There's something wonderfully nostalgic about a holiday postcard that captures a simple, perfect day. This postcard from my collection features Bowness Bay, Windermere in the heart of the Lake District, and it's a great snapshot of British domestic leisure in the early 1980's
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| Bowness Bay, Windermere, Lake District |
The Front: Bowness Bay, Windermere
The image itself is a classic "Colourmaster International" print, vibrant and full of life, showing Bowness Bay on a beautiful summer's day.
The centrepiece is the iconic pier and the pleasure cruiser, likely one of the Windermere Lake Steamers, which is still a major attraction today.
The surrounding hills rise up from the tranquil water, with small sailboats dotting the lake.
The colours and the boat's design instantly anchor this card in the later 20th century, before the digital age completely changed photography and printing.
The Message: A Perfect Holiday Scorecard
The real charm lies in the detailed message, written from 'Phil' to 'Peter' (and addressed to Peter Cooper in Westhoughton, Bolton). The postmark is slightly indistinct but appears to be from July 1982.
Phil's update reads like a very satisfying itinerary of a relaxed holiday:
"weather has been okay so far and very good today. The guest house is very good. Played loads of golf on the pitch and putt course - Tonks has beaten me every time except once. We played tennis this morning and went to Ambleside this afternoon. You never let me know how your driving test went. Phil."
Highlights of the Eighties Holiday
The Pursuit of Golf: The focus on the "pitch and putt course" highlights the casual, accessible nature of holiday activities.
The Rivalry: The competitive streak with a friend named 'Tonks' adds a wonderful touch of personality and typical holiday banter.
Classic Sightseeing: A trip to Ambleside, a traditional Lake District market town, shows they were sticking to the classic tourist route.
A Personal Query: The sign-off—asking about a friend's driving test—grounds the card firmly in the reality of their everyday lives back home.
This postcard is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Lake District: good weather, easy sports, beautiful scenery, and the simple joy of sending a note to a friend back home to let them know you're having a brilliant time (even if you are losing at golf!).
