Below is just one of the poems that was written by a distant cousin of mine who had very little money, a sick husband and two boys to bring up. She could not afford a holiday so my mother invited her to come and stay with us during the school holidays and this was her perception of Southport during the late '40s and '50s. I wonder what she would think today?

Mrs Ann Tweddell

What a beautiful place your town is with its gardens and parks trim and neat
The flowers a riot of colour bumble bees getting plenty to eat
The tree-lined parades look so stately they have such an old world charm
The beach is a fond mother's haven where children play without coming to harm
The air seems to blend with all ages especially old folks like me
There are plenty of benches to sit on, clean cafes to buy cups of tea

You can walk at your leisure down pathways watch old and young play on the greens
Or sprawl on the grass with your loved one indulging in romantic dreams
Deck chairs for hire are a blessing for people with rheumatic bones
And what a delight to the children are the stalls with lollies and cones
Cockles and shrimps for the asking oysters on little pot plates
A must if your tummy feels queezy when you’ve had a night out with your mates

Your transport is one of the finest conductors are always polite
a ride in the dark sky along Lord Street is really a beautiful sight
Fairy lights twinkle and glisten as they hang from the boughs of the trees
And light up the windows of fashion whose motto is “We aim to please�
Fairy lights twinkling like stars in the skies young lovers having a ball
Long evening dresses sweeping the floor on the way to the grand Floral Hall

Benches to sit on grass fresh and green
Flowers all tended with care
A memory I’ve cherished all through my life
I’m grateful that you asked me there

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