You’ll have ascertained that I collect John Hinde postcards – if not then perhaps you shouldn’t be using a computer without an adult.

Anyway I always prefer collecting postcards that have been used, usually because of the what’s been written but sometimes because of the postal marks that accompany the messages. (It’s good to see that there’s a society dedicated to this kind of thing which I would join but I need less distractions not more.)

“This is a picture of where I am sitting this a.m. and it’s just so lovely and peaceful. I wish it was so the world over. I seem to be the only person from Hudds in the hotel. But it’s a very nice party. Hope you will have a nice holiday. Best wishes G Beaumont.”

2DC123 The Harbour, St Ives, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

“Dear Mr & Mrs Tickle. We are all having a really super holiday here in St Ives. The weather has been perfect and it has been too hot until today to do anything. Today we have been to Penzance with the Kearsleys but we didn’t think much of it. All of us have been on the beach most days and we have all got quite a tan. Hope you are both well and that “The Heath” is managing without us !! See you when I get back. Love Margaret. xx”

2DC1471 The Harbour, St. Ives, Cornwall. Photo : David Hastilow

“Dear Judy & Bob. Arrived OK 30 minutes later, due to ‘suspect package ahead’ ! My letter and cheque hadn’t arrived so we had to dash out to get them. Chq and list still not arrived !! Weather OK – sunbathers out, we like it wilder and more bracing. Hope you;re feeling a bit better. Love Mary & Paul.”

2DC567 The Harbour and Slipway, St. Ives, Cornwall. Photo : E.Nagele

2DC566 The Harbour, St. Ives, looking towards Porthminster and Carbis Bay. Photo : E. Nagele

“Your singing was so lovely on Sat – thank you. We have had two lovely sunny days here and have been to Lands End and many lovely coves. I will show photos when I return. Love Mary & Walter.”

2L11 Tower Bridge, London. Photo : John Hinde

“Wednesday. Dear both, hope you are keeping well. Am down here training for 3 weeks or so for the bank. Am enjoying myself – life hectic, and they are keeping me busy at work. Look forward to seeing you, Carol. xx”

2L32 St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Photo : John Hinde

2L34 The Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, London. Photo : John Hinde

2L77 Big Ben and Houses of Parliament at night, London Photo : John Hinde

“Dear Hilda & Bill. Here in London, had a good journey up and comfortable train arrived before time. Robert was wailing. We have had plenty of rain – and yesterday on our way back from Southend we ran into a terrific thunderstorm, the hail was at least two inches thick on the roads, made driving a little difficult.”

2L87 Chief Yeoman Warder, Tower of London. Photo : E Nagele

“Dear Mum. Hope you are well. Sorry you won’t be able to come up. Thank you for your card, went to Portabello Market, but not so much on as a Saturday. We went to a show but had to stand all the way through, we had been walking since 9.30am. Take care. Cheerio for now lots of love Valerie.  See you soon x x x x x “

2DC94 Trevone Bay, Padstow, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde

2DC112 The Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

“To Uncle George and Aunty Eva. Having a very nice time down here we are all very sunburnt, very hot. Hotel great, plenty of food and good. Wish you were here. The sands are about two miles long and very clean, very quiet, no entertainment, lovely. Hope you are OK, look after yourselves. God bless Beryl, Reg and Mam.”

2DC143 Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde

“Many thanks for you letter and instructions for 25th. Andrew has two teeth out that morning. Stephen’s finger is healing thankfully well and he is now bathing the bandage. He will lose the hand eventually. The weather is perfect and we are all sunburnt. The ? are here which is very nice. Today we go to the Minack. Hope AN’s visit went well. Love from Susan.”

2DC164 Praa Sands, near Helston, Cornwall. Photo : D. Noble

2DC247 Carlyon Bay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele

2DC281 The Beach, Polzeath, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

“Just a little note from me to swell the mail bag a little to let you know we are getting along quite nicely though the weather hasn’t been very kind some days. We spent today very locally as we had to go to collect John’s friend Alison from Bodmin station at 12 noon. We had a very rainy day today but as has happened quite often this week the evening has turned out to be the best part of the day. Do hope you’re keeping fairly well and your leg or groin hasn’t been troubling you too much.”

2DC286 Gunwalloe Church Cove, near Mullion, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

2DC398 The Beach and Harbour, Gorran Haven, Nr. Mevagissey, Cornwall. Photo : E . Nagele

“Card Addressed To You As Instructed ! Dear Grandpa. Hope you enjoyed your birthday. Arrived safely in Cornwall – journey took about 6 1/2 hours. It was very misty but cleared as we got nearer Gorran. We have been out walking with our rucsacs to get some practice in. Off to the pub tonight. Give my love to Grandma. See you soon Julie & Colin.”

2DC639 The Town and Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele

2J45 St. Brelade’s Bay, Jersey, C.I. Photo : H.Gossler

The latest issue of Coast magazine has alerted me to the fact that the people at the John Hinde Collection are now selling prints of certain digitally restored transparencies, (including the one above).

Not sure what to think of them though because it seems wrong to take them out of their original context although given the prices, £600 and £900 respectively, I don’t think I’ll need to worry over whether I decide to get one anyway.

2LD118 Sunset, Friar’s Crag, Derwentwater, The Lake District. Photo : E.A. Bowness

“We arrived on Saturday. In the morning we went up Blen Cathra. When we were about half way up we couldn’t see the ground because of the mist. At the top we walked along a ridge and we saw some snow. We came down quickly on our bottoms. Thomas & Joseph.”

2DC370 Sunset over St. Michaels Mount, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele

“Monday. We are beginning to take the form of overfed, red lobsters – the result of too much good food and sun. It was cloudy yesterday but today the sun has been hot and the breeze strong. Matt & Carl have been in and out of the sea all day – I got stung on the bum by a bee !! It’s very pretty and not a roundabout or swing in sight. Love Sara & co.”

2DC496 Sunset over an ancient Cornish Tin Mine. Photo : E Ludwig

2DC509 Sunset over Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E.Ludwig

“Thank you very much for Jenny’s present. She had such a wonderful day and now we all having a terrific time in Cornwall. Much love from Kate, Gary & Jenny.”

2DC1470 Sunset over St. Mawes, Cornwall. Photo : David Hastilow

“Down in Cornwall again, lovely and sunny and getting warmer. Caught up with friends and acquaintances, nice to be remembered at the Meth.Church and village shop. Off to Truro tomorrow. Love Blanche & David.”

2L3 The Houses of Parliament, London. Photo : John Hinde

“Thanks for your lovely letter. We loved having you and wish you were arriving tonight like last week. So glad you enjoyed it. The wedding was quite weird and finished with curry. I’m going home Friday. Went into the house Monday & Tuesday. Hope you can fix holiday, Cyprus ?? Late August ??”

2L21 The Houses of Parliament and Parliament Square, London. Photo : John Hinde

“Dear Lom. Will arrive back in London in flat around 6pm will hastily pack and move on to Ascot. Will ring on arrival at station probably 9.30 ish. Hope this is ok. Subdue the geese for me. Love D.”

2L22 Big Ben and Parliament Square, London. Photo : John Hinde

2L28 The Houses of Parliament and the River Thames, London. Photo : E. Nagele

“Dear Mum, Dad, Ju & San. Hope you’re all well and thanks everyone for making it a happy weekend. It was rather too quiet when we got back to Croydon. Neil is pretty sunburnt – I must say he looks healthy if rather pink ! I’ve just arrived at work and decided the cross-word looks rather hard today. Yesterday I wrote for info on post-grad courses – also I thought I might try speech therapy ! Anyway have a good week all of you and I’ll phone soon. Love Ali xxx”

2L76 The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge, London. Photo : E. Nagele

2DC10 Bedruthan Steps, near Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

2DC101 The Harbour and Towan Head, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

2DC105 The Harbour, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde

“Dear Mrs B. Had a good journey down here, hope you are OK and not getting cold. The weather here a wee bit cold but nice towards dinnertime. Mylons friend was around last night so he’s OK now. See you week end.Love John, Bet & Mylon.”

2DC106 Fistral Bay, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde

2DC107 The Gannel River, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

2DC363 Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele

“Dear Jim and Joan. We are having a nice time here at Cornwall today. We have been round the Boating Lake later. We went to the zoo to see the animals. With love from Peter, ? and ?”

2DC506 The Harbour and Towan Head, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

2DC509 Sunset over Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

“Dear Mrs Thompson. We are really having a lovely holiday . The weather is good, so afar lovely hotel, excellent food, very comfortable, and a very sociable crowd of people. We have had a couple of enjoyable excursions, with more to come. See you soon I hope. Love from Molly & Ernie XXXX”

2DC543 Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele

3DC508 Fistral Bay, Pentire Point, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

“Dear Kitty & Bert. Having a grand time, weather has been kind. We went on a coach tour yesterday of all the 7 bays of Newquay. Just had a lovely walk on the headland and over the cliff. Hope you are both well, see you soon. Remember us to all. Love Lily & Bill.”

2DC113 The Beach and Chapel Rock, Perranporth, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde

2DC164 Praa Sands, near Helston, Cornwall. Photo : D. Noble
“Dear Mam, a Mother’s Day Card with a difference !! Hope you have a nice day. It was a long drive down here but OK. Lovely weather, I am worn out walking up and down the streets. Loads to tell you on Thursday. Marriane.”

2DC166 Kynance Cove, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig
“Dear All, We are enjoying a ‘business’ holiday in Cornwall as host & hostess of a Guild Guest House. The sandy coves are very exciting for the children, and our work isn’t too exacting. Even the variable weather means that we see the moods of Cornwall. We are very happy with the folk too ! Love Ken, Jean, Jonathan & Kate.”

2DC230 The Harbour, St Mawes, Cornwall. Photo : D. Noble
“Paula took me to have an hour here at my well love St Mawes. I am to go to Camplehaye home where I went before to stay 4 weeks while the family is abroad. I will write to tell you how I get on. I am still very troubled with the “giddies” and am a bit puzzled how to get on. I hope all is going OK at your end. How nasty is to be old and have giddies !! I am glad o have had a boy to help in the garden. I had P.C. from Pat today. Love J.”

2DC247 Carlyon Bay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig

2DC362 Lusty Glaze, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : Unknown
“Dear Mum, Debbie and Steven. Having a good holiday, the weather is bad though we are hoping it will pick up tomorrow. We have been in the sea but the weather was cold. We have been to a good disco twice. We have just been a walk to the harbour. Se you soon Love Andrea.”

2DC396 Ready-Money Cove, Fowey, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele
“Dear Mary, David, Claire. We’re having a great time so far and hope the weather keeps up. We’re having lots of peace and as there are lots of little small villages around us. See you soon New padlock for shed (where’s the lock and where’s the key ?)?, James & Jennifer.”

2DC396 Ready-Money Cove, Fowey, Cornwall. Photo : E. Nagele
“Hello Miss Mullen. Greetings & Good Wishes from Mevagissy. Having very pleasant time. Trust all is well and you are in the pink. See you next week. Florence.”

2DC397 Bathing Beach and Banjo Pier, Looe, Cornwall. Photo : D. Noble
“Weather not too good on Saturday and Sunday, heavy showers. Now it is very hot – glad I am not working in it. It is definitely the busy week it is over flowing with people of all nationalities.”

2DC258 Hannafore Point and Looe Island, Cornwall. Photo : H. Gossler
“Dear Kevin. Arrived safely. Weather been very good so far. We have been for a run today with Pat, Jack & Craig. Dad & Alfred are arranging to go fishing one day. We are going to for them now. See you soon love Mum & Dad.”

2DC258 Hannafore Point and Looe Island, Cornwall. Photo : H. Gossler
“Dear Mum. Hope you are well and looking after yourself. Weather here not too bad, sunny but windy. Enjoying the change and rest. See you soon Jean.”

2DC869 The Island, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : D. Noble
“Dear Bill & Roger. Had a lovely ride down arriving about 6 O’Clock with no hold in Oakhampton which we usually get. Weather quite good until last evening when it rained but as we’d been on the putting green all morning and there was a cabaret on at the Hotel it didn’t really bother us. Sunday we went to Padstow & Falmouth, today I think it’s Truro, however hope you all well and see you on our return. Love from us both Joyce & Harry.”

3BM9 Durley Chine and Promenade, Bournemouth. Photo : John Hinde
“Dear Kid. Having a lovely time. At the mo we are in Oxford visiting all the old colleges and particularly the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre. We went right up to the top of the S T and saw a good bit of Oxford from it. Love Claire.”

3BM14 Pier Approach, Boscombe. Photo : John Hinde
“Dear Mum & Dad. It’s raining like mad but it’s nice to be here. We left Thurs night Glen & Terry have been watching with interest a boat in distress today. The area had a walk along the beach in his boos (he liked that). Tony just yells all the time he doesn’t appreciate it at all. We bought some new shoes (£5). The caravan is very snug and warm and we have an electric light. Hope to see you soon. Our love to all R.T.A.T. xxxx”

3DC14 St Ives, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig
“Having a wonderful holiday but it is going far too quickly. St Ives is just as beautiful as ever – am certain we will be back here again next year. Sorry I didn’t see your Auntie May – hope you feel better for your holiday. Our love to your both. Margaret, Francis & Angela.”

3DC29 West Looe, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde
“I am staying in Cornwall for a month. Have been at Maureens a week and am now at Malcolms for 2 weeks and then on to Maureens again. We have had lovely weather the past few days and I have been out in the garden all day. I hope you are all keeping well. Will write you when I return home. Till then cheerio Auntie Lena.”

3DC89 The Beach, Port Isaac, Cornwall. Photo : John Hinde
“Dear Celia, having a very restful holiday – only one wet day so far. The village is very picturesque with plenty of narrow alleys to explore. Gorgeous cliff scenery and sandy beaches, also masses of tasty food. Love Beno & Bill.”

3DC263 The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon. Photo : E. Ludwig
“We return from here tomorrow after a wonderful week. When would you like to come over for a few days, anytime really will be ok. Wednesday of next week any good ? We did not have to go and look after Roland and his lads. Hope you are ok, shall look forward to your visit, Yours Isabel & Annette.”

3DC303 Sailing at Shaldon, Devon. Photo : E. Nagele
“Dear Mr Newman. Just a card to let you know we are having a nice time and the weather not too bad on the whole. I think this all. Kind regards from Mrs Masters & John.”

3DC307 Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe, Devon. Photo : E. Nagele
“Dear Les. Have written you one card already and mislaid it. Weather v. hot, sea v. warm and hotel good. Had too much cyder last night ! How’s the garden. It will soon be Monday nights again. Love B J M A xx”

3DC506 The Harbour from Towan Head, Newquay, Cornwall. Photo : E. Ludwig
“Having a nice time, weather has really been hot, had a thunder storm last night been misty today now it’s turned to rain, maybe it will turn out fine again tomorrow. Cherio for now love Nanah & Walter xx”

3DC763 Polperro, Cornwall. Photo : D. Noble
“Dear Nic & Jim. We are having a lovely time here. It’s a beautiful area all round here, and its a nice flat. The weather has been showery but a lot of sun. We are lucky to have a car, to be able to get around in. The 4 children are quite good. Time going all too quickly. Hope you both enjoyed your holiday and you are keeping well. Love from Joan & Albert.”