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QUIZ ANSWER # 122

January 17, 2016, 3:58 am
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Last Sunday I posted the above photo taken in Dec 2015 by Yours Truly.
The question: Where in Rhyl would you find this building?

The answer: Brighton Road.

That failed to fool regular players. I had forgotten that the alley in which I was standing is a shortcut to Morley Road car park which many of you use. Hard being a quizmaster sometimes.

The building in question is No.1 Brighton Road which was a martial arts school not many moons ago. It is opposite Apollo Bingo.

Scoring a win for the correct answer are: Dilys Bagnall, Sue Handley, Jane Shuttle, The Great Gareth, and Richard & Ceri Swinney.

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Mon Jan 25th is Dydd Santes Dwynwen aka Saint Dwynwen's Day.
Dwynwen (pronounced Dwin-wen) is the Welsh patron saint of love and romance. You can read about here:
http://gwalia-stores.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/who-was-st-dwynwen.html

Daily Post has suggestions for what to do on Dwynwen's Day:
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/13-things-santes-dwynwen-day-10738821?ptnr_rid=381515&icid=EM_DailyPost_Nletter_WhatsOn_smallteaser_Text_Story1

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Copyright in the image of Dwynwen belongs to Tracy L. Christianson:
http://www.portraitsofsaints.com

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QUIZ QUESTION # 123

January 17, 2016, 4:01 am
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Above is a face on the exterior of a building - not to be confused with the face in Question # 113 about the corner of High St and Wellington Rd.

The question: Where in Rhyl would you find three identical faces like this?
You would score 1 win for the correct answer.

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Below is a card showing the promenade west of Rhyl Pavilion. The white building just left of centre is Coliseum Theatre; the picture was taken before it was roofed in 1960.

The question: What is the name of the street at bottom right of the pic?
Street could mean avenue, road, street, whatever.
You would score 1 win for the correct answer.


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So with 2 wins on offer this week, you have until the end of Saturday 23rd January 2016 to send your entry. Second tries not accepted!
The result will be published on Sunday 24th Jan 2016 around Midday.

Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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THE TOWN HALL

January 19, 2016, 1:58 am
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This illustration is from a publication named 'The Builder' dated 26th December 1874. It shows an advance drawing of the present Rhyl Town Hall (opened 1876) by architects Wood & Turner. Note how the clock tower at the front isn't leaning forwards!

Years ago somebody told me the first town hall was in High Street and made of wood, later replaced by the brick-built Town Assembly Rooms now No. 78 High Street.

No. 78 became a pub named the Old Town Hall and eventually a shop named Old Town Hall Stores (picture from Rhyl History Club):


The building still exists. That distinctive circle on the gable is still there. But I have never been convinced that this was really a town hall. More likely it was just a place for public meetings.

No, our municipal offices were on the present town hall site and behind them a market. These were all swept away by Wood & Turner's Town Hall and a more formal Market Hall at the rear.

The text below from 'The Builder' provides additional points of interest.
Please click on it to see more clearly:


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The following references are added here for indexing purposes:
Rhyl market, fish market, soup kitchen, fire station, Town Hall bazaar, Eyrton Denbigh, North South Wales Bank, corn exchange, Denbigh stone, Penmaenmawr stone, Wrexham stone, J Rhydwen Jones.

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SIT DOWN PROTEST

January 21, 2016, 5:10 am
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This picture of High Street, Rhyl, was taken probably in the 1990s and already it conjures up feelings of nostalgia. The round sheltered benches - such as the one on the left - were handy places during rain showers and ideal for pausing in while sorting shopping bags.

Workers would take a break there and have a chat and a ciggy; visitors with time to stop and stare enjoyed sitting in them, The shelters were unique locally and they gave Rhyl the special feeling of a being a resort rather than just an ordinary town.

Rhuddlan Borough Council had placed the benches but in the spring of 2004 the successor authority, Denbighshire County Council, ripped them out. Denbighshire painted the remaining benches black - perhaps under the impression that was a suitable colour for a seaside town.

Eventually Denbighshire installed coffin-shaped slabs for us to sit on - unsheltered of course - and black of course. The coffins quickly became dented on the top and held pools of water long after a shower. Soon but not soon enough these rubbishy items were done away with.

What have we got now? The best that could be said for the new benches is that they are not black:


After all the talk about how to "re-socialise" High Street the county authority has introduced benches with evil metal dividers in case we try to cuddle up. They are about as inviting as those spiteful narrow seats in the bus station.

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COMPTON HOUSE

I have been asked by Ms. Sue Edwards (currently residing in Canada) where in High Street Compton House was. The answer is number 57. Compton House is the old name for the building now occupied by Holland & Barrett health foods shop:


Originally it was same colour and texture as Betfred to your left - but with smaller bricks. One of Compton House's earlier incarnations was as a ladies’ hat shop I mean a milliner’s. The following advert is circa 1905:


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The following references are added here for indexing purposes: Rhyl W H Smith, Evans ladies clothes, M J Edwards milliner
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QUIZ ANSWER # 123

January 24, 2016, 3:55 am
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Last Sunday I posted the above face which is on the exterior of a building - not to be confused with the face in Question # 113 about the corner of High St and Wellington Rd. 
The question: Where in Rhyl would you find three identical faces like this?

The answer: Bodfor Street.
They are above windows on The Co-operative Bank.
Click on this picture to see a bigger version:

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Also I posted the following image of the prom west of Rhyl Pavilion. The white building just left of centre is Coliseum Theatre; the picture was taken before it was roofed in 1960. 
The question: What is the name of the street at bottom right of the pic?


The answer: John Street.
Coliseum was opposite Abbey Street.

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Scoring one win for the faces answer and/or one win for the street name: Jane Shuttle 2, The Great Gareth 2, Sue Handley 1.


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Do you like my new mousemat?


Eat your heart out, Bill Ellis!

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QUIZ QUESTION # 124

January 24, 2016, 4:00 am
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Above is the locomotive 'King Arthur' at Rhyl.
The question: Was the picture taken before or after 1960?
You would score 1 win for the correct answer.

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Below are a couple of photographs taken recently by Yours Truly.
The question: What are the names of these places?


You would score 1 win for the correct pair of names.

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You have until the end of Sat 30th Jan 2016 to send your entry. Second tries not accepted!
The result will be published on Sun 31st Jan 2016 around Midday.

Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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FLASHBACK #15

January 26, 2016, 5:22 am
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Above is another beautifully detailed interior shot by Rhyl photographer Rae Pickard taken probably in the 1920s. This one shows the dining room of the Monica Hotel which stood on the corner of Water Street and West Parade (the Rosy O'Grady's/Honey Club corner).

[The dining room may have outlived the hotel and been the forerunner of the Esplanade Restaurant - one of West Parade's upstairs eateries.]

The entire building has been demolished to make way for an announced, and re-announced and re-announced, long-awaited hotel. The following photo of the corner was taken a couple of weeks ago by Yours Truly:


On the same day the former Ocean Beach Fun Fair site (currently named Marina Quay) was still in a similar state of limbo despite the announced, and re-announced and re-announced, long-awaited development.

This week over in East Parade the remains of the burnt-out Grange Hotel have been cleared. Round the corner in St. Asaph Street the Grange's rather nice archway has survived - so far.

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Recently on Internet this signed drawing by L.S. Lowry was up for auction. We know Lowry holidayed in Rhyl with his Mum more than once but this drawing of the Pavilion is not well known.

There were clearly doubts about its authenticity; after 12 bids it sold for £588. Rhyl artist Judith Samuel commented, "If it is genuine then it's really cheap. If not then it's really expensive!"

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THE BAY

January 28, 2016, 4:40 am
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Bae Colwyn aka Colwyn Bay is approximately 11 miles oh all right 17 kilometres to the west of Rhyl and there has been a lot of cross-fertilization of residents and visitors.

If the planned merger of counties Conwy and Denbighshire goes ahead the resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay & Llandudno would be in the same local authority area - a sensible move.

History of Colwyn Bay is well covered elsewhere, notably by authors Graham Roberts and Cindy Lowe. Here are some of my favourite pix chosen at random:


Above: Old Colwyn, Fairy Glen card posted 1907 and Old Village card posted 1918.

Click on any picture to see a bigger version.

Below: the entrance to Colwyn Bay pier, followed by the entertainment venue Catlin's Arcadia:


You would find more about promoter Will Catlin of Arcadia in Bill Ellis' book 'Entertainment In Rhyl And North Wales'.
[Bill notes that Mr. Catlin's daughter Gladys married Billie Manders whose Quaintesques played season after season at Rhyl's Amphitheatre.]

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Below: Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, on a card postmarked 1905, and part of Eirias Park on card posted in 1930s:


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Here are shots of The Bay looking eastwards. First is a view from Bryn Euryn on a card postmarked 1917; the more recent photo is (1960s?):


According to reliable sources there is still plenty going on in Colwyn Bay.

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Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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QUIZ ANSWER # 124

January 31, 2016, 3:52 am
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Last Sunday I posted the above photo of the locomotive 'King Arthur' at Rhyl. The question: Was the picture taken before or after 1960?

The answer: Before 1960.

Partly obscured by the engine is the platform sign for the Vale of Clwyd line which closed down in 1955. The ‘King Arthur’ was well named because its route went through one of the areas where legendary King Arthur of Round Table fame is said to have operated.

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Also I posted a couple of photographs taken recently by Yours Truly.
The question: What are the names of these places?


The answer: St. Helens Place (TOP) and Wellington Terrace.


I was standing at the elbow of St. Helens Place (looking towards High Street). The alley also has entrances/exits in Bodfor St and Kinmel St.

Wellington Terrace is off Wellington Road between Wellington Community Centre and The Royal Oak pub.

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Scoring 1 win for the 'King Arthur' question and 1 win for the pair of place names:
Richard & Ceri Swinney 2, The Great Gareth 2, Sue Handley 2, Jane Shuttle 2 and Dilys Bagnall 2.

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DEAR ME! (1)

The Co-operative Bank, Bodfor Street, Rhyl, which figured in last week's quiz is preparing to close down. You would find the why and wherefore in Daily Post:
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/rhyl-bangor-co-operative-bank-10799280

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DEAR ME! (2)

Pavilion Court, 27-29 East Parade, Rhyl, has two Ls in its street sign! Please click on the following picture to see a bigger version.


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QUIZ QUESTION # 125

January 31, 2016, 3:58 am
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This wonderfully derelict bus looks like something out of an old Ealing comedy film. It used to belong to Gold Star buses of St. Asaph. On the side is a Rhyl attraction advertised as The Dom Bier Keller.

The question: When the bierkeller closed what replaced it?
The correct answer would score 1 win.

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Below is a photo taken on New Year's Day 2016 in Rhyl by Fred Burns.
A place name has been blanked out.


The question: What is the missing name?
The correct answer would score 1 win.

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You have until the end of Sat 6th February 2016 to send your entry.
Second tries not accepted!
The result will be published on Sun 7th Feb 2016 around Midday.

Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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SEAFRONT EAST

February 2, 2016, 3:57 am
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The eastern side of the seafront, far from noisy attractions in the west, has a relaxing atmosphere preferred perhaps by older residents and visitors.

Below: Sandhills that used to be at the east end of the beach. Eventually these were removed by Flintshire council. Some observers felt sad to see this natural part of the landscape disappear.


The following snapshot of an unknown family is dated 1929 and has East Parade in the background. Love the cloche hats - I do wish they would come back into fashion!


Click on any picture to see a bigger version.

Spaces on eastern prom for exercise on bowling greens and tennis courts shown below, and there was swimming at The Baths (see under the label SWIMMING on your left near top of this page).


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This rare pre-WW2 item shows the Sportsland amusement arcade in East Parade, near to High Street. The picture came from Peter Trehearn; the arcade was run by his maternal grandfather (his mum's dad) Bernard Bestwick who also had an arcade in Barmouth.


Mr. Bestwick's other business in Rhyl included the Joyland amusement arcade in Queen Street, and silver plating factories in Bedford Street and off Vale Road. I am delighted with the picture, thanks Peter.

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The postcard below shows the prom east of the pier just as I remember it as a kid in early 1950s. On your left are chalets that were for hire if you preferred a little more privacy by the seaside - and could afford it.


Below from Rhyl History Club is an image showing the Floral Hall being built at the end of the 1950s, and from my own collection a later image of the gardens outside what was - by then - the Royal Floral Hall.


These postcards of the Rock Gardens and hotels in East Parade including the Westminster have a 1960s/70s period charm:


You know I would end with a donkeys picture, didn't you?


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The following references are added here for indexing purposes: Marine Drive, super speedway.

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Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

Don't forget my YouTube channel featuring Rhyl videos and slideshows. The channel is named RhylTime. Click here to see RhylTime's Top Ten:

Only YouTube items labelled RhylTime are mine.

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SEAFRONT WEST

February 4, 2016, 3:52 am
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The western side of the seafront, loved by generations of children, has been well featured in this blog. You would find many of its attractions categorised under labels on your left near the top of this page.

Here are a few more images, starting with the relatively uncluttered way it looked in 1960s from the junction of - probably - River Street.


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Earlier, in 1940s this was the scene near Queen Street. Robins is now Harker's Corner Cafe - and on opposite corner was Savoy Café:


Click on any image to see a bigger version.


Above: the ornamental fountain in 1930s. The fountain had been opened in 1892 with a big splash of publicity but the water had been turned off by the time this picture was taken.
The fountain was scrapped during WW2 (1939-46) to provide metal for the war effort.

Below: a picture showing the cycling and tricyling opposite the Queens is always welcome, even a badly-coloured one: 


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Here are a couple of contrasting shots of the bandstand to the east of Rhyl Pavilion, in the area that became eventually a roller skating rink. The first must have been taken during or just before WW2:


The lower picture above shows the original bandstand on the same part of the prom. The date would be circa 1901 because in the background there is work in progress on building the Queen's Palace (opened 1902).

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Who could resist this striking pic of Punch and Judy booth on the west side for a change instead of what became the customary position east of High Street? This is a card postmarked 1905:


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QUIZ ANSWER # 125

February 7, 2016, 3:53 am
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Last Sunday I posted this picture of a derelict bus that used to belong to Gold Star buses of St. Asaph. On the side is a Rhyl attraction advertised as The Dom Bier Keller. The question: When the bierkeller closed what replaced it?

The answer: Breaks.

In the 1970s when First Leisure Corporation were running Ocean Beach and the fun fair's satellite businesses, they had a Dolphinarium there and this was replaced by the bierkeller.
Eric Hughes, First Leisure's Director of Technical Services, takes up the story in the book Rhyl At The Fun Fair published in 2001:
"The Dom Bierkeller was a huge success but, after we experienced behavioural problems among some customers and difficulty in finding suitable entertainment, it was closed and replaced by the present Breaks Snooker Club and Sports Bar."

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Also I posted the photo below taken on New Year's Day 2016 in Rhyl by Fred Burns. A place name has been blanked out. The question: What is the missing name?


The answer: Eleri Close.

Eleri is a lovely Welsh female name of uncertain origin. Very near is Owen Close. I wonder whether Eleri & Owen are names of the builder’s children. Readers who know please tell me.

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Scoring 1 win for the bierkeller question and 1 win for Eleri Close:
The Great Gareth 2, Jane Shuttle 2.

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Writing this post brought to mind the year 2000 when I visited Eric Hughes several times at his home in Ffordd Derwen, Rhyl.

Eric told me his story of Marine Lake and Ocean Beach Fun Fairs and I wrote everything down, edited & published the manuscript in 2001 using community facilities. (Eric had been manager of both sites and therefore he was expert on the subject).

The resulting book, Rhyl At The Fun Fair by Eric Hughes, is a true classic and worth seeking out; Denbighshire libraries should have it.


Eric was a nice gentleman, very kind to me in my role as a novice writer about Rhyl history. He passed away in 2011, and I miss him.

On your left at top of this page you would find BOOK LIST, an attempt to compile a complete list of books about Rhyl. If you know a book that ought to be there and isn’t, please let me know:

rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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QUIZ QUESTION # 126

February 7, 2016, 4:01 am
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Above is a photo taken on New Year's Day 2016 in Rhyl by Fred Burns. Hidden behind the big bush is a place name.
The question: What is the place name?
The correct answer would score 1 win.

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Below is a cutting from a pre-World War 1 publication, an advert for Vaughan's chemist, doctored by your crafty blogger: 


The question: What is located there now?
The correct answer would score 1 win.

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You have until the end of Sat 13th February 2016 to send your entry. Second tries not accepted. The result will be published on Sun 14th February 2016 around Midday.

Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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SIR Y FFLINT / FLINTSHIRE

February 9, 2016, 3:53 am
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Rhyl was part of Flintshire from the very beginning of the town until the mid-1990s. This book was compiled by staff at Flintshire Record Office (Hawarden) and published in 1996.

The 10 chapter headings are: Flint, Mold, Buckley, Prestatyn, Rhyl, St. Asaph, Hawarden, Holywell, Industrial Deeside, and Flintshire Villages.

The Rhyl chapter runs to 12 pages containing 20 illustrations, of which the following is my favourite.
Click on it to see a bigger version.


Pictured is White Lion Hotel in High Street, Rhyl, c.1900. The White Lion was replaced by a Crosville Bus Station (whose fuel smells linger in the memory) and then by the present Jobcentre Plus.

This book's text has inaccuracies as in the companion volume about Denbighshire, but the pictures can be enjoyed for what they are. You would find both books in local libraries.

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The following references are added here for indexing purposes: T Parry publican, Roberts bakery.

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Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

See my Rhyl videos on YouTube:
Only the videos marked RhylTime are mine!

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SIR DDINBYCH / DENBIGHSHIRE

February 11, 2016, 3:26 am
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First of April this year marks the 20th year of Denbighshire’s administration of Rhyl. The ancient rural county and brash young seaside resort have been uneasy partners - and there seems to me to have been a mutual lack of understanding.

This book dates from 1996, the beginning of the period. It was compiled by staff at Denbighshire Record Office (Ruthin).

The book is not arranged by place names, so Rhyl photos are sprinkled among images of the county’s other towns and villages, and there is no index. Finding a picture quickly is not easy.

Rhyl seafront is well represented. Other shots are interesting; the following one of High Street viewed from Vale Road Bridge caught my eye.


It was taken on Friday 1st July 1960 when I was aged 14. Where was I? Sitting in a stuffy classroom, watching summer rain trickling down the windows, and waiting for summer break . . .

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These references are added here for indexing purposes: Alexandra Hotel, Worthington brewery, William Roberts shop.

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QUIZ ANSWER # 126

February 14, 2016, 3:53 am
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Last Sunday I posted this photo taken on New Year's Day 2016 in Rhyl by Fred Burns. Hidden behind the big bush is a place name. The question: What is the place name?
The answer: Cramer Court.

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Also I posted a cutting from a pre-World War 1 publication, an advert for Vaughan's chemist, doctored by your crafty blogger. The question: What is located there now?
The answer: RSPCA Animal Welfare Clinic.

Here is the advert in full supplied by Dave Williams – thanks, Dave!


The advert says 1, Vaughan Street (Corner of Abbey Street). The shop is not on the corner of Abbey Street but there was commercial value in saying it was - Abbey Street was a shopping street with a lot of footfall.

Here is the corner photographed on a dull day last week by Yours Truly:


On your left of RSPCA is Fred Burns' photographic studio (fomerly Phoenix photographic studio) in Bedford St and on your right - behind playground - is Bromleys upholsterers in Vaughan St.

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Scoring 1 win for Cramer Court and/or 1 win for RSPCA: Dilys Bagnall 1, Jane Shuttle 1, Sue Handley 2, The Great Gareth 2.

Gareth wonders if there was a connection between E.E. Vaughan chemist and the name Vaughan Street.  Possibly!  In 1880s one of the Rhyl commissioners (forerunners of councillors) was Edward Vaughan who could have been a chemist and may have had the street named after him.

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HALL OF SHAME

Last year in North Wales a large number of food outlets were checked for food hygiene and rated on a scale of 0-5 with 5 representing the best.

The following Rhyl businesses managed to score only 1:

Brothers Cafe Takeaway, 13 Kinmel Street;
Nash Care Home, 10-12 Churton Road;
Premier Convenience Stores, 135 Wellington Road;
Seagull International Foods, 32-36 Bedford Street.

Hospital patients and visitors should note that the voluntary group League of Friends at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, scored only 1.

See Daily Post for more details of the survey:
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/north-wales-food-outlets-one-10753180?ptnr_rid=381515&icid=EM_DailyPost_Nletter_News_Mediumteaser_Image_Story1

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QUIZ QUESTION # 127

February 14, 2016, 3:59 am
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Above is a sketch of Rhyl Pavilion by J.A. Elliott-Jones which looks as if it dates from early days of the Pavilion, possibly pre-World War 1.
The question: Was the artist facing north, east, south or west?
The correct answer would score 1 win.

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And here is a sketch of a scene near Foryd harbour by J.A. Elliott-Jones.
Click on it to see a bigger version.


The question: Was the artist facing north, east, south or west?
The correct answer would score 1 win.

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You have until the end of Sat 20th February 2016 to send your entry. Second tries not accepted. The result will be published on Sun 21st February 2016 around Midday.

Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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FLASHBACK # 16

February 16, 2016, 3:27 am
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In this blog there is mention of the Coliseum on western promenade being established in 1921 as an open air theatre. It was owned by the council and leased out to 'concert parties' of singers, musicians, dancers and comedians .

One of the earliest, if not the first, leaseholder was Billy Churchill whose show Uncle Billy’s Jolly Boys could not have been there more than half a dozen years but made quite an impact because long after the troupe had gone the public were still referring to the Coliseum as “the Jolly Boys”.

The longest lessee was Will Parkin who took over the theatre in 1927. He inherited Mr. Churchill’s mantle of Uncle Billy, and presented professional shows there until the 1950s.

In Bill Ellis’ book Entertainment In Rhyl And North Wales (published 1997) you would find an entire chapter about Will Parkin. Since then - nearly 20 years - I have been looking for a Parkin picture that Bill had not included, and here it is:


Click on the picture to see a bigger version.

This would be from late 1920s when the troupe was called The Optimists (Mr. Parkin is sitting on a surreal animal). By the early 1930s, a time of economic depression in UK, they were called The Super-Optimists!

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Colin Jones / email: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

See my Rhyl videos on YouTube:
Only the videos marked RhylTime are mine!

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TOPPING UP THE LAKE

February 18, 2016, 3:28 am
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Rhyl's Marine Lake opened in 1895 having been created artificially as an ornamental boating lake. In this blog much has been said already about the site, its fun fair and miniature railway, but the images in this post have not appeared here before.

Above is a card posted 1908. Pictured would be the east shore (nearest to town) where most activity has taken place because of the wider space. In the background are hints of Westbourne Avenue.

Click on any image to see a bigger version.

Below is a card postmarked 1907. At a very early stage swimming had been introduced on the south shore. The water was muddy!


The most enduring aspect of the lake is its miniature steam railway based in the north east corner. The following card is likely to be circa 1912:


Marine Lake Fun Fair was Rhyl's first permanent fairground and it drew big crowds between the two world wars:



Here are a couple of my favourites from later times. The first features the Marine Lake train Joan against  a backdrop of Ocean Beach Fun Fair: 


And here are the pedal boats called Splash-Cats on a card postmarked 1976 when the new Rhuddlan Borough Council were making a serious attempt to breathe new life into the place:


The trouble with water is that it looks inhospitable on cold dark days. The final shot was taken on Ist January 2016 by Fred Burns with your intrepid blogger in attendance:


For a long time the site has been little more than a mildly-interesting dog toilet, and maintenance by council is expensive, so the challenge must be how to make it more cost effective.

Rhyl people would not be short of ideas if anybody bothered to ask.

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