Oliver Jeynes from London left Aber in 2005:

"Aber rocks! Been in london now for 2 months and miss Aber so much!!! Was up there about 2 weeks ago finishing off my diss and didn't want to leave. In the summer, it's the best place to be, the beach is wicked and the countryside is amazing. A great place to go to Uni!...."Show me the way to Aberystwyth!"

Charlotte Goodship says it's the little things she misses most:

"The things I miss most about Aber are the people and the sense of freedom. Little things like the sun setting or rising over the beach to standing on the end of the prom with the waves crashing round you during one of the many storms. Aber's really special. It's such a unique place with many hidden depths. It's somewhere which will always be there (does India have its version of Aber??)"

Ruth from Derby says Aber's addictive:

"After graduating from the uni last year and moving to Derby to get married, I have to agree with everyone that Aber is a mystical place that takes hold of you. I am hoping to return as a part-time/distance student in a year or two and cannot wait. Leaving Aber after living there for 3 years has to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Going back for a quick Aber 'fix' is essential and I know one day I will go back and never leave it again."

Ellie from Brighton misses the warmth of the people and the community spirit:

"I was a student in the physics department between 1999-2001 and I had to leave to continue my field of study. I miss Aber most of the time, as I met my lovely partner there, and some of my closest friends. I also miss the warmth of the people and the community spirit. It may be time warped when it comes to clubbing but this quaintness is what made the place for me, there is nothing better than sitting down in the Coops or Rummers for a few beers before closing or taking a stroll down the prom during a storm. I have not been back since graduation as I worry that it will break my heart to have to leave again."

Pepa Babiano from Salamanca, España promises to come back to Aber:

"I was a postdoc student in Aber from 1988-1989 and want to say it was one of the best years of my life. I met wonderful people, local and foreigners. I really miss those days and want to thank the Welsh people for make me feel like I was at home. I hope to come back soon, promise!"

Charli from Solihull has been singing Aber's praises across the Atlantic:

"I am currently coming into my third year at Aber University and have just returned from my exchange to Oregon USA as part of the Aber exchange programme. Oregon was stunningly beautiful but boy did i miss Aber, the sea and the pubs and the company. I let all the Americans know about the little corner of heaven and have invited a lot over, so I can't wait to go back after six months away in September. What a beautiful place it is to live and to be a student!"

Jack from Cwmtydu wants to say thanks:

"I love everything to do with Wales but Aber is the best. I was born at Cwmtydu and went to Aber to live. I was 15 when I moved back to Cwmtydu but I missed it. Thanks Aber for a good time."

Diane Tye from San Fransisco Bay in California was an exchange student in Aber from 1989-1990:

"Aberystwyth is such an amazing place! I was on an exchange with the University of Illinois during the 1989/90 school year (my final year). I remember a town that was so beautiful - coming from a place that was flat and boring, I cannot tell you how taken I was with the ocean and the hills! We "pub crawled" through the town as well as had quite a few pints at the student union pub. To this day, I don't remember my 22nd birthday - started out at the union, ended up at the Footy Club. The people of Aber and Wales are the greatest people in the world. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I will always remember my year at Aber fondly. I was reflecting on my year there yesterday (Thursday 7 July 2005) when I heard about the London bombings. My heart goes out to everyone affected by those cowardly actions."

George McAllister from Essex misses the social life:

"What can I say about Aber that has not been said already, it is the best place in the world to spend your student days, nothing like it. When it's sunny - it's the best place ever! The mix of people make you feel so welcome and at home. I graduated last summer and miss the social life so much! My top tip: join the Uni Hockey Club - they are the best people in Aber!"

Griff contacted us from Colorado:

"I have been brought up in Aber, and now I'm living in Vail in Colorado, North America. This place is good, but there is no place like home. Aber holds all my memories, and I can't wait to get home and visit all the pubs and believe it or not... the pier. I'm 11 thousand foot above sea level here, so i miss the views of the sea most. Also its minus 26 here which is a lot different."

Julia from Guildford says she'll be giving Aber a plug when she travels to the USA:

"I spent most of my life, in and around Aberystwyth and Tregaron. Growing up. It is a remarkable place. When you go away you realise how much you miss it. Everything is to be offered in this tiny little town. Its lovely crazy wind sea to the unforgetable walk up Constitutional Hill. I shall never forget Aber ever. Even though I shall be travelling to and from America, for the next couple of years. I will inform the Americans of its existence. Great place! For peace and tranquility."

Tom Rowlands from Bristol looks back at happy days spent in Aber:

"I loved my time in Aberystwyth from 1994-1999. It really felt like the end of the world, so cut off from everywhere else that the town and people living there were the things that mattered.

The best thing about Aber was that you were conscious that all your peers were falling in love with the place at the same time as you. It had such a great sense of community and a fantastic nightlife as a result!

Always wish I was back there watching that incredible sky. Definitely will always be the best time of my life."

Anne Livesey from Stockton-on-Tees comments on how the place has changed since she was a student.

"I was a student in Aber from 1974 - 1977. I loved the place and still do. Ironically, my son is studying Agriculture back in Aber so I have had a few trips back recently. It was a wonderful place to be a student. The Kings Hall has gone and the University seems to be much bigger."

T F Fong from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia was an Aber student in the 1970s:

"I was an Aberman 1974 -1977. I am now living in KL, Malaysia. I came to Aber from a small town in Jitra, Kedah Malaysia. What I miss is Neuadd Cwrt Mawr, climbing Constitution Hill, and the occassional sheep along the walk to CLW (College of Librarianship Wales). I also miss all myWelsh friends and the ones from other continents, and of course thelocal English natives across the border . I particularly miss the slightly imperfect storms at the old college by the sea. I am now coming to 52 years old but Aber is still on my mind. Cymru am byth."

Anthony has more than one reason for missing Aber:

"I was born and bred in my dear home town of Aberystwyth. I left in 1987 to join the Royal Air Force, but travel 'home' to visit friends and family whenever I can. The feeling I get when I'm driving down that terrible twisty road from Ponterwyd is still a mixture of excitement and pride. Although I have been lucky to have lived and worked all over the world in the last 17 years, I will always think of Aber as my home." Read more...

Patrick (Cheddar) McHale from Rochdale:

"My God, I miss 'The Mill' pub - 'Where every body knows your name' etc. Aberystwyth is a fantastic place, the highlight of my time there as a student has to be the rugby sevens weekend each summer."

Jo from Warwick spent 20 years in Aber :

"Hi there, i moved out of aber about 4 months ago and i'm missing the place like mad!!!! all my friends and family, aber was my home for 20 years and i love the place, i hope to visit soon."

Elizabeth Cox sent this message from Georgia :

"At the moment I feel like I'm a million miles away from Aber as I am working out in Georgia in the US for a year. It's great out here, but nothing beats a walk along the prom to watch the sun setting. It's a fantastic place and, like so many people, I have many fond memories of it. I'm looking foward to returning back for my final year and seeing many familiar faces and places."

Paul Evans from Weymouth has fond memories of the town's nightlife:

"I do miss the old pier disco - great days we had back in the late 80s - late nights, wicked music, flat warm beer,and parties at Rocklands. Anyone who was anyone was there.

If Annemarie from Engelberg sees this - how are you and Andrew doing these days? Yes, it's Paul who lived in Croeslan for a while too."

Stuart Maxwell from London creates a cameo of carefree college days:

"Watching the sun drop into the ocean on a warm summers evening, sprawling on the campus lawn with a nice drink, and nothing more important to worry about than a finals exam in the morning ...those, truly, were the best days of my life."

Hissyam A Halim emailed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

"I was a student at Aber from 1992-1996 (Comp Sci/Accounts) which was a lifetime ago & worlds apart compared to life in big city like KL. I was first attracted to aber coz out of all the Uk univ prospectus it was the only one that have pictures of students having a great time walking/reading & having fun on the beach.

My favourite spot in aber has to be the small clearing, like a ledge near the top of the hill where the Cliff Railway ends. If you walk up the hill, near the top, there's a path that leads to the cliff edge. There you can sit on a grassy area, right at the edge of the cliff secluded from view & watch the glorious aber sunset. Anyone else know that spot?"

Laura Beaumont from Nuneaton is another former student who met her husband-to-be in Aber:

"I was a student in Aber from 2000 - 2003. Haven't yet been back since graduation but am desperate! Such a special place for me becuase of it's beauty and also that I met my fiance there (in Freshers' week - oh the cliche!) Spent 3 fantastic years here with some great people...

I pine for the sunsets and even the really wet and windy days on the prom!You can never beat a great day out - walking in the woods, going to the carvery for lunch and then some crazy golf. Followed by a night out at the Glen and Bay (beware red bear vodka!)"

Che John Connon spent five years in Aber:

"I am currently working in Kyoto, Japan, but I gained a BSc and MSc from Aber between 91 and 96; I also met my wife there. I think the reason it is held dear to so many people is due to its remoteness. Its separation forces the dweller to explore Aber intensively and to appreciate the more simple things in life.

Some of my favourite memories are the patterns formed by the swooping flocks of sparrows ( I think) at sunset above the pier, watching the waves crash along the beach during a storm and playing pool at the Fountain way into the small hours. I am also amazed at how often I meet people who also studied at Aber."

Annemarie Gaston sent this message from Engelberg:

"I used to live in Wales in Croslan and then I moved to Switzerland in 1983 but I miss Aber very much still. Regards from Switzerland."

Mark Williams grew up in Aber but is now living in Oxfordshire. He says he will always be an Aber boy.

"Growing up in Aber was fantastic. Such a healthy place as a kid. Memories : the summer evenings with the whole of the Queen's beach (and Tan y bwlch) lined with people fishing the mackerel shoals. Cycling up the slate hills and seeing the panorama from the top. Blue bells in bloom up Dan-y-coed woods. Red Devils beating Top Cats in the mini-minor league.

Teenage years were great too; starting with Happy hour down the Central. Howlin' by the time we ended up in the Ship!

I remember our Geography teacher in Penglais saying: Aber's 'a great place if you're under 18 or over 60' but I reckon it's difficult to beat at any age."

Bernard Chebani from Gabarone in Botswana says it's the people who make the place special.

"It is the Welsh people that make a difference in all of Wales and the UK. I have lived in Aber for 12 months as a student, and for a single moment I have never lived to regret the decision to live and study in Wales. I was particularly charmed by the Welsh people, whether in uni, stores, pubs, street, etc they will be kind to you. There is a lot of good-naturedness about almost anything that they do.

Here in Botswana or Africa, it is common knowledge that Batswana (people from Botswana) are courteous and peaceful; but having lived in Aber I was exposed to the real thing. If I had my way I would visit this town once every year; because I know I can't be lost there. Remember, people make a difference in a place; so long as you meet people a journey would be worth the travelling. I truly miss Aber!!"

Tricia Doble from London still misses Aber :

"I lived in Aber between the years of 1994 and 2001 - why?..I still don't know!!!!! At the time it just seemed like something to do. After leaving my horrible husband I quickly found the party life in Aber - I shiver when I look back on those seemingly happy days back then. Although I still miss the place and in some ways would dearly love to move back I know that my sensible (and sometimes bizzare) life of psychiatric nursing here in London is where I must be. To me, Aber is (was) a place to party - hard and fast, and although it was fun for a while it had to end one day.

I still go back and visit occasionaly, but my husband doesn't like the memories it holds for me. I still yearn to sit outside the glen with a few smokes and beers..gazing at the beautiful sunset before going home to get changed and ready for another night of partying! Happy memories, sad memories, and scarey memories, but I still love the place!"

Jason Holmes is one of many former students who'd like to return to Aber.

"I spent my time in aber studying geology (one of the last courses before it was infamously shut down) between 1996-99. I am now currently serving in the RAF in the far north of scotland, but still can't help but miss my days at university. Walking the local hills, missing lessons so i could sit in the castle walls, or just wandering about the town enjoying the place, aber still has a special place in my heart and still long to go back. During my next leave i plan to visit again, like i have done ever since i have left..."

Geraint from Northampton has many reasons for missing Aber:

"Conker Lane. Kicking the bar. Sunsets over the sea. Welsh beer. Pen Dinas. The sound of 'y tren fach'. The view of the town from the edge of Dan-y-Coed woods. Coffee at the Penguin and most of all...Aber Aber Aber. Hold that train!"

James Fife from San Diego, California, hankers after one establishment in particular.

"I miss the food at the Light of Asia."

Debbie from Taichung, Taiwan was a pupil at Penglais School, Aberystwyth, during 2003:

"I've only stayed in Britain for a year, but I fell in love with it, deeply. My father was one of the students of the university, me and my sister went studying with him. We never thought the people there would be so nice to us, and everyone were so friendly that I couldn't forget about them. I really love this town, although it isn't as big as the city I live in now, but it has everything I have ever dreamed of. I wish I could go back someday, not just for visiting, but like going back to another hometown of mine."

Alison Owen from Walsall remembers her student days in the town.

"I have great memories of my years in Aberystwyth as a student between 1989 and 1992. I had seafront accommodation at Carpenter Hall the whole time and it's a shame that that building's now been converted into private flats.

Me and some college friends were there a year ago for my 32nd birthday and were amazed by both how much it had changed and how it somehow still felt the same - going there was like putting on an old, favourite coat. It was great how you could decide to visit a friend across the other side of town and be there in 20 minutes. There'll always be a place in my heart for Aberystwyth, as I spent the best years of my life there and met friends who I still see regularly."

Kathleen Andrews (nee Smith) from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada was born in Rochdale, Lancashire. Her parents would take her to Aber at least three times a year, when she lived in England :

"My fondest memories are the Castle grounds; I just loved the old ruins. Walking along the prom and swimming in the very cold ocean and the pebbles that hurt my feet. I will always be grateful to my Dad that he introduced me to Aber and the lovely Welsh people and their music, not forgetting their lovely language. Does the tram still run up the Consti Hill? I thought that was a great outing."

(Yes, the tram still runs up Consti. - Mid Wales Web Team.)

Claire Hughes from Burnley in Lancashire is full of praise for Aber:

"I spent a good, but far too short 3 years in Aber, from 2000-2003 and although it's good to be back home, I still wish I was still there (without the work load though)! I am lucky enough to have my boyfriend in his last year, and a few other friends still in Aber, so I have some excellent excuses to while away my weekends whilst reliving my student days.

It is nice to see some changes have occurred whilst I've been away, the Glen's refurbished making it an even better place to watch the sun set, yet I still miss the old Brady's! I hope to return for many more years to come, it really is the best places a student can wish for."

Josune and Nria contacted us from Barcelona, Catalunya to say:

"We spent some time last year in Aber as Erasmus students and it was a break apart. We will never forget what we lived there. Friends we met, university and welsh life style in general, turn our time there into unforgetable days. Specially Aber sunsets".

Laurence Rowe from Kent says Aber's not the same any more:

"I too had the very best years of my life in Aber and have been back many times since. It's a shame how much it has changed in the last ten years. Most pubs are unrecognisable and the much-loved Welsh Fudge Shop is no more."

Barry Brown was brought up in Aber but left in the 1980s and now works as a paramedic in the Thames Valley. He still returns for the occasional visit.

"I've tried explaining 'hiraeth' to my daughter but it is almost impossible to convey the feelings. Reading this site I am reminded of many a happy hour spent in the Plas Crug swings, they used to have something that the kids called a 'clanker' and I've not seen one anywhere else. A few years later the Angel became a very popular watering hole, strange this as i was still a long way from being old enough to enter a pub!

I also recall spending many a happy Saturday night in the Kings Hall disco which was run by Jim Worrall ( maybe got the name wrong apologies if so) but he also ran the Chelsea Cafe in Northgate Street. Tusons (or Tewsons) amusement arcade in the basement of Kings Hall was always a popular place to loiter away a wet afternoon. The White Horse became a very frequent stopping place, and I was legal now as well! The new establishment doesn't seem to have the same feel to it but I guess that's because I'm not a local anymore - lost my accent as well!!

By reading this site I've found out why I have always kicked the bar and can now explain to my daughter! Although I have walked up Pen Dinas hundreds of times I didn't know until recently that the Monument on top was meant to be a barrel of a cannon. Dodging the waves crashing over the Prom down near Consti was always fun, we didn't know of any danger then, I guess Health and Safety would frown on such games now. Aber holds so many fond memories, I must go back soon."

Bernard Loo from Singapore says that he and his wife spent some of the happiest years of their marriage at Aberystwyth.

"To be honest, when my wife and I first arrived at Aber, we thought we had made a mistake coming here. It's more than four years since that day, more than a year since we left, and we now think of Aber as the place where we spent some of the happiest years of our marriage.

Life in Singapore could not be more different, and I'm not talking about the sweltering heat and humidity. It's the cosiness of a small town, the friendliness of its people (mind you, we initially found the Welsh a rather reserved people, still do in many ways).

Somehow, Aber got under our skin. Maybe it's the rosy hue with which most of us tend to reminisce, but I like to think otherwise. That Aber was - is - a wonderful place to live. It may be a little out of the way, but perhaps that adds to its charms."

Rob from Hull comes back to Aber on a regular basis.

"I had the pleasure of living in Aber for over twenty years. I'm not sure if i miss it now, but its a pleasure to visit twice a year. Aber is like a fine wine, never changes much it just subtle in the way it develops."

Louisa from Dorset left Aber after graduating in the summer of 2003.

"I knew from the warm welcoming feel from the place that I had to go to university in Aber. I spent 3 fab years and I've just graduated. I miss it so much. The sunsets, The Inn on the Pier, the people and the university. I've left my heart there, and if I ever need to take some time out I can jump on the train and return."

Even though she no longer lives in Aber, Emily from London says she will always think of the place as home.

"I was born in Aber and spent the first 18 years of my life there. Now, though, I have very little time to go back there as my life has taken me to new horizons. Nevertheless, Aber will always have a place in my heart and I think no matter where I spend the rest of my life, it will always be home to me."

Joseph Splinter from Milwaukee, WI, USA says that his time in Aber was possibly the most enjoyable experience of his life...

"I spent a semester of study in the town and now I'm back in the States. Being quite jaded by the culture of America, having experienced the genuine tranquility of the Welsh landscape and people, I miss the place.

I joined some clubs on campus and each one had its own little pub where everyone would meet on different nights. For me, saying the word "pub" connotates a delicious social atmosphere and cameraderie, something far greater than describing an American bar.

All-in-all, although this merely shows a splinter of my appreciation for my time in that magical town, this is the very least I can do. By far, if I'd choose another place to live abroad for any extended period of time, Aberystwyth would be it. Only next time, I'll have sail boat and welly boots.

Quite possibly the most enjoyable piece of my life was spent there and I'm sure it won't be the last."

Phillip M Darlington from Nottingham has been coming to Aber for more than 20 years.

"I have to admit that I miss Aber hugely. It holds a gigantic place in my heart and have fond memories of it. I had been to Aber quite a few times before going there as a student. I even had my first holiday romance there when I was on holiday in 1982 but I was only 7!!

My adoration for Aber kicked off when I was a Library Studies student from 1993 to 1996 and lived on Llanbadarn Campus (Aeron Hall) throughout that period I was incredibly lucky in that in the last two years I had a view across all of Llanbadarn, Penparcau, Aber and the Sea itself right from my room. I used to spend many a hour just gazing I met some amazing friends whilst there (and they are still my best friends) and of course I met my wife there as well!

Seven years on my favourite memories of Aber are the people, the prom, going up Consti on the cliff railway (I have never walked it!) and eating a jacket potato on the top, going to the Commodore cinema (where I seem to remember the manager did everything from selling the tickets to selling the ice creams in the interval) which is still my favourite cinema. The bus fares, although cheap, seemed extortionate to me on my weekly budget so I used to walk everywhere. Therefore, one of my overriding memories is of all the hills including Primrose, Penglais and especially Cefn Llan which I used to walk up every Wednesday to get to a 9am lecture on the main campus. No wonder I lost 3 stone during my time at Aber! Who needs diets!!!!

By the time I left in 1996 Aber had well and truly got me under its spell so much so that we met every Easter for a reunion from 1997 to 2000 and we hope to do it again in 2004 can't wait!

I could write a book on Aber but I won't so this is the end of my memories for now!"

Bernard Morris from Birmingham would like to return to Aber. "I lived in Aber for about 10 years. I loved the town and the area. I would like to move back but it is so hard."

Gareth Pritchard is another who'd like to move back.

"I was lucky enough to live and work in Aber for over 15 years and moved to London and then the North East to find my fame and fortune. I found neither, all I found after a few years was the yearning to return to Aber to be with people of the same frame of mind.

I must admit I am a great ambassador of Aberystwyth and Wales in general, and my pet hate is when people say " Oh yes I have been to Wales once" My reply is why the hell not twice!!.

The people and town of Aberystwyth are the most honest and passionate I have ever known. I have only been home 3 times in the last 15 years, the last only in September 2003 to celebrate my 40th birthday with my wife and 2 children.

We had a great time and it has made me even more home sick, My family found Aber to be a place of complete beauty and tranquillity.

My aim is now to return with my family and to regain the peace of mind and sense of belonging I miss."

Rachel Shaw from Surrey still comes back to visit the town where she studied.

"I was in Aber for 4 years from 1996 2000 studying, and I consider myself privileged to have had my time there. I made some amazing friends, and because of the amazing community, both inside and outside the University, was able to make an easy and enjoyable transition from child to adult. Aber is an amazing place to be, and although I now live back in London, I (and my friends from uni) get up to Aber as often as possible and relive our wild nights partying in The Bay and The Union!"

Carolin from Wuerzburg, Germany came over to Aberystwyth for a year to study.

"I had the great luck to study law in Aber from 1999-2000 as an exchange student from Germany. From the very first moment I arrived in Aber, I fell deeply in love with that town. Until today I can't forget the nice time I had there with the friendly people, the vast variety of pubs (even though it took me a while to get used to the "last order" ;-)), the beautiful scenery....

Although Aber is quite small compared to the city I study in in Germany, there were only a few days I had a small feeling of boredom. There is always so much to do and see... I took part in the Walking Club, the University Choral Union and the Catholic Society. This gives a great chance too meet the locals.

All of the friends I made there are planing to go back to Aber for a holiday because you never fully leave this place behind. If you could take a look at my room here, you would see the walls pinned with pics of the Prom, Elan Valley, beautiful sunsets over the bay and a large Welsh flag!I really hope to be able to come back for a loooong holiday!!!

Darren Mellor-Clark from London is a former student who's emailed us about the effect Aber's had on him.

"It is a place from which I have never really recovered. I was lucky enough to study there as a student from 1990 to 1995, graduating with Bachelors and Masters degrees in International Relations. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about a small Mid Wales town that captures the heart so completely but whatever does so is highly infectious and incurable.

Perhaps it is the dramatic sweep of the mountains down to Cardigan Bay with the town clinging to the hillside that provides the perfect theatre for the breathtaking sunsets. Maybe it is the surrounding countryside - fantastic for mountain-biking, canoeing and walking and populated with villages possessing mysterious names such as Pontrhydfendigaid and Ystrad Meurig. Although to concentrate on the land would be to miss half the story. The people make the place......and what people! Never before or since have I been privileged to meet such a concentration of friendly, interesting and life-affirming people. Whether it was the local townspeople, the tutors at the University or my fellow students, I have great memories of all of them.

I have a lot of things for which to thank Aber. Although neither of us realised it at the time, I met my wife-to-be while studying there, no better gift could Aber have given! I received a great university education which (so far) has prepared me well for life. I made some great friends, the majority of whom I still count among my closest. However the greatest thing that Aber gave was a sense of community, a feeling of belonging somewhere and a place to prepare for the coming adventures of life.

As I sit in my office now and look across the City landscape there is part of me that, just for a moment, sees the Cardigan Bay and longs to kick the bar... Oh yeah and there was some pretty good beer too!"

Sian Hopkins from Rochdale was carrying on a family tradition when she decided to do her degree at the University of Wales Aberystwyth.

"I studied French and German at Aber Uni between 1994 and 1998. Aber was my first choice and I was thrilled to get the grades I needed to study there. We spent many happy days there as a family when I was young. We used to go to Borth on holiday and enjoyed our trips to Woolworths in Aber!!!

My Grandmother is from Aber and met my Grandfather there whilst he was studying there. My dad's brother also studied there, and I was the 3rd generation of Hopkins' to enjoy wonderful memories of such a happy place to live. After numerous visits, my brother Gareth decided he would apply there too, and started Uni in 1998, studying International Politics and International History. It was wonderful to go back and visit him!!! I didn't need an excuse at all!!!

I now live in Rochdale, Lancashire - a very different town, and I am a teacher. I love going back to Aberystwyth during half terms and longer breaks - always lunch in the Belle Vue, with the fantastic view across the prom to the sea. Look forward to my next visit!!!!" >

David from Heswall on Merseyside says Aber has an air of romance about it...

"Aberystwyth is a place that will always hold fond memories for me. The view of the town that hits you from Bow Street, I don't think it's changed since horses were bringing people into Aber so many years ago. The town has an element of romance about it, which is hard to explain unless you call it your real home. I think only then you will truly appreciate that feeling along with the timeless beauty and freshness the town brings."

"I met my husband in Aber, as well as a best friend, so it'll always have a special place in my heart. We whiled away many a Sunday at the Cabin, making one cup of coffee last the afternoon. I live in the US now, and they've never heard of chips and curry sauce - I still have a hankering for them from the Sun Hong take away - I wonder if either of those establishments are still there? I probably have a rose-tinted view, but memories of my student years at Aber - especially in my final year - are golden. Shame the essays and exams had to get in the way!"

(Yes, the Sun Hong is still there. So too is the Cabin. Take a look at our cafe pages to see people's comments about the place - Mid Wales Web Team)

John Dight spent his teenage years in Aberystwyth. He now lives in the USA but this small Mid Wales seaside town still means a lot to him.

"I grew up in Aber from the age of 11 to 19. I now live in Phoenix, Arizona. Can't get much further in terms of climate or culture. Aber is wet and cold and everyone drinks lots. Phoenix is dry and hot and nobody drinks much at all! It is illegal here to smoke pretty much anywhere, even in bars!

I now appreciate what a safe and yet exciting place Aber was to be a teenager. Plenty of part- time jobs in the hotels and bars. Lots of interesting students and tourists moving through the town. A great sense of culture and pride amongst the Welsh-speaking friends that I made.

I had a great time. There was always something to do - the amusement arcades in the King's Hall and the Pier, the Cabin, the Central, friends to visit, and then later pubs, and more pubs and when you had had enough of that you could always hop on the ferry from Fishguard to Ireland and visit some Irish Pubs so you could get a drink on a Sunday. Most of all I miss my good friends... who all went their separate ways as we do..."

Peter Wilson from Llanddyrnog in Denbighshire used to live in Aberystwyth but moved away in 1956 to live and work in North Wales. He has fond memories of the town.

"I enjoyed taking my dog for a walk "up the bank" behind the old Aber General Hospital, and searching for lost golf balls which I would "sell" back to the golfers. The playing field down Plascrug was also a favourite haunt of mine - just two swings and a see-saw in those days, and with my friend John Price from North Parade, we would stand at the level crossing "down the flats" on the footpath to Penparcau and watch the old steam trains go by - "Compton Manor", Foxcote Manor" and the rest of them. I also remember the capstan on the promenade which used to be used to pull the lifeboat in before they had the tractor, and also "Jack Price the Donkeys" who used to give rides to children along the prom."

Kate Hutchings also lived in Aberystwyth before new job opportunities took her away. There are many things she misses about her old hometown:

"Missing Aberystwyth is an accepted part of my life - it always happens when I least expect it. It can be over little things like howling wind, a seagull's cry or when I've got too many options for going out and I think what I do for the certainty of the Glen! A stroll across the Bristol Downs is nothing compared to lazy Sunday afternoon walking at Ynyslas. I have a great life and fantastic job here in Bristol but when I drive and glance across the water to my home - Wales - I'd give anything for a cheese and tomato toastie in the Penguin."

Jeremy Blackburn spent four years as a student at Aberystwyth and now works for the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay.

"I spent a happy 1998-2002 in Aber, the town is so "beer and bibles" but with a feel of some sort of Welsh Riviera. Good people, easy-going atmosphere, cracking Interpol dept and too many pubs for its own good. I have the offer of a PhD place there and in quiet moments in the Assembly, I like to think that it would be so easy to go back, drinking a latte in Blue Creek while reading history articles..."