Your memories and photos of summers in Rhyl

Using some of your family photos, and postcards from the collection of history columnist, the late Elvet Pierce, courtesy of his son Brynmor, we take another look back at the golden days on the North Wales coast...

Richard Owen, who now lives in Devon, said: "I lived in Rhyl and still have family there.

"I worked on the prom from 1980 to 1985. Firstly in The Schooner pub by the fair. Next for three summers at The Fishing Village which was on the site of the old outdoor swimming pool.

"The following summer I spent hiring out deckchairs from the hut by the lifeboat station. And finally I worked in the Sun Centre for a summer and a lifeguard.

"Great memories of a busy, busy prom and beach, hideously busy times inside the Sun Centre, very hot and chlorine-packed air.

"Rhyl has changed very much but is hopefully have some improvements which will see it get back on its feet."

Sylvia Lee, from Coedpoeth shared some family photos of holiday at the seaside.

Sylvia Lee, from Coedpoeth shared some family photos of holiday at the seaside.

She said: "These are mum, dad, big sister Beryl and me, little Sylvia, on a week's holiday in Rhyl, in 1960."

John Jones, from Wrexham, remembers his days in Rhyl very well.

He said: "My earliest recollections of going to Rhyl with my parents was sometime in the mid-late 1950s.

"As money was tight in those days, going out for the day (except for walks) were a rarity.

"In those days, Rhyl was a huge draw for visitors, from not only North Wales but also Merseyside and the Midlands.

"Imagine my delight when my parents announced that my dad had bought a car. A 1939 Austin 8 that was capable of reaching 40mph in nine minutes!

"So it was typical the journey would take about three hours with stops. Seems a long time doesn't it? But not when mum was in charge of the picnic. Car packed for a siege we would set off.

"By the time we had reached Ruthin the immortal words were spoken 'time for a break', now we would park up, take out, put up the tent that was essential along, with the camping primer stove, and indulge ourselves in all things bountiful.

Rhyl miniature railway, date unknown. Courtesy of the Elvet Pierce postcard collection.

"When finally reaching Rhyl our first task was to take in the sea air and walk up to the clock and boating pool. Next was the donkey ride along the beach, followed by the magical candyfloss.

"The dominant feature of the 'front' was the Aladdin's cave that was Woolworths and no visit to Rhyl was complete without paying homage to the wondrous items on offer.

"The highlight though was the visit to the Marine Lake Amusement Park. My personal favourites were the pony rides and the motor boat rides.

"If I was very lucky, I got a trip on the miniature steam train, which circuited the lake. After all the excitement, we needed our tea. This was a fish and chip café where the order of the day was of course, fish, chips, peas, bread and butter and a pot of tea. Glorious times.

"After this feast, it was time to go home, not that I can remember the trip back as I was in the arms of Morpheus, no doubt dreaming about the wonderful day I had spent in dear old Rhyl."

Arline Stovell's family photos from a trip to Rhyl in 1950.

Arline Stovell, who moved from Yorkshire to Swindon in the mid 50s, where she still lives, shared some photos from her family's time at Rhyl.

"These were taken in 1950. That is me on the mechanical elephant that gave rides, when I was approaching age four.

"The lady on her own was my grandma's friend, Mrs Hirst. Think her name was Phyllis. It says Rhyl 1949 on the back, but think it was more likely 1950. Assuming this was in summer, it is interesting to see her on the beach in her coat.

"I was paddling in the sea with my grandma, Olive Brammer and Mrs Hirst. None of us look well prepared for the beach or paddling!

"I was told that soon after my family arrived, grandma and Mrs Hirst went out for a walk and got lost. They couldn't remember where they were staying.

"Eventually grandma remembered that it was something to do with rabbits. It turned out that we were staying in Warren Road!"

Pier gardens, West Promenade, Rhyl, postmarked 1930. Courtesy of the Elvet Pierce postcard collection.

And finally, Audrey Tweed, from Bodelwyddan, shared a poem she wrote that reflects her youth of the 1940s and 50s in Rhyl:

Retro Snaps

While sitting in the sunshine

With my toes in the sugary sand

Watching a raucous seagull

Snatch a cone from a toddler's hand.

I remember the spinning of candy floss

In the rock stalls along the prom

The music from the fairground

And the big dipper that felt like a bomb.

Slot machines slammed and tinkled

As pennies were fed one by one

Into the expectant nothingness

For the grab of a toy no one won.

Street photographers empty snapping

Of unwary sauntering couples

As sharp snapping spivs, so geasily glib

Took their money without any scruples.

And kiss me quick girls, tossing their curls

As the sashayed in front of the lads

Tantalisingly fresh with their sunburnt flesh

Out of sight of mums and dads.

Now run down this and empty that

But with the start of regeneration

It still is there the thrill of Rhyl

For member of my generation.

Much has changed today but in a way

Rhyl is still a place to discover

With its sun, seas and sand, warm welcome and

With time it will recover.