My sister was fit to be tied
Barry Edge’s memoir concerns a very angry sibling, a glass floor and a trip to Blackpool.
Barry Edge writes…
Philosophically and ideologically we were as chalk and cheese and many a discussion ended when we simply agreed to disagree without threat to our sibling rivalry. We did have the usual face to face differences over lesser matters, but for the most part they were quickly resolved and we got on with life. No grudges were held. Forgive and forget was our motto.
Except for Blackpool…
My sister was fit to be tied
We went to Blackpool many times and usually stayed in the North shore area – holidays for mum, dad, Jocelyn Ann and yours truly – plus a pilgrimage for mum to catch up with her favourite brother. However, this Blackpool story tells of a sister not very happy with a brother not wanting to go up to the top of the ‘Tower.
It was an August bank Holiday and we spent a week in the sun, rain, rain, and rain.
Whenever we were not with mum and dad we were inseparable and must have walked miles up and down the Golden Mile and beyond in fair weather and foul. We’d pool our pocket monies to buy candy floss, ice creams and sweets. Occasionally we would go into the Penny Arcades, but we preferred to be out and about with other holidaymakers.
My second eldest brother, Alan, had turned up unexpectedly to spend the day with us (he had cycled from Bucknall on his posh new racing bicycle). The rain had stopped, the sun greeted the holiday makers, and Alan suggested we go to the top of the ‘Tower for a meal.
The conversation included walking across a ‘glass floor’ and being able to look all the way down to the ground below. Now I’ve got to tell you folks I remember being somewhat alarmed when hearing this and with dread overcoming me I steadfastly refused to go up the ‘Tower no matter what.
Alan was not impressed because he was hoping to have a pint with dad. Mum suggested dad and Alan go to the ‘Tower whilst she took me and Jocelyn Ann down to the beach next to the ‘Pier.
My sister was fit to be tied.
Down on the beach mum hired some deckchairs and set them up for us. We were still bickering with each other when mum seized the moment and took a photograph for the family album (see above).
Our usual ‘Forgive and forget’ went AWOL with Jocelyn Ann reminding me time and again for several weeks after our holiday for being scared of heights.
See you later…
Barry Edge
Western Australia
July 31, 2018