Three Towns Forum

The Local => Times Past => Topic started by: DaveR on September 07, 2010, 06:32:21 pm

Title: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 07, 2010, 06:32:21 pm
Talk about the Old Days in Rhos On Sea and the Bay...
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 07, 2010, 09:16:34 pm
This subject interests me. It was completly by chance that, around 18 months go, I came across the old Colwyn Bay forum.I could not believe my eyes---here were people writing and asking about things,people and places that I remembered from many years ago.Ive been hooked on the forum ever since, despite the fact that the Rhos interest disappeared completly after the first loss of posts.  So perhaps now, with the fresh start, might be a good time to see if the old Rhos readers are still around.  So----Does anyone remember "Old Bills" which was an amusement arcade right on the corner of the prom in Rhos?  Well, I'd better correct myself.Not an arcade so much, more a glorified hut with about 12 to 15 very primitive arcade type machines.  Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 07, 2010, 09:25:51 pm
I remember you saying that 'Old Bills' was on the right hand side of what was then Fortes (now Ninos). Fortes, of course, moved over the road sometime in the 1950s and built a wooden shack on what was originally the site of Pye's Promenade Garage. In the mid 1960s (1963?), they cleared the site and built the present Fortes building:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2138/1713016153_1e41284629.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/1713016153/)
Fortes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/1713016153/#) by SnakeCorp (http://www.flickr.com/people/davellandudno/), on Flickr

Mike, you'll recall that I said I took a photo of one of Parker's ancient gambling machines at that little arcade in Pensarn - here it is:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 08, 2010, 04:42:48 am
Rhos-on-Sea swimming pool was a favorite haunt of mine.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on September 08, 2010, 07:57:32 am
About when was that closed, T?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 08, 2010, 09:51:28 pm
I THINK, and only think, it closed around the time that the new pool was built in Eirias Park, which I think (not very good on firm facts am I ) was around the end of 1980.Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 08, 2010, 09:58:13 pm
If only you lot read my blog...  _))*
http://llandudnoandcolwynbay.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-dolphin-rhos-on-sea.html (http://llandudnoandcolwynbay.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-dolphin-rhos-on-sea.html)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 09, 2010, 08:03:32 am
If only you lot read my blog...  _))*
http://llandudnoandcolwynbay.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-dolphin-rhos-on-sea.html (http://llandudnoandcolwynbay.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-dolphin-rhos-on-sea.html)

I do Dave....early 90's.  ;D

Found this interesting view:

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 07:28:44 am
Punch & Judy in the area has traditionally been associated with Llandudno, but another member of the famous Codman family Bert, had two pitches, one in Rhos on Sea and the other at the entrance to Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier.

 
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 07:45:28 am
Pye's Coaches was a well known Rhos-on-Sea company. The first photo shows a horse-drawn Pye's coach. The photo below is a Pyes motorcoach from the 1950's.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 08:10:01 am
Some old postcards depicting Rhos-on-Sea:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 08:13:02 am
A few more:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 08:34:59 am
Four more postcards:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 08:43:55 am
This one shows a horse-drawn carriage from the Rhos Abbey Hotel. I was wondering what the purpose of the tree trunks in the foreground were for. A simple breakwater perhaps?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 19, 2010, 08:53:55 am
Maybe? The promenade here used to be a dead end just outside the what was later the Rhos Abbey hotel - the grounds of the Rhos Fynach extended all over what is now the Rhos point area. The red brick Rhos Abbey Hotel itself was built on what was once the farmyard of the Rhos Fynach;

[smg id=519]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 09:17:12 am
Maybe? The promenade here used to be a dead end just outside the what was later the Rhos Abbey hotel - the grounds of the Rhos Fynach extended all over what is now the Rhos point area. The red brick Rhos Abbey Hotel itself was built on what was once the farmyard of the Rhos Fynach;

[smg id=519]

 *&(
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 19, 2010, 09:19:18 am
Found some more photos of Rhos swimming pool:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 20, 2010, 09:24:31 am
Any ideas on the date of those last two pics, Trojan? I'd say 1940s, maybe? My Dad used to work there as a lad, looking after the Roller Skates apparently.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 20, 2010, 09:01:41 pm
Any ideas on the date of those last two pics, Trojan? I'd say 1940s, maybe? My Dad used to work there as a lad, looking after the Roller Skates apparently.

Difficult to assess the exact date Dave. 1940's or even 1950's maybe.....looks like one piece swimsuits were the order of the day, and in the bottom photo the young lad throwing the ball (probably leather) is wearing shorts that end just above the knee.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 20, 2010, 10:27:56 pm
Trojan---are you sure about the date on your recent photograph showing a Pyes horse drawn coach. You mention circa 1910. To me this looks as if it was taken in the main garage in Penrhyn Avenue, you can clearly see the tram standard. In any event Pyes only came to Rhos around 1929, before that they were in Heswall on the Wirral. I am reasonably sure that this is a photo of the coach and horses that John Pye purchased from a film studio around 1947 and the photo would be around that time.  Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 21, 2010, 09:44:20 pm
Trojan---are you sure about the date on your recent photograph showing a Pyes horse drawn coach. You mention circa 1910. To me this looks as if it was taken in the main garage in Penrhyn Avenue, you can clearly see the tram standard. In any event Pyes only came to Rhos around 1929, before that they were in Heswall on the Wirral. I am reasonably sure that this is a photo of the coach and horses that John Pye purchased from a film studio around 1947 and the photo would be around that time.  Mike

No, I'm not sure Mike, but that's what it said from where I obtained the photo's from. It said they originated from Mr Jessie Pye - via Mr David Crook - if you look to the left of the photo you can see a petrol pump.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 21, 2010, 09:48:23 pm
Looking at it again, those houses at the back of the photo look to date from the 1930s, if they are the ones with the red tile roofs along Penrhyn Ave.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 25, 2010, 09:57:51 pm
Yes---thats it---I'm sure now. Trojan, you mention Jessie Pye. Well, I know him very, very well, and now I remember him showing the original of this photo to me.  The actual coach was probably cica 1910 as you said, but the photo was taken around 1950.  The man standing to the right hand side of the photo (left of the coach) was the original Jonnie Pye himself. He bougfht this coach, and horses, and a very long post horn etc etc from a film studio in London, with the idea of plying for hire along the prom in the Bay. Needless to say, the Council squassed the idea well and truly. It would have been competition for their small bus service.  Just as a matter of interest, especially to anyone interested in bus transport,  in the centre of Heswall is a Pub namewd "The Johnnie Pye".  Its a new, gastro theme pub, and is full of old photos of Pyes buses from the 1920's, fleet lists, timetables etc.etc.  Reason being is has been built on the site of the old bus station which Mr Pye operated before selling out (being bullied into selling) by Crosville.    When the pub was opened around 15 years ago, the brewery tried to find any relative of Johnnie, and they traced Jessie in Old Colwyn. They wanted him to open it!!!! If Jessie reads this (unlikely) he wont mind my saying that he has spent a very large part of his life inside a pub. He never got to opening one before.  Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 25, 2010, 09:59:53 pm
Your stories are always great, Mike!  *&(
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 25, 2010, 10:37:04 pm
Your stories are always great, Mike!  *&(

They certainly are! Dave has spent a very large part of his life inside a pub also.  L0L
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 26, 2010, 02:04:13 am
A couple of old veiws of Rhos:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 26, 2010, 03:23:45 pm
Mike was talking about Pye's Coaches, here's a photo of their Promenade Garage (on the corner where Fortes is now in Rhos)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 26, 2010, 03:25:25 pm
...and a photo of a Pyes coach turning into their old depot on Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay (which became an outdoor market in the 1980s and is now a car park) in the 1970s:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 26, 2010, 03:29:54 pm
Flooding used to be a big problem in Rhos, up until the building of the breakwater in the early 1980s. Top photo was submitted by Jemima to the old Colwyn Bay forum.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on September 26, 2010, 07:21:27 pm
Spent many happy hours in Rhos pool.  Does anyone remember the old Rhos an have any photos?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on September 27, 2010, 06:25:16 am
Excellent pics Dave. Do you still have the ones of the old John Garstang depot and the brewery distribution depot in Everard Road......Westwells I seem to remember?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 29, 2010, 08:49:12 pm
Excellent pics Dave. Do you still have the ones of the old John Garstang depot and the brewery distribution depot in Everard Road......Westwells I seem to remember?
I do, mate, and here they are....

Think they were contributed to the old Colwyn Bay Forum by a Dave Jones - Dave, if you read this, please come and join us here!  8)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on October 02, 2010, 09:24:47 pm
I've never seen these photos before.  If my late Mother and Father had seen the second one they would have been LIVID with rage. As I've told you, I grew up in the flat above Barclays. On the photo there is scaffolding around what looks like a chimney abuting on to the bank wall. The chimney to its left, I remember it well. It released smoke created by a form of heating oil to provide hotwater for the bottle washers. But the chimney frequently became blocked with a type of soot. A local sweep was called in, but he couldnt get his rods and brushes up the chimney because the boiler had been erected very close to the outside wall.  So, what did they do? They knocked a small hole in the outside wall and pushed the rods first of all outside, and then back inside up the chimney. The only trouble was the bank flat had a nice secluded garden, virtually surrounded by walls. A nice suntrap. My Mother was sat on a deckchair in complete privacy. That was---until all of a sudden a sooty pole appeared out of the wall nearly knocking her off the chair. Needless to say, Mum and Dad didnt think much of Westwells.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on October 03, 2010, 07:34:40 pm
I remember Westwells in Everard Rd. very well also Garstangs - happy memories!!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 10, 2010, 09:59:21 pm
Fester wanted to see a photo of Rhos Pier, so here it is:
[smg id=747]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Fester on October 11, 2010, 12:18:58 am
Fester wanted to see a photo of Rhos Pier, so here it is:
[smg id=747]

Thanks Dave,
I never knew one existed at Rhos, until you took me to see the still visible cast iron remnants.
It looks a bit sparse from that angle,  does anyone recall what buildings (if any) existed at the end?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 11, 2010, 05:37:52 pm
I think it was designed to jumpstart the growth of Rhos as a tourist area, with its main purpose being to allow steamers to dock rather than as a pleasure pier. I originally believed it had been bought from the isle of Man but...

It was originally thought that this pier was originally built at Douglas in the Isle of Man and later bought by a group of North Wales businessmen in 1895/6, dismantled and re-erected at Rhos-on-Sea.

However, in the book 'Piers of Wales' written by Martin Easdown and Darlah Thomas, it has been conclusively proved that the Douglas Iron Pier never went to Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay. The Douglas pier was closed in 1891 and acquired by the the council who offered it for scrap as they wanted to widen the promenade at the foot of Broadway.

A number of resorts (such as Penarth and Abergele) had a look at the pier with a view to re-erecting it at their resorts (it was up for sale at £1,300) but that failed to happen. In the early part of 1894 demolition of the pier began by a Manchester scrap metal merchant, which was completed by May.

So the pier was never re-erected at Rhos. This wrong information came about because one author claimed it happened in a book published in 1952 and everyone took his word for it.

Rhos-on-Sea pier was much longer than Colwyn Bay Pier and serviced pleasure boats between Liverpool, Rhyl, and Conwy. It was sectioned during World War II for defence reasons.

It was damaged by fire and was pulled down in 1954. One of the tollbooths survives as a souvenir shop. It has a basement that is advertised as the 'Smallest Museum in Wales'.


Info from: http://www.piers.org.uk/pierpages/NPSrhos.html (http://www.piers.org.uk/pierpages/NPSrhos.html)

Rare shot from the end of Rhos Pier, looking back at Rhos on Sea in 1911:

[smg id=754]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Barbiroli on October 11, 2010, 07:09:22 pm
Does anyone remember a kiosk selling sweets and ice cream right at the Colwyn Bay end of the promenade? Would have been in the 50`s or am i just making it up?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on October 11, 2010, 07:37:37 pm
Thanks for the photo of Rhos Pier - I thought I must have been the only who remembered It!!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on October 11, 2010, 07:40:17 pm
I'm sure I remember a kiosk selling sweets and ice cream Barbirolli
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on October 11, 2010, 09:21:19 pm
In reply to Fester, yes, there was a small building at the end of Rhos pier---as far as I can recall it just had a few seats and a bit of shelter from the rain.  But, I do remember much better a fortune teller in a booth half way along. She sat outside saying (more or less) Come along, come inside and I will tell you the future---enjoy yourselves---there will be no war.   That was in the summer of 1939.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 11, 2010, 09:34:47 pm
Does anyone remember a kiosk selling sweets and ice cream right at the Colwyn Bay end of the promenade? Would have been in the 50`s or am i just making it up?
Whereabouts are you thinking of?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Barbiroli on October 11, 2010, 10:15:46 pm
Right at the far end of the prom at OLD Colwyn, by the arches.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Fester on October 11, 2010, 11:54:47 pm
That picture of Rhos Pier from the end, looking landward is utterly fascinating.

Just look at the fine condition the ironwork was in.  Beautiful to behold.

Judging by the angle the picture is taken at, it would seem that there was quite a wide Pier Head?
If that is true, I would imagine buildings would have existed there.

I would wager that less than 5% of local inhabitants realise that a Pier ever existed at Rhos,  and that is a terrible shame.


Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on October 12, 2010, 08:04:49 am
It seems almost every British seaside town had its pier, at one time or another.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 12, 2010, 08:12:36 am
Right at the far end of the prom at OLD Colwyn, by the arches.
Yes, I remember one there in the 70s and early 80s.

There also used to be one next to the Pier, on the Rhos On Sea side. That one disappeared in the 80s as well.

The average rent paid on those kiosks is only £41 a week!
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/colwyn_bay_promenade_refreshment (http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/colwyn_bay_promenade_refreshment)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Jack on October 12, 2010, 01:16:29 pm
Wasn't Rhos on Sea Pier originally built to take limestone away from the quarry at Bryn Euryn? Or was that shipped away from a different pier or jetty?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on October 12, 2010, 08:30:54 pm
I don't recall any other pier of any sort in Rhos. There were a couple of small jetties, no good for shifting quarry materials. But I do remember a pier in the most unlikely of places----off Penrhyn Bay, and I dont mean anywhere near the Little Orme.  Heading along Glan-y-Mor Road, the first road on the right. At the end of that cul de sac there used to be a narrow access to the beach. The pier was there. It was derelict when I was a child, seventy odd years ago. What boats managed to pull in there (must have been for an hour or so at high tide) I have no idea, nor what they hoped to carry.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 12, 2010, 08:45:06 pm
To answer Mike's question first, the pier at Penrhyn Bay was to transport sand from several sandpits in the locality, the site of the Princes Green park behind the Post Office was once a sandpit.

Back in Rhos, the Pier was funded mainly by William Houghton, a local landowner, in order to encourage the development of Rhos as a resort. There was also a jetty to transport stone from  Bryn Euryn Quarry, this was at the bottom of Rhos Road, roughly where the slipway next to the Public Toilets are now on the prom. A small railway ran from the quarry alongside Rhos Road all the way down to the Jetty, I believe the small embankment it ran on is still visible in the back of some of the house gardens on Rhos Road.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 12, 2010, 08:57:50 pm
This is the Chapel on the front in Rhos that later became Fortes and later Ninos cafe. I think the rear part of Ninos may still use part of this building?

[smg id=758]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 16, 2010, 05:27:45 pm
I was interested to see that the remains of the fishing weir at Rhos Point have started to reappear from under the beach, there is about a 30+ foot section now visible, of which this is a small part:

[smg id=782]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 16, 2010, 07:58:06 pm
Looking along Rhos Promenade back in the 1880s; the original Rhos Abbey Hotel can be seen on the right.

[smg id=783]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 16, 2010, 08:02:22 pm
June 2001 - The Rhos Abbey Hotel is demolished.

[smg id=784]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Welshmaid on October 17, 2010, 11:36:04 am
At the front of Nino's there is a black door which is sometimes open, if deliveries are being made, and you can see the outline of the original windows of the chapel.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 26, 2010, 08:17:40 pm
At the front of Nino's there is a black door which is sometimes open, if deliveries are being made, and you can see the outline of the original windows of the chapel.
I know the door you mean, will have a nose the next time I'm passing.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 26, 2010, 08:18:22 pm
Rare view of Rhos Pier, looking down the Pier towards Rhos Point:

[smg id=842]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 26, 2010, 08:25:15 pm
The Steamship Company that operated from Rhos Pier:

[smg id=843]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on November 10, 2010, 08:21:20 pm
Found a thread about Rhos that was on the ill fated Colwyn Bay local forum - think it was from August 2009. Some good info in there:

Dave Jones has sent me these two photos of Rhos on Sea in 1987, showing the Westwells Wholesalers building on Everard Road, just prior to demolition. As can be seen on the older sign uncovered during the work, it was originally a Wilsons Brewery depot:

(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2144/westwellsrhos.jpg)

(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8784/wilsonsbreweryrhos.jpg)

The entire building was demolished not long afterwards and is now (what else?) a block of flats.

Note: Wilson's Brewery opened in 1834. By the 1890's it was trading as Wilson's and Co. It amalgamated with Watney Mann in 1960. It was merged with Websters in 1985 with production transferred to Halifax and the brewery finally closed in 1987. Wilson's branded beers were also brewed by Morland's and Mansfield. The Wilson's brand ceased production during 1998.

http://www.quaffale.org.uk/php/brewery/752 (http://www.quaffale.org.uk/php/brewery/752)

Don't know much about Westwells - can anyone fill in the gaps?

ajm wrote:
3 greengrocers
2 butchers
2 bakers 1 - Pinningtons (Trojan)
1 convenience store The Co-Op (Trojan)
1 frozen food store
1 art shop
2 newsagents
3 cafes 2 - Nino's, Fortes'? (Trojan)
1 deli
1 post office
1 chip shop
2 seaside gift shops
1 chocolate shop
1 estate agent - Bryan Davies & Associates
1 wool/haberdashers
1 jewellers
1 shoe shop
1 bike shop
1 hardware store
1 tyre fitters - Was it ATS? Yes (Trojan)
1 off licence
1 dried flower shop
1 hairdressers The Windsor (Trojan)

Ok, I'll try and answer some of these based on around 1977 to 1988

3 greengrocers - arundales on the corner, belmont - Colwyn avenue (now a dentist & later became Rosies wool and baby linen and then I think a shoe shop?) and another on Penrhyn Avenue (opposite the "old" Fortes)

2 butchers - Colwyn Avenue (now a beauty salon) & Bill Jenkins (now a charity shop)

2 bakers - Pinningtons and Tudor Bakery (now an Italian)

1 convenience store - The Co-op but poss. another one - where Penrhyn House is? Maybe it was called Pryce's?

1 frozen food store - Freezrite

1 art shop - ran by Mr and Mrs Hughes where the Copper Kettle is now

2 newsagents - originally Lennie's (who also had a booth on Llandudno pier) then taken over by the couple who owned one where the sandwich shop is now on Rhos Road. Lennies was were the estate agent is on Colwyn Ave.

3 cafes - Fortes, Nino's and the gem tea rooms (still a tea room I believe) used to be the gem tea rooms and a gem shop where ID hair is

1 deli - Sheards - where the tea room next to Pinningtons is?

1 post office - still there!

1 chip shop - still there but originally only the chip shop and not the cafe - used to be ran by the Wainwrights

2 seaside gift shops - 1 ran by Anthony Chorlton (?) who I believe still has a shop on upper mostyn street, Llandudno - the shop in rhos is now the clothes shop by the zebra crossing, the other gift shop was what is now the chip shop cafe on Colwyn Avenue, later became Rosie's wool and baby linen before that moved to Belmont greengrocers

1 chocolate shop - I believe this was what is now the "extension" to Bryan Davies?

1 estate agent - Bryan Davies

1 wool/haberdashers - Irene, Penrhyn Avenue

1 jewellers - Beardsalls

1 shoe shop - Rhos Road, still there but I forget the name!

1 bike shop - run by Ron Holland, I remember it in 2 locations, on the corner of Colwyn Avenue/Rhos Road and also on the corner of Rhos Road/Everard Road

1 hardware store - Butler and Timmis is absolutely right! It was run by Mr Fielding

1 tyre fitters - don't remember the name but now Lily Lace

1 off licence - B & J wines, Colwyn Avenue - now a charity shop

1 dried flower shop - now the Chinese take away on Colwyn Avenue - but who remembers the name?

1 hairdressers - The Windsor
Top of Form
Bottom of Form

Here guys this might help
Trade Advertisers in Borough of Colwyn Handbook 1987

Antiques: Shelagh Hyde 11 Rhos Rd (wrong side i think)

Auctioneer with Sale Room: Bryan Davies & associates
47 Penrhyn Ave

Butchers: W Jenkins 31 Penrhyn Ave

Chartered Accountants: EG Jones & Co 2 Colwyn Ave

Estate Agents: Swetenhams 22 Colwyn Ave

Garage Door Repairs: Glyn Ellis 51 Colwyn Ave (I think this was by Garstangs)

Jewellers: Beardsalls Ltd 17 Penrhyn Ave

Newsagents: Rhos Newsagents 6 Rhos Rd and 28 Colwyn Ave
Optician: Beardsalls 17 Penrhyn Ave

Pyes Promenade Garage, Rhos On Sea, in 1932. The corner site is where Fortes is now - the building to the right is still visible today adjoining Fortes:

(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9099/pyespromenadegaragerhos.jpg)

Yes Freezrite was where Spar is now and I've just remembered that the take-away next to Spar now used to be Gwynfor Jones insurance. I seem to remember something the other side of Freezrite - was it the office for Rhos County garage I wonder.

How bad the flooding in Rhos used to get!

(http://web.archive.org/web/20010426010441/http://www.colwyn1.freeserve.co.uk/Sea%20flood%20boat%20Rhos-on-Sea.JPG)

Photo by the late Dave Williams

Hello, Its 12.45 at night, I am half asleep, and Ive just found (and joined) this forum. I am too tired to write much, but I have skimmed through your Rhos threads. I will be back writing when I am more awake, but, just to be going on with, you have been writing about Banks. Well, Rhos used to have SIX full time branches of national banks, indeed there were three in Everard Road alone, four if you count the Midland on the corner of Everard and Rhos Road.Mike Oen

Hello and thanks for the welcome to this forum. I have now had time to read the posts on Rhos. I have a load of knowledge about Rhos, mostly very, very many years ago. But three points I will mention here 1/ You state you don't know much about Westwells. Well.I know EVERYTHING about Westwells (boastful). I worked there when I was 11 years old and I have a thousand tales to tell 2/ Query about Jane Berry. No need to go to friends reunited. As far as I know her elder brother, David, still runs Berry's Garage on the same site it has been at for over 80 years. 3/ The banks in Everard Road. Barclays, on the original site, District (taken over by Nat.Provincial, later Nat West) in the Gamlins office building, Westminster (building shown in your photo with the query as to its previous bank history) and next door to Barnwells Fruit and Veg that one or two of you were scratching your heads over. The last bank was Midland, now HSBC, on the present site. Mike Owen

O.K. I'll take up your offer to fill in Rhos folk law. My trouble will be cutting it down, I know too much!! So, one subject at a time. Westwells. I lived next door, in the flat over Barclays Bank. I was 11 yrars old, the same age as Harold, Mr Westwells second son. So, I set out to become a friend of Harolds. Not because I particularly liked him. No, it was because if I became his friend it would let me into the world of wonder, lorries going here there and everywhere, machinery washing, labelling, filling bottles. Barrels to be rolled, adventures unlimited. It was during the war years and Westwells were incredibally busy, they were only bottlers (not brewers) but the demand for their services was enormous with all the Ministry of Food civil servants, the Royal Artillery, the Inland Revenue all living (and drinking) in the area.The firm was so pressed for space they helped themselves to a plot of land opposite, just to store the empty barrels because they just couldnt return them fast enough.Bare in mind that all the bulk supplies had to come from Colwyn Bay Railway Station yards. Westwells delivered as far as Gronant to the West and Cerrig y driddion in the South and had three off licences of their own. I know, I went on these deliveries. The men used to "sheet over" Harold and me on the back of the lorries, we would wait until we got to say Mochdre and then we would start sampling the drinks out of the various bottles we could open!!! No wonder I developed a liking for alcohol!!! Mike

Garstangs as a firm I did'nt know much about. At the time of the period I knew Rhos well (war and immediate post war) Garstangs where not even in Rhos, their yard as up a back entry behind Greenfield Road in the Bay. The entry is still there. I do know that they banked in Old Colwyn so perhaps they started up even further away. The Rhos depot was built around about 1950, When they started on the work, the construction firm whoever they were experienced great difficulty in digging out trenches to put in the foundations. The deeper they dug all they reached was solid concrete. No wonder. I should have told them. During the war the army turned that area into a park for Cromwell tanks and "self-propelled guns" which the R.A. used for training, and the first thing they did was put an iceing of around five feet of concrete over the entire area!!Mike Owen

Westwells on Everard Road - I was passing this afternoon and thought I would take a photo so we could have a 'Then & Now' type shot.

Then:

(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8784/wilsonsbreweryrhos.jpg)

Now:

(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3713/westwellsnow.jpg)

On balance, I prefered it as 'Then', rather than 'Now' B)

The oak tree was the emblem of the Colwyn Bay Borough Council, which existed between 1934 and 1974. Some would say the demise of this council marked the beginning of Colwyn Bay's downfall.

Funnily enough, I was walking through Eirias Park today and looking at the plaque next to the tree planted by Baron Colwyn to commemorate the incorporation of Colwyn Bay on the 20th September 1934. I suspect all those people who worked so hard to build Colwyn Bay up into a fine town would weep if they saw the state it was in today.

Just been reading about the flooding. Snakecorp says it went down Penrhyn Avenue for a good few hundred yards. Well, that was beaten around 1946/7. A high tide, a NE wind, up the slipway opposite the Cayley and away downhill went the tide straight down Penrhyn Avenue. The wind then swung around more to the North and water came over all along by the Golf links, there wasent much of a wall there then, down Penrhyn Avenue but this time from the o,ther end and then, much to the delight of us small boys watching its progress, actually met up by the Cricket club. Not much depth, but, in theory, for about half an hour this made all the Abbey Road, Church Drive, Trillo Avenue etc etc area an island, cut off from the mainland. Mike Owen

The torrential rain this evening has caused quite a few problems in Rhos. Police closed off sections of the Promenade for a short while as manhole covers were forced off by the pressure of the floodwater. The Fire Service was called to the low lying cottages next to the Cayley Arms pub after they suffered flooding. At one point, the road outside the Cayley was almost impassable as floodwater extended right across. Just like the old days when the tide used to come over!

Needless to say, your intrepid photographer was out there taking pics:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3720735119_5b89c0aebe.jpg)
Rhos Floods (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3720735119/#)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3721526186_830436158c.jpg)
Torrential (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/3721526186/#)

(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6664/zzimg0492.jpg)

Found this photo on ebay of a Guinness bottle "Bottled & Guaranteed Genuine by William Hewitt, Everard Road Stores, Rhos On Sea"

(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1923/23067a.jpg)

Hewitts was the firm taken over by Herbert Westwell around 1928 and carried on being a major bottler for Guinness for 50 or more years.

Forum member Welshmaid has kindly emailed me some old postcards and photos of Rhos:

(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3116/recreationgroundrhosons.jpg)
"Postcard from the early 1950s from the Park in Rhos looking towards St. Mary's school on Abbey Road."

(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/7075/everardroadrhosonseacopq.jpg)
"a photo of what is now Mark One hairdressers in Everard Road in Rhos on Sea.  The photo was taken in September 1946 (before my time!!).  Prior to being Mark One, it was Mane Attraction and prior to that I believe it was Howcrofts."

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on November 10, 2010, 10:57:00 pm
 &well&
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on November 23, 2010, 09:31:37 pm
Until I saw this photo, I'd forgotten about the band concerts that used to take place on the prom in Rhos On sea opposite the Cayley. There was a purpose built bandstand there up until the late 1980s, when it was removed and....you guessed it...not replaced.

[smg id=1045]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on November 24, 2010, 07:08:35 pm
Just been reading through this thread - very nostalgic!  There was in fact another butchers on Everard Rd - Cutlers and a greengrocer Newtons and didn't Westwells have an off licence?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on November 24, 2010, 07:40:12 pm
You are correct.  Ray Cutler in the butchers (his elder brother Syd had a butchers in the West End of the Bay. The sign English Butcher is still there).   Jack Newton, the greengrocer, although the shop worked under the title of "Barnwells." if I remember correctly. Westwells had an off licence run by a lady who lived in Penrhynside. They also had one opposite bog island in Llandudno and in Old Colwyn, on the right at the bottom of the hill  Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on January 14, 2011, 06:03:17 pm
A flooded Penrhyn Ave in Rhos in the early 1980s. I remember those days well!

[smg id=1088]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on January 14, 2011, 07:53:49 pm
This photo shows up well what happens when a high tide gets over the top of a manmade high prom 'railway etc. The seawater here is hellbent in going downhill i.e. inland. If the photographer had moved say 200 yards to his right, he would have been knee high in water.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on January 14, 2011, 08:00:38 pm
I also saw a photo from the time of the Towyn Floods in 1990 today. I hadn't realised it, but Rhos was badly flooded at that time as well in the usual places, it was if the breakwater wasn't there.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on January 15, 2011, 01:32:52 pm
I didnt know that, but I think it was the sheer height of the surge in the tide that did the damage. I do know that on the same tide, midday on Monday, Ffynongroew and the east end of Rhyl (the coastal area towards Prestatyn) both suffered damage---bad enough but overshadowed by Towyn. I seem to remember maybe a couple of dozen bungalows in Rhyl were affected. I also saw a photo of the quay in Conwy with a couple of large boats tied up and looking as if any moment they would be dropped onto the roadway. Conwy is protected from North winds so it was obviously the height of the water.  Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on January 22, 2011, 07:38:10 pm
Prom in (I think) the 1950s.

[smg id=1100]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on January 22, 2011, 08:50:15 pm
The Swimming Pool in the 1940s. Rhos Abbey Hotel (now demolished) visible to the left:

[smg id=1110]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on January 25, 2011, 05:15:44 pm
Tram on the Prom in front of the Cayley Arms pub:
[smg id=1111]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on March 20, 2011, 09:06:04 am
Aerial view of Rhos from 1934:

[smg id=1642]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on March 20, 2011, 09:15:16 am
I also noticed that there appears to be a miniature golf course on the site of the present day childrens play area by Rhos Point:

[smg id=1643]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 20, 2011, 09:41:19 am
Aerial view of Rhos from 1934:




Such a shame that the pier has gone, it looked very impressive!  But if it was still there would it be in the same state as Colwyn Bay's pier?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Nemesis on March 20, 2011, 06:00:29 pm
More than likely-- the prom between the little church and Rhos point has gone down the nick since we last walked there, it was littered with debris from the mussel fishing, not to mention great smelly sacks of said creatures and the edge of the sea was full of discarded net bags--not good for the marine life I wouldn't think either.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on March 20, 2011, 09:33:49 pm
I happened to spot a lot of what looked like red sandbags at the top of the slipway opposite Aberhod. Was this something to do with this mussel fishing? And are they really collecting mussels off Rhos beach to eat? If so------I used to enjoy Moules in France------but count me out in future
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Nemesis on March 21, 2011, 08:34:45 am
Those are the ones, they were swilling around in the sea along the tideline yesterday. Wouldn't fancy of the mussels as they looked very muddy and dried up.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on March 21, 2011, 08:45:55 pm
I always understood that mussels could only be eaten safely if they came from a mussel "farm"  i.e. strictly looked after by the public health people. Now I find that apparently you can just collect them off the beach. Guess how I feel. I was a child, alone on Rhos beach during the war. Just me----and thousands of mussels. And I could have collected them and made a fortune!!!!!!! 
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Fester on March 21, 2011, 08:54:32 pm
You can eat any mussels as far as I know, but in recent years it has become 'fashionable' only to eat the smooth ones which have no barnacles on them... like the Irish ones.
Also, if you keep them in a solution (still alive) for a couple of days, as with Conwy mussels, it flushes them out, and they are less gritty apparently.

I like Menai Bridge mussels, or green-lipped mussels..... or any really.

Conwy messels have been quite small this last couple of years, but when they are large and meaty, they are as good as any.   $dins$ $dins$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Yorkie on March 22, 2011, 08:42:13 pm
Mussels are a speciality in Dutch restaurants but here is a great mussel soup.


Dutch mussel soup has been prepared and served on the tables of homes and neighborhood restaurants since the early 17th century. Combining a fairly simple soup stock made of white wine, chicken, carrots, bay leaves and celery with fresh, live mussels, Dutch mussel soup is dish that is both complex and satisfying. Dutch mussel soup makes a rich, hearty meal for a cool winter evening, especially when served with a loaf of hot, fresh French bread and a glass of cool, crisp brown ale.

750 ml. sauvignon blanc
Chicken leg
Large carrot, thinly sliced
1/8 tsp. powdered saffron
9 lb. live mussels
4 white onions, sliced
2 bay leaves
2 celery sticks
7 black peppercorns, crushed
2 ¾ oz. cornstarch
1 cup whipping cream
Sea salt (to taste)
Ground black pepper (to taste)
Celery leaves, chopped (to garnish)
 
Pour the wine into a large saucepan and add 4 cups of water, the chicken leg, sliced carrot and the saffron. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 55-60 minutes.

Scrub the mussels under cold running water to remove the beards. Discard any mussels that do not close immediately when tapped, and any with broken shells. Add the mussels, onions, bay leaves, celery, crushed peppercorns and 2/3 cup water to the pan. Cover and cook over high heat for 5 minutes or until all the mussel shells have opened up.

Strain the mussels, reserving the cooking liquid in a small bowl. Discard closed mussels and remove the rest from their shells.

Strain 2 cups of the cooking liquid through a sieve lined with dampened muslin cloth two times. Add the cooking liquid to the soup.

Remove the chicken leg from the pan with a slotted spoon and cut the meat off the bone. Chop finely and reserve. Add the leeks to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with 2/3 cup water in a small bowl to form a thin paste. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup slowly, returning to a boil for 2-3 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream, mussels and chicken meat. Transfer to individual serving bowls and sprinkle with chopped celery leaves to garnish. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: suepp on March 22, 2011, 08:51:05 pm
it looks delicious but I am always wary about cooking mussels for myself, if they are on the menu I will always choose them  though
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on March 22, 2011, 08:53:12 pm
There's a drilling rig outside the Rhos Harbour Bistro taking ground samples. I presume its to do with the subsidence at the rear of the building.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Yorkie on March 22, 2011, 09:01:38 pm
it looks delicious but I am always wary about cooking mussels for myself, if they are on the menu I will always choose them  though

Providing they are fresh - ask at Conwy Quay when you buy them or get from Mermaid Seafoods.   Make sure you clean then well, discard broken ones and any open ones that don't close when you tap them with the knife.   Also discard any that have not opened after cooking and you should not have any problems.

I clean mine in the morning then leave them in a large bowl of salted water for the rest of the day until I want to cook.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: viv on April 12, 2011, 10:36:00 pm
Does anyone remember a kiosk selling sweets and ice cream right at the Colwyn Bay end of the promenade? Would have been in the 50`s or am i just making it up?


Yes there was a kiosk - also sold the usual buckets and spades. Served as a stop for the Runabout bus along the prom. Round the corner at the bottom of Beach Road were the public toilets - demolished to make way for the supports for the A55.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 07:03:02 pm
Rhos on Sea was of key importance to the monks of Aberconwy because of the extremely productive Rhos Fynach fishing weir given to them by Prince Llewelyn. The weir continued to provide livelihood for various leaseholders until WW1. During a single night in 1850, for example, 35,000 herring were caught and 10 tons of mackerel were removed in one tide in 1907.

The photo below shows the remains of the weir.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 07:04:53 pm
The weir can easily be spotted in this old postcard.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: dwsi on April 13, 2011, 09:07:53 pm
weir and peir are clearly seen in this aerial shot from 1934 http://stwnsh.com/2nd (http://stwnsh.com/2nd)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on April 13, 2011, 09:28:54 pm
Trojan---I think this is the first time I have commented on any of your posts. So, thanks for the mention in another thread of me being an (ex) coach driver. Makes me feel important when folk I know very little about know about me LOL But, now, I'll take a deep breath before typing, Ive had enough of rows in this forum. Your first picture of the fishing weir--spot on. The second one, no. It doesent show it clearly at all, actually it is right out of sight around the bend at the top.  Mike  P.S. Now to await a storm of abuse from everyone for picking holes in a senior posters comments
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on April 13, 2011, 09:42:08 pm
There are no junior or senior posters, Mike, everyone is equal here. If any inference is made that lots of posts equals some kind of seniority, then we shall just remove the post count on each members' profile.  :)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 10:44:29 pm
Trojan---I think this is the first time I have commented on any of your posts. So, thanks for the mention in another thread of me being an (ex) coach driver. Makes me feel important when folk I know very little about know about me LOL But, now, I'll take a deep breath before typing, Ive had enough of rows in this forum. Your first picture of the fishing weir--spot on. The second one, no. It doesent show it clearly at all, actually it is right out of sight around the bend at the top.  Mike  P.S. Now to await a storm of abuse from everyone for picking holes in a senior posters comments

Thanks for commenting on my post Mike.  $drink$

I honestly thought the 'sticks' sticking out of the beach was the weir. I thought there were weirs on both sides of Rhos Point. Could you tell me/us what they are then? They look too 'feeble' to be breakwaters.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 10:55:05 pm
The second one, no. It doesent show it clearly at all, actually it is right out of sight around the bend at the top.

You mean over here?

Aprox position of old wicker fish trap. Raised banks still visible.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 10:59:53 pm
weir and peir are clearly seen in this aerial shot from 1934 http://stwnsh.com/2nd (http://stwnsh.com/2nd)

Thanks for that dwsi.

I hijacked the pic just in case the website disappears.  :)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 11:01:45 pm
There was some interesting info on the board near the old pier head. Not sure if it's still there today.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 11:05:13 pm
How much of this is true, I don't know. But we do now know that Rhos pier was not bought second hand from Douglas in the Isle of Man!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 11:45:31 pm
Makes me feel important when folk I know very little about know about me LOL

Here's one for you Mike......who was this Rhos-on-Sea resident?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on April 14, 2011, 08:49:14 am
I thought there were weirs on both sides of Rhos Point.
You were right.  $good$ There was another, smaller, weir on the beach in front of the Cayley Promenade, about level with the Breakwater. At low tide, you can clearly see a rectangular type pool surrounded by rocks.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 14, 2011, 03:07:30 pm
I thought there were weirs on both sides of Rhos Point.
You were right.  $good$ There was another, smaller, weir on the beach in front of the Cayley Promenade, about level with the Breakwater. At low tide, you can clearly see a rectangular type pool surrounded by rocks.

 $fan$ Thank God for that!



 :D
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on April 14, 2011, 08:25:21 pm
First, to the weirs. Yes, Dave is right. But how the devil he knows seeing as he wasent even born when the Colwyn Bay end weir (for want of a better name) was still visable defeats me. I saw the catchment pool and the "sticks" as a kid, but I never ever heard of it being a weir.
 Now, to the important query about the photograph of an elegant gentleman. I am going to "chicken out" on this, for the time being at any rate. My excuse, which I use often, is I'm not good at remembering faces. Mind you, I also use the excuse of being good on faces and rubbish on names! I hope to come back to this, at the moment I am lost.  By the way, are there two "Rhos on Sea" threads going on in the forum at the same time. Could a moderator have a look at this, I ended up in another thread looking for these replies. Mike
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 14, 2011, 09:12:54 pm
Now, to the important query about the photograph of an elegant gentleman. I am going to "chicken out" on this, for the time being at any rate. My excuse, which I use often, is I'm not good at remembering faces. Mind you, I also use the excuse of being good on faces and rubbish on names!

Surely you remember him Mike......he used to cut your hair (many moons ago) you should remember his face from the mirror.  ;D

Don't you remember the red neon sign in the window?

Haircut Sir!

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on April 14, 2011, 09:29:47 pm
First, to the weirs. Yes, Dave is right. But how the devil he knows seeing as he wasent even born when the Colwyn Bay end weir (for want of a better name) was still visable defeats me. I saw the catchment pool and the "sticks" as a kid, but I never ever heard of it being a weir.
The Colwyn Bay Weir was owned by Mr. Whitehall Dodd in the 19th Century. In 1866, a 'Salmon Law' was passed, which required that all such Weirs be dismantled, unless it could be proved that they dated back to the reign of James I. Mr Parry-Evans, the owner of the Rhos Fynach Weir, luckily found the original Charter for the Weir in an old chest in Rhos Fynach and so was able to prove its right to stay. Mr. Whitehall Dodd was not so lucky, and the Colwyn Bay Weir was dismantled shortly afterwards.

Quote
By the way, are there two "Rhos on Sea" threads going on in the forum at the same time. Could a moderator have a look at this, I ended up in another thread looking for these replies. Mike
There are two threads - this is the thread for discussions of times past, whilst the other thread is for modern discussions etc.  :)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on April 14, 2011, 10:14:36 pm
OOOhhh!!! Bl----- H---. My excuse is that I hav'ent looked into those eyes (and then through a mirror) for, give or take a year, 64. Thats it, years, not weeks or months. Need I say more. Looks good, does'ent he. Mind you, he always used to say I looked good after he had scalped me.  Mike   P.S. Might I ask how and why you have a photo of Mr Ledder of Colwyn Avenue barbers shop.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on April 15, 2011, 06:00:55 am
OOOhhh!!! Bl----- H---. My excuse is that I hav'ent looked into those eyes (and then through a mirror) for, give or take a year, 64. Thats it, years, not weeks or months. Need I say more. Looks good, does'ent he. Mind you, he always used to say I looked good after he had scalped me.  Mike   P.S. Might I ask how and why you have a photo of Mr Ledder of Colwyn Avenue barbers shop.

He named the salon The Windsor, (his wife ran the ladies section) as he was stationed at Windsor barracks when he was in the Grenadier Guards during WWII.
Saw service in North Africa and was wounded by shrapnel at Anzio in Italy. The lump of shrapnel shattered his clavicle and came to rest near his heart, which, was left in place. Maybe they didn't have the technology to remove it in those days?
He suffered slight paralysis in his left arm, however, after arriving back in Rhos to recuperate, built up his strength by swimming from Rhos Point to Colwyn Bay pier and back numerous times every day.
He still carried that lump of shrapnel until he passed away in the late '90's aged 84.

How and why do I have a photo of him? Well.....It's amazing what turns up on my hard drive Mike.  ;D

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Waffagolf on June 04, 2011, 02:19:59 pm
Mr Ledder used to cut my hair too. I remember a black child seat with chrome sides that fitted over the adult seat, so it could lift a child up to the right height. I liked Mr Ledder.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Trojan on June 04, 2011, 04:27:09 pm
 :laugh: I remember that seat, and his electric clippers making my eyes water when they pulled the hairs out on the back of my neck.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: che guevaras flip flops on June 09, 2011, 07:41:29 pm
Wondeful pictures of the swimming pool in Rhos-On-Sea.  Used to love going there when I was a kid.

I seem to recall having my hair cut in a barbers near the Railway Statin in Colwyn Bay.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on June 09, 2011, 08:08:58 pm
I seem to recall having my hair cut in a barbers near the Railway Statin in Colwyn Bay.
The one by the side entrance to the old Indoor Market? I used to go there as a kid as well. It's still open today.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on June 09, 2011, 08:45:03 pm
So, Waffagolf, you have old Rhos connections as well as one or two other forum members. I dont include our hard working moderator DaveR. Hes too young to be included.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on June 09, 2011, 08:52:36 pm
too young
Not a phrase often used in reference to me these days, sadly.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Waffagolf on June 09, 2011, 10:58:37 pm
So, Waffagolf, you have old Rhos connections as well as one or two other forum members.

Would that include yourself Ormegolf?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: poppy on June 10, 2011, 12:10:35 am
By a long haired guy (steve) from a rock band. Was it locks box?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on May 01, 2013, 08:46:09 am
Great old photo showing Rhos On Sea from the Pier:

[smg id=3198]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Merddin Emrys on May 01, 2013, 11:41:46 am
Yes it is, shame the pier has gone!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Jack on May 01, 2013, 05:46:35 pm
It sold at auction in April 1947 for £2, 250 to a Chester businessman Mr W. R. Denson!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on May 02, 2013, 08:59:43 pm
  Thats interesting. So I presume this man from Chester pay out #2000 odd to buy it for scrap. And it must be assumed that he paid for it to be pulled down and shipped away and, again presumed, made a few bob for himself.
   Fast forward to 2013. I am sure I have seen the figure of #5,000,000 to pull the Colwyn Bay pier down. Have I made a mistake with the noughts? I dont think so.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on May 05, 2013, 08:33:14 pm
This is an interesting photo on the Colwyn Bay Facebook page, it's the old chapel that stood on the site of what is now Ninos Cafe. Never seen this one before.

[smg id=3200]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on May 05, 2013, 09:52:25 pm
 No, I've never seen this photo, nor can I remember it in real life. So I presume it is before 1936 the year we came to live in Rhos.
   All I know its next door to Old Bills, which was a penny in the slot type of arcade. Specially used by Rhos kids
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: sam on May 05, 2013, 11:12:48 pm
I was told that my paternal grandparents or possibly great grandparents ran a cafe in Rhos...would have been at least before the '50's I guess. I never found out much about it or where it was except it was possibly where Nino's is or maybe even the Rhos Fynach. On the sandwich board in the photo it say's Frost's cafe. I found this.....

 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33335/pages/7866/page.pdf (http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33335/pages/7866/page.pdf)

....from the London Gazette from 1927 where it mentions an Edward Albert Frost and his estate including the Savoy Cafe, Conway Rd and Lewis's cafe, Abergele Road. Very likely the same family who ran the Chapel Cafe although nothing to do with my family. Judging by the girls dress it looks possibly Edwardian.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: phil on August 18, 2013, 11:08:29 am
Yes---thats it---I'm sure now. Trojan, you mention Jessie Pye. Well, I know him very, very well, and now I remember him showing the original of this photo to me.  The actual coach was probably cica 1910 as you said, but the photo was taken around 1950.  The man standing to the right hand side of the photo (left of the coach) was the original Jonnie Pye himself. He bougfht this coach, and horses, and a very long post horn etc etc from a film studio in London, with the idea of plying for hire along the prom in the Bay. Needless to say, the Council squassed the idea well and truly. It would have been competition for their small bus service.  Just as a matter of interest, especially to anyone interested in bus transport,  in the centre of Heswall is a Pub namewd "The Johnnie Pye".  Its a new, gastro theme pub, and is full of old photos of Pyes buses from the 1920's, fleet lists, timetables etc.etc.  Reason being is has been built on the site of the old bus station which Mr Pye operated before selling out (being bullied into selling) by Crosville.    When the pub was opened around 15 years ago, the brewery tried to find any relative of Johnnie, and they traced Jessie in Old Colwyn. They wanted him to open it!!!! If Jessie reads this (unlikely) he wont mind my saying that he has spent a very large part of his life inside a pub. He never got to opening one before.  Mike

My grandfather used to know the Pye family and drove the Alpine Tour coaches for them now and then, he was later a taxi driver in the Bay in the days before radio cabs took over.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: phil on August 18, 2013, 11:15:00 am
:laugh: I remember that seat, and his electric clippers making my eyes water when they pulled the hairs out on the back of my neck.

He did my crew cuts as well those electric clippers still make me nervous now! :o
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: phil on August 18, 2013, 11:16:19 am
I seem to recall having my hair cut in a barbers near the Railway Statin in Colwyn Bay.
The one by the side entrance to the old Indoor Market? I used to go there as a kid as well. It's still open today.

I also remember that one and used it before i switched to the Windsor.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Cambrian on August 18, 2013, 11:46:33 am
The one down the Arcade was called "Cecil's".  Pleasant guy with a moustache and glasses.  We were all a bit surprised when he died and found out his name was actually Cyril! Then went to Jones by the Market.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on August 20, 2014, 11:36:57 am
My sister and I spent a lot of summers in Rhos pool, with a great crowd, this would have been 1956/62.
I remember a Mr Breeze the manager and Auntie Betty from the cafe, there was the juke box, table football etc.
I can remember some names, a lot of nicknames, quite a few were kids from the well known local shops and businesses my, best friend then was Len McMahon now in Canada,
To come down From Glasgow, living by the docks, to Rhos was like a different world.
I have a lot of local family  history and photos, which I will share later (in storage) I notice a lot of people on the forum have connections to Rhos, is their any of the old crowd out there?
This might help you remember me, I was 6ft. 4. aged 13,!!!!!!......... a recent medical says I am now 6ft.2. ah age. I was sometimes called Scotty.....so com'on........... is there anybody out there.   ;)     :)     
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on August 20, 2014, 11:57:45 am
I remember Mr. Breeze at Rhos pool - spent quite a lot time there as a kid!!  I lived in Rhos but can't remember you SteveH although we probably knew some of the same people - Happy times!!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Tilly on September 23, 2014, 08:47:02 am
Does anybody know anything about the Rhos on Sea Post Office building? How long it has been there, and if it was always a Post Office? Thankyou
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 24, 2014, 09:12:09 am
The Pier at Rhos On Sea under construction in 1895:

[smg id=3295]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 24, 2014, 09:35:36 am
The Pier at Rhos On Sea under construction in 1895:

[smg id=3295]

I saw this on Facebook the other day, which is good because I can't see it here! 😪
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Fester on September 24, 2014, 07:51:38 pm
Very narrow, was it not?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on September 24, 2014, 08:45:57 pm
Yes it was narrow - I remember it being there and also being taken down
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 24, 2014, 09:39:03 pm
In reply to Tilly, no. The Rhos Post Office was originally at the end of the short cul de sac to the right of the Cayley pub on the prom. Not sure what is there now, despite the fact that I drive past there twice a day every day. Probably keeping my eyes on the traffic around the pedestrian crossing.
    For many years after the P.O.moved there was still a telephone kiosk in this little entry. It was left behind after the move. It was common prewar practice to have a phone box outside a post office.
   The P.O. moved to approx two doors to the right of the present cafe Ninos or Dinos? It was on two levels, half way inside you went up around 4/5 steps to reach the counter.
   At another later date, probably in the 1970s it moved again to its present position. I am a bit vague about this because at that time I lived in Rhyl and did not see much of Rhos. But it apparently moved next door, one further step towards Penrhyn Avenue. Seems unlikely, but I suppose there must have been some advantage. Maybe  it gave them further depth.
   By now they must be close to Charlies fresh fish shop, or maybe in it. If Charlie was still alive he would be around 130 years old. When I get a chance and spot a vacant parking space close I will have a better look from across the road which should help my memory of seventy plus years ago. If so I will post it on the forum.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 24, 2014, 09:45:29 pm
   I've had another think about this, and I seem to remember there was a small plot of land between Charlies and  the P.O. site after they moved from the Cayley. So possibly the present P.O.is a new building squashed in between or maybe they just extended
to the right.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on September 24, 2014, 09:54:23 pm
   I feel rather ill after seeing these photos of Rhos pier.
   I don't want to start repeating myself but I think I am bound to have written on the forum at some time about how we kids tightroped over a substantial
gap in the planking by walking one foot in front of another on the side girders, about one foot wide.
  One slip and a virtual certain death on the rocks below.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Fester on September 25, 2014, 12:50:30 am
   I feel rather ill after seeing these photos of Rhos pier.
   I don't want to start repeating myself but I think I am bound to have written on the forum at some time about how we kids tightroped over a substantial
gap in the planking by walking one foot in front of another on the side girders, about one foot wide.
  One slip and a virtual certain death on the rocks below.

You did Mike, but it bears repeating.  A very harrowing thought really.
It's amazing what we did when we were kids, as Quigg's wartime memoirs clearly reminded us.

For my part, I remember vividly playing on our school roof.  An old Victorian school, 4 floors high, we used to think it was great fun to slide down the slated roof, and dig our heels in to the decaying guttering to stop ourselves flying off, perhaps 60ft, to certain death below.   But that never occurred to us at the time!

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Yorkie on September 25, 2014, 08:14:50 am

It's amazing what we did when we were kids, as Quigg's wartime memoirs clearly reminded us.

For my part, I remember vividly playing on our school roof.

Top of the Form, eh?

I saved all the stories from Quiggs and have them somewhere as a single file on my old PC.  With Q's permission I can send the file to anyone who would like to read of his exploits.  Providing I can locate the file and haven't deleted it during my housekeeping operations.
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on September 25, 2014, 08:39:51 am
In reply to Tilly, no. The Rhos Post Office was originally at the end of the short cul de sac to the right of the Cayley pub on the prom. Not sure what is there now, despite the fact that I drive past there twice a day every day. Probably keeping my eyes on the traffic around the pedestrian crossing.
    For many years after the P.O.moved there was still a telephone kiosk in this little entry. It was left behind after the move. It was common prewar practice to have a phone box outside a post office.
   The P.O. moved to approx two doors to the right of the present cafe Ninos or Dinos? It was on two levels, half way inside you went up around 4/5 steps to reach the counter.
   At another later date, probably in the 1970s it moved again to its present position. I am a bit vague about this because at that time I lived in Rhyl and did not see much of Rhos. But it apparently moved next door, one further step towards Penrhyn Avenue. Seems unlikely, but I suppose there must have been some advantage. Maybe  it gave them further depth.
   By now they must be close to Charlies fresh fish shop, or maybe in it. If Charlie was still alive he would be around 130 years old. When I get a chance and spot a vacant parking space close I will have a better look from across the road which should help my memory of seventy plus years ago. If so I will post it on the forum.
Good info, Mike.  $good$ To add a couple of things...

The original Post Office is now La Reina Cafe:
http://bit.ly/1sZ6hr4 (http://bit.ly/1sZ6hr4)

It then moved to what is now Penrhyn House & Home on Penrhyn Ave, it still has a Post Box outside it:
http://bit.ly/1B9YkUr (http://bit.ly/1B9YkUr)

In the 70s, it moved two doors down to its present location.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on October 02, 2014, 11:02:47 am
Not sure were to put this...(will leave it up to admin)

 The North Wales fishing industry

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/flashback-north-wales-fishing-industry-5112999 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/flashback-north-wales-fishing-industry-5112999)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 02, 2014, 12:50:54 pm
You used to be able to see the slight outline of the old Weir at Rhos up until a few years ago.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on October 02, 2014, 05:34:57 pm
You used to be able to see the slight outline of the old Weir at Rhos up until a few years ago.

Was there two, one each side of the pier? I think I have an old photo of a weir on the far side, if so, which one is this?seems very big.
Can you make out the date on the photo please, Ta.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Yorkie on October 02, 2014, 06:28:04 pm
Another picture of the Weir which was said to have bern constructed by the Monks of Rhos Fynach.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on October 02, 2014, 06:35:10 pm
Hi Yorkie, that seems similar, in size to my picture from memory, but the first one looks massive!!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Yorkie on October 02, 2014, 08:54:45 pm
This is a diagramatic representation of how the weir was constructed.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Chris H on October 03, 2014, 09:15:12 pm
Found a thread about Rhos that was on the ill fated Colwyn Bay local forum - think it was from August 2009. Some good info in there:




Don't know much about Westwells - can anyone fill in the gaps?

ajm wrote:
3 greengrocers
2 butchers
2 bakers 1 - Pinningtons (Trojan)
1 convenience store The Co-Op (Trojan)
1 frozen food store
1 art shop
2 newsagents
3 cafes 2 - Nino's, Fortes'? (Trojan)
1 deli
1 post office
1 chip shop
2 seaside gift shops
1 chocolate shop
1 estate agent - Bryan Davies & Associates
1 wool/haberdashers
1 jewellers
1 shoe shop
1 bike shop
1 hardware store
1 tyre fitters - Was it ATS? Yes (Trojan)
1 off licence
1 dried flower shop
1 hairdressers The Windsor (Trojan)

Ok, I'll try and answer some of these based on around 1977 to 1988

3 greengrocers - arundales on the corner, belmont - Colwyn avenue (now a dentist & later became Rosies wool and baby linen and then I think a shoe shop?) and another on Penrhyn Avenue (opposite the "old" Fortes)

2 butchers - Colwyn Avenue (now a beauty salon) & Bill Jenkins (now a charity shop)

2 bakers - Pinningtons and Tudor Bakery (now an Italian)

1 convenience store - The Co-op but poss. another one - where Penrhyn House is? Maybe it was called Pryce's?

1 frozen food store - Freezrite

1 art shop - ran by Mr and Mrs Hughes where the Copper Kettle is now

2 newsagents - originally Lennie's (who also had a booth on Llandudno pier) then taken over by the couple who owned one where the sandwich shop is now on Rhos Road. Lennies was were the estate agent is on Colwyn Ave.

3 cafes - Fortes, Nino's and the gem tea rooms (still a tea room I believe) used to be the gem tea rooms and a gem shop where ID hair is

1 deli - Sheards - where the tea room next to Pinningtons is?

1 post office - still there!

1 chip shop - still there but originally only the chip shop and not the cafe - used to be ran by the Wainwrights

2 seaside gift shops - 1 ran by Anthony Chorlton (?) who I believe still has a shop on upper mostyn street, Llandudno - the shop in rhos is now the clothes shop by the zebra crossing, the other gift shop was what is now the chip shop cafe on Colwyn Avenue, later became Rosie's wool and baby linen before that moved to Belmont greengrocers

1 chocolate shop - I believe this was what is now the "extension" to Bryan Davies?

1 estate agent - Bryan Davies

1 wool/haberdashers - Irene, Penrhyn Avenue

1 jewellers - Beardsalls

1 shoe shop - Rhos Road, still there but I forget the name!

1 bike shop - run by Ron Holland, I remember it in 2 locations, on the corner of Colwyn Avenue/Rhos Road and also on the corner of Rhos Road/Everard Road

1 hardware store - Butler and Timmis is absolutely right! It was run by Mr Fielding

1 tyre fitters - don't remember the name but now Lily Lace

1 off licence - B & J wines, Colwyn Avenue - now a charity shop

1 dried flower shop - now the Chinese take away on Colwyn Avenue - but who remembers the name?

1 hairdressers - The Windsor
Top of Form
Bottom of Form




The haberdashers in Penrhyn Avenue was owned and run by Mrs Irene Keeling.  I went out with her daughter Janet before I joined the Army in 1973! :D
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on October 06, 2014, 09:22:47 am
http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/threads/ancient-wicker-fish-traps-rhos-on-sea.18303/ (http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/threads/ancient-wicker-fish-traps-rhos-on-sea.18303/)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on October 06, 2014, 09:27:17 am
I think that's so informative it ought to be copied into here:

"At low tide you can see the remains of the foundations of the medieval RHOS FYNACH FISHING WEIR (2), one of many once found round the Welsh coastline. There used to be two fishing weirs at Rhos. They consisted of a large V-shaped enclosure made out of wicker fencing. At high tide the fish swam into the structure, and were then trapped in a pool as the tide went out. Weirs such as these were so effective that by Victorian times they were a danger to fishing stocks, particularly salmon. Therefore in 1861 Parliament passed a law ordering their destruction. As a result the other weir in Rhos was demolished.

However the new law granted an exemption where the owner could prove his weir had existed before the time of Magna Carta (1215 AD). The owner of this Rhos Fynach weir was able to prove its medieval origins to the satisfaction of the Commissioners, and so it escaped destruction - further evidence of the antiquity of the settlement at Rhos.

The weir was amazingly effective and enormous quantities of fish could be caught. For example, in 1850 there was a record catch of 35,000 herrings in a single night! The weir even trapped an 8-foot shark in 1865, which was then put on display in Llandudno market. On another occasion (in 1907) 10 tons of mackerel were caught on a single tide.

The last owner of the weir, one John Parry Evans, trained terrier dogs to retrieve salmon from the weir. The first dog he trained, Jack, was so admired that he was awarded with a silver collar and became a popular tourist attraction. Unfortunately he died in 1873 after receiving fatal injuries from another shark trapped in the weir! The weir fell into disuse during World War I, and regrettably its stakes were later removed as a danger to boats."


Courtesy of the WSF forum (http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on June 06, 2015, 10:14:24 am
I have some photos that suggest there was an event in Rhos called "Queen of the Roses" with the Queen named "Alice" and possible a fun parade, the date on the photos is 1927
Has anyone any further information.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 05, 2015, 11:24:57 am
Scan from CB/Rhos Guide book......year?           One for Ormegolf......
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on July 05, 2015, 11:29:17 am
If you have the entire guide book, Steve, we could add it to the gallery in here. Looks quite a find.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 05, 2015, 11:50:34 am
If you have the entire guide book, Steve, we could add it to the gallery in here. Looks quite a find.
I am sitting on two undated guide books and family photos relating to Rhos going back as far as 1890.....
I am trying to put them in order !!!!!!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on July 05, 2015, 04:38:28 pm
Excellent. More...
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 05, 2015, 05:21:23 pm
Excellent. More...
Thankyou Ian,   I am having a hard time, the quality of my scans seem poor, especially with the wording, spent most of this afternoon trying to adjust, without much success , all advice accepted.

This is a cropped scan of a watercolour painted by a friend of my fathers, David Price in 1990 "Patterns in the sand" Rhos
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on July 05, 2015, 07:45:15 pm
Hello SteveH. Your "Pyes" photo, and you write "one for me." So here goes.
  This coach was one of two purchased by Pyes around 1948. They were both outstanding for their time for a variety of reasons, all of them way out in front of development after the sterile war years.
  First, the reg numbers. gUN 1 and GUN 2. This was years before anyone thought number plates were of any value. UN and CA were both letters showing they came from Denbighshire.
 Next to the engines. Foden 16 cylinder two stroke engines. Wait for the gasp of breath from anyone who has any clue as to what I am writing about. The noise they emitted was completely distinctive. A high pitched high revving noise, once heard never forgotten. Not at all loud just unique.
 Third the dorsal fin on the roof. For ventilation. In 1948 the average person couldn't even spell ventilation, never mind know what it was and witness it being put into a coach.
  Needless to say we kids were gobsmacked. Just stood at the kerb watching with open mouths.
  Bear this in mind when you hear about the sad decline that this company went through over the next 35 years.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 05, 2015, 07:52:09 pm
Great knowledge Mike thanks for that, there will be more photos of Rhos coming soon, hope for your comments. $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: white rabbit on July 05, 2015, 07:56:12 pm
 :) $thanx$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on July 06, 2015, 08:27:33 am
Eagerly awaiting the next instalment, Mike.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Nemesis on July 07, 2015, 12:06:07 pm
Just spent a very entertaining 1/2 hour on the prom at Rhos, below the Caley prom. As we returned to the car after walking the dog, we noticed a white van parked between us and the railings bordering the sea. Two men, sitting inside it...one napping and the other doing something with a mobile phone. They eventually got out, got various tools from the back and began mixing cement in a bucket. One chipped a small piece of concrete from the edge of the sea wall thus creating a hollow about 6" across. It then took the two of them 1/2 an hour to pour, level and pat down the resulting mess, much of which ran down towards the beach. The tools and bucket were then loaded back into the van which moved about 20 yards and the whole process began again. Not the council by the way, but a drilling firm.
If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it !
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 07, 2015, 04:04:34 pm
Some more pics from the collection..

No1 Shows the difference in height between the beach and the prom now and then.
No2 Shows family home (from approx 1890 untill 1933) middle of row "Ocean View"    (I would swear that is my father sitting on the bench)                                                                                                                       

No's 3and 4 "Ocean View" from the front.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 07, 2015, 04:17:56 pm
Following on from above, an early Colwyn Crescent, Rhos pic. these houses built by Richard Williams of Deganwy in 1900.
My Great Grandparents bought the second house from the left in 1933 and it stayed in the family until recently.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on July 07, 2015, 09:12:16 pm
  I know its rather late in the day to comment about a previous post from year 2009. But it is on this page, and I've only just read it. I haven't got the time to pick holes in it or contribute anything to it, but I must just mention that "butchers===two" and goes on to describe them. How could who wrote it have possibly missed Cutlers Butchers in Everard Road. It was there, definitely, in 1936 and it is still (at least up to about a couple of months ago) there as a butchers. It is now the last shop on the right going from Rhos Road. Ran for years by Ray Cutler. Brother of Syd Cutler who ran the butchers in the West end of the bay.
   I won't bother digging deeper into the past. Time for bed
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on July 07, 2015, 09:46:00 pm
  There is a lot of "survey" work going on along the Marine Drive towards Old Colwyn. Different vans, mostly sign written.
   My guess is that it is something to do with the proposed tidal barrage which is suggested might go from Rhos pint to Prestatyn. The proposed one in Swansea looks as if it is going ahead. If that is successful then here will be the next. But don't expect anything for very many years in the future
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Michael on July 07, 2015, 09:59:23 pm
Hello Ian and what next instalment are you awaiting? Do you mean about Pyes? Or SteveH mentioned more shots of old Rhos but he has put them in a different thread, Rhos times past. Mainly of Colwyn Crescent which I knew very,very well. But funnily enough I didn't know that many people who lived there. Frank Westwell younger brother of Herbert Westwell, the bottling store owner is the only one I can name.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on July 08, 2015, 08:25:26 am
Quote
Hello Ian and what next instalment are you awaiting? Do you mean about Pyes?

Really, the entire history of the coach companies in the '50s. Creams, for instance. Fascinating stuff :-))
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on July 08, 2015, 09:07:10 am
  There is a lot of "survey" work going on along the Marine Drive towards Old Colwyn. Different vans, mostly sign written.
   My guess is that it is something to do with the proposed tidal barrage which is suggested might go from Rhos pint to Prestatyn. The proposed one in Swansea looks as if it is going ahead. If that is successful then here will be the next. But don't expect anything for very many years in the future
There was a  guy on a quad bike surveying the beach below the Cayley prom a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: mull on July 08, 2015, 09:07:36 am
Remember the Pye coach well.
We lived at the north end of Liverpool 1940/50s, and every so often the villagers from Penrhynside would have a day trip to Liverpool.
My mother would take me to meet my nain off the coach.
If I remember right the women went off round the shops and the men headed for Goodison Park or Anfield.
Happy days.  :)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on July 08, 2015, 09:13:12 am
  I know its rather late in the day to comment about a previous post from year 2009. But it is on this page, and I've only just read it. I haven't got the time to pick holes in it or contribute anything to it, but I must just mention that "butchers===two" and goes on to describe them. How could who wrote it have possibly missed Cutlers Butchers in Everard Road. It was there, definitely, in 1936 and it is still (at least up to about a couple of months ago) there as a butchers. It is now the last shop on the right going from Rhos Road. Ran for years by Ray Cutler. Brother of Syd Cutler who ran the butchers in the West end of the bay.
   I won't bother digging deeper into the past. Time for bed
Its called Humphreys Butchers now, I think.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: DaveR on July 08, 2015, 09:19:03 am
A 'Then & Now' photo (I think I have the right present day house?)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SDQ on July 08, 2015, 09:51:57 am
Remember the Pye coach well.
We lived at the north end of Liverpool 1940/50s, and every so often the villagers from Penrhynside would have a day trip to Liverpool.
My mother would take me to meet my nain off the coach.
If I remember right the women went off round the shops and the men headed for Goodison Park or Anfield.
Happy days.  :)


I used to catch the Pye's coach to go to see Everton when I was younger. If I remember correctly everyone got off in the city about lunchtime, the women went shopping and the men congregated around the television showrooms to watch Football Focus. They then caught the coach an hour or so later to go to the ground for the match.
Afterwards all the coaches were lined up outside the stadium (ours was easy to spot because it was so old!) and we went via the city to pick up the shoppers on the way home. Sadly the coach started to become less reliable so we changed to the car.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 08, 2015, 11:47:25 am
Thank you DR, keeps the story going........ $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 08, 2015, 01:02:19 pm
Hello Admin,
I started posting comments and photos in "Everything to do with Rhos on Sea" but I think it should be here in Rhos on Sea "Times Past" ?     Also I have checked, and there is not a times past for Colwyn Bay, would it be possible to alter the subject heading to include Colwyn Bay as a lot of the info I have "coming Soon" is a mixture of both places.
If you agree, could you please redirect recent posts and photos to this thread.    Many Thanks...Steve.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 08, 2015, 02:06:52 pm
From Ormegolf.....
Quote
Hello Ian and what next instalment are you awaiting? Do you mean about Pyes? Or SteveH mentioned more shots of old Rhos but he has put them in a different thread, Rhos times past. Mainly of Colwyn Crescent which I knew very,very well. But funnily enough I didn't know that many people who lived there. Frank Westwell younger brother of Herbert Westwell, the bottling store owner is the only one I can name.

Here you are Mike    A Westwells advert ..........from a 1928 Souvenir Programme Pier Pavilion, Col.Bay
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: Ian on July 08, 2015, 03:31:40 pm
Quote
could you please redirect recent posts and photos to this thread.    Many Thanks...Steve.

I'll sort that now, Steve.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on July 08, 2015, 09:02:41 pm
 Yes, thats jogged my memory. The business was known as Westwell and Johnson, but Johnson had departed prior to 1936 when I came on the scene in Rhos. No, not born, Actually five years old.
  For some obscure reason I was interested what the words "Co.Ltd" meant. By now the company was titled H.Westwell and Sons Co.Ltd.  My dad who was the clerk in charge of Barclays Bank in Rhos at that time gave me a technical lecture on what they meant. I doubt that much of it sank in but no doubt it shut me up.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea/Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 09, 2015, 04:25:27 pm
Hello SteveH. Your "Pyes" photo, and you write "one for me." So here goes.
  This coach was one of two purchased by Pyes around 1948. They were both outstanding for their time for a variety of reasons, all of them way out in front of development after the sterile war years.
  First, the reg numbers. gUN 1 and GUN 2. This was years before anyone thought number plates were of any value. UN and CA were both letters showing they came from Denbighshire.
 Next to the engines. Foden 16 cylinder two stroke engines. Wait for the gasp of breath from anyone who has any clue as to what I am writing about. The noise they emitted was completely distinctive. A high pitched high revving noise, once heard never forgotten. Not at all loud just unique.
 Third the dorsal fin on the roof. For ventilation. In 1948 the average person couldn't even spell ventilation, never mind know what it was and witness it being put into a coach.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on July 09, 2015, 04:54:27 pm
Some fantastic classic vehicles there....  $good$ $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 09, 2015, 05:17:20 pm
Some fantastic classic vehicles there....
$thanx$....... keep watching this space, a lot more to come.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DVT on July 09, 2015, 07:59:06 pm
I can remember those Pye coaches with the rear ventilator, used to make an odd sound from them!  It would been around 1954 as I started school then in Eglwysbach, living in Tal-y-Cafn.  I seem to think there was a similar coach, possibly registered GUN 60, that was based in a garage just below the Sun Inn that is on the way to Eglwysbach.  I did think that was a Pye's coach but I may be wrong.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: white rabbit on July 09, 2015, 08:46:57 pm
Ormegolf - I remember Cutler's Butchers in Everard Road and noticed was left off the list :)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: poppy on July 10, 2015, 10:34:13 am
Came across this film about Penrhos College in the fifties. Pyes coaches included  $good$

http://player.bfi.org.uk/film/watch-semper-ad-lucem-penrhos-college-1953/ (http://player.bfi.org.uk/film/watch-semper-ad-lucem-penrhos-college-1953/)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 10, 2015, 04:33:53 pm
Pye's are here..........
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on July 10, 2015, 08:57:50 pm
  Poppy has found a most amazing film about Penrhos College. Absolutely wonderful. I only wish that Welsh Maid who used to write on the forum fairly often a couple of years ago spots this post. She would love it. She used to work at Penrhos, although I hasten to add not in this period of time. More around early 1980s.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 11, 2015, 01:05:14 pm
While we are on the subject of old Rhos transport, I think this photo could be the winner..........

From information on the back, "Mr Thomas Williams,(my great grandfather) chauffeur to Dr Hewitt, with the first car in Rhos on Sea"

No year or make of car, however the gentleman was born in 1869 say he looks about 40 this gives approx date of 1910
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 11, 2015, 07:31:20 pm
Two adverts from the guide books..
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DVT on July 11, 2015, 08:20:26 pm
Wasn't it the Princess Cinema that had the double seats on the back row?  They also used to show horror films starting at midnight, and they also showed motorsport films for enthusiasts as George Lee, the owner, was a member of North Wales Car Club - back in the 1960's so just before my time with the club (I joined in 1968).

CA313 - registrations for cars were introduced in 1903 and that would (presumably) have been the 313th car registered in Denbighshire.  So the date of 1910 may be correct, or perhaps a little before that.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 11, 2015, 08:44:11 pm
The Playhouse in Rhos had double seats, I seem to remember they were aircraft seats, the center armrest lifted up.

In 1912, Picture Playhouse (Rhos) Ltd. was formed with directors R.D. Hartley, A.O> Cummings and H.B. Hill and they engaged architect Sidney Colwyn Foulkes to design a cinema to be built in Rhos On Sea, near Colwyn Bay, which at the time had no cinema. The result was a long, narrow building with seating for 450 patrons with, unusually, a musicians gallery in front of the projection box. The interior and foyer were panelled in wood and it had a nice terracotta front with some ornamentation.

The Picture Playhouse opened in April 1914. Programmes were once nightly with a matinee on Saturdays and two changes of programme per week.

In 1922 Sidney Frere became owner and installed his brother L. S. Frere as manager with prices 8d to 2/–. British Talking Pictures sound was installed in 1930, the name changed to the Playhouse and programmes expanded with an additional matinee on Wednesdays. In 1938 Mr. E. Port became owner and prices changed to 6d to 2/–.

Sometime in the early-1940’s G.H. Lee and J.F. Buckingham acquired ownership, and in the mid-1950’s installed Cinemascope on a 24 ½ foot screen in the 27 feet wide proscenium. Seating reduced to 375 patrons to allow for the new lines of sight and prices rose to 1/– to 2/3d.

Sometime in the 1960’s G.H. Lee brought out his partner and became sole owner, only to retire in 1974 when the cinema closed. The Co-operative Society purchased the venue, levelled the floor, demolished the stage but retained much of the terracotta frontage and opened the venue as a supermarket, in which guise it remains.

Thanks for the car date info. DVT.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on July 12, 2015, 08:46:44 am
In the 70s/80s there were two rather good cinemas in the area.  The Rhos playhouse was one and retained the capacity to show a good film brightly on a big screen.  But the best was in Colwyn Bay's West end, where the original cinema had been converted into a bingo hall downstairs and a cinema up.

That was an outstanding conversion. The colossal screen was set back from the front row of the steeply raked seating, and 16 channel sound was installed, ensuring not only an immersive experience for the patrons but with the best viewing angles of anywhere.  Naturally, it was too good to last and was sold for retirement flats.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DVT on July 12, 2015, 09:29:45 am
I stand corrected - it was the Rhos Playhouse I was referring to, not the Princess which was in Colwyn Bay where the petrol station is now on Princess Drive.

My reference to midnight horror films, and motor sport films, does refer to the Rhos Playhouse.  George Lee was a member of North Wales Car Club and his son often competed on rallies.

Thanks to SteveH for putting me right!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on July 12, 2015, 11:08:23 am
DVT,   I think that the Princess Cinema is now Wetherspoons in Princess Drive.   I'm not too familiar with the Bay so I don't know if there was a cinema where the garage is now.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 12, 2015, 11:32:39 am
DVT,   I think that the Princess Cinema is now Wetherspoons in Princess Drive.   I'm not too familiar with the Bay so I don't know if there was a cinema where the garage is now.
Some info from the Civic Soc.
Former Princess Cinema, Princes Drive
This building, now a JD Wetherspoon pub, was built as a cinema in the 1920s. It was named the Princess Picture Theatre, later the Princess Cinema.
efore it was built, there was a small wood in the area to the right of the building. Several times each year, a travelling cinema would set up there, and films would be projected onto a temporary screen in the open air.

For over 40 years the Princess Cinema was owned and managed by Mr Kenyon and his son George. At one stage they owned this and the Cosy Cinema on Conway Road, and employed one projectionist who would run up and down Penrhyn Road changing the reels of film in both cinemas! During the Second World War, when the Ministry of Food was located in the town, the cinema was exceptionally busy. There were a matinee every Wednesday and Saturday and two performances each evening. It was closed every Sunday.

The Princess Cinema closed in 1981 and was converted into a bingo hall. There are no longer any cinemas in Colwyn Bay, but 30 years ago there were four in the town. The Odeon and Arcadia are both demolished, but the former Cosy Cinema is now home to Matthews' hardware store.
With thanks to Graham Roberts, of Colwyn Bay Civic Society
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Gwynant on July 12, 2015, 12:01:22 pm
                      I think that the name of the cinema that DVT mentioned which was on the site of the petrol station in Princess Drive, Colwyn Bay was the Wedgewood (formerly the Arcadia), which is also remembered for Genesis playing there in 1971. I can remember that very close by in those days were two big garages, Chester Engineering, the Vauxhall/Bedford main dealers, and also Hollingdrakes, the Standard/Triumph and Jaguar main dealers of that time.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DVT on July 12, 2015, 01:02:56 pm
Thanks Gwynant - you're correct it was the Arcadia/Wedgwood and there was Hollindrakes Srandard/Triumph dealers in the 60's.  I worked in Zurich Insurance which was in Marine Road, opposite what was the Odeon from 1965 to 1969.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on July 12, 2015, 05:46:07 pm
My Dad worked in Chester Engineering back in the 1970s.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 12, 2015, 07:23:21 pm
Two school pic's ........from the Secondary school , Colwyn Bay....

The first one is approx 1934.......no details

The second is taken from the school magazine "The Colwynian"   summer 1937   The school gymnastic team.
There are lists of entrants in various competitions,........I can check if you are looking for family members, I have found my father in both photos.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 12, 2015, 07:28:40 pm
Another earlier group photo from Rhos.....My Grt Grandfather and a very young grandmother on the left.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on July 13, 2015, 01:01:27 pm
Interesting documentary about the recent history of Colwyn Bay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1le5tXu4wY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1le5tXu4wY)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 13, 2015, 01:36:25 pm
Interesting documentary about the recent history of Colwyn Bay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1le5tXu4wY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1le5tXu4wY)
Very good find D. lots of lessons to be learned....and some good links from that site $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on July 13, 2015, 08:28:31 pm
   Going back a dozen or more posts----double seats in the back row of the Princess Cinema. Later post corrected this.
    Lucky for the writer that Mr Kenyon the owner has long since died. He would have had your guts for garters. Never mind a cuddle in the back row, you didn't even get past Mr Kenyon's stare if you failed to be wearing a collar and tie. And the tie had to be straight. Otherwise you didn't get in at all. Full stop.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on July 14, 2015, 09:33:39 am
the best was in Colwyn Bay's West end, where the original cinema had been converted into a bingo hall downstairs and a cinema up. That was an outstanding conversion. The colossal screen was set back from the front row of the steeply raked seating, and 16 channel sound was installed, ensuring not only an immersive experience for the patrons but with the best viewing angles of anywhere.  Naturally, it was too good to last and was sold for retirement flats.
It was originally built as the ODEON by J. Arthur Rank, then sold off to Hutchinson Leisure Group in the late 60s, who renamed it the ASTRA. I remember how large the auditorium was, even through the original Stalls area had been converted into a Bingo Hall. Saw Star Wars and the Empire Strikes Back there.

[smg id=781]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on July 14, 2015, 09:35:50 am
                      I think that the name of the cinema that DVT mentioned which was on the site of the petrol station in Princess Drive, Colwyn Bay was the Wedgewood (formerly the Arcadia), which is also remembered for Genesis playing there in 1971. I can remember that very close by in those days were two big garages, Chester Engineering, the Vauxhall/Bedford main dealers, and also Hollingdrakes, the Standard/Triumph and Jaguar main dealers of that time.
The Petrol Station occupies the site of Chester Engineering. The Wedgewood Cinema was where the one storey extension to the Post Office now is.

[smg id=3196]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 15, 2015, 02:26:07 pm
I have a copy of "The Operatic Players" Pirates of Penzance 1928 production in the Pier Pavilion Colwyn Bay.
I am sorry you cannot see it, but it comes under the heading "they don't make them like they used to" it is 76 pages of info on the membership,photos, casts and officers not to mention the local advertisers of that year and cost 6p.
I have scanned some pages and once again if anyone wants further info please let me know, you might find your grandparents as I did, (there are other cast photos)

I did find out that one of the founder members, was the grandfather of Terry Jones ...Monty python fame
Born on 1st February in Colwyn Bay, Terry Jones is a patron of Theatr Colwyn, a historic theatre that has recently been re-furbished.
Terry’s grandparents used to run the Colwyn Bay Amateur Operatic Society, staging Gilbert and Sullivan concerts on the Pier every year and so Terry is stirring up a family tradition in being part of today’s Colwyn Bay entertainment scene.
Whilst at Oxford University, Terry met up with Michael Palin and formed an internationally known writing team that brought us such popular programmes as The Late Show and the Frost Review. From here, a coming together with John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman and Eric Idle occurred to produce a show that is still loved across the world.
A Writer, Director and Performer, he not only has a taste for the stage but is also a well acknowledged expert on medieval history.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 18, 2015, 01:33:16 pm
Old Rhos Pic,s    I think the first one is showing the Tram on  Penrhyn Ave
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2015, 04:32:36 pm
Good to see the Pirates posters and programme. There have been two versions of the Pirates that were superb: the Broadway version eventually on film, with Kevin Kline and Angela Lansbury and the best I've ever seen - the Australian version by Essgee Entertainment and filmed in 1994. Probably the nearest to the original spirit of the G & S work and incredibly funny to boot.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 18, 2015, 05:26:35 pm
Good to see the Pirates posters and programme. There have been two versions of the Pirates that were superb: the Broadway version eventually on film, with Kevin Kline and Angela Lansbury and the best I've ever seen - the Australian version by Essgee Entertainment and filmed in 1994. Probably the nearest to the original spirit of the G & S work and incredibly funny to boot.
Thanks Ian, there are about a dozen other good (named) photographs I will post at a later on.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on July 18, 2015, 08:04:56 pm
 Hello SteveH, Your first photo. No need to THINK its Penrhyn Avenue. Its definite. The old Rhos pier in the background pinpoints it.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 19, 2015, 05:15:45 pm
This is cropped from a cutting (Weekly News ?) 1954, it mentions Aberhod in 1847
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 20, 2015, 06:31:57 pm
An interesting story from family history going back to before 1900......My great Uncle David Hughes connection with T. G. Osborne and the start of Rydal Mount School

Rydal Mount was founded by T.G. Osborn on 19 September 1885. The School, which was to be a boys’ boarding school in the Methodist tradition, was named after the house (now called Old House) on Lansdowne Road which Osborn had acquired through the good offices of the Reverend F.W. Payne, a wealthy benefactor and Wesleyan minister who lived in Colwyn Bay.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 21, 2015, 02:11:21 pm
1963 Photos of Rhos........Swim anybody.... ???


Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on July 21, 2015, 07:22:18 pm
  That was a winter and a half. I remember it very well. The river at the Foryd in Rhyl froze over, and I could write about half a dozen unbelievable occurrences  between early January and mid March when overnight, the big thaw arrived.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 21, 2015, 09:07:14 pm
  That was a winter and a half. I remember it very well. The river at the Foryd in Rhyl froze over, and I could write about half a dozen unbelievable occurrences between early January and mid March when overnight, the big thaw arrived.
I remember 63 as well Mike, the year I started my first stint with the Cairngorm mountain rescue team, talk about going in at the deep end,  anyway what about the rest of your winter stories......
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on July 22, 2015, 10:13:58 pm
  The rest of my winter stories? I'm a bit lost. I didnt know I had any, never mind the rest.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: snowcap on July 22, 2015, 11:38:07 pm
I got married in February that year and i still haven't thawed out. it was that cold the photographer wouldn't take photos outside the church for fear if the bridesmaids getting frostbite.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DVT on July 23, 2015, 08:55:27 am
1963 - the River Conway (still had the "a" in it then!) at Tal-y-Cafn.  In the view from the bridge you can see Bodnant Hall in the trees in the distance.  The other view shows Conway Cottage (still has the "a" in it now!), where I lived, which is now next to the entrance to the Welsh Food Centre.

Icebergs floated down the river then when the tide came in it pushed them back to form a solid mass.  I believe someone actually walked across the river by Tal-y-Cafn Bridge although it would not have been a smooth path!

(http://www.anwcc.org/talycafn2.jpg)

(http://www.anwcc.org/talycafn1.jpg)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 23, 2015, 12:20:16 pm
  The rest of my winter stories? I'm a bit lost. I didnt know I had any, never mind the rest.

Sorry Mike, when you said "I could write about half a dozen unbelievable occurrences" I was hoping for more of your past experiences ...

Great photos DVT......

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 23, 2015, 05:13:20 pm
I have some photos that suggest there was an event in Rhos called "Queen of the Roses" with the Queen named "Alice" and possible a fun parade, the date on the photos is 1927
Has anyone any further information.

No replies to the above  ? ? ......here are the photos...........
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 24, 2015, 07:48:07 pm
This I think is a Colwyn Bay Football Club team photo, I am guessing 1932, the gentleman on the left is a Mr Bowers of Rhos Rd. a friend of my grandparents and possible his daughter Margaret who went to school with my father. my grandfather was involved with CBFC and was also a referee (back row 4th from right)..............any old football history fans out there
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 27, 2015, 02:01:01 pm
Unexpected landing, Aug. 1910  Rhos on Sea Golf Club by Robert Bilcliffe Loraine (14 January 1876 – 23 December 1935) was a successful London and Broadway stage actor, actor-manager and soldier who later enjoyed a side career as a pioneer aviator.....https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Loraine     

From a Previous post.....the last picture
"The Farman biplane piloted by Robert Loraine, landed safely about 100 yards from the club-house on Rhos-on-Sea Golf Course, Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, on August 1 1910 and was the first airplane to land in Wales. Robert, aged 34, flew from Blackpool, and completed a record-breaking over-sea flight. (63 miles)."
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on July 27, 2015, 04:35:39 pm
Impressive indeed.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 28, 2015, 04:42:57 pm
Following on from an earlier discussion on Rhos Fynach Weir last year .....Oct 2014 REPLY no's 131/139. on this thread.

I have a blueprint (1966) of what looks like some sort of commemorative scroll for Rhos Fynach (Royal) Weir , showing it's position
(I have cropped sections which I hope you will be able to read.)

1920 Arial view showing weir ?    V shaped pool to the right of the pier.

A very early photo from my great grandmother's collection written on the back it say's .....Capt. Roberts...Rhos weir ......Bluebell Hotel (no date) (now Cayley Arms)...........He may also have lived in the fishermans cottages.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on July 28, 2015, 05:00:21 pm
This is superb stuff, Steve. Do keep it coming.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: hollins on July 28, 2015, 06:39:45 pm
You really have a wonderful archive there SteveH. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 28, 2015, 09:41:37 pm
This is superb stuff, Steve. Do keep it coming.
Quote
Hollins  You really have a wonderful archive there SteveH. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Thank you both, I have waited a long time to sort out the Rhos papers etc a lot of it is family stuff now, but I will keep posting relevant items......

You may also find interesting that during the search I found RAF photos from my Dad's old squadron, and his days with the Fire Service, and contacted both parties,..... the GFS is going to use all the photos in their museum......and today I was contacted by the RAF museum asking for permission to use two of the photos I had sent, I was very proud that they wanted them, but sad to say that both were pictures of aircrew (with their names on the back,) that had previously been unidentified (lost in action) they will be used in the museum and copies sent to their families.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: SteveH on July 29, 2015, 06:43:02 pm

The last owner of the weir, one John Parry Evans, trained terrier dogs to retrieve salmon from the weir. The first dog he trained, Jack, was so admired that he was awarded with a silver collar and became a popular tourist attraction. Unfortunately he died in 1873 after receiving fatal injuries from another shark trapped in the weir! The weir fell into disuse during World War I, and regrettably its stakes were later removed as a danger to boats."
Courtesy of the WSF forum (http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/)
I forgot to mention above, that part of the commemorative scroll, allowed a space for a picture of Jack's silver collar,  I think it might be part of the Colwyn Bay council's silver collection held at the Civic Centre, but I cannot find any reference to it, it would be interesting to see it.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on July 30, 2015, 08:23:10 am
Included in Norman Tucker's book " Colwyn Bay it's origins and growth" is a bit about Jack.   Apparently Jack was on a Prussian schooner that dropped anchor off Rhos on Sea and Jack was exchanged for a bag of potatoes!    He was called an "Otter Terrier"
  At the time the book was written a somewhat dusty Jack with his paw on an even dustier Salmon. reposes in a glass case in the house of Mr Parry Evans' daughter.   The silver collar was also shown to the author.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 30, 2015, 11:11:54 am
Thanks Hugo, I'd forgotten about that part of the story, I'll have another look at NT's book......... $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 01, 2015, 12:37:09 pm
Two more photos of Rhos....the first you can pick out landmarks .....Rhos County Garage, the Princess etc. no swimming pool.
The second shows both piers and the swimming pool.........
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on August 01, 2015, 10:00:31 pm
   The building is there but I doubt it was the Rhos County Garage. This garage was opened in the early 1930s and this photo looks years older than that. Also you mention the Princess. Do you mean the cinema? If so, that was the Rhos Playhouse (nicknamed bughouse). The Princess was in Colwyn Bay.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 02, 2015, 11:05:16 am
 Must put brain in gear, considering we have just been talking about these subjects....will do better. :-[       :-[
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on August 02, 2015, 08:25:14 pm
   Don't worry. I'm not really a picky beggar. However it was once pointed out to me that if something is incorrect and spoken verbally, well it does'ent really matter. But if its in print (and include the internet) then it is there for all time. And in time will be taken as being fact.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on August 03, 2015, 08:31:02 am
Quote
if its in print (and include the internet) then it is there for all time. And in time will be taken as being fact.

Worryingly, more than a ring of truth in that.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on August 03, 2015, 09:09:49 am
Two more photos of Rhos....the first you can pick out landmarks .....Rhos County Garage, the Princess etc. no swimming pool.
The second shows both piers and the swimming pool.........
That first aerial photo is fantastic, SteveH.  $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on August 03, 2015, 11:37:21 am
 In reply to Ian, a few years ago I saw a prominent photo of one of the Llandudno trams. In the write up it stated "photo of tram descending towards Llandudno." I immediately spotted this was incorrect. It was actually accending away from Llandudno. I was absolutely 100 percent sure. I knew exactly the spot the photo was taken from.
  And this was in a book about the history of the tram track. Not a very good start. But I thought, oh well, never mind it's just two words wrong.
 Later in a chance conversation with the then chairman of the Bala railway society I mentioned this, and that I had done nothing to correct it. He was horrified. He said in years to come in the future people will read this and be completely misled. You (me) must do something.
  So I wrote to either the author or the publishers, I don't remember which. I got the distinct impression that they were not overjoyed overthe news!! 
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 03, 2015, 12:11:40 pm
Two more photos of Rhos....the first you can pick out landmarks .....no swimming pool.
The second shows both piers and the swimming pool.........
That first aerial photo is fantastic, SteveH.  $good$
$thanx$ Dave, It does "zoom" in very well, and I can pick up a lot of detail, even using an old JASC pro 7 paint shop,    but I am having a lot of trouble with print, any advice ?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on August 03, 2015, 12:29:15 pm
$thanx$ Dave, It does "zoom" in very well, and I can pick up a lot of detail, even using an old JASC pro 7 paint shop,    but I am having a lot of trouble with print, any advice ?
When you say print, what exactly do you want to do?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Gwynant on August 03, 2015, 12:48:48 pm
  So I wrote to either the author or the publishers, I don't remember which. I got the distinct impression that they were not overjoyed overthe news!! 
         A good few years ago I bought a Pathfinder Guide Edition Ordinance Survey "Snowdonia, Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula" walking handbook and found it very informative and helpful but on one particular walk a "take the left-hand fork" instruction should have read "take the right-hand fork". The mistake was fairly immediately obvious when you were walking the route and I mentioned it to the man in the bookshop the next time I was in there. He said "Why don't you drop them a line, I'm sure they would appreciate it, you might even get a voucher towards a new book!".
         So I did, never got a reply but I did notice in the subsequent reprinted edition that the erroneous instruction had been corrected to read "right " instead of "left" so at least I know that they received my letter.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 03, 2015, 01:12:14 pm
$thanx$ Dave, It does "zoom" in very well, and I can pick up a lot of detail, even using an old JASC pro 7 paint shop,    but I am having a lot of trouble with print, any advice ?
When you say print, what exactly do you want to do?
Printed material, I have some old guide books, when I scan them, they are unreadable or some have to be enlarged to a ridiculous size, some of my previous postings are on the big side ! ! I have no adjustment on my scanner, and do what I can on the above mentioned JASC.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on August 04, 2015, 09:44:52 am
$thanx$ Dave, It does "zoom" in very well, and I can pick up a lot of detail, even using an old JASC pro 7 paint shop,    but I am having a lot of trouble with print, any advice ?
When you say print, what exactly do you want to do?
Printed material, I have some old guide books, when I scan them, they are unreadable or some have to be enlarged to a ridiculous size, some of my previous postings are on the big side ! ! I have no adjustment on my scanner, and do what I can on the above mentioned JASC.
Does the Scanner have any software to control it, whereby the size of the scan can perhaps be altered?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 04, 2015, 11:19:53 am
DaveR...I will double check, thanks for that, will let you know.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on August 04, 2015, 01:10:42 pm
DaveR...I will double check, thanks for that, will let you know.
If you let me know the make/model of the scanner, I will see if there is any better software available.  $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 04, 2015, 03:11:59 pm
DaveR...I will double check, thanks for that, will let you know.
If you let me know the make/model of the scanner, I will see if there is any better software available.
Photosmart HP 5520         $thanx$    Just remembered I also have Irfanview
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on August 05, 2015, 09:37:26 am
DaveR...I will double check, thanks for that, will let you know.
If you let me know the make/model of the scanner, I will see if there is any better software available.
Photosmart HP 5520         $thanx$    Just remembered I also have Irfanview
I know the ones, don't think they are great for scanning, very basic functionality on them.  :(
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 05, 2015, 11:28:25 am
Thanks for that DaveR, I will be upgrading my PC in the near future, will look into a printer as well.... $good$
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 09, 2015, 12:29:18 pm
Two more photos of Rhos....the first you can pick out landmarks .....Rhos County Garage, the Princess etc. no swimming pool.
The second shows both piers and the swimming pool.........
That first aerial photo is fantastic, SteveH.  $good$

I have just found this site by accident, aerial photos "Britain from above"  I don't know if it is common knowledge, but link below...........

http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/asearch?search=colwyn%20bay (http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/asearch?search=colwyn%20bay)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on August 10, 2015, 05:16:24 pm
An old programme from the Arcadia 1951......cinema and dance hall....
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: snowcap on August 10, 2015, 08:58:59 pm
saw the fight what a scrap that was.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on August 11, 2015, 09:19:25 am
saw the fight what a scrap that was.
I wonder if anyone ever went to Gwrych Castle in Abergele to see Randolph Turpin sparring there?

More about it here:
http://chrislad.worldonline.co.uk/page45.html (http://chrislad.worldonline.co.uk/page45.html)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: snowcap on August 11, 2015, 08:16:49 pm
I was there and saw him do six rounds.The ring was set up in the field outside the castle. He had three sparing partners who did two rounds each with him, they earned there money, one was picked up off the canvase after catching a haymaker. We went around the castle after the show, and he was sunbathing with a few of his lady friends at the rear of the castle. I was lucky enough to have a photo taken holding his belt and waring his gloves, my father was a big fan and had used me as an excuse to go and see him , this was after he had become world champ. Good memories thanks for mentioning it Dave.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on August 11, 2015, 08:52:54 pm
  Two replies. First I don't think the Arcdia could ever be described as a dance hall. It had a sloping floor for a start. The dance orchestra would have been on the stage and the customers on seats.
 Next Randolph Turpin. No I didn't, but going even further back, yes I did see Bruce Woodcock fight there. I think around 1949/50
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: snowcap on August 11, 2015, 10:52:13 pm
was that before the world title fight or after?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 09, 2015, 09:24:57 am
The Astra Cinema in Conway Road, Colwyn Bay. Taken in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

[smg id=3327]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on September 09, 2015, 11:00:33 am
Great shame when the Bay lost that. Probably one of the finest cinemas around at the time it went.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 10, 2015, 09:24:17 am
Indeed. Would have been great to stick an IMAX screen in if it had survived maybe?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Lyndylou on March 09, 2016, 03:10:53 pm
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/rare-footage-conwy-plane-crash-10901847 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/rare-footage-conwy-plane-crash-10901847)

RAF plane crash Rhos 1920s  rare  video
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on March 09, 2016, 04:59:09 pm
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/rare-footage-conwy-plane-crash-10901847 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/rare-footage-conwy-plane-crash-10901847)

RAF plane crash Rhos 1920s  rare  video

It's right on the beach, about 200 yards north of the old Rhos Pier, which is clearly visible in this clip.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: gaztrucker on September 02, 2017, 07:12:49 pm
i drove for garstangs for 3 years first wagon driving job on a bedford j type fruit wagon my next door neighbour was the mechanic a lad known as Harry boots he kept that old fleet in first class order. mr. garstang was always known as the "old man" they were a good local employer  back in the day at the height of the business we ran 23 wagons including artics collecting from liverpool market and spuds from tommy ryans at lydiate. for anyone with an interest in old lorries garstangs ran ford thames trader flatbeds & artics a commer ts3 tractor unit bedford j type delivery wagons bedford kh flatbed bedford km flatbed 16 tonner driven by "big ray" who incidentally was famed for his ability to eat an apple despite having no teeth whatsoever ! happy days i must just add a few names of the staff i worked with elwyn thomas harry towse bernard hayes phil hayden ian lord chris chadwick ron ? neil hughes (psycho) !! hope this jogs a few memories
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 05, 2017, 12:50:02 pm
Love this old postcard, looking towards Rhos On Sea from roughly where the Toad pub is now, early 1900s:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on September 05, 2017, 06:33:22 pm
Before 1895 mate, because Rhos Pier isn't there.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on September 05, 2017, 11:07:01 pm
Isn't that the Pier Toll Booth on the right at Rhos Point?       
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Neil on September 06, 2017, 08:59:22 am
I can see the pier, perhaps somebody needs a trip to Specsavers!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 06, 2017, 09:02:28 am
The pier is there, just very faint, it's a bit tricky to see it. You can also see the Rhos Abbey Hotel, built in 1898:
http://archiseek.com/2014/1898-rhos-abbey-hotel-rhos-on-sea-wales/ (http://archiseek.com/2014/1898-rhos-abbey-hotel-rhos-on-sea-wales/)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on September 06, 2017, 02:23:26 pm
That's VERY faint, but I stand corrected if so.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 07, 2017, 08:23:25 am
I stand corrected
...said the man in the orthopaedic shoes.  :laugh:
Title: old petrol filling stations
Post by: gaztrucker on September 08, 2017, 09:28:18 pm
hi heres another one !! i grew up in rhos, on penrhyn ave there was 3 petrol stations rhos county garage, hancocks and penrhyn service station all in less than a mile ! i remember penhryn coaches being based at the latter location used to go on school trips on their old bedford coaches . chris of alpine coaches fame used to drive for them.  anyway i seem to be drifting away from the topic does anyone remember how many petrol stations there were between west end and the black cat i'll leave this one with you and look forward to reading your replies
Title: Re: old petrol filling stations
Post by: DaveR on September 11, 2017, 09:36:37 am
hi heres another one !! i grew up in rhos, on penrhyn ave there was 3 petrol stations rhos county garage, hancocks and penrhyn service station all in less than a mile ! i remember penhryn coaches being based at the latter location used to go on school trips on their old bedford coaches . chris of alpine coaches fame used to drive for them.  anyway i seem to be drifting away from the topic does anyone remember how many petrol stations there were between west end and the black cat i'll leave this one with you and look forward to reading your replies
Hmmm..thinking back to the 1970/80s..

Gordon Ford in the West End (had pumps at one time, I think?)
Braids/Lookers in the West End (sold National petrol, I recall)
2 petrol stations opposite each other in middle of Mochdre
1 petrol station just past the Village Hall in Mochdre (now Alpine Motors)
Black Cat at Glan Conwy Corner

Have I missed any?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: spotty dog on September 11, 2017, 01:58:17 pm
Did Hollindrakes sell fuel? On Princess Drive
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Cambrian on September 11, 2017, 02:03:55 pm
Francis Garage - where Lidl is now.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 12, 2017, 12:31:38 pm
I remember the statues of the monks on the gateposts at the Rhos Fynach in the 1970s/80s, but it was called 'Cegin Y Mynach' then - 'Monk's Kitchen'.

[smg id=3370]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on September 12, 2017, 02:40:05 pm
Lucky you ! ... I remember them in the 50/60s   :( :(
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on September 12, 2017, 06:32:48 pm
I remember the statues of the monks on the gateposts at the Rhos Fynach in the 1970s/80s, but it was called 'Cegin Y Mynach' then - 'Monk's Kitchen'.

[smg id=3370]

There are still a couple of monks statues at the Rhos Fynach, very eroded... I saw at least one last time I was there.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2017, 07:01:06 pm
This is not about times past in Rhos. Anything but.
  Nines cafe on the front. Reportedly purchased by Parasellas of Conwy. Maybe a romantic connection of personal number plates here. The headline:

     "EMA OWEN meets RHOS BOY"

    in case you don't know Ema Owen is a prominent member of the Parasella family. nines sin is the Rhos boy. Ema,s number plate is actually ema8wen I'm not sure what Rhos boys actually is.

   By the way I know both of them and I know they won't object to this publicity. After all anyone who doctors their number plates is hardly a shrinking violet
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2017, 07:11:35 pm
Going back to the petrol stations between Gordon ford and the black cat. Dave r has got a better distance memory than me, and I think mine is fine. But try as I might I cannot remember one as you left Mochdre. Are you sure Dave R? Anyway you are bound to be the winner. I had forgotten about the two in the middle of Mochdre. One owned by quinten hazel later to be the famous quinten hazel
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 14, 2017, 09:05:57 am
Going back to the petrol stations between Gordon ford and the black cat. Dave r has got a better distance memory than me, and I think mine is fine. But try as I might I cannot remember one as you left Mochdre. Are you sure Dave R? Anyway you are bound to be the winner. I had forgotten about the two in the middle of Mochdre. One owned by quinten hazel later to be the famous quinten hazel
The one going out of Mochdre is a car sales place now, next to National Tyres (see pic below).

I take it the one owned by Quinton Hazel was on the right as you approached from Colwyn Bay? I remember my Dad and I exploring it when it was derelict, there was a car repairs area in the back and offices upstairs.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 14, 2017, 11:58:44 am
Just to add to my original list, Mochdre Garage (owned by the Gostages, I think) had Esso petrol pumps outside back in the 1950s:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: gaztrucker on September 16, 2017, 11:03:46 pm
hi dave re:the lost petrol stations just put a post on times past with what i can remember cheers mate
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on September 22, 2017, 12:00:10 pm
This the Colwyn Bay prom of my childhood, happy days...

Click image for larger version.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on September 22, 2017, 02:02:37 pm
I spy the miniature railway, removed just before our two were old enough to enjoy it.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: gaztrucker on September 22, 2017, 08:24:08 pm
hey dave thats the colwyn bay prom of my childhood too standing at the bottom of eirias park hill watching br class 40 locos pulling hard out of the bay on the irish mail and the emerald isle express happy days !!!!!!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on October 25, 2017, 08:28:53 am
Great image from 1958, showing the bandstand area opposite the Cayley.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: temperancellandudno on December 16, 2017, 10:05:39 pm
Hello everyone

There has been brief mention of the Miniature Steam Railway, which i think was on the front between Rhos and Colwyn Bay. I seem to recall this from 1975, although i can't recall exactly where it went.

is my memory at fault? I would be very interested in further details.

Many thanks

TL
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on December 17, 2017, 12:12:39 am
Short video of the train..

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n_tKhjAZ6Ic
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on December 17, 2017, 12:13:32 am
The only steam miniature railway I can remember was on the Colwyn Bay Promenade but it only run from the entrance to Eirias Park to the Pier.
I think the train & carriages were housed in a building by Eirias Park and there may be a photo on here of it

Nice video Steve and that's the only one I can remember
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on December 17, 2017, 12:22:46 am
Ta H.   I found this one while looking, interesting, as is the driving ? Talk about dash cams

Tram video Colwyn Bay    to    Llandudno 1950s

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Yn7YYlC2g
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on December 17, 2017, 12:42:03 am
Makes me feel really old now as I can remember going on the trams and the old Toast track ones ibn the Summer months
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Michael on December 17, 2017, 08:16:56 am
I travelled on the trams every day for years. I hated the bus competitors Crosville because they, Crosville, were determined to drive the trams out of business. In the end of course they succeded
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on December 17, 2017, 09:19:55 am
The only steam miniature railway I can remember was on the Colwyn Bay Promenade but it only run from the entrance to Eirias Park to the Pier.
I think the train & carriages were housed in a building by Eirias Park and there may be a photo on here of it

Nice video Steve and that's the only one I can remember

That was closed in 1988-9 and the engines and coaches were housed in a tunnel constructed at the far end of the track. from the pier.   Its closure was very sad, since it's exactly the sort of fun ride many would love today.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: mull on December 17, 2017, 11:00:30 am
Like Hugo really feel old now.
Can remember travelling on the trams including the Toastracks.
Remember going to see the Dambusters film, released in 1955 at the Palladium and sitting in the gods with Ivor Shields. Late in the evening we came out and it was still hot and catching a Toastrack to travel back to Penrhynside. I think it had been a budy summer day as we had to wait a while for another tram to come off the single line along Mostyn Street.
On arrival back in Penrhynside we went to the Chip shop opposite the Cross Keys for a bag of chips.

Strange how I can remember these things, but, were did I leave my glasses ?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on December 17, 2017, 01:17:48 pm
As you got of the tram in Penrhynside the first thing in Pendre Road that you would see was that public toilet block.     It came in handy after a night on the    Z**

It's a long time since they closed them down
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on December 17, 2017, 02:40:13 pm
The irony is that trams and trains are now being 'rediscovered' and proving a big tourist draw elsewhere.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DVT on December 17, 2017, 05:36:14 pm
When did the trams finish between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno?  I vaguely remember going on them ... I was born in 1949 and lived in Tal-y-Cafn ... a day out was train to Colwyn Bay, tram to Llandudno, train back to Tal-y-Cafn after spending the afternoon on the beach in Llandudno, with a stroll along the pier and a ride on a donkey!
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on December 17, 2017, 06:09:11 pm
DVT,     the Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Electric Railway ran from 1907  until it closed on the 24th March 1956
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Cambrian on December 17, 2017, 06:42:00 pm
The miniature railway between the pier and the Dingle opened on 29th June, 1953.  Originally steam, I think it closed for a period in the 1970s and reopened as diesel-hauled. As I remember the gauge was quite narrow (probably 7.25") and the engine was "Prince Charles".  The engine was kept in a shed alongside the Dingle stream.

On the topic of miniature railways, Llandudno once boasted two.  There was a short-lived one - two seasons in the early 1950s - on waste land at the rear of the Four Oaks Hotel, roughly where the swimming pool now is.  The other was up at the Great Orme Summit during the time it was run as a Holiday Centre by Randolph Turpin and Leslie Salts.  It is still possible to trace the line on the slope on the northern side of the Summit complex.  The engine was "Commodore Vanderbilt" which apparently still exists in private ownership.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: rhuddlan on December 17, 2017, 06:57:11 pm
a picture paints a thousand words..........
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trainsandstuff/20243859680 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/trainsandstuff/20243859680)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on December 18, 2017, 08:34:05 am
Excellent!  Obviously a press cutting, too.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on December 18, 2017, 11:08:20 am
As you got of the tram in Penrhynside the first thing in Pendre Road that you would see was that public toilet block.     It came in handy after a night on the    Z**

It's a long time since they closed them down
The odd thing is that the toilets are still there, they simply closed up the entrances in the wall and left the buildings intact behind. In 100 years, I expect there will be a Time Team special about them...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on December 18, 2017, 11:09:55 am
Hello everyone

There has been brief mention of the Miniature Steam Railway, which i think was on the front between Rhos and Colwyn Bay. I seem to recall this from 1975, although i can't recall exactly where it went.

is my memory at fault? I would be very interested in further details.

Many thanks

TL

This one?

[smg id=3156]

[smg id=3155]

[smg id=3154]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: temperancellandudno on January 22, 2018, 01:19:45 pm
Thats the one Dave!!

Many thanks - and belated ones. Christmas and a week staying near Llandudno, and not the flu - have not been to the site!

TL
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on February 17, 2018, 04:48:17 pm
Although only a print I found this quite interesting.......

Going through some of dads stuff from Rhos, I found the print below,   "Facsimile from the Mercators atlas 1611 Latin edition"   Printed by the North Wales Weekly news Conwy in 1979. 

Gerardus Mercator was perhaps the best-known mapmaker of all time.
https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/mercator-atlas-of-europe (https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/mercator-atlas-of-europe)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on February 18, 2018, 12:08:59 am
Very impressive, and also surprisingly accurate for its time.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on February 18, 2018, 08:22:18 am
They weren't that bad in 100BC...

[smg id=3391]
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on February 19, 2018, 11:54:51 pm
A very good point Ian, except they just named everything wrongly..  :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: DaveR on July 13, 2018, 12:02:50 pm
Love this photo of the original Pavilion on Colwyn Bay Pier under construction.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Fester on July 13, 2018, 01:31:44 pm
Gone.... swept away... forever.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea
Post by: gaztrucker on September 29, 2018, 05:34:35 pm
AEC reliance chassis Plaxton Panorama bodywork many a school trip on that coach !!! if the driver was wearing a boiler suit you knew that sometime on the trip the floor hatches were coming up and the spanners coming out !!!!! happy days loved Pyes Coaches
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: alw on September 29, 2018, 10:51:53 pm
Love this photo of the original Pavilion on Colwyn Bay Pier under construction.

This was the pier's second pavilion, the photo is dated 5th May 1923, it replaced the original pavilion which burnt down in 1922.

The second pavilion burned down in 1933 and I don't know when the 3rd was built.


I am not sure which of the two fires is shown in this photo.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 24, 2019, 12:21:45 pm
Fine figure of a lad......... even if not allowed in the big pool yet.                         Rhos Pool  1951
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on October 17, 2019, 11:28:33 am
It is not just my youth that has long gone...........
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on October 19, 2019, 09:59:46 am
It is not just my youth that has long gone...........

I thought somebody might have commiserated over the loss of Rhos pier, if not my youth...  ;)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on October 19, 2019, 10:25:16 am
 <:<:<:<

There was quite a debate about Rhos pier a few years back on here.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on November 27, 2019, 10:38:56 am
Another photo ..........  Rhos fishing weir.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on January 25, 2020, 02:41:06 pm
Last night I watched a rerun of the BBC programme Coming Home with the recently deceased Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, (I believe available on BBC iplayer,) returning to Colwyn Bay in 2009, part of the programme was a piece with Graham Roberts of the Colwyn Bay Heritage Group https://colwynbayheritage.org.uk/ (https://colwynbayheritage.org.uk/)  discussing his family connection to Colwyn Operatic Players 0f which my Grandfather was a member.

During the interview, they discussed  his Grandfather and mothers part in the production of The Sorcerer in 1929, and I noticed that my GF was in that show, with both Terry's Grandad W.G. Newnes and his mother Dilys Newnes, nice surprise for me.

In 2015 I posted a piece on Terry Jones....http://www.threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57.180.html (http://www.threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57.180.html)    Reply #194 on: July 15, 2015,

Thank you Ian for the edit
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Ian on January 25, 2020, 02:54:36 pm
Done that, Steve.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on January 21, 2021, 09:55:33 am
ColwynBay Life
Colwyn Bay The Building Of The Tramway On Abergele Road 1915
 Very little has changed in this picture in over 100 years, with the exception of the removal of all of the shop canopies
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: nessasmum on February 08, 2021, 09:32:57 am
This is the Rhos-on-Sea Townswomen's Guild Choir, I think from around the 1950s? Gladys Dyster (my great aunt) and Muriel Clayton sit either side of the conductor.

If somebody on the forum has a relative in that line-up, I'd be very happy to pass this photo on :)

[smg id=4143]

I've edited the pic to make it clearer and the right way up.  Ian.
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 24, 2021, 04:11:05 pm
Rhos pier and me circa 1952, look at those knee's
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on July 24, 2021, 06:15:32 pm
Now that's what I call a Pier          $good$                      Is that you in the picture Steve?
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 25, 2021, 09:55:53 am
Yes Hugo, that was me 1952, a few years later 1954 the pier was demolished, the family house, near The Abbey hotel, overlooked the pier.

Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on December 12, 2021, 10:05:35 am
30 spellbinding pictures of Princess Diana visiting North Wales during the 1980s

This fantastic collection of images shows Diana, Princess of Wales on her official visits to North Wales in the 1980s.

The couple also took the time to visit Colwyn Bay while they were in the region.

Gallery ........https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/30-spellbinding-pictures-princess-diana-22388608?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/30-spellbinding-pictures-princess-diana-22388608?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on April 08, 2022, 10:07:14 am
Colwyn Bay in past decades
This week we look at old photographs of a Conwy seaside town.

photo gallery  https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/colwyn-bay-in-past-decades/ (https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/colwyn-bay-in-past-decades/)
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: SteveH on July 25, 2022, 10:08:59 am
THIS week?s Nostalgia takes a look back at the Irwin?s stores that were once scattered around North Wales and Liverpool.

Irwin?s was a popular regional grocery chain founded in the 1880s by John Irwin, who originally opened branches in Liverpool and by 1902 had branches in 21 districts in the city?s vicinity.

The company soon expanded to North Wales, where they opened up a number of stores, in locations like Connah?s Quay, Mold, Prestatyn and Rhos-on-Sea.

There were soon hundreds of Irwin?s stores, from the company?s Liverpool heartland, along the North Wales coast.

A famous red livery was also adopted for the shops, which were often referred to in the firm?s advertising as ?The Ruby Red Stores?, while mosaics adorned outer walls of some branches.

In 1960, Jack Cohen bought 212 shops from Irwin?s, which was Tesco?s launchpad for expansion throughout the North-West of England, and the end of Irwin?s chain.         ref pioneer

 
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on August 06, 2022, 03:25:07 pm
The boat importing the sand on to Rhos on Sea's beach is out in the bay today
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Nemesis on August 07, 2022, 09:47:02 am
They seem to have blocked another part of the pedestrian area of the prom, it was chaos when we drove through yesterday. Also there are bright new double yellow lines all along the top of the embankment on the side of the houses !
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on August 08, 2022, 09:57:28 am
Impressive images show onboard the 14,000 tonne dredger ship sat off the North Wales coast
The Willem Van Oranjes' presence at Rhos-on-Sea has attracted a lot of attention while the coastal works continue



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/impressive-images-show-onboard-14000-24695205
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on August 19, 2022, 02:45:26 pm
Latest Rhos-on-Sea promenade revamp plans revealed - and controversial part has remained


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/latest-rhos-sea-promenade-revamp-24802118
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay..........NOSTALGIA
Post by: SteveH on October 02, 2022, 10:43:08 am
NOT so long ago, dinosaurs roamed Colwyn Bay's very own Jurassic Park.

Well, not so much roamed, but they stood and roared to the delight of generations of children.

If you were a child of 70s, 80s or 90s in North Wales there is a good chance you visited Dinosaur World in Eirias Park.

It was advertised as the largest collection of dinosaurs in the UK, with a collection of more than 50 life-sized fibreglass models.

They made realistic - or best guess - noises and were shown in recreations of their natural habitat.

cont  photo gallery  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/22644460.remember-colwyn-bay-jurassic-park/
Title: Re: Rhos On Sea & Colwyn Bay
Post by: Hugo on January 18, 2024, 09:46:10 am
Council plans to build new seaside kiosks on popular promenade          The plans form part of ongoing flood defence work in the area

Sounds like a good idea, wait until the promenade is completed and then dig it up again      ???       better still, wait until the Summer to get started on it and it can test out the new one way system that  CCBC  will introduce there


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/council-plans-build-new-seaside-28458003