I was Clacton born and bred in 1949 - went to St Osyth Primary , Alton Park junior schools - then to Colchester Gilberd School   I have wonderful memories of two beaches either side of the pier - beautiful sandy beaches maintained by the council - the walk down to the pier was a wonder of aroma of cockles prawns fruit rock and hotdogs and burgers ! Everybody was happy to spend all day on the beach!  The swimming pool on the pier was magnificent and nobody minded the constant sounds from the thundering, clacking and screaming SteelStella wooden roller coaster - which I worked on later for two summer seasons. The prom was often so hot as to burn your feet as was any undisturbed sand on the beach! The Punch and Judy show was a main attraction for the kids two or more times a day - and the boatmen in their Welles and white naval style peaked caps would ring their handbells frequently - yelling  “ All aboard the motorboat sea trip” !  The Viking Saga and the Nemo were there almost every day - always full for their run past Butlins and back. As a member of the SteelStella crew I was required to help berth the paddle steamers that called at the pier regularly for longer trips along the coast. I honestly think there was a better genuinely happy summer atmosphere at Clacton than anywhere else - including Blackpool!  Because it was small and genuine and intensely happy for both holiday makers and seasonal workers!