Mechanical Memories Magazine

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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