It was now late summer and we were still on school holiday. One day, Mum and Dad said they had a surprise for us. Mum told us that we were going to Porthcawl, our nearest seaside, for a day. It was to be our reward for helping Dad in the allotment. Dad said that we would go when Lil had her next day off. A few days later we all set off for the railway station. There were nine of us, Dad, Mum, Lil, Mary, Kath, George, Brian, Alwyn and myself. We had to walk the mile to the railway station, as there was only enough money for the train fares. Mum pushed the push chair with my two younger brothers in it, and the sandwiches and drinks Mum and Lil had prepared early that morning.
On arriving at the railway station, Mum bought the tickets and we boarded the train for Porthcawl. I was quite disappointed when we arrived as there was no sign of the sea. We walked past some shops, and in the distance we could see a big wheel and other fair ground rides. This we learnt later was Coney Beach Pleasure Park. All the rides were covered up because of the war. Then at last we could see the sea.
We just stood and stared in wonder at the view. It was the first time I had seen the sea. It looked a lovely green colour with the sun shining on it, and the waves rolling in were a frothy white. I thought it was soap suds at first, but Mum explained it was the force of the water turning over. Only a small part of the beach was open to the public at that time, and in the near future this was to be closed as well, so we were very lucky to have that day. We spent the whole day playing on the beach and paddling in the sea. The sandwiches and drinks quickly disappeared, and soon it was time to pack our belongings and make our way home. As we walked away, I looked back at the sea and sand, and thought I would remember this day forever.
