Dymchurch

DYMCHURCH, 1962

DYMCHURCH is a large holiday camp for children, which used to be an Army camp during the last war.
The camp is situated in Kent between Hythe and Dungeness, and is about 100 yards from the beach; it is one of the biggest
camps of its kind in England, and Britain's smallest public railway runs along the far side of the camp from Dungeness to
New Romney.
The camp itself covers about 2 acres and the huts are all named after cities and towns in the British Isles, and here the
School stays for our annual 3 weeks' holiday; everything is well organized, dancing, film shows, competitions and all sports.
In the Hut competitions our house, Pelham, did well coming 1st in football, and 1st in hut inspections.
The weather this year was reasonable but we had one or two bitterly cold days; but not cold enough to stop the enjoyment
provided.
Mr. Clarke, who was in charge of us Pelham boys, stated it was a pleasure to have us, and said it was the best Dymchurch
he had experienced and we are all looking forward to our next year's Dymchurch, so roll on winter.
RAY HOOD

On a personal note I only visited Dymchurch once, it was in 1962 which was my first year at Goldings. That same year I went on
holiday with my previous home, and was instructed to travel down to Dymchurch after my holiday in Wales.
Consequently I only really spent two weeks at Dymchurch throughout my stay at Goldings. My memories of Dymchurch are quite
clouded now, what little bit I can remember is sitting on the beach with Nobby Clark, and some of the lads looking out to sea he
pointed, and told us that’s part of the new power station being towed into Dungeness, also our visit to Lydd Airport, and my
introduction to the game of Hockey. Since I’ve obtained my records from Barkingside I’ve since discovered The cost of the train
ticket from Walsall via Birmingham via Paddington to New Romney was £2 14s 7d, and was paid by Walsall Council which I
didn’t know, till I read my records, but now is an opportunity for some of you lads via the Guest book to elaborate the stories further.

On Friday, August 21st, we set out for Dymchurch. We were conveyed from Goldings to Charing Cross by bus this being
a big improvement on the journey last year. The trip from Charing Cross to Dymchurch went off without a hitch.
Our daily routine at camp was as follows : Reveille at 7.30 a.m. Breakfast at 8 a.m. Inspection and Prayers taken by the
Governor at 9 a.m. This was followed by P.T., under the supervision of Mr. Patch. This was new to our camp life, and at
first was not very popular ; later, however, when every boy realised that it was doing him good and he was feeling very fit,
no complaints were heard.
Dinner, 12.30 p.m. Tea, 4.30 p.m. Supper, 7.30 p.m. Retire to Huts, 8 p.m. Final inspection of the huts and lights out, 9. p.m.
If a ballot were to be taken on the greatest attraction of this year's camp, it is probable that an overwhelming majority
would vote for the " Oldham Guides," who were with us during the middle week of our stay. The languishing loveliness of
these Lancashire lasses caused the hearts of the more susceptible of our number to palpitate with an emotion which must
have been an unknown experience hitherto. Apart from their personal attractions, their engaging candour and the appeal
of their quaint dialect wholly captured the hearts of our boys. Their exploits at Netball were followed with great eagerness,
and the camp seemed a barren desert when they went on their expeditions to Folkestone and Boulogne. The impromptu
concerts they organised in the Cinema Hall were a source of great entertainment to our boys, and the performances were
accorded huge ovations. Alas ! these celestial beings could not be for ever with us, and it was a day of deep despondency
and general lamentation when they departed from the camp.