Author inspired by childhood visits to Cullercoats
Aug 10 2010 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal
CHILDHOOD memories of the North East seaside were the inspiration for a new children’s book.
Diane Carey, of Chirton Grange estate, North Shields, North Tyneside, spent her summer playing on the sands of Cullercoats.
She has captured the atmosphere of growing up by the sea in her newest book, Grandad’s Braces.
“The book was inspired by a memory I have of walking along the beach with my dad,” said Diane, now 52.
“I wanted a penny to use one of the telescopes on the prom. But he said, ‘No pet. Use your imagination. It’s cheaper and the pictures are better quality’.”
Diane’s father, Harry Sander, was a bespoke tailor who ran a small shop in Cullercoats making top quality suits.
He had moved his business from Newcastle city centre, where it was known as Tuller and Sanders, in the early 60s, and owned the shop for around a decade.
“My dad is in part the inspiration for the grandad character in the book,” explained Diane, who now lives in Kent with her partner and her daughter Hannah, 20.
“Dad was always very smartly dressed in immaculate suits and braces.
“We didn’t have a lot of money in those days – there wasn’t even a toilet in the shop. During the summer holidays, my father would drive us over to Cullercoats in his clapped-out little blue and white Triumph Herald with flasks of chicken noodle soup and crisp sandwiches.
“He and my older sister would go to work in the shop, and my brother and I would spend all day playing on the beach. It was a very happy time.”
Grandad’s Braces, which is written for youngsters under five, is a story about some children’s visit to the seaside with their grandfather. It is illustrated by Maria Herbert-Liew.
Former Preston High School pupil Diane, who works with adults with learning disabilities, has written two other books. A Lion, A Tiger, and A Digger, A Dump were both inspired by her memories of the Spanish City at Whitley Bay.
“One of my first and fondest memories is from the rides at the Spanish City,” said Diane. “I even remember the smell of the diesel engines.
“I moved away from North Shields when I was 14, but I still visit regularly and it feels like I have never really left the North East.”
Grandad’s Braces is available from Waterstones and WH Smith and costs £5.99.
