Childhood memories of the North East seaside were the inspiration for children’s author Diane Carey, of North Shields, who spent her early summers 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. “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 much 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 Sander, 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, Nick. “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 a child’s visit to the seaside with her Father. It is illustrated by Maria Herbert-Liew.
Former Preston High School pupil Diane has written two other books. A Lion, A Tiger, and A Digger, A Dump Truck, 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.” Diane was inspired to write humorous poetry for her daughter Hannah, who’s favourite authors were Spike Milligan and Pam Ayres. Hannah is now married to Tom with their first baby on the way…..watch this space for more titles from Diane!