The perfect staycation... camping in old trams | Nostalgia

Some of you of a certain age might remember when you could hire a space in a camping coach alongside a railway siding, usually at country stations.
By Bob Hind
Published 2nd May 2021, 19:00 BST
Updated 4th May 2021, 14:27 BST
Four camping tramcars at Fishers Camp, Fishery Lane, Hayling Island. Picture: Barry Cox postcard collection.Four camping tramcars at Fishers Camp, Fishery Lane, Hayling Island. Picture: Barry Cox postcard collection.
Four camping tramcars at Fishers Camp, Fishery Lane, Hayling Island. Picture: Barry Cox postcard collection.

They were old railway carriages fitted out for holidaymakers’ use. The seats were removed and replaced with bunk beds not unlike a modern sleeping car on the Caledonian services although not so plush. In the 1930s the same idea was used but instead of using railway coaches, redundant trams were used.

In this picture taken at Fishers Camp, Fishery Lane, Hayling Island, in 1931, the camping trams had once been used on the Croydon tram system.

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I have no idea when sleeping in old trams went out of fashion but if anyone has any information please let me know.

The memorial plaque to six of the gunners who died at the gun site. Jack Chandler’s name to be added. Picture: Richard CoatesThe memorial plaque to six of the gunners who died at the gun site. Jack Chandler’s name to be added. Picture: Richard Coates
The memorial plaque to six of the gunners who died at the gun site. Jack Chandler’s name to be added. Picture: Richard Coates

• Last week I wrote about the disgraceful action by Havant Borough Council in banning a memorial service to gunners who died on Hayling Island. I am glad to report a small private service did take place and a wreath and poppies were placed at the memorial.

Several readers, including Trevor Pearce, had their views published on our letters pages. Thank you for that. Let’s hope the service can go ahead next year.

A message from the editor, Mark Waldron.

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Related topics:NostalgiaHayling IslandHavant Borough Council

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