Look at these wonderful old photos of reader Steve Hodder’s which include his first and fourth birthday parties at Wick Ferry holiday camp.

In the first, middle right, taken in 1950, Steve is the baby in the high chair, back right, being held up for the camera by his mum, Audrey. His dad, Fred Hodder, the popular landlord of the Kings Arms, Christchurch, from the 1960s to the 90s, is at the end of the table in the checked shirt next to the accordion player.
“That was in the dining room at the holiday camp,” says Steve.
“My dad was the manager at Wick and my mum used to run the restaurant, so I always had my birthday parties there as a boy.”
The camp was eventually taken over by Pontins, but for Steve it holds many treasured family memories.
“I was lucky to have these lovely parties. I was born in August you see, so it was usually sunny.”

Which would explain why, in the second party photo in 1954, lower right, the celebrations have moved outside to a patio located where the Captain’s Club Hotel stands today.
A dapper Steve, now four and resplendent in bow tie, is being played a tune, perhaps Happy Birthday, as his grandad gives him a hug.
Aunts, uncles and cousins make up most of the other guests. Note the smart attire and the era’s must-have raffia hats – not to mention that beautifully-laid table with fresh flowers.
In true Hi-De-Hi style, everyone mucked in to entertain the guests and Fred, using his Navy days as inspiration for a host of activities, would stage Crossing the Line ceremonies and organize quoits competitions on the ‘deck’.
When the family moved to run the King Arms, Steve helped with chores and when he was older he helped behind the bar.
“Me and mum were brought up as Mormons, so I was never tempted to have a tipple. When I went to work at sea, though, it was different story!”
Steve followed in his dad’s footsteps however, his naval career ended when he was hit by a car while home on leave and lost both legs.
It was hard, but he kept going. “I didn’t let it stop me. You have to just get on, so that’s what I did.”
Steve, who now lives with in Moordown with his partner Eileen, hopes that some of our readers may recognise some of the people in the third photo, top, which is of Fred in his chef hat receiving a gold watch for 25 years of service at the King’s Arms as the hotel staff look on.
If you can help, please email: newsdesk@stourandavon.net.

by Lorraine Gibson