No, I'm not at the beach or even planning a beach trip any time soon ~ but I loved these pink beach spades.................................
..........................................and the pink buckets and fishing nets I found last year at Dawlish Warren, a seaside community in Devon on the English Channel. Note, they are called buckets and spades in the UK, not pails and shovels!!
Below is my childhood beach, Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay. The sand is almost pink due to the red sandstone cliffs.
Sometimes we'd take the local train home after a day at the beach........it was only to the next station along the line, but a lot of fun IF you could stay awake following all that swimming, picnicking, and sandcastle building with your bucket and spade! 
This illustration really tugs at my heart because this was exactly how it was on the old steam train ~ if anyone recognizes this illustrator's work, please let me know. I even wore Clark's sandals like these ~ they were standard issue for all English children, girls and boys, in the 1950's. Be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound - she's the Pink Saturday hostess and has the ever-growing list of participants. Join in the fun.
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That's funny, I still call it bucket and spades. Would never think of calling it anything else but I suppose that's because in all the time I've been here I've never had to use the words!
ReplyDeleteIt's weird now seeing Clark's shoes here, isn't it? They are all over the place and quite expensive whereas for us they were the standard cheap school
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing better than a day at the beach, especially for children. I have a pair of Clark's sandles which are really comfortable. I didn't know their history.
ReplyDeleteMe too, me too! Heartstrings duly tugged at. I think I am of the same generation as that little girl!
ReplyDeleteLovely post. I remember those shoes too.
ReplyDeleteLovely beachy post!
ReplyDeleteBuster Brown was the shoe for children, here, when I was growing up. Similar style. A sort T-strap shoe. I have a few pairs of Clark's now. So comfortable.
I didn't see an ocean beach until I was 14 and staying with an aunt and uncle in California. We walked to the beach every day.
Have a great Saturday, Mary!
Pat
A wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteYes, I had those shoes too.
We came from England to the US in 1979.
I think we have much in common.
I'll return.
come to today's virtual tea party.
English treats from me!
Makes me want to go digging for shells
ReplyDelete...have a blessed weekend
Well, I'm a shovel and pail kind of girl here on Cape Cod!! :)
ReplyDeleteI really like that illustration you shared at the bottom. After reading your post it brings life to it for me.
Happy Pink Saturday.
take care,
Dawn
Lovely Mary! The image of the little girl asleep on the train is precious. I wore Clark's too (and so did Kate) :-} lovely little red ones. I enjoyed your Pink Saturday post.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteLovely post!
~ Gabriela ~
Mary
ReplyDeleteI buy nothing but Clark shoes now. I didn't know they were around so long. I just started buying them about 5 years ago and love them. I buy the slides. The little girl picture is so cute.
I remember riding trains when I was little to visit our relatives in Pennsylvania. I still love trains. I have N gage models and my husband has HO. Not the same as riding them but we do that too. LOL. The spades and buckets are great.
Nancy
Mary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful memories.
We had Clarks sandals and shoes for school in the 60's and 70's too. I remember them being pretty expensive even back then. I guess they were the equivalent of Stride-Rite shoes over here.
I miss living so close to the sea! I wish I'd appreciated it more when I lived in Torquay.
What a sweet post! I just adore the different words the English use. They always have a more romantic/nostalgic feel than the American version!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
xo
Sue
Beautiful and nostalgic post!!! I love the pink beach tools, how quaint!!! ..and that shoreline is amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI also love Clarks!!! The old things are truly the best ones!!!
Have a wonderfully pink day!!
Mary, isn't it funny how seeing something can take us on a visit to our memories?
ReplyDeleteI am a bucket and shovel girl, and I don't know how they could be better than being pink.
I grew up near the ocean, and have many wonderful memories as treasures.
Happy Pink Saturday.
Love those cute pink shovels!! My 4 year old son would love those- his favorite color as well haha!! xoxox!
ReplyDeleteCharming post, Mary! I miss all the plastic pink things, now that my daughter is grown.
ReplyDeletelove the "spades and buckets". also love the photos of england and france. hope you have a wonderful trip in october!!
ReplyDeleteMary
ReplyDelete"Your" beach Torre Abbey Sands is just so beautiful. The memories and sight of it must tug at your heartstrings.Thanks for sharing with us.
Mim
Lovin' those pink spades!
ReplyDeleteLove that pink spade! Talk about feminine.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and I can see why the little girl on the train tugs at your heart. Very sweet.
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net
Lovely post! I adore the picture of the little girl...so cute.
ReplyDeleteMary! They're adorable!! The little girl it is just so cute!! Great memories! HUgs and kisses!! Vanessa
ReplyDeleteMary, Thank you for your kind and lovely comments. I really appreciate your visits...
ReplyDelete...And I do love your pink "spades and buckets!" :-)
~Jean
Love the pink shovel! I just returned from a week at the beach in Florida and did a post about it tonight...
ReplyDeletePenny
Hello Mary, I always enjoy your "Pink Saturday" posts!!! & today is no exception....Those little shovels & buckets are just the cutest!...Also love hearing stories of when we all were children...The picture of the little girl is simply exquisite!... Enjoy your weekend!...heidi
ReplyDeleteCrikey, that could be me on that train! We used to travel everywhere by train when I was little...mainly to the beaches of Devon!
ReplyDeleteAnd I had many pairs of Clarks sandals ;-) (But not all at once,you understand!)
Great pink shovels, and I love that beach. I'd love to see a pink beach!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Shirl
Great posts...this is my first time on your blog. I see lots of interesting stuff!
ReplyDeletemy mum's house is very near here - beautiful part of England. I lived abroad for many years (N.America) but eventually the call to come home became too strong!
ReplyDeleteMe again! I would dearly love to know who the artist is...did the illustration come from a book or a magazine?
ReplyDelete