Rhyl holiday camps and memories

Last updated: 17 June 2009

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• Donkeys in Rhyl over the years
• Rhyl past & present
• Growing up in Rhyl
• Old photos - including Rhyl Pier

Neal Potter's family photo shows Rhyl sands and pier, 1957 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  Neal Potter, who shares this our first colour photo of Rhyl pier, writes: "The first colour photograph in our family album. Three generations enjoying the sands at Rhyl, 1957." View original photo

your comments

John Nicholls, Sedgefield
Hello, Elaine Johnson, re Eulah sweets. I remember them well, a corner shop in Water Street. I visit Sunny Rhyl regularly but have never found anywhere that still stocks them. The shop is now a fancy goods and souvenir (!) shop. My favourite place was in the High Street, the Tudor coffee bar. Another favourite memory is of the Open-Air swimming baths with Miss Irene Newport providing the commentary for the diving displays and other entertainment.
Wed Jun 17 07:46:51 2009

Max Jenkins from Blackburn, Lancs.
Re. Sunnyvale Holiday camp. I stayed there the summer of 1939 with mum & dad, my sister and brother. If late for breakfast we had to stand on our chairs and sing the camp song...
"Come down to Sunnyvale
If you are feeling pale
Cast all your cares and sorrows away
If joy and laughter are what you're after
Come Down To Sunny Vale".
The first black-out took place while we were there. I was in the swimming pool when the lights went out. God knows what went on! My strongest memory - the tinned oranges served at breakfast. All the adults signed a book promising to meet again after the war. I was only 11, so thought it all very exciting.
Mon Jun 15 07:58:03 2009

David Griffiths
Hello Margaret Maitland (Williams). Sorry to have missed your February message. I lived in Handsworth Crescent from about 1943-47. My best pal was Cyril Hanky, but lost touch with him a long time ago. I'm not too sure whether I went to Emmanuel School or another one. I remember the toast racks well, & also the pony rides, tricycles on the prom. I had my photo taken with for the local paper with the 'Victory V cow'on VE Day. There was a kiosk on a street in the town centre where you could buy sweets similar to buttermints. My mum took me to see a stage show called "Where the Rainbow Ends," & of course the fantastic spring & autumn high tides on the prom. Faint memories now, but great times!
Fri Jun 12 09:51:49 2009

John Nicholls Sedgefield
Wish I had more time at the library to read all the sunny Rhyl nostalgia, I will return! My father and mother, Bill and Gwen, were licencees at, first, the Royal Hotel and then the North Wales hotel. I went to Christ Church primary and then Rhyl Grammar School. Born in Kinmel Terrace (1944) then moved to Rhydwen Drive, across the road from the famous Cardno clan. Times up! Watch this space
Fri Jun 12 09:50:28 2009

G. Burnell, Prestatyn
Hi, re my reply about the old house on the beach and concrete foundations on the beach near Rhyl Golf Course. There is an excellent photograph of the old cafe on old photos uk.com. It is listed under Prestatyn, Flintshire. It was in its heyday about 1910 and was still there in the 1930s.
Thu Jun 11 08:17:56 2009

Gareth, Chester
I, like so many, was taken to Rhyl with my two sisters a lot for our holidays. We used to stay on the Sunnyvale Camp &, as a child, I remember it being so lovely & fun. I feel this was purely because that's where my father's parents always used to take him with his brothers & sisters (my aunts & uncles) when they were all kids. Sure enough as the years have gone by Sunnyvale became run down. Yes, it has had changes over the years, but I feel not so many changes to make people desperate to go there for a holiday. I now actually have two aunties that own caravans there & I was up there for a long weekend break towards the end of April (2009). I was still very shocked to see how many empty spaces they have. It's hard to believe. I don't mind having a weekend break on Sunnyvale now but no way will I ever have a 'proper' holiday meaning a week or two. I now take my main holidays at Golden Sands, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl. Wonderful site, absolutely fantastic. On the whole though it really does sadden me as I'm sure it does many other people that Rhyl is now so broken down. I can't believe the Welsh Government hasn't done a great deal to really help Rhyl. There has been a lot of changes on the promenade but I feel there is still a hell of a lot that needs doing to make people want to return to Rhyl year after year.
Mon Jun 1 08:52:11 2009

Roy Holliday was London now MK
I worked in Rhyl as a musician from 1949 'til '54. We played in all the various holiday camps including Golden Sands and the Queens Ballroom. During the winter months there was music for private functions in some of the hotels, and of course the Queens Ballroom was open all year round. On a recent visit I was dismayed to find the ballroom is now a rather rundown indoor market and the wonderful dance floor is covered in blobs of chewing gum! I also played in the band that accompanied a series of BBC broadcasts entitled 'Talent Theatre'.
Mon May 18 09:34:28 2009

Steve Brough was Rhyl now Isle of Lewis
Just stumbled onto this site and saw Robert Glasgow's name who I went to school with for a short time. Tony Lever seems to ring a bell but I can't put a face to the name. Lots of good memories of playing rugby with Les Brown and Peter Whitham and working part time on the fair and Ffrith beach. Such a pity that Rhyl has turned into a dump.
Thu May 14 15:21:24 2009

Janice Attard from Cardiff
Thanks to Paul from Manchester for comments about Nancy and Billy Moxham. I also remember the tannoy announcements from Nancy 'Good morning campers' I also remember the singing competition (coming round the mountain/hokey cokey) - imagine kids today joining in something like that! Took my mum to Golden Sands last weekend - looks very smart now. Would love to read some history of the camp - anyone know of a book? Must dig out the photos - got loads. My sister was a 'Miss Golden Sands' in the 70s - she would be thrilled if I posted that picture online.
Mon May 11 11:03:12 2009

Antonia Jackson, Edinburgh
Hi, I am writing in response to Mrs M Bartlett's comment about the house on the beach. I grew up in Rhyl, and only moved to Edinburgh in July last year. We originally lived in Brynhedydd Road, just off the Coast Road in Rhyl, near the golf course, and spent many days on the beach with my mum. She used to tell me that the house was a giant's house that had fallen down, and never cleared away. I know that this isn't true, of course, but a childhood story. It would be interesting to find out what the story is behind it. Anybody have any ideas?
Mon May 11 09:00:34 2009

Mags, Towyn
I have lived in Towyn all my life and what a lot of memories have come back after reading all the letters. I worked on the camps hiring out the social cycles and every night the boss would take us to Rhyl to get the ones that had been dumped and we had to ride them back to Towyn very often with another one hooked up on the back. My mum worked on Golden Sands for years at night in the chip shop and later on she worked in the laundrette. At one time I worked at the milk bar for Johnsons and the army lads would call in for a break army, wagons parked all down the road. Good times.
Mon Apr 20 11:52:42 2009

Joanne
Was there just this weekend, Abergele/Towyn...very busy Easter but looks so shoddy, sad to see this.
Tue Apr 14 11:40:31 2009

Stephen Williams, Rhyl
Re; Lorraine from Rhyl. Your grandad Sam Owens, from Aquarium Street, Rhyl, was my grandmother's brother, her married name was Martha Oliver. I'm the eldest son of Iris & Dennis Williams. I still live in Rhyl & can recall many stories of family parties at your grandad's.
Mon Mar 16 08:48:09 2009

Jamie Clark from Brighton
Colin Robins and Angela Dean are my auntie and uncle. Sadly, my suntie passed away a few years ago and is dearly missed. My uncle Colin is still going strong although not doing as much theatre work as in previous years.
Fri Mar 13 11:52:33 2009

Mrs M Bartlett
As a child I spent regular holidays staying at our bungalow between Prestatyn and Rhyl. We used to walk along the sea wall to Rhyl and I remember a ruined building on the beach where my sister and I spent many hours playing. I think my parents said it was an old riding school and the sea eventually washed it away. Please can you let me know if this is true and where I can find any further information about this.
Wed Mar 11 08:18:35 2009

Rocco Diparno, Rhyl
Hi George, that is my dad he did work for a builder. I would like a copy of the picture if it is possible. Will you get in touch with me please via this site?
Mon Mar 9 10:26:16 2009

Alex Mckeever, Bodelwyddan
I rembember The Miners Camp Marsh Rd Rhyl. Worked there with my sister Stella, Neil Bryan, Dean Bryan, Penny Evans, Cherry Cook, Michelle Gibson, Errol Wriggley, Tony, Bryn, Reg, Paul and Nigel many others 1978-1980. Best time ever we all had, used to get to work early ready for the fun to start, even spent our days off there, should be a reunion would be nice to see people and hear stories of the good times we all had there.
Mon Mar 9 09:19:33 2009

Roy Blackmore, Hamilton, New Zealand
Paul mentioned: "The Black & White HMS Victory type ship in the harbour." It was a quarter scale replica of HMS Conway and was built with loving care by Frank Urmston (who also operated a Holiday Travel business in Rhyl) If I remember correctly, the original "Conway" was wrecked in the Swillies when it broke loose in the Menai Straits.
Fri Mar 6 08:15:24 2009

Chris Boardman from St Helens
Our family always went to Towyn for our annual holidays. I have been going there it seems like forever. My mum and dad, brother and sisters used to go in my auntie's caravan on Golden Sands. I used to love it, going in the amusement arcade on site with the penny slots, having your photo taken on the bikes and going to see it in the shop at the front of the camp. Then, sometimes, going into the theatre, watching shows or to the Black Cat and down Sandbank Road. On the way back to the caravan, I always used to get a strawberry milk from the vending machines - happy days. I now have a caravan there myself, and enjoy weekends there with my husband and my own grown up children and now my little grandchild. I never tire of the place, but, unfortunately it has gone down the dumps. If you stay there during the week out of the main two weeks of season, and go out in the evening around 7, it is like a ghost town. No families bustling about in the amusement arcades and not many in the pubs. Rhyl now has very little to offer. If anyone from the council reads these comments, please try to put Rhyl back on the map with the same things that everyone loved as children. Things like the paddling pool (I know there is a new one) with its fountain and mini golf, Punch and Judy by the Clock Tower, and a proper fairground that used to be very full at one time if I remember. I will be at my caravan again this season, and I alway reminisce about the old days, going on the beach and through the ridge of sludge which squished between your toes before you got to the sea and crab hunting in the rock pools, and crying the day we had to come home. Ah, if only it was the same as when I was a child.
Thu Mar 5 08:11:25 2009

Hazel Taylor, London
I was captivated reading all these memories of Rhyl. My memories are of Rhyl between 1973 and 1986. I left aged 17 to live in London. I was wondering, does anyone remember the Gay Harris Dancers? I was a member of this troupe and would love to hear from anyone who was a member.
Mon Mar 2 10:11:06 2009

Paul from Old Colwyn
Being brought up in Abergele, I recall numerous times travelling to Rhyl as a young boy (mid 60s era) on the bus and looking across the Voryd Harbour. There was black and white HMS victory type sailing ship moored by the harbour wall for a while. Does anyone remember it? What it was there for and where it go?
Tue Feb 24 08:23:26 2009

Louise Sorenson (Jones) from Llay
My father was a miner in Llay, nr. Wrexham. I was the youngest of five children and Golden Sands was the highlight of my year. We would rent a four berth caravan for a week from Mrs Taylor (the shop) in Llay. We hired a man by the name of "Wilf" to drive us to Rhyl as we did not own a car. We thought that we were going to the end of the world and packed everything we owned. All of the neighbours would come to send us off with reminders to sent them postcards! Two days later half of them would turn up to "visit" and my poor mother would spend her entire holiday cooking for everyone! We always had several uninvited guests that would stay! I loved the two seated bikes and watching the lights on the sea late at night with my brother. The gas lights in the caravan have remained in my memory as a cozy reminder of a simpler time. I now live in the US and have my own summer cabin. I realise that I have based many of the things I do and the way I welcome friends and family to my summer home has a lot to do with those happy memories of my childhood in Rhyl. It makes you realize that the love of family and friends around you is worth the world. You don't need a lot to have a wonderful time if you have loved ones to share it with. I have tried to explain this time to my three children but they are so far removed from it that it saddens me that they can't relate to my stories. Reading this site made me very happy to realize that others in the world have a unified memory of how it was. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts.
Mon Feb 23 08:34:01 2009

Jack Williams
Wondering if there is anyone out there who would remember Rhyl from 1938-48? My father moved us back there from Toronto On. in 1938. We lived there and I was schooled there for the next 10 years at which time my sister Marg and I returned to Toronto, Canada. During that 10 years, I attended Emmanuel Secondary School and worked for Robinson's Fish Market after classes. I also worked for Lewis's Garage after leaving school, near Marine Lake. My father (also called Jack Williams) worked for Espleys Butcher Store. The family lived at 71 Handsworth Crescent. After being away from Rhyl for over 50 years, I took a trip back there in 1996. The only thing which remained the same were the donkeys being walked to the beach. I went to the old house and a very nice elderly couple let us have a look around inside and out. Nothing seemed to have changed. Everything seemed a lot smaller than I remembered. It was a great walk down memory lane. Would like to hear from anyone who lived in Rhyl at that time.
Mon Feb 23 08:30:17 2009

Margaret Maitland (Williams) Rhyl,1940-48
I have fond memories of growing up in Rhyl. Does anyone remember the toast racks (trolley cars)? I lived on Handsworth Cres, went to Emanuel school. I have lived in Canada since 1948.
Mon Feb 23 08:15:58 2009

George, Rhyl
Rocco. I remember your mother I think when she was married to Rocco Diparno who in the 1950s worked for my father who was a builder in Rhyl. Was he your dad? I have a picture of him on a building site in Handsworth Crescent.
Fri Feb 20 14:17:08 2009

ROCCO DIPARNO FROM RHYL
I was born in Rhyl 1963, moved to Wrexham in 1986. I lived in Rhyddwen Drive. My mum worked in the Derbyshire Miners Camp as a cleaner. Her name was Gwen Diparno. She passed away in 1977. I was wondering if any one remebers her? It would nice to her from them. Also, it would be nice if the council could put back Rhyl as it was in the '60s and '70s like the pavilion and Punch and Judy by the clock.
Tue Jan 27 10:48:37 2009

Rona Medforth nee Jones
Message to Alison Bird. Lovely to read your wonderful childhood memories shared by everyone brought up in Rhyl for sure! They were certainly good times and you're right, some decisions made by the council haven't always been for the best. Do you remember the laughs we had working in Summers Cafe? Lots of good times shared in Rhyl growing up, too many to mention.
Thu Jan 8 10:32:26 2009

Raph
Yes loved Rhyl, happy memories indeed 1950s and 60s. Always stayed at the Arundel 58 Parade owned by the Warley family (would love to hear from them). Remember the fun fair, pavillion with its colour changing dome, open air paddling pool, cycle track, bowling green, skating rink, golf course and yes that indoor market where in the pet section they always sold puppies, usually white poodles. I used to cry 'cause my dad would not let me take one home. Really happy fond memories of Rhyl and the people...at the Arundel I met a nice girl there in the mid 60s. Her name was Sheila Gascoigne from a children's home in Penkhull, Stoke on Trent.
Mon Dec 29 10:02:22 2008

Paul Bexfield, Manchester
Love the stories about golden sands. Billy and Nancy Moxham were actually brother and sister, she was an ex tiller girl and would often ride around the pavilion on a monocycle. Does anyone else remember the contest one side singing the hokey cokey and the other she'LL be coming round the mountain? Nothing like it today love to hear from anyone who remembers.
Fri Dec 12 11:49:53 2008

David
Looking at some pictures of it today, it really doesnt look like Pontins has changed much. I must get there one day to see the locations for Holiday on the Buses!
Official on the buses forum - otbfanforum.4umer.net
Mon Oct 13 09:06:05 2008

Alison Bird (nee Hawkins), Essex
I was born in St Asaph and lived in Rhyl during the '60s & '70s. Glad it still inspires people to write, sad it's about the past as the council have managed to decimate the place over the past 30 years. My family and school friends are still there but I still remember it as it was and mourn the loss of all those wonderful childhood memories. The pier (I think the fortune teller was Petulengro?), the swingboats near the lifeboat house, the Floral Hall, the Pavilion (knocked down because it was unsafe, yet the dome fell in one piece!), the open air pool, the illuminations (the Pavilion had lovely coloured lights across the dome), the fair with the Mad Mouse and the Caterpillar. To the lady who queried the pet shop in the market. Yes, they did sell puppies. Upstairs was the fortune teller and lots of tropical fish, bit of a mini-zoo. I was a teenager during the rise of clubs like Incognitos / So & So's, the Bistro (of course, with Pete Trehearn sitting at the top of the stairs), the Downtown; and please don't ever forget the Faenol Fawr (where I worked on the supper bar and in Poppeys when owned by Dave (RIP) and Maggie Hall), the Stables and the brilliant Louis Parker who put the place on the map and brought talent to the town. (another RIP). And to the guy who queried Mickey Thomas. Yes, he married Debbie Dean who was a Miss Wales contestant; I was pally with her at the time.
Wed Oct 1 08:32:12 2008

Rob Glasgow, Melbourne
Hello Tony, remember you all. Hhave been in contact with Pauline through Friends rReunited. Mum and dad are still going strong. I used to get my haircut by your dad a long time ago. Was very sorry to hear he had passed away, remember your mum too . She was always in the shop with your dad making sure all was well. Hope you and Robin are both OK even though we are all a good bit older. My best regards to you and your families. Say hello to your mum for me and just tell her my mum has not grown any over the years. Also, say hello to Pauline for me and wish her all the best.
Sat Sep 27 09:55:28 2008

Tony Lever, Rhyl
To Robert Glasgow, Only talking about your Mum with my Mum few weeks ago. She used to come to our ladies hairdressers on Wellington Road. Her favourite expletive was "Oh Scissors" when anything went wrong. All the family are still living in the Rhyl area; Pauline, Robin and myself.
Wed Sep 24 07:57:16 2008

Gwen Hickman, (formerly Beer), Lincolnshire
How sad to see how this lovely little town has deteriorated. I have wonderful memories of Rhyl. In 1940 my father was evacuated to Rhyl with the Civil Service and my sisters and I grew up there. I was 10 years old at the time. I went to the Emmanuel Central School, and when I left, after working as a copy typist in the Queen's Hotel(which had been taken over by the Civil Service along with many other hotels on the sea-front). I joined the Manchester Repertory Company based at the Pavilion Theatre at the age of 15. (What a wonderful theatre it was with the lovely dome - why on earth did they pull it down?) I used to take my script to the open air swimming pool on the Front to lie in the sun and learn my lines. I used to ride out of a riding school run by a Justin Roythorne, along the beach and Every Friday night my sister and I would go to the Queens Dance Hall where the big bands would play. On Saturday mornings we would go to Sidoli's cafe for a 'frothy coffee' as it was called then. This was a routine for all the young people. We would also frequent the Milk Bars for a milk shake. I do not remember any crime in Rhyl- it was quite safe to walk home after the dance, either along Russell Road or along the Front. We lived on Eaton Avenue, about 20 minutes walk from Rhyl centre. My Dad used to go to the Conservative Club. I remember Joseph Holroyd of the Manchster Rep very well and the Company was run by a Mr Armitage Owen. Rhyl was the most lovely resort - the beach was lovely with all the sand dunes and the town itself was safe and clean. I went on to have quite a successful theatrical careeer after my wonderful grounding with the Manchester Rep. I am so sad and will never go back there - I prefer to remember it as it was
Wed Sep 17 10:49:19 2008

Janice Attard from Cardiff
We went to 'Golden Sands' Holiday Camp in Towyn near Rhyl from the mid '60s until the late '70s. We loved it - especially the penny slots and the entertainment in the 'club' (probably wasn't called a club then!). There was always a good film -'The Wizard of Oz' sticks in my mind 'cos my mum had to take my brother back to the caravan as he was scared of the witch - and Uncle Billy and Aunty Nancy ran some cracking shows. Mind you, Uncle Billy was a bit grumpy and Aunty Nancy scarily made up on close examination?! Walking along the sea wall to the Black Cat amusment arcade, finishing off with a Horlicks before bed and lying in the caravan listening to the 'pop pop' of the gas lights - happy days! Took my kids to Rhyl in recent years - sad to see its deterioration, hope it manages to regain some of the past dignity as it was a very special place.
Tue Sep 16 08:25:15 2008

Margaret Shipley, ex Rhyl
To Robert Glasgow. Yes I remember you. At least I rememember your family. We were the Davies from the end of Warren Road. My sister Janet was a good friend of Jean and I have a lovely photograph of them both together when they came to visit me in Bath. They would have been about 17 at the time it was taken. I remember your Mum as a lovely little lady, always chatty and friendly. Nice to hear about you.
Fri Sep 12 15:29:02 2008

Janette Webber, Redding
Hi Moira, I do remeber you. Yes, my husband is Eebber and his brother is Gene, who also lives in the USA. My mom, Britt, is visiting Rhyl at the moment. We were over this past summer. Oh what changes! Your mom knows my husband's mom, Lilly, she lives here in Redding. Nice to catch up. Do you have a Facebook page? look for me if you do and I can share some pictures.
Wed Sep 10 09:12:22 2008

Neal Potter, Creswell
Family holidays between 1952-1965 (age 3-16) were taken at the Derbyshire Miners Holiday Camp at Rhyl. The whole village took a holiday together as Creswell pit closed down for its two-week holiday. Coaches lined the main street to take people to Skegness or to Rhyl. It was an annual event to which we, as children of the village, looked forward immensely. The week varied from year to year on a rota basis. Some years we could be going in the first week of June. Another year we would be away in September. It is hard to imagine now – now we have cars - but back then it was the only escape from day to day life in the mining community. The journey was part of the enjoyment. Not many things in life could have given us so much pleasure of stepping off that coach and into world of the Derbyshire Miners Holiday Camp.
Thu Sep 4 08:10:00 2008

Robert Glasgow, Melbourne, Oz
Just found this site. Lived in Rhyl 1955 to 1979 then emigrated to Australia, still here. Went to Christ Church then Glyndwr then Rhyl High. Mum and dad had bed and breakfast in River St. Dad worked for then named British Rail. Had one sister named Jean. Had a great childhood there especially in the summer time, all the holiday makers would invade and you could not move on the prom. I then moved to Victoria Ave near the marine lake and Dawsons taxis were on the corner, the Sun Inn at the top of the road and the Royal Oak. Used to go the Dixie on Saturdays or the holiday camps as was the norm or along the prom just to see the sights and risk one of those glorious hamburgers or hot dogs available outside all the arcades. Yes they were very good memories and loved reading all the various stories people remember. If anyone remembers me get in touch. All the very best to you all.
Thu Aug 14 10:30:41 2008

Paul Bottomley, Sowerby Bridge
Love it in Rhyl, been going there 18 years. Just come back last Saturday and re booked again for 6 weeks' time.
Tue Aug 5 10:55:17 2008

Graham from Bodelwyddan
Originally from Stockport I began caravanning in Towyn as a baby in my grandparents' van on Fourways Camp, Gors Road. I recall the only arcade was at the bottom of Sandbank Road just before the level crossing to reach the sea wall, followed by one at Happy Days and the Black Cat. Who can remember the small greengrocers at the crossroads which was attached to the end of the terrace of surgeries, now demolished? The bungalows on Sandbank Road had open ditch in front of them and each had a small footbridge to cross for access, probably culverted now. I enjoyed rides on the open top bus service from Winkups to Lyons camp route number was M87 I think. Rhyl itself is now starting to improve from a very deep low of a few years ago but is becoming more a coastal town now than a resort. It seems Rhyl was only able to shoot itself in the foot in the past, clearing away the attractions that made it a family resort and producing horrors like the children's village, the open air arena (useful for about 5 days a year) although I do think the drift park is an improvement with plants and shrubbery, certainly better than the old delapidated paddling and boating pools. Some people refer to the botanical gardens going, I think they mean the magnificent Royal Floral Hall glasshouse which was impressive. The Botanical Gardens are still with us but are really a park about 1 mile inland near the Rhyl FC stadium. I still love North Wales which I why I live here, but nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Mon Aug 4 10:17:30 2008

Lorraine from Rhyl
My grandad, Sam Owens, had a B&B in Aquariam Street in Rhyl until the early 80s does anyone remember him? He also ran a pram and bike shop. My brothers and sister had a great childhood being brought up in Rhyl with lots of tales to tell our children and grand children.
Thu Jul 31 09:20:32 2008

John McDonald from Thailand
Lived in Rhyl for 25 yrs, great place. Worked on the door of the Dixieland Kramers also known as the Shomaker. Also, worked many years for Les Hughes Removals. Anyone remember me? I was also known as Johnny Mac.
Mon Jul 21 09:01:11 2008

Maggi Blythin (Reading), Rhyl
Reading these comments brought back some very happy memories. I used to go to the Derbyshire Miners with my friend, Rhiannon, (I think her Mum worked there) and we used to spend most of our time in the little amusement arcade. I used to love that record 'They're coming to take me away ha, ha' which always seemed to be playing.I'm involved in compiling an archive of old photos of Rhyl (on behalf of Rhyl History Club). They are stored on a computer in Rhyl Library and we have produced 2 CDs so far and show the pics at local venues. If anyone has any they would like to include please contact me via the web team.
Wed Jul 16 09:18:07 2008

Joanne Smith from Liverpool
From as young as I can remember Rhyl and Towyn have always been my second home. From very young to my late teens the family would get home from school on a Friday afternoon and by seven o'clock in the evening we would be eating our tea in the caravan then go the park or that long golden sandy beach to throw skims in the sea. Oakfield caravan site was where our caravan was, and when I was old enough I got a job around the site. There were many fab memories to lap over of them days where we didn't care that we would ever get bored because we never did. We made lots of friends in Towyn that we still are in touch with, and the best thing of all is that my own children are growing up having the same experiences because they are now going there with us. Beats going abroad any day...
Mon Jul 14 08:31:41 2008

Raphy
I used to love Rhyl. My dad always took me there in the '50s and '60s. We stayed at the Arundel Hotel, 58 West Parade, corner of John St. The owners were the Wharley family. They had 2 daughters, Angela and Susan. I would love to get in touch with them again.
Tue Jun 24 09:09:11 2008

Paul Woodhouse, Manchester
Things I remember about Rhyl from around 1974-1982: Botanical gardens, the big ship that used to be in a cabinet in Rhyl train station. The pictures across the road from the train station. Remember watching Live and Let Die there. Must have been around '74-'75. Got my first new bike from the bike shop in Rhyl town centre 1976. Them old green buses where you had a ticket collector. Cutting across the field from Pines holiday camp. Then jumping across the stream and railway lines to get into Robin Hood. Saved about 50 minutes from walking all the way round. Going swimming in Rhyl baths. Parry's corner. My god where have all those years gone...
Wed May 28 08:19:05 2008

Sue, Flint
I've just spent a good hour reading all the comments posted about Rhyl - really enjoyed them all. Used to go there on holiday as a child to Winkups caravan park - I remember the smell of the oil lamps in the caravans - but fish and chips never tasted as good as on that fold-down table. When I was about 15 I had a weekend job at a cafe called the Westbourne which was by the Marine Lake - it had an upstairs and a downstairs and was always full to capacity. As I got older I remember the nightclubs there, the Palace, Dixieland and the Haven and also the Lido in Prestatyn - they used to have a man that at the end of the night used to dance on top of the piano - it was all planned by the management and everyone used to go wild clapping and cheering. Rhyl holds fond memories for me because I also used to take my son there to the fair and the paddling pool. I can also remember the Botanical Gardens and the outdoor swimming pool and also the indoor market where there was a stall selling pets. They used to have puppies for sale - no way could they do that now and also there was like an upstairs grotto where a fortuneteller used to tell fortunes - does anyone remember any of this? We are talking about the early 60s. Could really go on all night - such happy memories.
Wed May 21 09:01:58 2008

Pete R, Wrexham
Marine Lake, Black Cat Amusements, Winkups holidays, The Rotor in the fair, The promenade paddling pool, Evan's Cafe, putting greens and it always seemed to be sunny in Rhyl, now if I ever go there it always seems to rain, coincidence? Incidentally, does anyone remember the invasion of ladybirds in 1975?
Tue May 20 07:14:18 2008

Will Roscoe, Rainhill
I visited Rhyl last September the first visit since the Sixties - all the magic has disappeared; that magical walk along the front, dinner in Sheperd's cafe, and a couple of hours on the fair then a walk back to see a show in the large white domed theater, The Little Theatre Clwyd gone, the botanic gardens gone. Also, the wonderful gardens which surrounded them. What I saw was what people now call progress. If Rhyl is now what people want I think I would rather live in the past with my memories. Goodbye that little haven of my childhood called Rhyl and good luck to the planners with their derelict hotels, grubby streets Rhyl is now a place of the past. Finished...
Wed May 14 08:47:12 2008

Denise James from West Bromwich
I used to go to Rhyl every year with my mom, dad and brothers. Then as we grew up I used to go with my mates. We used to stay on the Robin Hood camp. I took my own two children back there 2 years ago. After 15 years it brought back so many happy memories as my mom and dad have both died now. Never forget the laughs we had.
Wed Apr 30 08:50:28 2008

Gaz Hughes, Birmigham
Whose bright idea was it to bulldoze one of the best seaside fairs in Britain? Rhyl has been rundown for years, by doing that it has virtually killed it for the tourist. Rhyl was a great place for parents to take their kids, there used to be a big sign as you came in to Rhyl from Towyn which read 'Welcome to Rhyl, the children's paradise'. What a joke, I have some fond memories of our caravan holidays in Towyn as a kid. Later on when I was a teenager my parents later my various caravans, on Abbyforda and Gaingview camps, then in the 80s & 90s me and my mates were regular visitors to Rhyl and its nightlife, many pubs, clubs, such as, Dixieland, Downtown, Scooner, Kings, Cavern, Orange peel, Bistro, Havern, Kestrol, Mermaid, Imperial, north Wales inn. We especially had some good times at the Bridge Club where whatever time we turned up Ann and Selwyn made us welcome, our pool matches, Rhyl lads V Brummie lads were legendary, I think we edged it (maybe). I still go to Towyn with my own kids and have some great times, while there we always visit Rhyl, it hurts me to see the state of the place. Great memories. Long Live Rhyl!
Mon Mar 31 10:35:31 2008

Paul Woodhouse, Manchester
Having said before in another comment, I spent around 12 lovely years staying at Pines Holiday Camp. I was talking with my elder brother last week and he recalls the site being called Maes Gwilliam (don't think that's spelt right) before being re-named Pines. He also recalls former Man United and Wales player Mickey Thomas living on the housing estate just outside the site. I'm sure he was living with Miss Wales at the time. Wonder if anybody could confirm this?
Wed Mar 26 09:50:57 2008

Kevin Jones, Creswell, Derbyshire
Message to Paul Steeples, Derbyshire: Hi Paul, I too live in Derbyshire and went to DMHC 16 years on the trot. I note in your footnote you have some programmes from the camp. I would be very grateful if you could let me have a look at them please to bring back the best years of my holiday life.
Thu Mar 20 08:58:56 2008

Barbara White ex performer
Derbyshie Miners' Holiday Welfare Centre? Memories came flooding back. I was a performer and redcoat for 2 years. About 1962/63. I worked with Roy Lance, Patrick and Olivia, Tony Lester and Bill Kelly and remember George the organist, he was a brilliant musician, and his wife Doris very well. He used to pile us in to his "Happy Wagon" on days off and we would go heading for the hinterland and hills of deepest darkest Wales. Happy days. Other artists I remember are The Judons, Dawn Heyworth trumpeter, Brenda, singer and trumpeter and Paul a comic her boyfriend, who stayed at the bungalow opposite the camp. A duo, Colin Robbins and Angie Dean. So many others I can picture but can't recall their names. Another senior moment. A real blast from the past. Thanks for the memories.
Mon Mar 10 16:28:21 2008

Sylvia Fearn from Oldham
Mum and I always used to stay with my Aunty Betty and Uncle Sam at Arfon Grove, Rhyl. As a child, aunty had various seasonal jobs including the Rendezvous Cafe, a launderette where she washed the clothes of visiting entertainers. I remember The Dallas Boys. And uncle also worked in various jobs including the cycle track. Does anyone remember the model village? And my cousin, Barbara Milligan, Miss Rhyl, around 1965. I spent most days on the beach, or the outdoor pool, or the paddling pool, or watching Punch and Judy -lovely memories!
Mon Mar 10 09:28:54 2008

Kevin Jones, Creswell, Derbyshire
My happiest holiday memories were in Rhyl. Every year from 1960-1974 our family would spend a week's holiday at the Derbyshire Miners holiday centre on Marsh Road. I remember Tony's inn, ballroom, camp shop, camp photographer and the red coats - marvellous times. I won king of the dolphins 3 times running, lol. Visited for the 1st time in 33 years last year. Wow, what a change - and not for the better. The camp's gone and the town is a shambles. Our 81 year old mother was quite upset by the deterioration of our favourite holiday destination. Come on Rhyl, you can do better. It's not the way it was. Perhaps it will be another 33 years before we or our offspring come again. RIP Rhyl.
Mon Mar 3 08:43:27 2008

Elaine Johnson, Blackpool
I now live in Blackpool, but during the time I lived in Rhyl in the late '40s - early '50s. I remember a sweet/rock shop that had a machine in the window stretching the rock from roller to roller and we bought white boxes of 'Eulah' rock/sweets, which were shaped into little white balls. I still remember the sensory delights of opening those small white boxes; a memory that never fades! Does anyone remember where this shop was (on the High Street maybe) and does anyone know if 'Eulah' still exists?
Thu Jan 10 08:46:36 2008

Ken
Every year my village went to Rhyl on seven double deckers that was back in the '60s. Now sadly Rhyl is a shadow of what it was. Lets hope the council can bring it back to it former glory.
Mon Dec 24 09:25:04 2007

Bill Chadwick, Morecambe
Just like to say hello to Moira Fisher nee Tierney. Do you remember going to the silver blades ice rink with me back in the late 60s?
Tue Dec 4 09:56:55 2007

Margaret Holmes
We have spent many years going to Rhyl and Towyn in my young days with all the family. My husband and myself have taken our own boys to Towyn and have lots of happy memories of holidays. If you have young children I would recommend a visit to Knightleys in Towyn, both adults and children can enjoy themselves.
Tue Nov 6 13:37:40 2007

Brian Blackford from Voorschoten, The Netherlands
I spent two weeks at the Coventry Co-op holiday camps in both 1954 and 1955 (aged 6-7) with my family. I remember the sports competitions well...and the chalets...the bunk beds...the rough blankets. We used to take out a temporary membership of Rhyl lending library when we were there. I remember collecting buckets of cockles from the beach and my parents boiling them up on a gas ring in the chalet. There were huge concrete and steel anti-landing craft blocks on the beach left over from the war. There was a fancy dress competition each week and my mother sewed our costumes by hand out of crepe paper. I learned to ride a bike on the camp and have a coloured photograph of this event... I also have many other coloured and black and white photographs of both the camp and my family on Rhyl sea-front from those years. I also have coloured photographs of our entries in the fancy dress competitions. I only remember very happy times in Rhyl.
Mon Oct 22 08:43:55 2007

Ciara from Whiston
Whiston is a beautiful place - you should really visit it sometime.
Mon Oct 15 09:02:40 2007

McCarthy family from Liverpool
In the 1970s we thought "me" Auntie Mary and uncle Tommy were dead posh cos they used to go to Sunnyvale Holiday camp every year. My family used to get the Crosville bus in Liverpool and go and visit them for a day during Ford's shutdown fortnight. One year my Dad won on the horses when we were there (his holiday treat to himself) and we stayed the week. Auntie Mary borrowed changes of clothes for us all from her friends whilst ours were washed and dried! There were 6 of us and 6 of them - God only knows where we slept in a chalet for 6 - I think my cousins were farmed out to stay with friends who had empty beds in their chalets! We rented our own chalet for several years afterwards and had great times! One time there were over 20 of my relatives on the site! I remember my Dad dressing up as a lady on Topsy Turvy night and winning the Dads' running race! He used to organise games for us all on the beach, people thought he was the camp's children's entertainer! Happy memories!
Mon Oct 1 09:02:50 2007

Gene Groves[nee Tierney] Morpeth, Northumberland
Hi Cheryl/Anne Faulkner and Jill Davies
Enjoy reading about Rhyl and lovely to read about the Camp, DMWHC! Remember you all very well. I remember Gaynor coming across to our bungalow soon after Xmas and we had some cider in the house - rare for us to have alcohol there. We had some cider and after she went home she could not fill her hot water bottle, she told me because she saw 2 holes - seeing double. We used to dance to our jukebox in the bungalow. It used to spend the summer in the camp arcade where I worked. We all danced the night away at the camp and used to look forward to the different boys who arrived at the camp from the mining towns. Lots of letters with SWALK etc afterwards! I am a published poet and also have had a couple of short stories published. I have one, unpublished, about the Camp and it focuses on your brother Geoffrey. Very vivid memories of him and the Camp! Too long to type on here though! One of the poems in my book is about the Floral Hall and I notice a lot of people miss it.My younger sister Moira reads this site too. I will visit Rhyl again in Oct. My uncle will be 90 then. Party planned!
Mon Sep 24 09:41:43 2007

Adam Who?, Rhyl
Being a life-long Dr Who fan I remember riding in the red coin-operated Dalek inside the Marine Lake arcade. The thrill of controlling the raygun and plunger arm while it rocked to and frow, lights flashing and the odd 'Exterminate!' from the voice box within was huge event for this small boy. I'm happy to say that I am now the proud owner of that very Dalek, rescued from the bulldozing of the site during the mid-80s. Funny how things turn out isn't it?
Thu Sep 20 08:55:04 2007

Jake
I remember when I was only two years old and my mum took me to the beach and I bought an ice cream and had a go on the donkeys. x
Tue Sep 11 15:11:25 2007

Paul, Stoke on Trent
Our first family holiday was to the Golden Sands Holiday Camp just outside of Rhyl. It was 1967, and I remember it for all the wrong reasons as it was very hot and I got sun stroke. I didn't get fooled again! Can anyone else remember being woken up by the tannoy announcing 'This is Aunty Nancy to tell you about today's entertainment'? There was also an Uncle Jack. We holidayed there for the next couple of years before Tower Beach at Prestatyn became our regular destination.
Mon Aug 20 10:57:59 2007

David Hughes, Nottingham
I've just published a book about growing up in Rhyl in the 1960s. It is called The Reso by Ambrose Conway and it features many of the episodes mentioned here, "casing" on a Saturday morning - carrying the cases of visiting holidaymakers to the local camps for pennies, the fair and the little train round the Lake. It is notable how many times Sidoli's and the paddling pool get a mention. Happy days!
Tue Aug 7 16:49:37 2007

David Molyneux from St Helens
I can remember my Grandma's, or Mother as we knew her, caravan in a site near Towyn (we were told it was Rhyl) in the late 70s/early 1980s, 1 caravan from the railway line, the trains used to wake us in the morning as they rushed past. I don't know the site name but can remember it wasn't very big but had its own amusements and was just down a side road near the Black Cat amusements, just wish I knew the site name! I can remember going out of the back of the camp and using the rickety old footbridge over the railway to get to the beach. The bridge had all the boards replaced the last year we were there, in about 1982.
Mon Aug 6 11:35:09 2007

JOHN H, LIVERPOOL
Crosville bus ride from Holywell via Dyserth to Rhyl was a big deal as a kid. Going on the miniature railway around the fair and donkey rides. Ice creams and pop on the beach, looking around Woolies, buying Airfix kit models and Dinky die cast toys. Avoiding the gangs along the prom, and the effluent that floated back in the incoming tide. Finally, getting the Crosville bus back to Holywell, sitting on the front seat near to the driver and watching the bus steaming and struggling tos make it to the top of Well Hill in the summer heat of the ixties!
Fri Aug 3 09:28:50 2007

Pam Banks from Wolverhampton
Just visited Rhyl for the first time in 30 years. Lot of my childhood memories dashed - no bike park, roller skate rink where I had my own skates, the putting greens, the bowling greens where we used to watch mom and dad play and then walking up to the botanical gardens when you walked in the parrots were there. Then, when it was dark, we would walk up the front. There would be themes with flowers and lights - better than Blackpool. I am sure I went on the pier there but nobody seems to remember it. Still got my memories.
Wed Aug 1 08:12:08 2007

John Creber, Stoke-on-Trent
The Mayor Of Golden Sands(a poem for my dad)
Imagine I could turn back time –
And you were strong and in your prime –
To Golden Sands beside-the-sea,
When I’d have been just two or three.
The five of us could all be there
The week that you were made 'The Mayor',
Complete again, and I could see
The secret smile you’d save for me.
To feel wet sand between my toes,
To laugh at games and talent shows.
Those double bikes! And pedal cars,
And walking back beneath the stars.
And hear the waves – they'd nearly reach
Our caravan, right by the beach –
The sleepy shifting shingle noise
A lullaby for girls and boys.
Was life as simple as it seems?
At least you understood our dreams.
And we were safe in your strong hands –
The finest Mayor of Golden Sands.

Thu Jul 26 15:57:15 2007

Stewart Hamilton, Manchester
I remember staying at a mate's caravan on Marine Park caravan site (next to the railway station?). My father in law has now bought a caravan on Marine Park, but when I went to visit I could not find the Marine Park of the mid 1980's. Did they move the caravan site? If so when? I eventually found my father in law on "Marine Park"...please help anybody? Thanks.
Mon Jul 9 09:54:18 2007

Chery Lloyd and Anne Phillips nee Faulkner from Rh
We have so many memories of the Derbyshire miners' holiday camp. Our parents Ken and Nan Faulkner were the manager and manageress for many years. We remember so many people, Eirwen Davies who was the housekeeper there for many years and her family, Jill now Baker, Tony, Sian and Geraint who we fondly nicknamed Nigel Wynne. Also little Mair and Lil Clegg who worked in the linen room with Mrs Davies. Moira and Gene and Nora Tierney. There are so many people we remember - too many to mention but would love to hear from anyone who remembers us and our brother Geoff who took over from our Dad (after we sadly lost him in 1982) as Manager and along with our mother managed the camp until it was sadly closed in 1984. To this day people still come into the Post Office where I work or stop us in the street and reminisce about the good old days at the Derbyshire miners. Sadly, we lost our Mum 5 years ago but it is nice to think her and our dad live on through the camp in people's memories. Does anyone remember our late friend Gaynor nee Davies - she was Eddie the painter's daughter?
Thu Jun 14 12:40:41 2007

Abby Doyle from Liverpool
So many happy memories of Rhyl and the Golden Sands holiday camp. We went every year because my sister lived there. The train trip alone was exciting. When we reached Wales there were always boys with prams etc to carry our cases to the camps or buses. I remember the caravans with their gas mantles which I always managed to break because they were so flimsy. The camp held nightly concerts or dances to entertain the campers. They had a resident photographer who roamed the camp and took snaps of happy campers which were sold in the shop. We had to have the inevitable tour to Holywell to get some holy water from the pool there and visit Holywell Church. Towyn was also on our list of places to visit and get yummy cakes from the bakery there. A trip to the Great Orme to put my dad's name in stones at the top. I remember there being a famous boxer, Randolf Turpin, who was an attraction at the top and I had my picture taken with him and mum while there once.
Tue Apr 17 13:49:33 2007

Brian Hastie, Sidmouth
Every year, in the 1940s and 1950s, our parents took the gang of us to either Lyons Camp, Rhyl or Treetops in Trelogan. We travelled from Liverpool on the ferry and bus and still remember the traffic jams in Queensferry. When we went to Trelogan we changed buses in Holywell and the same inspector was always on duty. In Lyons camp we used to wave to the train driver and passengers and then ride on the open top bus into Rhyl. In our memories it is a very special place.
Tue Apr 10 09:30:00 2007

Anon
Just to say in 1999 visited Rhyl with my family. Husband Keith was brought up in Pentre Halkyn so were back visiting family but you can't go to North Wales without going to Rhyl. My son who was 9 at the time loved it, all the arcades, as we dont have them here in Adelaide, South Australia. We must have went every couple of nights with the coins to use on the machines. Loved it and will definitely be back next time we are in North Wales.
Mon Mar 12 09:32:17 2007

Annette Ford, West Midlands
We moved to Rhyl in about the mid 70's and lived with my Nain & Taid, Jack (John) and Flo Edwards in Diane Drive. We then moved to The Geufron, off Prince Edward Ave. I went to Ysgol Llewellyn and then to Rhyl High and I have to say that I honestly could not think of a better place to spend my childhood. I had summer jobs working the tables on Oakes cafe by the fair, then Rooses Cafe in Water Street (owned by the fabulous Dawn and Bernie (Passmore?). My Taid worked for the council and my Nain worked at the Lawns Nursing Home and she also used to work in the toilets on the prom. I can remember the roller skating rink, the BMX track, trampolines all on the prom with the lost children and first aid hut on the corner. I spent many a happy day lying on the beach and just watching the world go by and when the sun had gone me and my family used to swim in the sea right by the lifeboat station. Unfortunately I wouldn't dare do that now, the sea is much too dirty for that. I truly had a wonderful childhood and all my family are still living in the town. Sadly my Taid is no longer with us and I miss him dearly.
Tue Feb 27 13:04:33 2007

Linda Williams, nee Ingram
I was born in Rhyl and lived there for 25 years from 1956 until 1982. As a child our summers were wonderful, most days were spent picnicing on the beach (by the lifeboat ramp) and yes we swam in the sea. On other days we'd all go to the Rhyl baths and if a cloud appeared you'd freeze. Sometimes we'd watch the Miss Rhyl bathing beauties as they competed in high heels, swimsuits, hair sprayed hair, and yellow fake tans. On the way home we'd stop at Sidoles for home made icecream. I still love that treat and whenever I visit my family (still living in Rhyl) I savour the flavour! As a teenager we were allowed to go to the fair with our friends and we got lots of free rides and were allowed to stay on the rides longer than the visitors! A lot of our friends and family worked during the summer on the prom so we always had lots of laughs. The Queens /Palace /Downtown and Dixieland were all great nightclubs and the Kestral in the High St. with James Barr the DJ. We all used to cram into the ladies toilets to add more mascara and BEBA plum lipstick between records. The Grotto (grottie ) was the meeting place for a while, and don't forget the Bistro on the prom. I still remember the bikers, mods and rockers the mods on their scooters with mirrors and the rockers all dressed in leather. There were always fights over who looked the best and who had the best girls. I can also remember the local lads standing outside the railway station on a Saturday morning waiting for the floods of holiday makers to arrive and try to earn a few pence carrying cases. Sometimes they were loaded down and only got paid pennies. Happy days and I'm so glad to have all the memories.
Mon Feb 26 08:46:19 2007

Jan Williams, Flint
Mainman, I remember The Palace and The Haven, went there nearly every weekend 1970-1973, music was wonderful in the Palace, then when it closed at 11pm we went on to the Haven. Sometimes we'd get a pass-out and go to the fair. Prior to Rhyl we'd go to the Nova centre in Prestatyn but it was called something else then. Saw some good groups, including Blood Sweat and Tears. I recall at one time you had to go outside to get through to another room at the Palace, then they turned it into one room. I remember a woman DJ, can't remember her name but she was blonde. It was unusual for the time. She played excellent music. I stayed with my friend a lot as the last bus home was 10.30pm!! We'd either cadge a lift with someone we knew or hitch a ride, always stayed together though!
Mon Feb 12 12:10:10 2007

Ann from Northop
I have very fond memories of holidays at my Uncle Charlie's caravan on a camp site at Towyn during the late 40s early 50s. My great aunt, Lou Lou, from Manchester, used to take my sister, brother & I on the train for a week's holiday. We never owned a car so it was a treat to take a trip on a steam train. I remember the excitement when we walked across the railway footbridge to get down to the beach. Wearing the little ruched bathing costumes my mum made out of old clothing. The calor gas stove smell, the man that deliverd milk in a big milk churn and you took your jug to buy some from him. The clubhouse where we spent many a happy evening with a bottle of pop and a bag of crisps with the little packet of salt. Candyfloss, fish & chips! So many happy times.
Mon Feb 5 09:02:01 2007

Tom Griffiths from Croydon
My father did his military training based in the camp in 1941, Signals for the Royal Artillery (35th signal training regiment) before going on to be a desert rat. The training seargent was Sgt Woodwiss. Living in a hut. The whole camp was taken over by the army.
Mon Jan 8 10:40:16 2007

Debbie from Rochdale
I currently have a caravan on Sunnyvale camp in Kinmel Bay and have been going there for the past four years every weekend and all the school holidays. Although the camp has changed over the years there is some effort being put in to bring it back to what it was years ago. The club has new blood to run it and has some good ideas both for the caravan owners and the holiday makers. The chip shop will have new people in it for this season, yet to be tested! What I would say to the people who have left messages about the changes to both Sunnyvale and Rhyl are there are to be vast changes to the sea front and this can only be for the better, including a new face lift which has now been completed to the promenade. Derelict buildings are to be demolished and new holiday and OAP flats are to be built. The funfair is now moving and the area is believed to be the new site for a new Asda store. As for Sunnyvale don't knock it until you've tried it! There have been some changes and we always find the people very friendly and it is a welcoming site. Leave it five years and Rhyl will be back on the map as a holiday destination!
Thu Jan 4 16:17:07 2007

Jay
Rhyl's da best!
Thu Jan 4 15:04:16 2007

Pete Bishop, Suffolk
I remember the Derby miners camp, I was one of the waiters for a time in 1981-2 and had a lot of fond memories of the place and one that always sticks out in my mind is when the camp comedian cracked a gag about the management and everyone had a good laugh, only thing was it was the first funny thing he said all week. The manager, Mr Faulkner, was very displeased. I was the waiter who had all the birthdays, just so we could give the diners a laugh when I got turfed into the pool fully clothed.
Tue Nov 21 09:18:09 2006

A Jones, Abergele
Searching for Miss Britania, Rhyl c1914, Miss Alice Maud Jones. Can you help?
Thu Nov 16 10:15:16 2006

mainman
Anyone remember the discos of the 70's? The Palace. And the Haven that had a glass dancefloor years before Saturday night fever.
Mon Nov 13 07:56:27 2006

Glyn Davies, was Rhyl now Mold
Hi Jill (Baker nee Davies), Just had a lovely few minutes reading the memories from 'The Miners'. Think about you all a lot. Brought back a feeling of hiraeth! I worked in the camp for one season but it was a part of our life for much longer. I started off in the the dining room as a porter then a waiter. I remember Eddie McDonald who went on to be a guitarist with the band 'The Alarm' worked in the kitchen at the same time. It was such hard work (or it felt like then to a 17 yr old). Two sittings for breakfast, dinner and tea with only a short break between each sitting! The tannoy calling the people in to eat, and the mad rush for people to the tables. We had some great laughs with the holidaymakers. Somehow I got promoted to be the lifeguard at the outdoor swimming pool. What a great job! So many memories not enough time for now.
Wed Nov 8 09:35:30 2006

Chris off Flint
I don't want to jump on the bandwagon of people who say how much Rhyl has deteriorated recently but these photos and memories really do bring that train of thought to mind. Seems as though the folk in charge have forgotten the basics of a seaside resort, and that is giving children's imaginations a free reign, those miniature road layouts and mini trams look absolutely fantastic and it actually shocked me to see how good Rhyl was back in the day. Is the place too far gone to reclaim past glories? The new owners of the Ffrith Beach Festival Gardens a few miles down the road could do a lot worse than get some ideas and inspiration from this page.
Tue Nov 7 09:42:03 2006

Patricia Ellis nee Harvey,
Well I remember coming to Rhyl, with mum and dad and sister and brother, along the old B roads, none of these motorways then, it seem to take us ages to get there. Also when we saw the sea, wow we all thought, also the pier where I got lost, well I should say where I wandered off and lost all my family and having to sit on the red weighing scales till mum and dad found me. Also walking along the fair ground walkway that seemed to be a long walk as well. How time changes although sometimes it's for the better, having seen the alterations of the front and what they will be doing to Rhyl. Well I moved here with my husband and three children and one of my memories are when my husband and I and my three children walked across marine lake when it was frozen, it's a far cry from Stoke on Trent and the old pot banks which we were used to.
Fri Nov 3 15:53:42 2006

Rachel Sharp from Wirral
I had been going to Towyn since I was born in 1985 my grandparents owned a caravan there on millers cottage. I remember the floods in 1991 it was terrible and I don't think Towyn ever recovered, although I will always have fond memories.
Tue Oct 24 12:17:02 2006

Tanya Wright, London
I grew up in Greenfield and my first job was in the supermarket at Robin Hood Holiday Camp. My Nana ran the supermarket from 1976? to 1997. In the early years it was staffed by 18 at peak season, but had halved in size and only had two staff during the last year. I spent many evenings in the 'Club' including my 16th birthday, when a short drummer dedidcated 'If I said you had a beautiful body' to me. I was so embarrassed I didn't know where to look! I met so many people over the five years I worked there and often wonder what happened to them all. Every week a different accent permeated the shop and by the end I knew if I was called Ducks it must be Derby week and if asked 'how am yo' it must be Birmingham. Strange that those holiday weeks set up in the twenties and thirties were still in evidence in the 1980s even though the industrial North's factories and holiday weeks and long since ceased to exist. I loved Rhyl as a small child, and even though we only lived 16 miles away I did spend two holidays there in holiday 'flatlets'. I loved Uncle Eric's corner, the paddling pool, the Marine Lake and of course, the Fair. My friend and I would be counting the days until the Easter opening and begging our parents to take us on the first day. Donkeys on the beach, cucumber and tomatoes butties by the paddling pool and a stick of rock to come home with, ah bliss. Not to mention the shops for fashion hungry teenagers and clubs filled with different boys week after week - ah happy days!
Mon Oct 16 16:46:33 2006

Charlene Hughes
Sunny Rhyl. what can i say:- it is boring and their isnt anything to do there for young adults like myself. Wish there was becasue it isnt a bad town.
Tue Sep 26 13:03:33 2006

John, Flint
anyone remember the cycle track on the prom we used to pay to ride around in circles on hol lpool didnt have own bike
Thu Aug 10 07:50:05 2006

Moira Fisher (nee Tierney) now Warrington
Hello Jill Baker (nee Davies). My older sister Gene was intrigued that you remembered her and I of course told my mother Nora who knew you and your mother well. I remember the changeover days well at the camp and your mum was so efficient! Do you remember the camp badges and the amusement arcade and the fun we had in the winter months with the adventure games we played in the camp when it was closed to the public? Geoffrey and Ann Faulkner were other names that spring to mind and, of course, Margaret and Allison Prue who lived on the camp. The dances and the Eldorado ice cream and the plate of chips with tomato sauce - happy days!
Mon Aug 7 08:10:53 2006

Tina Fielding from Bolton
All our holidays as a child were spent at Oakfield Caravan Park. I remember the tanoy every day saying 'Oakfield Park camp calling, Oakfield Park camp calling the fish & chip shop is now open' ahh the memories...My dad used to go into the 'games' room and we would all pile into the social club at night, dad joined us about 10.00 after the bingo. One of the best years I remember is 1976 when we had the heat wave, we all walked over to the pebble beach where dad has his own rock to sun bathe on, and all end up in the sea having a real splashing time. Some nights we would walk up to the black cat and enjoy all they had to offer. Fantastic holidays that will never be forgotten.
Thu Jul 27 12:06:38 2006

Jill Baker, nee Davies, Rhyl
I have very fond memories of Derbyshire Miners Holiday Camp in Rhyl. It was my family's second home. My Mum, Eirwen Davies, started work in 'The Camp' as a chalet maid, she then became the housekeeper and ended her working days as the manageress. My brothers, Tony and Geraint and my sister Sian, all worked at 'The Camp' at some time or other. I worked at a very young age selling ice-cream in the theatre, in the camp gift shop, waiting on and did lots of other jobs. As children we were allowed to enter the competitions at the end of the season, the talent competitions, the sports day and fancy dress. We couldn't wait for this, it was the highlight of the year. Thirty-three years ago I had my wedding reception to remember there, it was a fantastic venue. My Mum was known as Mrs Derbyshire Miners and would solve any problems that came her way, change over day springs to mind. The special affection she had for people with special needs that would come on holiday at the beginning and end of the season. Moira, did you have a sister called Jean? My family and I have so many memories of the place and we often reminisce. I could write for ever and really one day I should. They are very special memories that unfortunately will be forgotten eventually. My family and I would love to hear from anybody who has memories of 'The Camp'.
Mon Jul 10 11:00:35 2006

Stephen Jones, Rhyl
I used to work in the miners camp in Rhyl for a few seasons. I remember some good times there. I was doing all sorts of work there - in the kitchen, waiting on etc. Was good fun. Got me meals there too. When I got paid I used to go to the club and spend all my wages there, especially on the fruit machine...lol...won 100 quid once lol. I remember Paul Clough and a few others. Used to go swimming there and the people used to throw money in the pool, we used to dive in and get it lol...was fun.
Mon Jul 3 16:19:41 2006

paula peterson from liverpool
I practically grew up in Towyn as my Dad owned a caravan in the eighties on Abbeyford site(next to Knightly's)I first went there when I was 3 years old and didn't find out until later that it was the first holiday my Dad had ever had (he was 36 years old)He loved it so much we went back every year until he bought his own van there and we stayed for the summer. Sadly my Dad passed away 5 years ago but I have kept the family tradition going by taking my 5 children to Towyn every year, we love it, my son is 11 and has special needs and spends hours playing prize bingo but he has so much more freedom there than he does living in a city where we have to worry about his every move, ideally I would love to eventually move there or the surrounding areas but for now I'll settle for my 2 weeks in August...can't wait!
Tue May 30 07:09:34 2006

Louise, BBC Inside Out North
Are you from the North West? Do you have a holiday home in North Wales, either a caravan, house or cottage? Maybe your family's been coming to North Wales for generations? If so we'd love to hear from you at BBC Inside Out North West. We're producing a television feature about why generations of people from the North West area are attracted to the region and visit regularly. Please contact Louise at BBC Inside Out North West on the telephone number or email below. We’d love to hear from you! Tel. 0161 244 3291. email: insideout.northwest@bbc.co.uk
Mon May 22 15:39:43 2006

Pat Forshaw. now Rhyl.
I remeber coming to Rhyl, when i was a nipper with my sister and brother and of course mum and dad, we all had fantastic holidays, going to the beach and having a pinic with dad wearing his knotted hanky on his head, i loved it that much when i got married we came to live here and have done ever since. Welcome to Sunny Rhyl
Mon May 15 07:48:28 2006

Kevin Langford from Shropshire
Does anyone have any pictures of the old Gaiety and Coliseum theatres they are willing to scan for me? I have many happy memories of Rhyl, going each year on holiday and seeing the great summer shows in the 1970s there. Thanks, Kevin.
Tue Apr 18 09:23:33 2006

Sharon Moore, West Midlands
I have very fond and great memories of being with my mum and dad in Towyn. We used to stay on Kerfoots caravan site in the calor gas caravans and have to walk over to the toilet. My little sister playing on the gocarts was great fun to watch. Climbing over the railway bridge to get to the beach was all part of the holiday that we enjoyed, so different from being at home. Walking up to Rhyl was great, we knew that we were going to the fair. We go to Rhyl still but since my dad has passed away it just doesn't feel the same.
Thu Apr 13 11:00:58 2006

Ann Aston from Halesowen west midlwnds
My husband used to go to Stones caravan Site Towyn Ryhl every year as a child. Now we go together with our children and stay on the same site. I love to go you always find something different to do, my children love to play on the beach and go to the fair.The people who live there always make you feel welcome. We love ryhl. We are planning to move down there soon
Thu Apr 6 10:41:22 2006

brian ratcliffe derbyshire ex army
in kinmel camp 1958 1960 had lots of good times in rhyl but glad to get home
Mon Mar 20 18:36:06 2006

dawn humphreys shropshire
during every school holiday as a child i stayed with my nanna and grandad sam and nora on edwards camp, towyn. They were caretakers on edwards and lived in the house thats still there. i try to get there once a year and take my children to secret hiding places i used to have. i show them where the rabbits are and tell them about the wonderful times i had. i remember mrs oakes who lived in one of the vans full time also the fair lads who would run in a morning and come to my nanna for a cup of tea. if i could go back to any time in my life it would be then- towyn on edwards with my nanna and grandad.
Sat Mar 18 22:40:14 2006

Colin Cadden
Hi there, My father was manager/caretaker of the Coventry and District Co-operative Society Holiday Camp from 1976 up until the point where it was auctioned off and The Golden Sands Holiday Camp bought it. I would very much like to hear from people who stayed there from 1976 til that point, I'd also be grateful to anybody who may have some photographs of what it used to look like 'in its heyday'. Thanks a lot Colin Cadden
Thu Mar 16 14:10:15 2006

Robert Platt, ex Prestatyn and Rhyl
I was interested to read the memories of the Derbyshire Miners' Camp as my father Ken Platt was an entertainer in the shows there for many years with people like Ronnie Ronald. I have early memories of being taken there in the 1950s to watch the shows and afterwards being treated to fish and chips in the food hall before the return journey home to Prestatyn along the East Parade to see the illuminations. I would like to contact anyone who has pictures or film of that time as sadly I have hardly any records of my father's performances there. Many years later as a cub reporter on the Rhyl Journal I remember covering stories at the Camp in the early seventies.
Wed Mar 8 12:21:50 2006

Kevin Stephan Clayton (staffs)
When I was a child, we went to Rhyl every year, for what seemed like forever. I went with my mum, nan and grandad. We would stay at either golden sands or winkups holiday camp, sometimes in a caravan, sometimes in a chalet. The caravans in those days were a lot different than today. There was just one space inside. You had to pull the beds out at bed time then put them back up in the morning to make room for the table and chairs. The lights and the little cooker were calor gas and there were no flush toilets. A typical day would start with the sound of the seagulls tapping and scorching on the tin roof then if that didn't wake you up, the calor gas man came round in his van to try to sell you some more gas. His call was 'Wakey wakey calor gas' over and over again. The rest of the day, once you were up and dressed, you made your way to the toilet block not forgetting to take the bucket with you to empty out. Then it was back to the caravan for breakfast: bacon and eggs, the only time that little cooker was used all day. You would have to fetch soom fresh water from the stand pipe if you wanted a drink with your breakfast. During the day, if we stayed on the camp, I would try to get a go on the 4 wheel bikes or have a go in the penny slots. About mid morning we went on the old cream and green open top bus from the camp to rhyl. I always went upstairs. It was great fun, especially when you went over the blue iron bridge. There were lots of things for little ones to do in rhyl in those days so you had to spread them out over the week. We would have a picnic on the beach for our dinner then a bit of sunbathing if I could find a space. We'd play a ball game or fly a kite. When I was fed up with that, I was allowed to pick one of the things you had to pay for. This could be the open air pool, skating, crazy golf or many more things. When we got back to the camp, the first stop was the fish and chip shop for our tea. After tea we had a walk into Towyn to look in the shops. We would stop for a drink outside the pub (The Seagull, I think it was called), then it was back to the club bar for the show. When the show was finished, it was time for bed to dream about tomorrow. HAPPY DAYS.
Wed Feb 8 23:53:54 2006

Paula Munro from Manchester
I spent all my childhood holidays in Rhyl staying mainly in a caravan in the Pines holiday camp just outside. My main memory is of many happy hours spent at the old Gaiety theatre enjoying the talents of Dave Peters and Aubrey Phillips to name but a couple. Just before it was pulled down I even took a small piece of the brickwork as a memento!! I often wonder what became of the stars and staff of that lovely theatre!
Sun Feb 5 12:33:30 2006

sharon kenny manchester
my husband tony spent all of his childhhod going to rhyl and staying at Palins camp he enjoyed it so much we have now bought a caravan on golden sands - great site right on the beach and I believe this was a part of the old Co op site that is mentioned.
Thu Feb 2 22:38:51 2006

Doris MacDougall from Chester
I used to go on holiday with my mum and dad and 5 brothers to Winkups Camp through the 50's and very early 60's. We came from Warrington over the blue bridge at Queensferry,we really thought we were on holiday when we crossed that bridge into Wales.We stayed at the camp in a home made caravan built by my dad, we had a set of bunkbeds we kids all crushed together in and a double bed for mum, dad and the baby of the family.Each summer we went back there would be earwigs in the van and one year a mouse had made a hole through the floor! We washed outside in an enamel bowl on a stand.We would walk right down into Rhyl to the fair with a sixpenny piece each to spend-it was a long way .Over the railway bridge on the site you walked down to the sea,the beach was all pebbles and made a noise when you walked on them.The railway bridge seemed really high when I was little and often a steam train would pass under as you crossed the bridge.I went back recently to Winkups and the bridge looked small because I'm no longer that little girl.I once got lost in the camp supermarket and was petrified!But what wonderful holidays they were for a big family with little to live on.Thanks mum and dad.
Thu Jan 26 22:29:26 2006

Alan Colclough, Rhyl
My parents moved to Rhyl from Stoke in 1955 when I was a baby. 50 years on I still live in the town that has provided a roller coaster ride (pun intended)for my own life. My first job entailed processing all the thousands of photographs taken each day on the many camp sites in the area by what were known as 'walkie photographers' employed to take snaps of anyone and everyone staying in the vicinity. From Robin Hood to Golden Gate, Browns to Winkups, they would return each afternoon and leave us their used films before reloading and going back out in the evenings to photograph holidaymakers in the camp clubs. In the late 60's colour film was still expensive so all our work was done in black & white, processed overnight and on display in the camp shops the next day! The infamous 'Monkey Men' were still around at this time but were becoming less PC as people realised that the monkeys themselves were being abused and used as living 'props' for photos. As the cost of photography fell through into the 70's, and cameras became more automated, the era of the walkie photographer was at an end by the 80's.
Sun Jan 15 09:36:24 2006

Paul Steeples - Derbyshire
A message to Moira Fisher-nee Tierney! I remember the Derbyshire miners camp on Marsh Road. We went there every year from 1965 to 1982 (except 1973 when we went to the Skegness camp). I still have camp programmes from most years. I remember some of the local people who I would meet every year (mainly people that worked on the camp). In particular I remember a lad named Paul Clough and a waitress named Donna. I also met a local girl named Heather Tierney. Is she any relation? She hung round with a girl named Cheryl, who for some reason was known as "spaz". There were some well known acts on in the Gaitey theatre - Bill Waddington, Roy Lance, Tony Melody plus lots of others. Then there were the local "stars". Derek Lawrence and his wife Doris, Mike Sealey the DJ and George Whittaker who played the organ. On the sea front there was "Uncle Erics" children's corner, the Floral Hall and a shed selling ice creme - Clwyd ices, often licked never beaten. The last time my parents went to the camp it was a bit run down and was being run under a different name, J-GEM. I visited the site of the camp in 1990. It had been demolished but not fully cleared. I had a walk around and some things were still visable, the mosaic outside the dinning room/chip shop, the layout of the snack bar, even the swimming pool was there (but full of rubble). I have so many happy memories of Rhyl that I could write a book. I have hundreds of photos and some cine films of the camp that bring a lump to the throat every time I see them. I would love to hear from anyone that was on the camp, as a holiday maker or staff member.
Mon Jan 9 23:30:48 2006

David Pritchard from Wrexham
I can recall many summer holidays at Winkups Camp in the late 50's. The caravan we stayed in was extremely basic and it had the old gas mantle lighting. It was a completely open space and had two double beds. My mother and her sister slept in one and my sister, cousin and I were bundled into the other bed. Being around 10 at the time I was scared of earwigs, and invariably you'd wake up in the morning with an earwig in your bed! Our caravan faced the road and was close to the toilet block and wash basins(cold water). This, believe me, was today's equivalent of having an en suite toilet and shower! Despite this we had a wonderful time as everyone was so kind and helpful. I use to love running up and down the dimpled old sea wall and looking for crabs in the shimmering rock pools. A special treat was going to Golden Sands Camp slot machine arcade. I can remember winning the jackpot on a penny machine for which the winning line was three nines. On Friday evening we'd go to the Marine Lake, and a ride on the steam train was the highlight of our visit. Despite the hardships, those days were some of the happiest holiday memories that I can recall as the days used to last forever.
Sun Nov 27 20:19:33 2005

Trevor Williams,Prestatyn.
I remember for special treats my Dad used to take me and my brother to the Odeon cinema to watch the latest blockbuster (Samson and Delihla or The Vikings)then we used to go to Evans Cafe and have a mixed grill before getting the bus home. Another treat was going to the fair,but the bus stopped in the town centre and we had to walk to Marine Lake along the prom,we could see the big wheel but it seemed to take ages to actually get there but well worth it,not like todays fairground though.
Sun Nov 20 17:39:19 2005

Mary, Boston-Mass-USA
How about this then! A kid from London, who was evacuated during the war years, in Wrexham, North Wales. Who has vivid and fond memories of having spent a week's holiday in Rhyl. Imagine seeing the Seaside, a far cry from worn torn London. Hope one day, to visit Wrexham and surrounding areas. Although, I was only five, I do indeed remember my stay there. Living now in America, since the early 1960s.
Tue Nov 1 20:36:30 2005

Steph Colwyn Bay
I loved reading everyones views on Rhyl. As a child I lived in Kinmel Bay and my family owned a business in Rhyl. It was a magical place in the summer and I loved to wander up and down the Prom and riding a bike around the cycle track. Then a trip to Billy Williams's arcade where my friends uncle worked so we could mooch around the slots in case some money fell out. Then off to hassle mum and dad for some pennies if it didn't :) Most of my family owned chalets on Sunnyvale and we had a big get together in the easter and the end of the season. My dad had an old fishing boat that floated off down the river clwyd one day, we walked miles to find it. Sunnyvale is a caravan park now and lacks the charm and atmosphere it used to have, but I still call there now and again to see my little hand and footprints I put in some wet cement in 1966 when I was 7 years old. Great memories of hanging around outside the camp club, waiting for the adults to come out and jump in the pool.
Thu Oct 20 13:37:55 2005

Val Haves nee Williams Auckland N.Z.
I was born in Rhyl and grew up there and have many happy memories. I especially loved the Marine Lake. I believe my great grandfather, whose nickname was Ned Sparrow was something to do with the Marine Lake years ago. I once was shown his gravestone, it was presented by everyone at the Marine Lake. We lived not far from the Derbyshire Miners camp and I am sure I remember being woken up by the music of 'Come to the cookhouse door boys', at breakfast time. My Aunty lived in Vale Road and used to take in visitors for bed and breakfast and sometimes she would send visitors to our house if she was fully booked. I remember my sister and I drooling over the smell of bacon being cooked for our guests. I loved walking along the prom and just taking in the smells of salty sea air, mixed with the smells of fried onions and hot dogs, and fish and chips. I went to Glyndwr Secondary school and often wonder what happened to my school mates, like Libby Holloway and Pat Gallagher. I hope the houses on the seafront will be restored one day, as on my last visit many looked really run down, with boarded up windows and an air of decay. Unlike the houses of similar age in Llandudno. Times have changed and Rhyl has to compete with package holidays in warmer climes and it has definitely impacted on Rhyl. It just feels tired. It will always be my home town, even if it isn't really the one I remember from my childhood.
Fri Sep 30 04:56:01 2005

Pearl Holt from Jersey
I remember going to Rhyl nearly every Sunday, first to the little paddling and boat pool (by the big clock) then to the roller rink , then always to the "Rendevous" restuarant for lunch then the fair and home, sometimes callin at "The Peacock" for dad to have a pint on the way home.
Mon Sep 12 08:15:52 2005

Lisa Kelly Beanie, Stoke on Trent
We go every year, we take our dog Joby with us. He loves it too. We have a cooked breakfast every day done by our stepdad. He doesn't mind, he loves it really. We go to the beach, take the dog, we go to the fair and the market, get some bargains, as you do. We go to Winkup's chippy at night. A truly great holiday.
Sun Jul 24 14:11:14 2005

Janette Robinson from Coventry
Our family used to go to the co-op camp every year. I remember people going round with a galvanised bath to collect the party contributions and then at the party they would make the jelly in the same bath. We never knew what was in the sandwiches but it looked like cat meat to us kids so we never ate it. There was bingo on one night, a film show and a fancy dress competition as well as sports day. I last went there in the 70s and took my children - I wish it was still there to take my grandchildren now.
Sun Jul 17 16:58:11 2005

Joe Anders, Warrington
It's got to be golden sands. Jump out of your caravan into the sea.
Sun Jul 17 12:37:13 2005

Bill. Manchester.
I had many lovely holidays at Golden Sands as a child. I learned to ride a two wheeled bike there one year. The camp photographer always caught us and we always bought the pics, still got some of them. I remember my Dad coming second in the knobbly knees competition, still got a picture of him and another man running round with the winner on their shoulders. I remember Auntie Nancy and Uncle Bill doing magic shows. One year we splashed out on a chalet, ah happy days.
Thu Jun 16 20:15:47 2005

Graham Davies, Cheadle, Cheshire
My first holiday was at my grandparents' caravan on Fourways camp, Gors Road, Towyn, at the tender age of 3 months. Over the years the caravans got newer, but no toilets, mains water or even electricity, eventually my grandparents became too old, and the last van was sold in 1974. I remember Edwards Milk Bar on Gors Road corner and the soldiers from Kinmel Camp often being there. Anyone remember the Crosville open top buses that ran from Winkups camp? In the village on the corner of Sandbank Road was Thompsons grocers, I remember the chewing gum machine on the shop wall which gave an extra packet if the arrow on the knob pointed upwards, always checked and often a penny well spent. Other memories were the Seagull pub and Black Cat arcade being built. Down near the sea wall was the railway crossed by a level crossing, now a footbridge, where pennies placed on the rails were flattened by the steam engines. I recall on a Sunday you could walk along the sea wall and hear the whole of Two Way Family Favourites as everyone seemed to have a transistor radio tuned to the light programme. What goes around comes around and for the past seven years I've now had a caravan at Towyn, the place has changed and for me Towyn is more a base for wider travelling, but one item from the past I don't miss is the journey, it now takes me 50 minutes via M56 and A55 not the two and a half hours it did my Dad in the 60s, 6 up in a Triumph Herald.
Tue Jun 7 21:36:18 2005

Ray, Liverpool
1960s as a family we used to go to Palins and Sunnyvale, today with my family we have at least one week a year in Wales only now we go to a cottage near Porthmadog. Although it's great to go abroard we still like to spend a week in Wales.
Sat Jun 4 23:55:00 2005

Glyn Jones, Milton Keynes
Moira Fisher - I certainly remember the Derbyshire Miners, I worked there one season. I started as a pan washer but was brought into the kitchen - as a cook! I had two huge pans of oil in which I cooked the dozens of eggs for breakfast. I also helped with the lunch. There was a Scotsman who would do the porridge (he taught me how to cook the stuff properly) and a cook called Les. He was quite a big chap with a 'teddy boy' hairstyle. I was quite scared of him at first but he turned out to be a smashing chap and we had a lot of fun in there. We could dish up the meals at the speed of light to the waiting waitresses. They also had a camp entertainer who would come round the back to use the PA system for making announcements to the kiddies. When he'd finished he would ask them all for the magic word, to which they would shout 'Abracadabra'. It always struck me as an odd place to put a holiday camp though and can only presume that the Derbyshire miners (and their families) had the constitution of horses as anywhere of interest was miles away and must have been quite a hike!
Fri May 20 10:51:04 2005

Bill Jones, was Acrefair, now Shrewsbury
Oh what memories! Holidays in the 1950s, but we went to Wincups (not sure of the spelling) and how I envied those at Golden Sands who didn't have to walk "miles" to the sea. Remember those 4-wheel bikes? Why was I not allowed the handlebars that moved? it was always Dad who got those. One year we went to Happy Days for a week. It rained when we arrived and continued all week - were we miserable? Of course we bl***y were, it was the only holiday we got each year. By mid-week the water was surrounding the caravan so it got a bit more exciting, well until I paddled to the toilets and made a detour where I had forgotten about the ditch and got soaked, and with nowhere to dry the clothes Mam was not pleased either. The one-week holiday was really looked forward to, and I was ready to leave Acrefair at 8am, but Mam had to clean the house first (why?) So we left at about 11am, through Llangollen and up the Horseshoe Pass. We would get to the top by lunchtime and have to stop to rest the car (Austin 8). We would get to Rhyl by tea-time. Sunday was spent cleaning the caravan (why?) then unpacking, and if I was lucky, a visit to see the sea. Monday we went into Rhyl to buy postcards, and spend all afternoon writing them. Tuesday - the big day - we could go to the beach! Wednesday was a trip to the Marine Lake amusements and Thursday, the beach again. Friday, well we had to pack up and clean the caravan(?) ready to set off on Saturday back home. Still it was great. Must dig out the old photographs. NOTE TO BILL: We'd love to see the photos for use online. Contact the Web Team via email on wales.northeast@bbc.co.uk
Mon May 16 22:42:47 2005

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