AN exhibition that brings Bamforth postcard artwork back to Holmfirth will provide a backdrop for a reunion of the firm's former workers.
The show, Secrets of the Saucy Seaside Postcard, will be at the Civic Hall from August 7 to 30 - and people who helped make the cards are getting together again.
The display takes a peek behind the scenes at the famous studio, to discover how ideas and jokes were turned into best-selling postcards.
Bamforths were based in premises in Station Road - the Bamforth and Co sign is still visible on the side of the building - and most employees were from the Holme Valley.
It was a friendly, close-knit organisation and people have fond memories of their time there.
In earlier days they were often called on to pose for postcard photos.
On Saturday, August 14, Kirklees Council's Community History Service is organising a staff reunion at the Civic Hall.
The reunion, which is free and open to all former Bamforth workers, will take place from 1pm to 3pm in a room overlooking the exhibition.
Collections assistant Katina Bill said: "We hope it will be a relaxed afternoon, when old friends can get together and reminisce over a cuppa about their days at Bamforths.
"We may even have one or two surprises lined up," added Ms Bill.
IN the 1930s life was a beach for the models of the famous Bamforth postcards - or was it?
It may appear that six-year-old Beth Booth is enjoying a day out by the sea in this classic 1931 postcard.
But she was actually in the company's studio in Station Road, Holmfirth - and the donkey was stuffed!
But Beth, now 79, of Derwent Drive, Dalton, has vivid memories of her 15 minutes of fame.
She said: "I remember having my picture taken in the studio with the stuffed donkey.
"It was the same room where we used to go for dancing lessons, when Annie Castle, Roy Castle's aunt, was the teacher.
"I don't think I saw the picture after it was taken until someone came back from Bridlington where they had been on holiday and they had spotted me and bought one."
Beth, whose married name is Humphries, and her sister, Pat, 73, have fond memories of the Bamforth cards. The sisters agree even the more risqué ones were just a bit of fun.
Pat said: "I have another card with Beth and our other sister, Joyce, who has now passed away, playing in the sand. Of course, that was a set-up as well.
"Our dad, Willy Booth, who was a councillor in Holmfirth, probably got them the modelling jobs because he had lots of contacts in the area back then."
Beth, who has a son John, 54, was amazed at the reaction of Examiner readers when 500 cards were found in an attic in Wales and tales of other Bamforth collections poured in.
"I was surprised so many people remember the cards and were so interested in them," she said.
"It is nice that people don't just remember the Bamforth cards as cheeky, because before that they were a lot different.
"But even the cheeky ones were just a bit of fun, really. They never went too far.
"It is funny they have taken a picture of me on a beach, because we never really used to go to on holiday to the seaside - just day trips to Blackpool from Thongsbridge station every now and then."
