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An 80's child at Christmas
Running down the stairs and opening the living room door to see a pile of presents; your tummy full of anticipation waiting to know if you’d been good enough for Santa; the extra excitement when you saw the mince pie crumbs and remains of carrots knowing that ‘he had been’. Gosh I miss those days; yes, it might have been ‘too commercial’, but I long to have that bit of magic again, writes Emma Burt.
An 80's child at Christmas
Running down the stairs and opening the living room door to see a pile of presents; your tummy full of anticipation waiting to know if you’d been good enough for Santa; the extra excitement when you saw the mince pie crumbs and remains of carrots knowing that ‘he had been’. Gosh I miss those days; yes, it might have been ‘too commercial’, but I long to have that bit of magic again, writes Emma Burt.
Growing up in Wadebridge in the 80s, we were so lucky to have loads of independent shops: Record Select for my first album on cassette tape (Bananarama Wow for those trying to guess!), J Shoes for Dr Martens boots with the rainbow stitching and laces, and for toys we were spoiled rotten! I loved running up the stairs in NSS with photos of the Cudmore family posing with cuddly toys. I have vivid images of the Get Along Gang toys I wanted, and who could forget Glo Worms, which, when you cuddled them, their bums glowed so you could sneakily read in bed after lights out! Then there was upstairs in Bricknells. I have vague memories of ‘running away’ once (my parents had a shop in Polmorla Walk and I’d get bored) and was found safe and sound, happily playing with the train set!
I’ve saved the best until last - a shop that was my haven, with a hidden pink corner filled with Barbies. Who could forget the gem that was Jennie’s Toy Store?
It was one of those places where you could easily burn a hole in your pocket as you wanted everything. It’s funny as, fast forward 30 odd years, I was introduced to a lady called ‘Jennie’ at the John Betjeman Centre to find out it was THE Jennie - I was almost hysterical, not being able to get my words out to tell her how much joy she had brought me as a child. She still laughs at me for calling her ‘a celebrity.’ Jennie is now one of our treasured volunteers at the John Betjeman Centre, working on our reception each week, still bringing joy to people! That’s what we hope to do this Christmas for those who have lost their sparkle. Each year we host a party for anyone who might be alone, had a bad year, lost a partner, or full-time carers in need of a pick-me-up.
This year’s event will be on Tuesday 23rd December 11am-2pm. The day is free and will include entertainment and a buffet lunch. There will be a raffle to raise funds for the charity. Spaces are limited so priority will be given to senior citizens in Wadebridge. Transport can be arranged with notice. To book please call Emma or Suzanne on 01208 812392.
