"How many times have I said to others "Why don't you write about it"?, when they recall events in their lifetime , never realising that one day the suggestion would blossom from my own pen.
Those that were born or came to study in Aberystwyth, our jewel on the coast, and left to begin a life elsewhere in the wide world left a few to witness and experience a lifespan here within the town's boundary.
As one of those few I delight in sharing my happy years on 'Aber Prom' with both those who left this shore and those who enjoy it today.
The past five years of gathering photographs and historical information for the publication I hope will create a link with all those with etched memories and personal recollections of our unique promenade here at Aberystwyth.
The book is full of illustrations in its 223 pages. It explores the history of music locally and its links with the clamour for entertainment on the promenade from its inception 200 years ago.
It depicts the peak of interest in the seaside during the late Victorian period and contrasts it with depictions of the modern type of activity that took place on the beach, castle and Constitution hill via the funicular railway.
It incorporates the town's historical association with the sea; The University College, the first in Wales; and the continuing requirement to entertain its visitors over a long period over the one and a half miles of its promenade.
Many of the photographs represent the changes that took place from the Georgian period through Queen Victoria's reign into the flamboyant Edwardian era and into the modern 20th Century.
I've used many images not previously seen and have detailed them with historic captions.
The book, published by Y Lolfa, explores the modern history of one of Wales's foremost towns; detailing the role played in establishing itself as a major UK resort. The importance placed in attracting visitors to Aberystwyth through music and entertainment on its promenade is uncovered throughout its development.
The book links Aberystwyth's existence with the historical emergence of music nationally, its place in maritime history through war and peacetime and the establishment and rapport with its University."
Article by Peter Henley
Check out our panoramic of The Prom...
your comments
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We try to publish as many comments as we can but unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that all comments submitted will be published
David Brown of Aberystwyth
I have lived in aberystwyth for 52 years and I remember a great deal of things happening and the town was a really good town for a holiday resort for both locals and tourism. I wish this town was like that now for both locals and Tourists know as the town then back in the 1950's and early 60's was a good holiday town for both locals and tourists. I wish the Town was like that now such as Boat rides in Cardigan Bay every half hour from the slip way, bandstand entertainment, donkey rides, people on the Beach and the cliff Railway a lot more busy with People up and down then than what it is now and the town was really good for Parking then around the Town then than what it is now
Sun Aug 16 20:51:49 2009
Marged Haycock, Capel Madog
I wonder if I dreamt it, but I seem to remember an open-top bus — called the 'Toast-rack' — which ran the length of the prom in the 1950s and early 1960s when I used to come on holiday to Aber. with my farming grandparents from Llanwrtyd. They spent each and every day of their holiday week on the dragon benches chatting to their Breconshire farming neighbours, having prearranged that they would all go to Aber. for the same week. The trampolines set into the sand near the paddling pool were fun, as was the machine in the Public Shelter which punched out your name on a metal strip.
Sun Nov 16 20:49:18 2008
Jackie Gregg, Lowestoft Suffolk
I was born in Aber and I have wonderful memories of paddling in the pool on the promenade, donkey rides, the beach and long hot summers playing. Life was carefree and so much happier them. As kids,my brother and I would visit the Kings Hall and play on the pinball machines. He would go crabbing under the pier and our Mum used to take us up to the top of Constitution Hill and ride the trams. I wish these happy days would returns. Bliss!
Mon Apr 14 09:23:30 2008
Do you have memories of the Prom? Which local landmark would you like to see a history of? Send us your comments.
