Bognor Childhoo Holidays

A Memory of Bognor Regis.

I came down to Bognor with my family for a three week holiday every summer in the late 50s early 60s, first from Redhill and then from Godalming, Surrey It was mostly on the train, and the last time we came it was in our new car in 1964, before we forsook the Sussex coast for North Devon.
We always stayed in a flat in Landsdowne House, on the sea front, above a row of shops between the Royal Hotel and the Royal Norfolk. I remember one of the shops was called the Candy Cove, which sold sweets and ice creams. We would often visit Macari's, a branch of which was in front of the Aldwick Theatre, in the morning where my parents had a cup of coffee and I would have a lime milkshake - the height of decadence - and then a visit to the beach.
My late father was a Baptist minister, so we always went to the Baptist Church on Sundays, which in those days was in Canada Grove. The church moved and the building is now owned by the Salvation Army - at least it was when I was last in the town.
I apparently learned to walk on the sands at Bognor!
Being a bus enthusiast, I also fondly remember the wonderful art deco bus station, which sadly was demolished in the 80s to make way for the big Asda supermarket complex.

I have been East Sussex based since the early 70s, but I still drive through Bognor Regis when I get the chance. I have many happy memories of those holidays!