This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards more modern than usual, and scenes no doubt familiar to older locals. Both were sent by holidaymakers on the coast – Charmouth and West Bay.
Sent in May 1966 to Mrs B Newey of 80 Carless Avenue, in Birmingham. Gresham House was previously Sea House, but new owners from Gresham Street in London had changed it to a hotel at the turn of the century. In the 70s it became the Sea Horse Hotel, and was demolished in 1990, replaced by a block of apartments of the same name.
‘Gresham House Hotel, Charmouth, May 21st. Very many thanks for letter which I will answer when I get home. Tish (?) fetched me last Tues & we arrived in time for lunch, & Jill is going to take us back to-morrow morning. Feel a lot better for the rest & change & all the nice meals put in front of me. Mrs Mac is off work with nervous debility! Luckily Mrs Amor is OK, Mr & Mrs Davis (one of Mrs Barnard’s daughters) called yesterday. She has grown awfully like her mother! Do hope you are OK. I will write soon. much love Violetta’
The West Bay postcard was sent on 6th October 1970. In 1884 the Great Western Railway was extended from Bridport down to the harbour. The new station was initially called Bridport Harbour, but it was soon renamed Bridport West Bay by the GWR to attract day trippers and holidaymakers to the seaside by rail. Some older 19th century maps referred to the stretch of sea in the area as West Bay so this must have influenced the new name, although it was neither west of Bridport nor a bay! Soon the whole settlement was known as West Bay.
‘Tues. Thanks for letter. Crossed with mine. Shall be on my way from here on Thurs. Have loved being here. Guess you would like it too. Love to all. Hope for good news of G soon. Love Betty’
