A lovely film. We loved “the beach”- just upstream of Rainbow Bridge, which we used to jump off, with great bravery and glee - in the 60s and 70’s, though I think geese droppings have rather invaded it since. Many happy days swimming, playing rounders, picnics and boating. Also the tip near the railway bridge was a source of many hours scavenging in my youth - my father used to pay me for collecting nuts and washers! But in those days tips were also more open sources of many treasures. In the winter of 62 we towed the kitchen table, upside down, across the ice, which was great fun. And of course those horses have seen many courting couples gracing that Hardyesque common land, wild hair blowing in the warm aphrodisiac wind!
Wonderful to be reminded of what it felt like years ago. I have great memories of the years we would try to skate, never enough working skates, the right size, and always being absolutely frozen. Lacking skating skill the whole thing was a bit frustrating so we decided to use a large white bed sheet, and with me holding one side and my brother holding the other side, with raised it between us, and as it caught the wind we took off at great speed, and sailed almost to Wolvercote,....then we had to get back to the dust cart track, which seemed very far away.
A lovely film. We loved “the beach”- just upstream of Rainbow Bridge, which we used to jump off, with great bravery and glee - in the 60s and 70’s, though I think geese droppings have rather invaded it since. Many happy days swimming, playing rounders, picnics and boating. Also the tip near the railway bridge was a source of many hours scavenging in my youth - my father used to pay me for collecting nuts and washers! But in those days tips were also more open sources of many treasures. In the winter of 62 we towed the kitchen table, upside down, across the ice, which was great fun. And of course those horses have seen many courting couples gracing that Hardyesque common land, wild hair blowing in the warm aphrodisiac wind!
Wonderful to be reminded of what it felt like years ago. I have great memories of the years we would try to skate, never enough working skates, the right size, and always being absolutely frozen. Lacking skating skill the whole thing was a bit frustrating so we decided to use a large white bed sheet, and with me holding one side and my brother holding the other side, with raised it between us, and as it caught the wind we took off at great speed, and sailed almost to Wolvercote,....then we had to get back to the dust cart track, which seemed very far away.
seemed exciting, i’m envious!
Doing a project on the meadow at the moment and this is so helpful!
Glad to have been of help. Good luck with your project.
The Alison referred to is Dr Alison McDonald who is currently finishing a new book on the history of Port Meadow
Wonderful, where did you get the footage?