For a long time I felt that Whitby was my second home, as almost all my childhood holidays were in Whitby. We had one week at Easter and two weeks over the summer.
Sometimes we stayed in Whitby itself, but quite often we stayed in nearby countryside or villages.
Whitby was the place where I first learnt to swim. Whitby was also the place where I first gained some freedom, as it was small enough that I could convince my parents that I knew where I was going and I could just wander freely, exploring the little streets and guinnels.
I particularly remember the swing bridge and always hoping that we’d be lucky enough to get stopped by it, as it opened to let a boat pass. I remember the seagulls screeching in the sky and I remember the smell of fish by the lobster pots that had just been brought in from a night out on the boats.
I’ve been in Whitby in all weathers, I particularly remember being snowed in for a few days during an Easter holiday. I also remember being sunburnt from a wonderful day on the beach at Runswick Bay. Most of all, I remember the sea crashing against the pier and sitting in the car watching as waves and spray came over the wall.
I remember the little sweet shop where I would spend my pocket money (probably about 20 pence) choosing sweets from different jars, each costing a penny or maybe two pence and putting them in a little paper bag.
I remember looking for Jet on the beach and I remember discovering the photographer Frank Meadows-Sutcliffe, who documented Whitby in the late 19th and early 20th century and collecting postcards of his works.
I remember The Shepherd’s Purse, which had an amazing array of spices and nuts and treating myself to 100 grams of salted roasted cashew nuts every holiday. I remember the 199 steps going up to the Abbey at the top, and when I was older, I used to go bell ringing in the church there, and when I was older still as a young adult, I stayed in the youth hostel with friends.
Whitby has a very special place in my heart, and while I’m sad I’m too unwell to be there in person, I’m delighted that this project means my voice can be heard there once again.
