People have shared their favourite childhood memories of growing up in Weymouth and Portland, and their responses paint a picture of a vibrant and joyful community.
One reader fondly recalls the carnival and the Radio One show, while another reminisces about Radio Luxembourg.
A sense of community is a common theme, with one reader cherishing the small community of Wyke Regis in which they were brought up.
Another reader remembers playing football near the Lookout Cafe, as they lived nearby in Overcome Drive.
The natural beauty of Dorset is also a prominent memory, with one reader reminiscing about spending hours with friends from Wyke village, roaming over fields and down to Littlesea.
Another reader evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when children made their own fun, with memories of go-karts, climbing trees, and searching for tadpoles.
They remember a time when there was 'little to no nastiness', and everyone got along.
The Rolling Stones, also make an appearance in the memories shared by readers.
One reader recalls a night in 1964 when they crashed a small private party in the basement bar of the Wyke House Hotel.
They spent the night hanging out with Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, and Keith Richards, who were just 20 years old at the time.
The reader even has a photo to prove it, although Mick Jagger is unfortunately out of frame.
Other cherished memories include swimming, watching Punch and Judy shows, and fishing on the stone pier and Chesil Beach.
Exploring the Verne Common and trying to understand the underground tunnels and rooms is another adventure shared by one reader.
Another reader remembers Portland Fair when it was in the street, creating a fantastic atmosphere with rides, games stalls, and the smells of burgers, hot dogs, candy floss, and toffee apples.
Childhood memories of the beach are plentiful, with readers recalling spending every moment on the beach, even bunking school to enjoy a day by the sea.
The sense of safety and freedom that characterised childhood in Dorset is a common theme throughout the memories.
Readers remember walking to school and the beach on their own and feeling perfectly safe.
Exploring Portland and roaming around with friends was a cherished pastime.
Rock pooling at Bowleaze Cove and walking to Old Fleet Church were other treasured experiences.
Childhood jobs also feature in the memories, with readers recalling working on the donkeys and selling candy floss for the beach cafe huts.
Donkey rides back to the stables were a memorable part of the job.
Other recollections include delivering the local newspaper, crabbing at Newton's Cove, and roller-skating at the Pavilion.
Growing up in Dorset itself is also remembered as a favorite memory, with one reader summing it up simply as "the best memory."
Wandering the Weares, the trawler race day, the carnival, and the rafts at Newton's Cove are other fond memories shared by readers.
These memories paint a vibrant and nostalgic picture of a community steeped in natural beauty, camaraderie, and a sense of freedom that allowed children to explore and create their own fun.
Dorset Echo readers clearly hold dear their cherished experiences of growing up in the beautiful county of Dorset.
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