Past & present

Last updated: 11 May 2009

Rhyl resident Julie Baldwin gives her impressions of Rhyl yesterday, today and tomorrow...

• Holiday Camps
• Growing up in Rhyl
• Your memories & holiday snaps
• Old photos

your comments

Charles Lloyd, Auckland, New Zealand
Ki-ora from New Zealand. Well, I left Rhyl in 1974 with the crew from Kwik Save to set up shop in NZ. Growing up in Rhyl was magic, it's a shame the kids of today do not have the same place to grow up in as we had. Hey, I could write a book about Rhyl, may be I will one day, but it needs the locals to have a say and get that damn Council to get working. I will be back in 2010, hope to see some changes since 1997.
Mon May 11 08:56:45 2009

Nathan (Kinmal Bay)
For Roy Blackmore and Dave Fordham, Larkin Cooper was my Grandad, died Feb 06, He told me a lot of stories about the fire service and Rhyl in the 60s!
Fri May 1 07:54:27 2009

Ken Roberts, Buckley
I have very fond merories of Rhyl, my mother took my cousin Malcolm and myself to Winkups camp where we stayed in a gypsy caravan with a "shack" alongside used as a kitchen etc. We went to the beach where the water and the sand were lovely and clean - 1952ish. We watched Punch and Judy every day. Also rode on the cycle track. Times were good - fun was simple. Now we go to the thearte. But we still ride the Marine Lake Railway.
Wed Apr 29 08:22:01 2009

Roy Blackmore, Hamilton, New Zealand
Hi to Dave Fordham, with very happy memories of Rhyl in the 1960s. You and I were firefighters (together with Larkin Cooper R.I.P.) and served at the Rhyl Fire Station for many years. I know the town has changed, but I still think of it as home and also feel that it will get better as more tourists will want their holidays there in preference to the continent. Perhaps the sliding pound will be the shot in the arm that Rhyl needs.
Fri Mar 6 08:16:24 2009

D J Fordham
Sad to hear so many bad comments on what was once a great place to grow up in. Went to Glyndwr School then to the funfair, happy days. Larkin Cooper I will always remember.
Mon Mar 2 09:39:11 2009

Le Hatswell, Rhyl
They think it's all over, it is now Gaviston gone. We told council leave it the way it's always been, but no - ruined is sunny Rhyl. No longer a thrill on the astroglide, the fair and a bit of sand in yer hair as well as everywere! Gone is the fair and candy floss.
Wed Feb 25 08:07:04 2009

Lyn Chandler-Brighton
My father attended Rhyl County School during the war years. He always had fond memories of the town and did come back and visit in his later years.
Fri Feb 20 14:16:30 2009

Stacey, Rhyl
I was born in St Asaph and lived in Rhyl all my child years. I had a great upbringing and there was always somthing to do in Rhyl, what with the fair, arcades (except tourist times), Sun Centre (which is impossible to sneak in to nowadays) etc. I moved away as soon as I reached adulthood because of how it had 'deteriorated' through the years. I have recently moved back to Rhyl where I find the same old faces having the same old laughs in the same old down and out pubs and I absolutely love it.
Mon Feb 16 08:18:47 2009

Paul Lucas, Wolverhampton
I always went to Rhyl when I was growing up in the '70s & '80s. I first went back in 2000, and have been back with my missus and kids ever since, sometimes up to 3 times a year. The comment from John from Cannock Chase about where are the toilets - there are toilets by the kids' paddling pool and up by the sky tower and also by the TSB bank. How many do you want? Also, the comments from Ashley Staples from Shotton - I totally agree. I drink in Towyn and some of the pubs in the back streets of Rhyl. I've never come across this Welsh English thing. I've always been made very welcome wherever I've gone. To all of you who keep running Rhyl down I've seen where most of you come from and it's no palace, including my home town of Wolverhampton. Most towns and cities have the crime and drugs problems people say Rhyl has got. I was in Rhyl in October 2009 out of season and I didn't see anything like people are saying, and Rhyl itself is slowly getting done up. If you don't like Rhyl - keep away. I'm sure you won't be missed.
Mon Feb 2 09:47:07 2009

Jon Farrington, Perth, Australia
I lived in Rhyl from 1965 to 1988. Growing up there was brilliant, always so much to do as a kid. Then after school during the late 70s working in a souvenir shop in Abbey St. It was always such a busy place, the holiday camps where I worked as a drummer were always full at night and there was never any trouble except maybe the odd drunk on a Friday night. The pubs and clubs were always full of people and everyone had a great time. Although these days are long gone Rhyl will always remain close to my heart and I visit usually 6 or 7 times a year. With the current economical crisis the town council needs to promote to UK based clubs and organisations to hold conventions or weekenders and bring a much needed injection of cash to the area, as holidaying abroad is not as cheap as it used to be. On the whole Rhyl hasn't lost any of its charm or appeal and I think it wouldn't take that much to boost the local economy and put Rhyl on the N Wales map again. So I put it to the Tourist Board to step up and do their bit. Good luck to all the businesses in town. I was a signwriter from '82 to '88 and still see some of my old work around. I am planning to return to live in Rhyl in the near future.
Mon Jan 5 10:13:35 2009

John Dibdin, Charlton, London
I was in Rhyl during the war from 1941-45 along with other Army families and lived in Sandy Cove. I attended Glyndwr Secondary School. I have many happy memories of the town so it saddens me to hear how much it has deteriorated now.
Fri Jan 2 16:38:09 2009

Ben, Rhyl
I'm 27 and have lived in Rhyl and a few other local towns all my life on and off. I never really knew its history until I had to research it for a university assignment. Seeing all these incredible pictures of its past glory and hearing all these sad accounts of the good memories it evokes and the good place it used to be actually saddens me. I have never known this Rhyl I see in the pictures or hear spoken of, I have known only the crime, unemployment and horrible bleak dilapidated atmosphere that hangs over it now and has since my birth in 1981 at which point I gather the decline was well underway. It looks so grand and happy in those Victorian pictures, and those cherished memories that were once so real... I wish I could be in that Rhyl and not the one I have struggled in. Sadly that has all gone, all that is left are faint echoes of it shrouded by modern efforts at progress and change that have fallen flat long before they were ever realised. Sadly one day too all these memories I read here shall die away with those that cherish them, and these pictures will be the only window into its grand past. While experience and memories of a quiet different Rhyl will remain, the Rhyl I know, the memories I will pass on - it's a reflection of the world today, what once was great lost in time replaced by drugs, crime, unemployment and immorality. It's sad what's happened to our country, to Rhyl...
Tue Nov 11 08:09:37 2008

Nigel Roberts, Rhyl 1952-1976
Rhyl was a beautiful place when I left in 1976. I used to work at the Savoy bistro on West Parade.
Fri Oct 31 14:38:14 2008

Rob Palmer, Isle Of Man
I was born in Prestatyn in the mid '60s and spent most of my childhood in Rhyl. Back in the '70s Rhyl was wonderful. I joined the army in the early '80s and in the 4 years I was away I noticed a big decline. I finally left Rhyl for good in 2001 and moved to the Isle of Man. I passed through Rhyl a couple of months ago on a very brief visit and was met by the very sad sight of the Grange Hotel gutted by fire. It's so sad what has happened to a wonderful town.
Tue Jul 15 08:32:35 2008

Tony Kirk
My great grandfather Henry Kirk owned the Picturedrome Cinema, High Street, Rhyl, in the 1900s. Can anyone out there tell me any stories of that time?
Thu Jul 3 08:27:36 2008

Jim - East Kilbride
From early 1970 to late 1980s, my family went on our summer holidays in Rhyl, same 2 weeks in the middle of July, same caravan site, The Golden Sands, Kinmel Bay. We met the same people every year, what a fantastic time we had, my first ever holiday romance, (I was only about 12) Wendy from Prescott, we wrote each other then lost contact as is always the case, Radio 1 Roadshow at Marine lake, crossing over the railway bridge to get to the Black Cat, roll a penny, candyfloss, and the weather was always brilliant, swimming, yes, swimming in the sea. Oh, and getting the odd jellyfish sting. Great memories of great people and a great place to be. This year I will be going back for the first time in nearly 20 years after going on and on about this great place my wife finally gave in and has told me to pack the car. So I don't know what to expect. Long lost memories, will I hate it? I hope not, looking through the old pictures once again brings back some great feelings and I am looking forward to going back but will it be the same?
Wed Jul 2 08:32:08 2008

Pete Roberts
Chanced across these comments and can only say how sad is the demise of our once lovely town. The childhood you have is the only one you'll get - obvious but nonetheless worth considering - however, did we realise how lucky we were way back then in the early days after the war? Safe and secure playing football and cricket all day in the Coronation Gardens (they even lent you the kit free of charge) or Japanese and Commandos in the Marine Lake woods? And the hot endless summers amongst the happy hordes flocking in by train and coach every Saturday. People thronging six abreast on the promenade taking their well-earned annual break among the tempting smells and sounds of the West Parade. Us boys carrying suitcases for pocket money and taking visitors in our council house! Twelve and six for bed and breakfast. And brilliant icy winters with snow and ice for slides in the playgrounds. I thought it would last forever. I won't go on and list the changes - we all know and regret the wholesale destruction of all that made Rhyl the marvellous place it was (looking back we can see that now). I left in 1968 and have returned frequently for family visits. The subsequent 'snapshot' views of Rhyl have made my journeys that much sadder. We were the lucky ones.
Tue Jul 1 08:16:07 2008

Des Evans, Adelaide, Australia
I was born and raised in Chester in the 1930s and every year my parents took us on holiday to Rhyl, we absolutely loved it. I joined the RAF in 1948 and later moved to Australia in 1970. I paid a visit to Rhyl in 2002, what a shocking surprise, nothing like it used to be, all run down and trashy, a sad sight. We will be visiting again in August 2008 and for the sake of past memories I hope it has regained some of its past glory, but I think we will be disappointed.
Fri Apr 25 09:22:50 2008

Ashley Steeples, Shotton
What is all this with the Welsh English thing? Grow up and stop been racist, there's no need for it and as far as Rhyl goes it's the council's fault that it's the way it is so stop moaning about it, it's your town, stand up and be heard.
Tue Mar 25 09:46:35 2008

Paul Johnson, Rhyl
I have lived in the Rhyl for about 6 months now. It has certainly lot of potential for development. However, I must admit the place is lifeless. It has no longer the charm of a holiday spot. They probably need to shift the focus of the town off tourism to making it more industrial to see its progress. The council needs to encourage investments to make it more of a business place. That will eventually shift the quality of people it tends to atrract in the first place. A seaside town, focus on tourism is only likely to attract drugs addicts!
Mon Feb 11 10:17:34 2008

Maurice Benson, Calgary, Canada.
I was born in Towyn (then Denbighshire) in the mid 30s and lived in Rhyl til the early 60s. What a wonderful place to be brought up in. What I remember of the war years is facinating, Yanks, Tanks and watching Liverpool being bombed, sad but interesting. School years commuting to and from St Asaph with friends Mike Garnett, Mike King, Marlene Sugarman, the Bernstiens, Glanzs, the Higsons, Mr Lawrence, Mrs Davies, Miss Turner, Maggie Marshall. National Service + in the RAF my renewed friendship with Mike Williams (which continues to this day). The RAFA Club, Doug Ribbons, Ian Doig, Kit and Michelle De Balleta, Arthur Robins, The Rhyl Robins cricket team, new friends, Joan Pender, Ann Williams, Doreen Espley, the De Gregory family, the Henleys, Sidolis, Mivals, and so many more until I left Rhyl in the mid 60s living in Connahs Quay, Manchester and London before moving to Canada in 1971. I am sickened when I return these days to see what the Council have allowed this once wonderful town to become, with older residents concerned about going out after dark, the filthy state of many parts of a town once known for its cleaniness and a fun place to both live in and visit. There will always be a place in my heart for the Rhyl that once was and all my friends, acquaintances, places and experiences. Perhaps sometime in the near future a more progressive council will enable there to once again be a sunny Rhyl of old.
Mon Feb 11 09:39:08 2008

Anne Marie, Birmingham
I have been to Rhyl every single year and I loved it as kid so when I had my 2 children I took them. They loved the fair and everything about it. Two years ago my daughter who was 13 then had her bag pinched ogf her, her money was in it and moble phone. Me and her dad had to replace everything. ...And the rubbish that is all around is disguisting. I cannot believe how much has changed up there. My husband thinks we should look somewhere else to go on holiday so we will see after this year.
Fri Jan 25 08:20:02 2008

Aden, Rhyl
Rhyl will never be the same as it used to be unfortunately and it's a shame 'cause already I have had a lot of good memories here and I just wish everything would be as it used to be :(
Wed Jan 23 08:27:34 2008

John, Cannock Chase.
Even when I think of Rhyl I tend to get excited, I have visited Rhyl every year for 60 years. I love the town. Last year I had a walk round the places I do most times, but oh dear! The rubbish, it is in every street from the front to the back. It is disgusting, absolutely disgusting, and the toilets, where are they?
Mon Jan 14 08:38:13 2008

Daveski, Accrington, Lancs.
I lived in Rhyl most of my life from the good days of the 70s and early 80s to the downfall of the late 80s and early 90s, moving to Accringtom in 94 to escape the dosshole Rhyl had become. It was mainly down to the incompetent council who thought it was better to demolish all the good old things Rhyl had (Pier, Floral Hall, Pavillion etc) because it was cheaper than renovating them. The druggie culture soon took over because there was nothing for decent folk to come to Rhyl for. They are at least trying to do something about it in 2007 (although I am not sure demolishing the Funfair is a good idea). Time will tell...there seems to be a lot of luxury flats being built, who is going to live in them? Glad I moved away when I did because Lancashire is a whole lot better than Rhyl.
Mon Nov 26 09:05:13 2007

Lewis Morgan, Liverpool
I have to say Rhyl is in my heart. I lived in Rhyl since I was born in 1962 until I departed to Liverpool in the eighties. People may talk bad of Rhyl with their multiple reasons and complaints but in my eyes it is still a beautiful place with lots of potential, but there are some who wish to destroy communities and neighbourhoods and spoil people's standards of living. Youths are a problem as are adults and I would like to state that all blame is not on youths but the adult community in Rhyl and lots of other towns and cities, the adult lifestyle is similar for 20 year olds to 40 year olds (work all week! go out on the town at the weekends and have a FEW drinks) but there are a large amount of people who decide to have more than a FEW drinks and end up getting chucked out of the club/pub and free to roam the streets being quite frankly DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. I would like to get the message across to all adults and children across Britain to respect the environment that we have to live in, if not for yourself but for others. And if the council crack down on crime and litter and anti social behaviour believe me in a few months I guarantee you will see many benificial changes in your local town.
Fri Nov 2 10:25:16 2007

Mark Thompson (Tommo) from Enfield, Middx
I was born in Meliden in 1960 and spent most of my life living in Rhyl until 1978 when I joined the RAF. Unfortunately I don't get up there to visit my mam who still lives there as often as I should. From what I saw in July when I visited, a lot of the old places have changed some possibly for the better. However I feel that most have not as the Prom was virtually deserted when not so long back it would be packed. Come on Rhyl Council, put some pride back into this great little seaside town of ours!
Thu Nov 1 12:29:03 2007

Jake, Rhyl
Rhyl is brilliant you can't beat the fresh ocean breeze on a summer's morning. I enjoy going for a stroll across the promenade with pipe in hand and coffee in fflasg with my dog at my side. I am now 62 years old and I've lived in Rhyl all of my life and I will remain in this town until I am laid to rest. I hope all oncoming visitors can experience all the magnificant sights to be seen in this glorious seaside town. I was once in love until I found peace and harmony in Rhyl. I would like to thank God for making such a spectacular resort of fflabergasting scenery.
PS. I am a member of neighbourhood watch in the West End of Rhyl and would like to ask all visitors young or old to respect all that is respected by the fellow citizens.
Mon Oct 29 08:30:05 2007

Robin Jones from Guildford
I remember a 5th former called Joan Cooper emigrating to New Zealand when I was in the 1st year sixth at the Grammar School (circa 1962). Was that you Joan? Chances are Cooper is your married name and I'm barking up the wrong Joan! I was born in Rhyl and lived there until I went to University, after which I moved South to teach at the University of Surrey. I returned frequently to visit my mother but gradually over the years the character of Rhyl changed and in recent years I'm afraid to say I have avoided going into the town centre.
Tue Oct 16 15:25:55 2007

David Hughes, Nottingham
Tommo, good to know life is treating you well. Come to think of it, didn't you used to race miniature speedboats on the Marine Lake? I seemed to remember you didn't have a lot of time for aircraft then! I'm flying the 1:1 scale things when I have a moment free, which isn't often. We'll look you up if we are ever in the area!
Tue Oct 16 09:28:13 2007

Stephen Thomas
To David Hughes. Yes, it's me, who used to captain the school team. You have a good memory. Left school and went to work for the TSB, ultimately I looked after the regulated arm of one of the UK's banks. Decided that there was more to life than working away from home so now live in Orlando, Florida where we own a large model aircraft business (Bob's Hobby Center). Really good to hear from you.
Mon Oct 15 09:16:37 2007

David Hughes, Nottingham
That wouldn't be Tommo who was at the High School with me - a couple of years younger than me but played rugby with the school team, would it? If it is, the last time I saw you was when I was home from university at York and you were talking about joining a bank?
Mon Oct 1 08:32:53 2007

Stephen Brian Thomas - Orlando, Florida
Born in Rhyl in 1958 and have lots of happy memories. Have lived in Florida for the last 6 years and recently visited Rhyl to attend a funeral. I have to say that I was incredibly disappointed with what I saw and the clear decline that the town has suffered. Where is the local pride in keeping the streets clean? It was an absolute tip. The town council should take responsibilty and take immediate action.
Tue Sep 18 08:18:51 2007

David Hughes
I was born in Rhyl in the fifties and grew up there until leaving for university in the seventies. I'd agree that Rhyl has been through the doldrums since my youth but I think there is a real chance that it might soon re-invent itself with the more concerted efforts at regeneration. I note the hint of sarcasm about the efforts of the local councils but, to be honest, they are damned if they do invest and damned if they don't! I would not have swapped my childhood for one in any other place than Rhyl - indeed I've just written a novel about growing up in the town - The Reso by Ambrose Conway - but we need to guard against trying to drench the town with nostalgia. The old pattern of Rhyl as a holiday resort with a single economy has gone and we cannot cling to that. The town must raise its sights and invest in its young people and economy if the community is going to enjoy the level of prosperity it deserves. To this end, please support the retention of the sixth form in Rhyl High School and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School. Best wishes to the former Rhyl residents and visitors scattered across the world.
Fri Sep 7 09:07:26 2007

Griff Williams, Bangor
Can anyone tell us about the murder in Costigans pub in Rhyl around 1886? It was not a pub at the time. It's the pub across the road from the train station on Bodfor Street.
Tue Jun 26 08:45:51 2007

J Rees-Denman, Flintshire
I grew up in Rhyl in the 60s and loved my hometown. All residents had pride, the guesthouses brightly painted. Indeed there were upmarket shops like 'Kemps', 'Nova' and a selection of tearooms and florists. Hard to believe Rhyl was an attractive area then. I would say the vision councillors have for Rhyl is so so wrong, just look at Llandudno - no great changes there and has enormous appeal to all. The burning question is what qualifications do local councillors have to create such shame on Rhyl?
Mon Jun 18 15:03:35 2007

David Griffiths from Chesterfield
I lived in Handsworth Crescent,Rhyl from about 1944-46, between the ages of 4 and 6. I have faint memories of a friend nearby called Cyril Hankey, and also the day I started school. Someone took dislike to me in the morning, and pinched one of my cheeks, pulling the skin off. When I went back in the afternoon they did the same to the other cheek! However, it did not seem to put me off school, and I remember playing the part of the Inn-keeper in the school nativity play that Christmas. I can also remember standing by the radio in the bay window of our bungalow at no. 67, listening to the radio when the air raid siren sounded. My mother, Mary, kept a cutting, which I still have taken at the end of the war with a group of children, including myself, were photographed with the 'V for Vistory' cow, so-scalled bcause she sported a white 'V' on the back head above her eyes. I also seem to remember sitting in the cockpit of a fighter plain on the promenade, and a visit to Rhyl by a member of the Royal family. My father, Jack, was a barber in the High St. (is that the right name?) where he cut the hair of stars appearing in the summer season, such as Wee Georgie Wood and Henry Hall. American servicemen also patronised the shop, and I caused great embarrassment to my dad by asking one of them, "Have you got any gum, chum?" One of his fellow-barber's surname was Cadman; he and his wife came from Staffordshire. On the same street there was a booth where buttermints, or some similar sweet, were made & sold. I also have distant memories of my mum taking me to see the woinderful show, "Where the Rainbow Ends." Like many more children, I loved to go the fair ground and ride the ponies along the covered way. Sheer magic! It was in those 2 all too brief years in Rhyl that I fell in love with the seaside, largely because one of the highlights of my young life was to be taken by my mum to witness the Spring and Autumn tides. Whatever people may feel about Rhyl now, it was a fantastic place for a little boy to live in 60 years ago!
Thu May 17 15:39:03 2007

Jayne Bodell, Blackpool
My maiden name is Jones and in the early 60s into the 70s my parents had a caravan that we took most weekends from Wrexham to stay in Towyn on a caravan park called Happy Days and at night we would go to Winkups and I would pull a trolley with my younger brother to take the empty bottles away. We used to meet up with a family from Wigan, they had a daughter named Susan Hayes and we used to go to an arcade called the Black Cat. I remember going over a bridge to the beach to collect cockles with my dad while my mother made breakfast. My brother and I used to go to Rhyl, we used to watch Punch and Judy and go in the paddling pool and hire bikes on the prom. I had lovely times in both Rhyl and Towyn and they remain such a big part of my childhood.
Wed May 9 15:34:39 2007

Steve Williams from Wrexham
I was fortunate enough to be born in Rhyl in 1957. I spent the first 6 years of my childhood (until I moved to Wrexham in 1963) living close to the Palace Hotel in a guest house that my parents ran. I'll never forget Saturdays at Rhyl station, the steam trains bringing hordes of holidaymakers to be transferred to various holiday camps and guest houses in this magical place. I'll always remember The Pavilion, The Cycle Track, The Marine Lake with its mini steam train and station, the open top buses, The Floral Hall, Botanical Gardens, Clwyd Ice Cream, Punch and Judy, the Fun Fair with its sideshows, the amusements, bingo halls, King Neptune's Grotto, outdoor swimming pool and endless golden sands.Whenever I hear Rhyl mentioned I always think about my early childhood memories of this once wonderful place and how lucky I was to be born there.
Thu May 3 08:43:53 2007

Stuart Jones, Rhyl
I have lived in Rhyl for the 26 years of my life. Rhyl is a lovley place with things to do. Just this morning I went down to the Marine Lake with my dog Vinny. Walking round it was nice. The Swans were flying over head plus a few mallards and the sunshine was out too!
Mon Apr 23 08:49:13 2007

Ms Pauline Sharp, Stockport
I was a young girl when we visited Rhyl, on a family holiday back in 1976, & have very fond memories of my sisters & myself being in a town that was full of strangers yet feeling safe. My parents being able to do their thing & just giving us our daily allowance, a time & meeting place for meeting them later. The fair was our 1st attraction, then we would boldly visit the sun centre &, en route up & down we would call in on amusements & the caverns under like Aladin's cave, the sea front was just full of wondering interested guests. I now have a family of my own & in 2005 booked a caravan on Winkups park, in Towyn. As we reached Rhyl I asked the taxi driver can we go down the prom, in amazement I was devastated at my old memories being erased. There was nothing there for me to tell my 12 yr old son apart from there is the flats we used to stay in, the paddling pool was a mess there was no paddle boats at the side anymore! I'd like to add this didn't spoil our holiday as Towyn to me has been upgraded to the old Rhyl what was, as I did take my family there to show them where we did what ever! On our return home I heard that they were going to be closing down the old fair ground, which has still not happened thank god, as we revisited in 2006, & now 2007 we are taking my son, his friend, my two nephews from both my sisters, & my mum back to Towyn on golden gate caravan park where I hopefully will be able to show them a much updated Rhyl! Please, please make this much loved holiday place a holiday place again!
Tue Jan 30 11:07:43 2007

Paul Walkden, Manchester
Well said Mike.
Fri Jan 5 09:45:55 2007

Mike, back home in Rhyl
I was born in Rhyl in 1963 my parents moved us to Manchester in 1975 and I returned with my family in 1997. Of course Rhyl has changed maybe not for the better, but can anyone name any town where the local population is not particularly happy with any change made by their local authority. Well what can I say that has not already been said. Yes Rhyl does have its problems, some poor housing, unemployment, drug abuse and petty crime, etc. A lot of the housing problems are caused by unscrupulous landlords with multi occupancy lettings and poor vetting of prospective tenants by local H.A's. Compulsory purchase of many of these properties would solve this and remove most of the drug problem with it. There are currently plans to fully redevelop the Ocean Beach Funfair site with new apartments, retail and leisure units. Much of the promenade has been upgraded, the skate park, the recently opened drift park, former bedsit properties on the prom converted into apartments etc. The town still has an excellent little shopping centre which recently attracted several new stores from major chains to the area offering more choice and employment oppurtunities. Many people in Rhyl are happy with life in the town, it is a fairly safe and stable enviroment to bring up a family. So come on people stick with you will see it have better times again.
Tue Jan 2 11:04:43 2007

Paul Walkden, Manchester
I love Rhyl. I am 34 now and I have been going to Rhyl since I was a baby. My family and now myself have had caravans there since the early 60s. The town of Rhyl has gone down in the last 10 years or so. The surrounding areas are still lovely and I think Rhyl itself is on the turn around. It will take time but it will get there. I love it there so much. Last week I bought a house in Kinmel Bay and I will be moving there in the new year. I will always support Rhyl and the North Cales coast. It's my heaven.
Fri Dec 22 08:33:02 2006

JOANNE PERCIVAL FROM LOS ANGELES
I have not been home to Rhyl for many years. It is quite sad to read some of these comments. I have lived in Los Angeles for 9 years but think I am due a visit to see Rhyl for myself. All my family still live in Rhyl. I used to work at shepard's cafe and Glan Clwyd Hospital. So sad to read negative comments.
Mon Dec 18 10:13:07 2006

Peter Kortens, New Zealand
I lived in Rhyl from 1939 to 1953, spending most of my time at Splash Point in and out of the sea. What a shock when I visited to find the Pavilion gone, and someone says the swimming pool has now gone. I played water polo there for years and had many a school holiday job there selling ice creams or washing up dishes. Anyone remember the one legged diver that went in from a tall ladder on top of the high board? As someone else said "keep your old memories" they're better than the current reality. I even remember the indoor swimming pool which became an amusement arcade during the war.
Mon Dec 18 09:50:49 2006

Major Rhyl Jones from Rhyl
Born in 1956 in Rhyl, I joined the Army in 1972 and am still in today. I was so proud of Rhyl in my younger days working on the fairground and the Marine Lake during school holidays. My eldest brother also joined the Army in 1970 and was nick-named Rhyl Jones and subsequently I also got the same nick-name. He now lives in Hull and is known only as Rhyl (Robert is his proper name); I live in Belgium and am also known only as Rhyl (Gary is my proper name). My son is actually christened Rhyl Owen Jones and is now 24 years old currently living in Edinburgh. My father still lives in Rhyl and we visit occasionally. People are right, the town has deteriorated out of all recognition but it is not too late to do something about it. Let's see some long term planning put into place and revive the past glory. I retire from the Royal Engineers in 2011, if you haven't sorted the place out by then, I'll be knocking on the council office doors for your jobs! Best Regards, Rhyl
Tue Dec 12 11:29:36 2006

nathan rigg from rhyl
i have lived in rhyl most of my life and i have seen a massive decline in the cleanliness of the place and im only 13 and i want to do something to clean up the place!
Mon Nov 13 08:19:48 2006

Keely, Shotton
I have lived in north Wales for 10 years now and even in this short space of time I have seen a huge decline in Rhyl, I don't think it is helped by this horrible racist attitude that certain Welsh people show towards the English, hell we're all British arn't we? You don't hear English people complain if a Welsh person goes on holiday to an English resort (sorry about the rant). I think the council should start spending some of the money they take from people living there and spend it on making Rhyl the place it should be, I only go there now to walk my dogs on the beach and I certainly wouldn't go on a night out there let alone a holiday.
Mon Oct 16 09:50:56 2006

Manfred from Vienna/Austria
I was in Wales for holidays with my son in Summer 2006 and came to Rhyl, without knowing the name before. On the first look I thought "ugly town". At least I stayed 5 nights. In the moment Rhyl is not an attractive town for vacation if you come like me from a long way. But the town has the substance to grow. I was not scared walking down the streets. As a tourist I didn't see the criminal problems. So far as I saw the council is beginning to invest on the beach etc. So I would not be hopeless for the future of Rhyl. Maybe the "old glory" comes back, I wish it for the inhabitants of Rhyl. Good luck!
Mon Oct 2 11:41:23 2006

Susan Edwards, Winsford, Chesh
I was born in Rhyl 1945. I always think of Rhyl as home, I went to ChristChurch primary school and Glyndwr Secondary. Rhyl was a nice place then, we used to spend our summer holidays at the baths watching the shows and on the beach with just a bottle of water and a jam buttie. The fair was a no go area mainly because we had no money. Bike rides to Rhuddlan Castle, Dyserth, Waterfalls, and along the front where we played with the basket chairs. Going to the Lifeboat House and paying a penny to look around. Sidolis ice cream, The Flamingo Coffee Bar, Wimpy after the Cinema. The emptiness off season, roller skating and trying to sneak in without paying. The streets were clean then, now all I can see is litter. Do you think it puts me off? NO Rhyl to me is the magical place where we grew up and I still love it.
Mon Oct 2 11:06:01 2006

Teresa Marcinek
My summer holiday was something that I was so looking forward to. I had never been to Wales before and booked a site called Talacre Beach Nr Flint. The site was excellent but I found the area of Wales that we stayed in disappointing. Having heard of Rhyl and Prestatyn and Llandudno, I was looking forward to seeing them. I found Rhyl to be such a sad place. It obviously once had enjoyed status as a good seaside resort but it seemed liked a ghost town to me. Boarded up buildings along the front, vacancies in almost all guest houses and no heart. It was such a shame, I really felt for the people who had chosen this as their holiday base. Reading some of these messages I no longer feel quite so bad about my opinions. It seems that ex Rhyl residents feel the same way. It is such a huge contrast to the Snowdonia region of Wales which we enjoyed enormously. However, I must say that good service seemed to be sadly lacking in most restaurants and cafes that we went to. I felt a bit like an interloper. Perhaps someone could recommend an area of Wales where they do 'keep a welcome in the hillside'. Its a beautiful part of the country but did lack warmth.
Fri Sep 29 08:44:50 2006

Joan Cooper (New Zealand)
I was born in Rhyl in 1946 and lived there until I moved to New Zealand in 1967. I have been back three times but I really don't think I will return. It was so depressing to see what Rhyl had become, I wish that I hadn't returned so I could remember it how it used to be.
Wed Sep 27 07:53:15 2006

JACKO SOMERSET
i was born in hmstanley hospital on 24/11/57 went to ysgol mair then blessed teds, joined the royal marines in 1977 until 1992. decided to stay in somerset, all the years of bad planning etc have took their toll on my home town. the west end is a disgrace and councillors should be made to turn this part of the town back to the vibrant fun side of the town it was
Thu Sep 21 08:26:10 2006

Siobhan Burgess, Jersey channel islands
i think Rhyl is a beautiful place and it is very nice and i cant wait to go back next year with my family. i think that is a good place to go with your family. people treat you the way you treat them. i have always treated the welsh with respect. so whoever says rhyl is rubbish you are wrong. i am only 15 years old and i think rhyl is good. and i like the pleasurebeach and i like the tower wat goes up and you can see places like llandudno and liverpool and places like that
Tue Sep 19 08:19:09 2006

Tricia Evans
Having lived here for nearly 30 years I have seen some changes, I owned a guest house on Butterton Road, which at the time never had any vacancies, and we had special weeks for different holidays. I remember the monorail and have a picture of it. When my children were very young, I also remember walking across marine lake to the island, when the snow and ice were very bad, which I know now was a little silly but well worth it just to say what we had done. Also the floods watching it come over the sea wall, and having my youngest child in a high chair at the time, and hearing the thud of the machines%2! 0from the sky tower when they were digging for the foundations. Yes we had some good times taking my mum down to the beer cellar with my sister and a few friends, coming home and recording on the old tape machines mum singing, and there wasn't any trouble of any kind. But life changes and so do the times, and I am sure there are still some people that have good times in Rhyl. We still go out but more of an afternoon now and only at the weekends and meet up with old friends and talk about the old times. Well that's my memories of Rhyl, really GOOD ONES.
Wed Sep 6 10:39:57 2006

Eddy Carmichael
I moved my family to Rhyl, from Crosby, Liverpool, and started a new business. My previous daily visits and odd weekends did not prepare me for the shock of finding out about the real Rhyl. The council's ability to let recently released prisoners and drug addicts to move into poor housing (bedsits) via ruthless landlords and housing associations. These people are so lost and destitute they openly fight in the street over £1. The council then take large amounts of EU money, as the west end of Rhyl is so poor, but it never changes. This is strange when Denbighshire council are constantly improving Denbigh, St Asaph etc..I wonder, it couldn't be the EU funds! Could it? I want to wrap this up with a few pros and cons. Rhyl still has a raw charm, better weather than most seaside towns and as for living there with your kids, it can be good, for example you can walk into a major shopping centre within a few minutes, then walk along a nice beach and prom. We have 2 hospitals close by, and plenty of schools. The downside to this is over 15 charity shops, a mountain of £1 shops, a mountain of registered charities in the area, this is no good for the economy, small business struggles to compete, and as every town planner now knows get rid of the charity shops and the high street will attract more investment and more affluent shoppers, enabling B&B to offer accommodation over £10 per night. This will ensure the big Victorian houses don't become slum housing for deadbeats and weirdoes and so the cycle ends. I have recently sold up and plan to find a more suitable place to raise a family but I will keep in touch, I have made good friends in Rhyl and I will continue to visit. I enjoy the views on my drive into Rhyl from any direction. On a warm sunny day the views are fantastic, miles of green grass, trees, valleys,and mountains. Portugal with its burnt orange mountains and no grass can't compare.
Tue Aug 29 16:32:35 2006

Sandy Jones
I lived in Rhyl during the 50's 60's and early 70's, after leaving I returned several times a year until early 2000 and saw many changes, not many for the better. The West End had become a no go area and the East Promenade had lost the swimming pool, floral hall, cycle track and lovely gardens. The mono-rail went, the land train vanished, leaving behind a building which should be on an industrial estate. The beach is the best on the North Wales coast and it is such a great pity that the council are not using the tax money they collect to improve the facilities for the tourist. I haven't visited Rhyl since 2002 and reading the comments above I think I will wait until the council pull their heads out of the sand and actually make me feel proud once more to say 'I was brought up in Rhyl'.
Tue Aug 29 11:24:17 2006

Chris Johnson..New York.
I used to holiday in Rhyl with my parents during the 1970s and 80s. I treasure the memories I have of this town and my stays at the Robin Hood Camp just outside. I loved Ocean Beach Funfair and would look forward to riding the Jetstream rollercoaster and the Tip Top ride. My last enjoyable visit was in 1987. the funfair was in full swing with a huge looping coaster operating on the coach park... I visited the town in 2005 and have to say I'm disgusted at the state of this once amazing place... closed shops, tumbled down buildings and drab surroundings. My main heartbreak was the state of the funfair and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I thought it was closed down. why do they put that horrible fencing around the place? Most of the rides I remember had gone and those that remain look shabby and badly maintained. Rhyl has always been a fun place so try resurrecting it as such instead of speculating on pulling down its attractions to build supermarkets.
Tue Aug 29 11:04:36 2006

Stephen from Dublin
Since I was 8 iv been going to Rhyl. Best memories as a child. The locals are the nicest iv come across anywhere. I really enjoy d pantos. It has lost its touch in recent years but I still love going.
Mon Jul 17 10:34:00 2006

Trev
Sorry but Rhyl has had its final day. I have lived in Prestatyn all my 56 years and can remember when Rhyl was a beautiful town with the ponds and pixies and elves, giant frogs and toadstools lining the main road and all lit up in multicolour at night, the floral hall, the much missed domed theatre, the two fairgrounds, the Regal cinema, the Odeon and a favourite of mine when a child Evans Cafe where my dad used to take us after going to the Odeon cinema. Like I said all gone and in the past and I don't think it will ever recover, the people who say they think Rhyl is a great place today must be very easily pleased or need to get out more.
Mon Jun 19 10:28:06 2006

Tom from Rhyl
Rhyl, from my earliest memories visting from Llandudno as a teenager, always had a reputation for being a lively place. How sad it is to see it reduced to a drug ridden, run down, boarded up and burned out shell of its former self. I settled in the town and have lived here for 30 years and seen the failed ventures. The mono rail just another flop. Half of carriages ended up used as green houses in St Asaph after the owners failed to pay for the spray paint job. And then we have the sky tower. What an emblem it represents. Have a look at it and it looks like an upturned syringe. It's the town's beacon, visible for miles around. Perhaps the council will realise the place has gone to the dogs one day and do more than making token efforts. Rhyl needs a Marina, a decent sea front, get rid of the tacky shops and put something proper in their place. There is the potential to get Rhyl back up and running. A comedian once caused great offence at the local theatre when he said if they were to give the world an enema they would stick the tube in Rhyl. Perhaps he had foresight and a vision of the way the place has ended up. There are many lovely people in Rhyl and it saddens me to see what it has become.
Wed Jun 14 08:45:20 2006

diane maitland
Rhyl has changed. Clean beaches are a plus, but loads have altered detrimentally. The town has a downbeat personality, which is a great shame. It could be very beautiful given its backdrop, and it needs its populace to do this.
Mon Jun 12 09:04:22 2006

Mick Thomas, Deeside
I find it amazing when people say therr is nothing for kids to do in Rhyl. The town has Sea, Marine, Army and Air Cadets for one. A lot of my mates are in the Air Cadets 1340 Squadron and they love it. Flying, Gliding, Target Shooting, Adventure Training, Sports, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Fieldcraft and Leadership etc. I wish we had all that where I live! Nothing for kids to do in Rhyl? You lot don't know how lucky you are!
Thu May 18 12:39:49 2006

taffy from cheshire
I like going to Rhyl. Its got all the free basics of a great day out open spaces, sandy beaches and loads of fresh air. In lots of places not far from Rhyl these qualities don't exist. Rhyl has a great opportunity being so close to Englands 'short breakers' to become once again a place of character. Lots is being done as anyone can see to improve the seafront, but someone needs to get a grip on the routine things that visitors to the town spot immediately. Litter is almost an epidemic and spoils a potentially clean and tidy town. Its no good blaming people who consume drugs or those who dont or can't work or those who wear their socks outside their shell suits. Someone has to say enough is enough and organise a clean up and conduct regular inspections. A lot can be done for relatively little cost but it seems they hope no one will notice the rubbish pushed down alley ways and cellars as this is the cheaper option. Or perhaps we can blame the sea breezes for blowing dog poo onto the promenade. C'mon Rhyl get real and introduce systems to enforce the rules against the mess makers. I'll be back to hopefully see things are getting better, I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile thank you for allowing me to enjoy your town its sea and mountain views, clean air, budget shops, and seaside atmosphere, oh and excellent chip shops.
Sun Mar 26 20:27:43 2006

sarah thomas, prestatyn
i have lived in the area all my life and have heard past stories and pictures from my parents and grandparents about how it used to be. i must admit though that it has gone down hill and very run down and yes there is a drugs problem but over the last 12 months there have been some improvements to the area the beaches and streets are becoming cleaner! as for things to do there isn't really much for those under 18 it is more difficult but as for night life its not too bad, vanilla lounge aka scruples is an ace night club to go to there is always a decent DJ on!!! i have always enjoyed living in the local area and think it has been a great place to be brought up!
Fri Mar 24 10:32:17 2006

Roald Jones, Nova Scotia
I actually was born and lived in Prestayn 1932-1947 and immigrated to Toronto. Attended Rhyl County School(later Grammar Sch 1944). Had some wonderful friends in Rhyl, wonder if any of them are still around. Joey Jones, Doug Suimmeers, Brian Faradwy, Yoggi Thomas, Dave Cowan, Arthur Astbury, Hugh Hughes, Glyn Jones (last two sons of teachers at RGS). Pete Sugarman, Garnett and others. It was during the war which had its challanges. Oh happy days! Diolch yn Fawr.
Thu Mar 9 23:07:28 2006

David Griffiths (Chesterfield)
I lived in Handsworth Crescent, Rhyl, from about 1942-1946, & have a few memories. My dad, Jack, was a barber, & cut the hair of some of the stars appearing in the Summer shows - Wee Georgie Wood & Henry Hall amongst them. I can remember going to see 'Where the Rainbow Ends', having my photograph taken with the 'V for Victory' cow at the end of the War, sitting in the cockpit of a plane on the prom, & the amazing spring & autumn ties. I had a pal, Cyril who lived nearby - wonder what happened to him...
Wed Mar 8 14:46:19 2006

edwin p sheppard
i appeared at the gaiety theatre rhyl in 1973/4/5/6. In summer there were four shows a week a sunday show old time and pantomime.
Tue Feb 28 15:08:23 2006

lynda taylor
i lived in rhyl till i was 14 and i still miss it now (i'm 56). i think the council should be ashamed of themselves. they should be spending money improving things to make rhyl as it was. it still can be a beautiful place.
Mon Feb 27 13:42:45 2006

Toni from Rhyl
I have lived in Rhyl all my life so far after my mum and dad moved here from eastern england. I think that Rhyl gets boring a lot of the time as the council say they're gonna do something then take forever doing it but its never as great as they say it will be. The only decent things in Rhyl are the cinema and .......? I can't think of anything else. Me and my mates spent most of our time hanging round on the streets getting into trouble because we can't think of anything better to do. We used to play football on Ffordd Las until they built a fence round it which stopped us from going on there. I think they should build more things for us younger adults/ teens as it would get rid of the bad rep and we wouldnt be out causing trouble any more.
Thu Jan 26 19:05:41 2006

will parker
rhyl is the best piece place in britain the sea is so clean its amazing n rhyl is the place to be
Tue Jan 24 11:20:04 2006

Matty Steele
I think Rhyl is class, I go to the pictures and the coronation gardens and jd and all sports in the White Rose Centre and I love it!
Fri Jan 20 12:24:21 2006

billy, deeside
i spent most of my life living there until about three years a go. i miss the place and all my friends there. it is nice to see all the pics old and new.
Thu Jan 19 15:04:07 2006

Emma Morris from Holyhead
i think rhyl is brilliant i've been going to rhyl every year to go shopping and watching the pantomimes!! the pantos they put on are brilliant and i enjoy myself every year!!! ROCK ON RHYL !!!
Tue Jan 10 20:47:50 2006

Glenys Potter from West Midlands
Having sold our Holiday Caravan in Worcester, to buy one in Rhyl - my daughter also owned one on there - all we could think of was nice walkes, the sea, the beach, friendly people. How I wish I had taken off my Rose Coloured Spectecles, our lives were hell due to the thugs who came in from the local vicinity to wreck our caravan and plots. Yep we English are not liked, but when it comes to our money, it is easy taken from us. We had locals abusing us when the World Cup was on whilst getting out of our car, to pop into the local off licence. Really nice friendly people in Rhyl, no way. I have now taken my Caravan out of Rhyl, after enduring just over 12months of stress. I cried with relief,the old Rhyl in its glory has long since gone. Myself and family will never visit Rhyl again. Our money shall be spend where tourists are respected and welcomed.
Wed Dec 21 14:06:30 2005

vic lou frm denbigh
my gr8 gandad moved to rhyl to start up the roller skating there and my grandad and his brother skated there too. my gradad made my mum and aunties skate they loved puttin on shows wen they were younger a diffrnt 1 each week i started skatin and loved it i hated havin 2 stop n now the clubs gone i cnt go bak. my mum took me dwn wer she used 2 live n she nerly cryd its gone hoible it used 2 b so lovely she kept sayin
Wed Dec 14 16:06:09 2005

Mike from Towyn
Rhyl has been blighted by many factors: seasonal reliance, unemployment and the social housing issues, drugs, lack of local direction etc. For 25 years now Rhyl has been in decline... Rhyl just doesn't have the attraction it used to have. It does need to change and I believe the next 5 years will see a different Rhyl - less reliance on attractions for tourists and more on bringing Rhyl into the 21st Century. It has to improve, it can no longer continue to be the weeping sore it currently is.
Sun Dec 11 13:45:53 2005

Sarah from Abergele
Moving to the beautiful countryside and coastal resort of North Wales for a better life for my children from the hustle of the city - What a huge let down!! Since here, my car has been broken into and stolen, later retrived to then be vandalised. Rubbish everywhere and what is it about scruffy people with track suit bottoms with socks over the top! Certainly not a fashion I'm familar with ha ha! (No offence) I want to feel proud to walk down our streets, not scared or disgusted. Come on Denbighshire, offering wheelie bins might be a start. Lets all get our act together and remember what we are leaving to our children and what our ancestors would say if they could see the place now! My nan, bless her soul used to love Rhyl, get the cash flowing and it could once more be the pride of North Wales instead of the joke.
Sat Nov 12 22:44:11 2005

Paul Owen, Rhyl.
The town could recover its former glory simply by ridding its self of the english city hoards who flock here with their bad attitude and drug habits........ leave this Welsh town to the Welsh people,.. go to blackpool.................please!
Fri Nov 4 11:33:40 2005

Steph Colwyn Bay
I used to live in Kinmel Bay in the 60's and it really has changed a lot since then. Personally I blame the greedy "entrepeneurs" that bought up property and now rent it out. It's attracted a lot of undesirable types, but there are still plenty of people there who care about the place. Come on Rhyl council, why not get together and make plans to restore it to it's former glory? It's a magical place.
Thu Oct 20 13:43:56 2005

Mia from Rhyl
I have lived in Rhyl for all my life now and I have seen a lot of changes. I used to live on the sea front and there was a lot of drug dealers around but now that I have moved I seem to notice a big change. Rhyl is a lot better now.
Mon Oct 3 17:07:15 2005

Natalie from Rhyl
I've lived in Rhyl for 2 years now and I think it's nice but I'm scared when a group of men or a man goes past because of the bad reputation.
Mon Oct 3 17:04:07 2005

alan, australia
I was born in rhyl and watched as the drugs took over, and took mates' lives.
Wed Sep 28 10:52:23 2005

sarah, manchester
I lived in Rhyl for 7 years, moved back to Manchester in 1994. Loved it, but had to get decent qualifications and a good job so came back to Manc.
Wed Sep 7 16:56:38 2005

Antony, Coventry
I lived in Kinmel Bay for almost 9 years, and spent much of my time in Rhyl itself (being a mere 5 minute walk away!). Although while I was there, I hated it, since moving to Coventry, and having my mother and father move to Liverpool and Colwyn Bay respectively, I rarely get chance to return to the town I grew up in, and needless to say, I miss it! It may not have much going for it, and it may not be the nicest place in Britain, but it was home to me. And it still feels that way when I return!
Mon Sep 5 20:45:54 2005

Manpreet Chahal from Birmingham
I visited Rhyl on the 29th August and it was great. There was a park there and the beach was wicked. I would love to live there.
Mon Aug 29 21:02:28 2005

Kirsty, Rhyl
I'm only 16 and have lived in Rhyl for nearly 5 years and I don't like the place. My mum and nan tell me how Rhyl used to be and it sounds so nice but now there is nothing to do for us young ones. Some parts are ok thank god we got the cinema but the rest you can't go anywhere without seein all the down and outs.
Fri Aug 19 10:45:23 2005

Holly Woods
I think Rhyl is very brilliant.
Fri Aug 12 12:36:37 2005

Sue from Nantwich
I used to visit Rhyl every year with my parents and grandparents. This was back in the 1960s when it was a good family resort. It was not as brash as Blackpool and livelier than Southport with the added bonus of beautiful scenery nearby. We all loved it. Going on the trampolines, in the arcades, to the pleasure beach, watching the Punch and Judy show in front of the clock. The highlight of the week for several years was going to see 'The Black and White Minstrels on Ice' (unsophisticated, and now of course, not PC but fun at the time!). I have such good memories of it that I was prepared to be disappointed when I visited there last year for the first time in about 30 years. It was looking run down and there weren't many people around - this was on a weekend in June. From what my parents have said it seems there have been schemes that came to nothing e.g. a monorail, and maybe this is where the money has gone. A lot of work had been done on the promenade and it sounds as though more is in the pipeline and when the visitors start returning there will be more money all round. Good luck, Rhyl, with the regeneration.
Wed Aug 10 21:32:36 2005

Ray Jones (Australia)
I was born and bred in Denbigh and spent much time with me relatives that lived in Rhyl, later when I joined the Army I was lucky enough to be posted to Kinmel Park Camp (I see this has also gone). Rhyl to me was a magical place, the Marine Lake and the Train Rides will always remain in my memories. However in 2003 I visited Rhyl with my son, I was keen to show him the places that I remembered. Guess what they have gone and been replaced by cheap, shoddy areas. The walk down to where the Marine Lake used to be was an eye opener, those pristine Victorian boarding houses, are now nothing more than rubbish dumps. My son was very young when he lived in Bodelwyddan and could not remember any of Rhyl, however he was not too impressed with what he saw. Come on Rhyl, get some pride back, and clean up the empty boating pools, the seats on the prom, make the place excting as it used to be. The amusement arcades are still in place, but what large garish places they are. High Street used to be bustling now it has no character at all. Will I come back? Yes I suppose I will, but clean the place up please.
Tue Jul 19 10:40:22 2005

Gareth Shaw, Glenrothes, Scotland.
My first memories of Rhyl are from the early 70's when I was a young boy. My mother is from Rhyl, coming from a family that built a good proportion of the old red brick buildings in the town. I therefore visited Rhyl pretty much every year until the early 80's when my Taid (grandad) died, he used to be the pumpsman in the long gone open air swimming pool. Since then I have visited Rhyl approximatly every 5 years, and each time things just seem to get worse and worse. I can just about remember the Pavilion before it was destroyed by what seems to be a constant supply of inept local councillors. I know that fires have played a great part in destroying some of Rhyls finest buildings such as the "Queens", but thats no excuse for what seems to be a total inability for the council to maintain what was once a wonderful place. I admit that I used to enjoy attractions such as the slot-machine arcades that have probably had alot to do with the demise of Rhyl, but I am sure as a whole Rhyl was in far better a condition then in the 70's than it is now. I have just payed another visit to Rhyl along with my wife, who used to visit Rhyl as a girl, my mother and my 3yo daughter. What I think shocked me more than the decline of old buildings such as Robins Cafe on the front and the Coloseum Theatre, was the decline of new buildings like the Childrens Village. This has been up no more than 10 years, and look how shabby it looks already, with grass growing out of the roof, and faded paint. I guess the little train track was also no longer in use. I could understand that, if it were out of season, but at the end of June!!! The shelters in the Arena looked very rusty as if they had not been protected from the salt in the air. I get the impression that nobody cares less about Rhyl. I have to say though, that one plus point in my visit was the paddling pool. My daughter loved splashing about in it, as did I, when I was her age (and in fact my age now), and as my mother did when she was young. It also seemed to be still in reasonable condition, unlike the neighbouring boating ponds that were drained, and covered in yet more grass. And what can I say about the funfair but SAD!! I dont know what the answer is, money I suppose, but also it must be within those people that are elected to look after the town and its people. If Llandudno, can look as good as it does now in the 21st century, why cant Rhyl!
Mon Jul 4 15:02:27 2005

Siān Jones
I moved from Rhyl to Australia in 1976 and have always missed the place. It makes me really sad to see how much the council has let the place go to rack and ruin. It used to be full of happy holiday makers enjoying the many things Rhyl has to offer (including Old Pavillion, the Floral Hall, the gardens all along the east prom, the lights in those gardens) now Rhyl appears to be full of 'pommy' rejects who bring nothing but their bad manners and their drug habits with them.
Fri Jun 24 03:57:03 2005

Alex
My nan says that Rhyl used to be a nice place, but it has all gone downhill. I am only 16 but I can't wait to get out.
Fri Jun 17 20:25:19 2005

Steve from Rhyl
I have lived in Rhyl all my life and loved it. From working on the donkeys at a young age to working in the fairground in my teens. Then bringing up my family and they would not move either. The love I have for the town is still here. No matter what other people think of the place the people who live here do care. The Gentleman from Cheshire should understand drugs are a problem all over Britain and not just in our town.
Sun May 22 07:45:52 2005

Mandy, Rhyl
I moved to Rhyl 11 years ago from Prestayn and I can honestly say it is the worst place ever, it is full of druggies and dropouts and the council tax is high but it's not spent on the community. I have moved away and I dread coming back, it really depresses me. It needs to go back to the old Rhyl. Do something decent with it.
Tue Mar 1 10:50:19 2005

Alun Salisbury Cefn Mawr and Cardiff
From the various comments it would seem that Rhyl has changed significantly since my late mother and father took my brother and I on annual holiday there in the late 1940s and early 50s of which we both have happy memories. On arrival at the railway station my parents generally engaged the services of one of the many youngsters armed with a handcart who, for pocket money, would transport our suitcases to our accommodation at 11 Sissons Street, were we always stayed. On one occassion my father bought Manx kippers and left them in his raincoat. With fine weather forecast, they weren't discovered for several days. Phew! The highlight of the holiday was always an ice cream from a kiosk on the promenade and visit to the entrance of Marine Lake and doughnut stall. Mmmmmm with most food on ration, and having saved my pennies from returning empty beer bottles to our local pub, I couldn't wait to buy my first doughnut followed by the inevitable trip on the small steam trains, magic. Many years later, as a young man, I well remember witnessing Cockerell's SRN1 Hovercraft come roaring up the beach from the sea. One Sunday, during its inaugural service from New Brighton/Rhyl I missed the opportunity to travel on this craft. Many years later I corrected this ommission and travelled from Southampton to the Isle of White. It wasn't the same! Less noise and propellers encased in guards. Cockerell's craft was raw. Lots of noise and those propellers were unprotected. How times have changed.
Sat Feb 19 18:34:50 2005

Claire, England
I went down to Rhyl in the summer and I think it's better than it was. I am 15 so am a kid so it must be great for kids my age. When I went there when I was about five it was boring.
Wed Feb 2 11:57:45 2005

James Hope, Stoke
I have been coming to Rhyl since I was four and I love the fun fair, the ocean beach one and I came last year I could not believe how nice the paddling pool was and the beach. We stayed at the hotel opposite the pool and it was really nice and I am coming again this year.
Wed Jan 26 10:45:02 2005

Pete, Cheshire
When I was younger Rhyl used to be a nice place to go on holiday, but it seems to have got worse + worse over the years. Now it seems to be a horrible place! The streets always seem to be full of rubbish. Do they have binmen there? and it has a bad drugs problem + with this brings lots of shoplifting + crime to feed their habits. It is sad but it seems to be happening in most towns all over the country.
Fri Jan 21 12:31:23 2005

Larkin Cooper
I have lived in Rhyl for 69yrs and can honestly say that pre war, it was unsurpassable but now I am ashamed to say that it is a stay away zone. I am only still here because I have been institutionalised. Memories !!!!!
Tue Jan 18 14:21:32 2005

MEADE, LONDON
RHYL IS STILL A PLACE I WILL ALWAYS CALL HOME. HOWEVER MY FOUNDEST MEMORIES ARE OF THE OLD RHYL, THE WAY IT USED TO BE BEFORE THE COUNCIL RUINED THE PLACE BY PULLING DOWN THE OLD AND MAKING WAY FOR THE NEW. WHAT A WASTE OF PLEASURE AND HISTORY, NOT TO MENTION THE WASTE OF MONEY THE COUNCIL POURED INTO THIS, SPENDING MILLIONS ON DEVELOPMENT WHICH NOW NOBODY WANTS. RHYL WAS A GREAT PLACE, I ONLY HOPE THE COUNCIL CLEAN UP THEIR ACT AND START INVESTING WHERE IT IS NEEDED, MAKING RHYL GREAT AND A FUN PLACE TO BE ONCE MORE.
Tue Nov 9 06:44:00 2004

Keith Sloane from Bolton
Every summer holiday was spent at Rhyl. We had no car, so used the coach services from Bolton. It was a magic place, but our last holiday there was spoiled by the theft of our suitcase. Probably about 1969. I think that was when the rot began to set in. All the front was "redesigned". Gone was the sandpit with its glass windproof screen, the Gaiety theatre, the paddling pool, & most missed of all, the bicycle hire place, was it Uncle Toms? My last visit to Rhyl was probably my last. Apologies to anyone who takes offence, but Rhyl has been ruined!
Sat Oct 30 00:57:46 2004

Al Hughes from Florida
I lived in Rhyl in the late 40s. Bliss, sheer bliss! But what's happened? I visited last year - 2003 - and it was a crazy place. Dropouts from society everywhere.. seemed like drug pushers on every corner... the prom is nothing like it used to be. Oh, Rhyl, what did you do to the old Pavilion, with its changing lights? Why demolish such an icon? What happened to Marine Lake? Sad, sad place.... sorry Barry, but I was devastated by the drugs and sheer "cheapness" of this once proud town - the jewel of the North Wales coast - it's down, but hopefully not out, but on my visit, I fear that it's out.....
Wed Oct 20 06:52:44 2004

Barry Jones, Wrexham
Since I have moved back to Wrexham after nearly 30 years in Lancashire I have discovered the pleasure of the Pavilion Theatre. I have already seen some top class shows/plays. The enthusiasm of the audience makes for an even more enjoyable evening. I look forward to many more quality nights. P.S. It's worth the journey.
Thu Jul 22 23:29:51 2004

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