the best I could because I was the only girl in my cousin’s cricket team./…I was an absolute tomboy. Thanks to my cousin’s father. Whatever he taught his son, he taught me, how to swim on a rimpie stoel…how to hit a golf ball (can’t do that anymore.) how to play cricket and how to shoot an air gun and how to behave around firearms. We used to go on holidays to a sheep farm …bird hunting..2.2. rifles were all part of exciting happy lholidays.

I borrowed skates…and loved the noise of the steel on the pavement. I learnt to ride a boy’s bike (never had one – ) but children shared and were happy to lend if you didn’t have. We also uyed to go to Happy Valley on bikes…i would be given a ride….can’t remember how…but we managed…..and there was joy!!!!!!!!!!!!! There were always children around……………
But today it is a different world………

Not only in South Africa…..but in all major cities. I think that in the small villages you will still find that comeraderie. Here in Israel there is a great emphasis on Youth Movements – especially in the smaller towns…those lying outside Tel Aviv….,.but you are right about the cell phone…but perhaps some teenagers will start a movment about not spending so much time glued to their cell phones.

Thank you for stirring memroes of a childlhood…in a city I loved. Port Elizabeth.

take care
Love Ingride