Mechanical Memories Magazine

Issue: 2012-December - Issue 71

Mablethorpe Circa 1965
By Robert Rowland
Mablethorpe in the ' 60s, was a great place for me
Oh what a thrill to come and live by the sea.
The warm summer evenings, relaxed on the beach
And the fuzz was something you rubbed off a peach.
The Beatles, the Hollies, Cliff Richard, big 0
Were on jukebox selections wherever you'd go.
Then up to the fairground to ride on the whip
A few spins on that gave your stomach some gyp.
The whole town was buzzing, the place was alive
Each day was like this, from nine until five .
My first stop is Funland, to play Cromptons Gold Cup
Any one of five horses had a chance to come up .
The wins ranged from two, to a jackpot of ten
I spent hours on that machine, until moved on by Len.
Finding liquorice torpedoes in the trays of the crane
I won't need to visit a sweet shop again.
Walking through Funland, trying to avoid Mary
Boy if she grabbed you, it got pretty scary.
Marched into the office with a rollicking to come
Stripped of your cash, then sent home to mum.
Marine Pastimes had Pilwins, Parkers and Mills
Playing on those really tested your skills.
You could have your own shoot-out by challenging Top Gun
Or see the Miser's last moment, it was all just good fun.
Rock-Ola Jigsaws, Tuck Shops as well
That Laughing Sailor made me laugh like hell.
Inserting a sixpence, and off you would go
Keep to the road but don't go too slow.
Yes, I'm taking my own Road Test
Take it from me, those days were the best.
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My next stop is Bingoland, it looks busy today
There's a Bingolett in there, that I like to play.
Two fours and a two does not make a win
I'm beginning to wish I'd never come in!
The bingo is full, not a spare seat to be seen
My mate's just won jackpot on another machine.
Oh no! Here comes Bumble, heading my way
"Don't come back for the rest of the day".
Thrown out again and I've done nothing wrong
He always picks on kids who aren't big and strong.
Let's cross the road and go into Queens
With my Pennies all jangling inside my jeans.
I've just won a six on the Streets Wheel-em-In
I'm sure that my penny was clearly just in.
But it's bad luck for me because it hasn't paid out
I will have to give the key man a shout.
He doesn't believe me, he thinks that I lied
I didn't get paid and I'm sure that I cried.
I suppose at the time I was only aged ten
But it seemed such a big deal, way back then.
Now on to the Empire, which was owned by Fred
"Keep off that Wheel of Fortune" his attendant said.
So I moved to my left and played Derby Day
Horse five came in, and twelve pennies my way.
That didn't go down well with the staff that were there
It wasn't their money, so why should they care?
I then gave Moonraker a gentle tap with my knee
Scooped up more pennies, then home for my tea.
I hope you enjoyed my trip back in time
And I'm pleased to report, it was all done in rhyme.
Robert Rowland
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