BBC News
By William McLennan
image captionThe A&E doctor s family have travelled with fairgrounds for at least five generations
As a teenager, John Castle lived a double life. He had love and loyalty for his family of travelling showpeople. But at school, in the face of prejudice and discrimination, he felt compelled to hide his roots. Now an NHS doctor, he believes his upbringing prepared him for the pressures of the pandemic.
From his bed inside the caravan, John could hear the thump of fairground music above the whirring diesel generators.
It was not a conventional lullaby, but it had the same effect. It sent me to sleep and made me feel safe, he recalls.
Morecambe Winter Gardens to welcome visitors back after lockdown with special day of free films
After eight months of lockdown Morecambe s Winter Gardens is to reopen with a screening of free films as part of a May Bank Holiday weekend of entertainment.
Thursday, 20th May 2021, 12:30 pm
From left: Coun June Ashworth, Prof Vanessa Toulmin (Winter Gardens), Coun Tricia Heath, Coun Cary Matthews, Coun Paul Anderton, and Helen O Neil (Winter Gardens).
The last 12 months have been especially difficult for cultural and performance venues who, alongside pubs and hospitality, have seen their revenue disappear.
But now, the Winter Gardens Preservation Trust is hoping that sunnier days are on their way and will be reopening the Grade II theatre with a specially commissioned show celebrating Morecambe on Film and two days of tours and events.