When a family went on holiday in the 1950s or 1960s, there was far less choice of venue and entertainment than we have available today. Our family holidays for example, were spent down by the seaside, staying in a former railway carriage that had been converted into a holiday rental. We would climb up over sand dunes and down the very pebbly beach where we would stay all day until the evening. We would try to carry everything we thought we would need for the day – picnic hamper; folded deck chairs; beach balls; sun hats; swimming gear with towels and the all important buckets & spades. There were no specific plans beyond enjoying the day swimming in the lovely safe cove. We would take reading books, comics, magazines, puzzle books and as much food as our Mum could get organised. Thinking back, it was great for we children but it was definitely no holiday for poor old Mum and Dad!

Today’s children probably wouldn’t want to stay in one place for the whole day and it’s doubtful they would want to read for do puzzles either. The need for entertainment all day, every day, is now non negotiable as far as families are concerned. There are now holiday clubs everywhere. Mostly set up on holidaay camps and family cruises, these clubs are open from breakfast time until early evening. In fact there are usually special meal times set aside for the youngsters. The entertainments teams do an incredible job of keeping the children inspired and occupied – competitions and team games in addition to cinema clubs and mini discos. Those youth and playgroup leaders really earn their pay!