Gigs to swimming – What you could do in the 70s you can’t now

We take a trip down memory lane to take a look at some of these things.

1. Smell chocolate as you walk around Norwich

Workers at Caleys chocolate factory Norwich, date unknown (Image: Newsquest)

Not long ago Norwich was well known for its production of popular chocolate.

Albert Jarman Caley started manufacturing drinking cocoa in his factory in 1883 which in 1886 turned to chocolate.

By 1904 the factory was employing 700 people and their chocolates were shipped all over the world, with ‘Caley’s Marching Chocolate’ even being sent to British troops during WWI.

2. See bands at the West Runton Pavilion

West Runton Pavilion (Image: Newsquest)The Clash, Tina Turner, The Sex Pistols and Black Sabbath were among those to take the stage, the site of which is now marked by just a small plaque.

READ MORE: Did Tina Turner’s solo career start in Norfolk?

But arguably the venue’s most magical night came on March 19, 1977, when T Rex turned up for what was to be their third last show before Marc Bolan’s untimely death on September 16 that year.

3. Swim in the open-air pool in Lakenham, Norwich 

Lakenham swim pool in 1974 (Image: Newsquest)

The original 80-yard pool in Lakenham was built in 1908 when part of the River Yare was sealed off.

By the 1920s, swimming galas were held there, which attracted swimmers from across the region.

The pool welcomed its last visitors by the end of the 1992 season.

4. Work at Colman’s factory, Norwich

Working at the Colman’s factory in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

The story of Colman’s Mustard began in 1814 when Jeremiah Colman established a small mill in Stoke Holy Cross, just outside of the city.

Jeremiah’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to producing superior-quality mustard soon spurred much demand, prompting the growing company to relocate to larger premises in Norwich in 1854, where it remained for 166 years until it closed in 2020.

5. Gorleston Lido

Youngsters line up to use the diving board at Gorleston Lido in 1984 (Image: Newsquest)In 1939 the Gorleston Lido opened with 2,000 people heading to its opening ceremony at the Floral Hall, now the Ocean Room, featuring a diving demonstration from the local Lads’ Club and a swimming exhibition by The Johnson Girls.

The 150ft by 48ft pool was lined with striking green tiles and boasted diving boards, heated seawater and floodlit bathing at night.

The Lido fell into disuse in the late 1980s and was demolished in 1993.