WITH the recent weather putting everyone in the mood to enjoy some sunshine, here is a showcase of how people used to enjoy themselves around Thornbury in the past.

One way of getting out for the day was to go on a church social. The Baptists here in the 1930s have chosen to go to Cheddar in a charabanc for the day.

Hopefully it stayed fine as there is clearly not much shelter over that vehicle.

There were other popular places for a day out. Two photos here show Severn Beach, which obviously drew in the crowds.

The crowd in the 1920s, taking the air on the river bank between Severn Beach and the New Passage Hotel, seems very sedate compared to the fun to be had at the Blue Lagoon, which was opened in the 1920s and continued to draw big crowds until the 1960s.

Travelling to any resort remained a problem until the Severn Bridge opened in 1966.

The Aust Ferry is shown here in its final stages with its replacement in the background, bringing relief to all those motorists who had queued so long for the little boat.

When you plan a day at the seaside the question of what to wear always arises. The Thompson family shown here at Weston-super-Mare in the 1930s look as though they have kept up with the latest fashions in beachwear.

Pictures and words kindly provided by Thornbury Roots and Thornbury and District Museum.

The museum is grateful to those people who donated these lovely photographs and all others that are in the collection.

More contributions are always welcome. Visit the museum to find out more.