PIX FROM GAYNOR

Click on any picture to see a bigger version.

The photograph at the top is probably from the 1950s. It shows the Rhyl approach to Foryd Bridge. In the foreground is the Voryd Hotel which used to be on the site where the Schooner Inn was built. Facing the Voryd Hotel, on the opposite corner of Quay Street long ago was the Packet Hotel/Inn.

The pier and sands photographs are probably 1870s, and all these items were sent by Gaynor Williams of the shop 'Aquarius' in Market Street who, for well over twelve months now, has been contributing remarkable pictures to this blog. Thank you, Gaynor.

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QUIZ ANSWER # 54

These 1920s photographs show a gang of revellers outside the Savoy Café (which boasts an American Soda Fountain)  and a dance band at the Alhambra Restaurant. The questions:
Where was the Savoy Café?
and
Where was the Alhambra Restaurant?

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The answers:

The Savoy Café was in West Parade, on the northeast corner of Queen Street. The photo came from Peter Trehearn whose family were and still are the proprietors of all Rhyl things bearing the name Savoy. Some of Peter’s relatives are in the photo.
and
The Alhambra Restaurant was on the Ocean Beach site, facing the sea. In the early 1950s the restaurant was split into two: an amusement arcade-and-cafe named Playland, and a dance hall which was renamed Ritz Ballroom in 1955. The whole lot was destroyed by fire in 1968.

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The winner:
Jane Shuttle. Jane’s fourth win.

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MORE ALEX

The picture of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, above (TOP) is an undated postcard. Must be later than 1907 because it shows the east wing on the side nearest Prestatyn. The wing was opened in 1908 and was the last to be added.

The shot of Gertrude Ffoulkes Ward is postmarked 1905 and was sent from a patient at the Alex to a nurse at Denbighshire Infirmary saying that he would rather be at Denbigh and sending his love to all the nurses.

A phone call to the Alex has confirmed that the wards no longer have names, just numbers – how very modern and boring. Gertrude Ffoulkes was a benefactor who helped to provide enough money for the hospital to be built and, as a token of appreciation, had a ward named after her. Edith Vizard, an early matron, was another.

More material about the Alex and also War Memorial Hospital, Grange Road, would be welcome. And how about some shots of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd under construction? Anybody got any?

Also, Rhyl Urban District Council ran a small hospital for patients with highly infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. It was located on the Kinmel Bay/Towyn side of the river. If you know further details please send email to: rhyl.colin.jones@live.co.uk

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QUIZ ANSWER # 53

The questions were about Marine Lake Fun Fair. Both pictures are from the book ‘Rhyl At The Fun Fair’ by Eric Hughes (publ. 2000).
What was the name of the pony ride?
and
What was the name of the cafe?

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The answers: Fun On The Farm and Lakeside Cafe.

There were quite a few close guesses but none exactly right. No I’m sorry, it’s a case of tough love. No winners.

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QUIZ ANSWER # 52

The questions referred to villages in the wider Rhyl district.

The old postcard at the top has a caption beginning with RHYL. The question was: Where was the picture taken?
and
The other postcard appears without its caption and shows a pub which for a while had been the home of Victorian explorer H.M. Stanley. The question was: Where was the picture taken?

The answers are:
Cefn. The caption says RHYL CEFN CAVE although nearer St. Asaph. Note the singular form; usually we say ‘caves’.
and
Glascoed. The caption says: Cross Foxes Inn, Glascoed near Bodelwyddan Church (old home of Stanley the Explorer). T. EASTHAM PROPRIETOR.

The winner is:
Peter Trehearn, his first win. Peter believes that what brings visitors to Rhyl are sea, sand and scenery - making the most of our natural assets would be the best way to promote the resort.

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MON 26th SEP 2016 UPDATE: Just arrived here at Jones Towers – a card posted 1908 showing Cefn Rocks and Post Office, and a magic lantern slide labelled 47 Cefn Rocks. J.V.

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QUIZ ANSWER # 51

The questions were :
Re: Williams Estates, 17-19 Kinmel Street, Rhyl, a big hotel used to stand on that corner. What was the name of the hotel?
and
New art work is brightening up a former hotel which is derelict. What was the name of the hotel?

The answers are:
Wynnstay Hotel and The Bee (or Bee & Station) Hotel.

Won by Diana & Berwyn Jones. Their second win.

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6720. Additional image added here in June 2020:

Above: This is a 1980s snapshot showing that Wynnstay Hotel was called JR's Hotel for a while.

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MORE ABBEY STREET

Diana and Berwyn Jones, further to a recent post about Abbey Street and E.B. Jones’ shop, have kindly sent the pictures above.

Diana says, “What a sad state Abbey Street is in. My father Trevor Roberts was born at ‘Silverdale’ above his father's butchery business which was a few doors down from E.B. Jones'.
In the picture above (TOP) the chap in the white coat is a family member.

“The other picture shows my father as a child of about 6 with soldiers billeted next door at Mrs. Clifford’s during World War 1.”

Thank you Diana, I have looked at Abbey Street today. It seems that no.24 was Mrs. Clifford's, to the right of which was No.26 the former butcher’s shop. Further right at No.28 the arch design is still above the door.

Numbers were not necessarily the same when the photos were taken; streets have been renumbered from time to time just to annoy me.

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