Sharon's grandmother Grace Smedley met and married her husband in Colwyn Bay and in 1948 they bought a kiosk on the prom.
They sold tea, coffee and ice creams, as well as buckets and spades and later rock, though post-war sweet rationing in the early years restricted supplies.
Their regular customers were locals, holidaymakers - many of whom came back every year - and daytrippers. The trains brought hundreds in, especially when petrol was still rationed.
Lancashire wakes weeks, when the factories and mills had their annual shutdown, were always busy.
Sharon's mother says she loved all the activity on the prom and adds that, when people came for a week, the kiosk was part of their holiday.
Play the interview.
your comments
Dave Baker - Northamptonshire
For many a year the prom kiosk provided the students from the nearby Wireless College on East Parade with steaming cups of tea and biscuits. In the days of rationing many things were in short supply, so at college mealtimes the WC students would use jam jars to drink their tea. Since our website came on line the WC holds an anual reunion in Llandudno each year and the 'boys' were pleased to make contact and receive a message from Mrs. Smedley. We have asked the lads from the 50s to let you have the tea cups back Mrs. S!
Thu Jan 31 10:46:37 2008
Dave Ausden from Tamworth Staffs
My family used to go to Colwyn Bay every Whit week. We always used the Smedley's kiosk. I like many others took photo's of the kiosk, but only a very people used to send a copy to the Smedleys. I sent a postcard size photo to them, before they retired to Rhos. It was great to learn about a little bit of personal history.
Mon Nov 26 10:32:14 2007
Anne (nee smedley), Ruthin
Sharon is the daughter of Chris and Jeanne's older sister - ANNE. I will pass on your memories to my sisters. I agree the pool was such fun! memories hey! regards Anne
Mon May 14 10:55:24 2007
Kathy Hopkins from Monmouth
I was delighted to see a photograph of the kiosk on the Prom. My sister and I spent lots of pennies there in the 50's. The little shop was full of goodies for the beach. It brings back lots of memories.
Fri May 11 09:00:38 2007
Dave (Angola)
Sharon must be either Christine or Jean's daughter, where are they now? The Pool in Rhos was a great place to spend those long summer holidays in the 50's. Regards to both.
Thu May 10 08:53:18 2007
