Bargain Holidays
If you could not afford a two-week holiday or to go on excursions by train or coach, fortunately, there some cheaper alternatives to choose from
By Anne Coyne
Henri’s on Appletongate, Newark advertised as “The House of Progress”. The shop advertised the Douglas Vesper at a cash price of £123/12/0. It was said about the Vespa that “You and your family can travel anywhere for less than the cost of one railway ticket, for with the sidecar, the Vespa carries three people for less than a penny a mile”. It also stated that the “Vespa is as safe and as comfortable as any car”. Of course as per today the sidecar was a hidden extra.
Henri’s also declared that cycling was the cheapest from of Travel and reminded you not to forget your portable radio for picnics and trips to the seaside.
Henri’s were not alone in promoting the benefits of cycling with Coyne’s from 18 Market PlaceNewark, stating “Cycling Holidays! Cheaper and Different”. The advert also had text that rhymed as follows.
OUT IN THE COUNTRY
OR DOWN TO THE SEA
CHOOSE PHILLIPS CYCLES AND HAPPY YOU WILL BE
The advert also reminded the reader that they would save money if they bought a Phillips.
Curry’s also in the Market Place at numbers 12-13 were selling Raleigh Sports Cycles and you could take immediate delivery for cash or terms. The Newark Co-operative Society advertised C W S Cyles and promised a lifetime of trouble free cycling.
Other companies selling bicycles were Bayles who were on Beaumond Cross and Bob Kirk at 16-18 Middlegate.
Motorcyles were popular at this time as well, as they are today for summer trips. Blacknell Motors Ltd of 17 Northgate advertised some familiar makes including Francis Barnett, Lambretta, Norton, Panther and Triumph. Their advert shows a couple without any safety gear on except for goggles.
J.C. Duncan & Co at 30/32 Northgate also sold motorcycles and advertised the “Ideal Transport for Two”. I could only find one advert for motorcycle safety gear and this was placed by Halfords at 13 Cartergate. The advert said “Motor Cyclists protect yourself by wearing a crash helmet”.