I recently came upon a couple of old photographs taken in Walton-on-the-Naze in the early 1900s.

Can anyone out there throw any light on who they may be?

The first picture shows this interesting group of folk on the beach. Two attractive young women ostensibly reading, a sailor and I guess his wife and child and the real character of the shot, a painter decorator complete with brushes and paint kettle. The only reference on the back of the photo mentions ‘Freddie’

The second picture shows a youngster wearing a cork lifejacket similar to those worn by the lifeboat crew at that time. In the background the Albion Hotel and breakwater can be seen.

On the back of the photo it reads “ Winner of badge Lifeboat Collection”  This picture was taken in 1908.

If you have any ideas who these people may be, please let me know.

I recently received a message from one of the many Old Waltonians I have met since writing this blog.

Robina Dexter (formerly Robina Edmonds) sent me a photograph of herself and her mum when they were part of a cabaret act at a local function. Robina’s mum was well respected for her musical talents and known to the locals as Connie Balls, (her maiden name).

  Along with the picture, Robina recounted an amusing tale which read as follows: 
Did I ever tell you of the time when, at a similar dinner-do, Jess Sabin asked my Mum several times if she could play softly. Having done her best to oblige, when he asked again she said: 'Jess, I am playing as quietly as I can. If you don't like it, why do you sit so close to the piano?'

Horrified, he replied, 'But I love your playing, Connie. I just want you to play Ruby Murray's hit: "Softly*" '  (*Softly, softly, come to me....etc)

For those of you old enough to remember this song, maybe like me you will enjoy hearing it again. Click the link below and cross your fingers that the technology works. If you’ve not yet heard of the superb FREE music site ‘Spotify’ then you will need to create an account at http://www.spotify.com/en/ 

Ruby Murray – Softly Softly