I am undertaking some research into railway camping coach holidays taken before World War II. During the 1930s the major railway companies took old carriages out of service, converted them into holiday homes, with kitchenettes and sleeping quarters and hired them out to holidaymakers during the summer. They were usually located at quiet rural stations where visitors could enjoy a secluded holiday close to beaches and idyllic country walks.
I would love to hear from folks around the country who have memories and maybe photographs of such holidays taken during childhood. I have a particular interest at this time in vacations taken on the Southern Railway at any of the following stations:
Bere Ferrers, Brentor, East Budleigh, East Farleigh, Gunnislake, Hinton Admiral, Hurn, Littleham, Lyndhurst Road, Martin Mill, Newton Poppleford, Otterham, Port Isaac Road, Sandling Junction, South Moulton Road, Umberleigh, Woodbury Road and Wool.
Is there anyone out there who enjoyed a camping coach holiday before 1941 at a location not on the above list? I would still love to hear from you and your help may be invaluable.
Mike Fenton, Hereford
(please contact Mike via The Mature Times)
