Trip today to Yarmouth via Horsey to see how Seaholme and Seadene have been developed and some shopping and fun at the seaside where the children enjoy Joyland and back to the hotel which was hosting an 18-year-old’s birthday disco as the Manchester plane disaster is diagnosed as a Prat and Whitney engine fire made worst by the heavy density of package holiday seating which prevented more escaping
Kept awake until 11.00pm and beyond by the dinner dance music last night, but used the time well to do some more reading of my Countryman book. I finished the chapter on Transport and enjoyed it immensely. Fortunately, the morning call and drinks came late and I slept until the latest I could. All ready and then down to breakfast as normal and we all ate reasonably well. Out then by car and took the coastal route to Great Yarmouth, stopping at Horsey on the way to take a few steps down memory lane. We saw Seaholme and Seadene, which had been renovated and extended almost beyond recognition in recent times. Extensions back and front, they are now a long way from the rustic country cottages that we stayed in as kids. Then on to Horsey Staithe, where we bought a few gifts and refreshments and I took some nostalgic video shots to show my parents.
Daniel was being difficult and so I stomped off after shouting at him and leaving him in the car. We then drove on to Great Yarmouth via Caister and, after great difficulty parking, left our car in a multi-storey car park a long way from the sea. The local authorities seem to have put yellow lines everywhere and banished all cars to the multi-storey, which is a pity. It was in a good shopping precinct, however, and I took Daniel to the hi-fi and video shops of Curry’s, Dixons, Rumbelow’s and others. They had no spare re-chargeable batteries for my camera, but we bought a personal stereo speaker and carrying set for Daniel using his fruit machine winnings in the process and putting him in debt. Then lunch down at a beach side café and a chance to take rides on the Joyland amusement park. Debbie then had a couple of pony rides and we finished our trip with some refreshments, whilst Della amused everybody by trailing around the café and up and down steps. A long and tired walk back to the car, having to smack Deborah on the way for being bad. A faster drive back to Mundesley via the more direct route and in time for the children’s tea (though too late for the fancy dress competition). I tried out today’s video films and the camera and was pleased to see that all was well despite some earlier fears. Then down to dinner in the video lounge, as the dining room was occupied by an 18th birthday party disco, to which hotel guests were also invited. Daniel popped in and out and both of the children stayed up late. Then ready for bed and to watch the TV. News today of preliminary conclusions on the Manchester 737 aircraft fire. It seems that an explosion occurred in the Pratt & Whitney jet engines in the combustion chamber. There is also investigation into why the fire spread so quickly, without the chance of escape for the rear passengers. They will look at the use of the combustible furnishings and the narrow gangways left by the tight packing used on charter flight configurations. There was a panic to escape and the survivors speak of the screaming and smoke. NUR guards voted today on a national strike, but the results will not be known until Wednesday. The weather forecast is for more cloud and rain this weekend. There are some places that have not had a single dry day this August.