School holidays are always cause for celebration when you are a child – no school and long days to fill with play and friends! Pure bliss!

When I was young in the early 1960s, school holidays in Ipswich were a treat. There was a visit to the Wintergarden Theatre or The Ritz (before it was demolished in 1966) to see the latest picture on offer.

Boys posing to advertise the film ‘The Light in the forest’ playing at the Ritz Theatre, Ipswich, December, 1961 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

Going to the pictures always involved a stopover at the lolly counter to pick up something sweet to chew during the movie, like Minties or Jersey milk toffee. (In fact this was probably more important than the movie itself.)

Candy Bar of Wintergarden Theatre, Ipswich, 1979 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

On other days there would be a trip to Queens Park to play on the swings or slippery slide, and admire the kangaroos and koalas in the animal enclosure. These outings were highly anticipated and sometimes included a picnic lunch in the park.

Children on bullock wagon in Queens Park, Ipswich, 1966 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

 

On shopping days, we would put on our “good” clothes and “go to town” enjoying the window displays, pretty clothes and toys for sale at Woolworths and Cribb & Foote. We never had any money to spend but since it was school holidays and treat-time we might have an ice cream soda at Penny’s in Brisbane Street.

Brisbane Street, from the corner of Ellenborough Street, Ipswich, 1960 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

 

Another outing was a day spent at Colleges Crossing or playing by the Bremer.

Colleges Crossing, Ipswich, 1961 – Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

 

In the 1960s it didn’t get better than this for kids enjoying a break from the routine of school.

Great memories of great times in Ipswich in the ‘60s.