LIFE GOES ON: JUL 2018

Vintage photo by Rae Pickard – Pendyffryn Road, Rhyl

Photo by Rae Pickard – West Parade, Rhyl

By Rae Pickard – Marine Lake Fun Fair, Rhyl. In the foreground is
a lethal-sounding 'Electric' Fishing Pond.

During July 2018 the following posts were updated:

Alcohol minimum pricing in Wales -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/12/tread-softly.html

Circus: Uncle Sam’s Great American Circus in Rhyl -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/05/sands-of-time.html

Colet House boys school / Rae Pickard -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/04/boys-will-be-boys.html

Gaming: One arm bandit fruit machine -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2015/12/rhyl-gift-suggestions.html

Lyons Holiday Park Limited -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2017/03/little-acorns.html

Morecambe & Wise in Rhyl -
https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-singing-cartoonist.html

Promenade Gardens -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2016/02/seafront-west.html

Promenade ‘ walking photos ‘ -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/07/toms-story.html

Royal Alexandra Hospital / Rae Pickard -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/02/alex.html

Victoria Pier / Belvoir Hotel -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/02/for-heavens-sake.html

YMCA Cinema, Kinmel Park Camp -

https://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/08/jones-swan.html

----------

THE EASTERN FRONT
Further to last month's 'Life Goes On' I can report that the eastern prom is now home to a skateboard park.
Looking left to right, we see the skateboard park followed by Garden Of Remembrance, the Sun Verge pub/restaurant (still under construction), Travelodge (under construction), and recently face-lifted Pavilion Theatre.

----------

IT’S NOT COMING HOME

This month I felt relieved to hear that England’s hopes of a FIFA World Cup win had ended. I was around in 1966 when England actually did win and I’ve had to live with continuous reminders ever since. The prospect of another win was more than I could bear.

At World Cup time the English in Wales behave badly, waving their red cross flag under our noses and going large. But what really astounds me is the emotional frenzy surrounding big sporting events. If only that passion could be directed at something more important! 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRUMP VISIT TO UK

The biggest blight on our summer has been an official visit by the appalling Donald Trump, America’s biggest mistake. Among Mr. Trump’s fans are the arrogant Nigel Farage and clownish Boris Johnson who are almost as much liars and fantasists as he is.

Mr. Trump’s delusional tendencies were on show again recently when he said of the UK, “I think they love me there.” 

Photo of anti-Trump demo in London © Hollywood Life

Having to do trade deals with the likes of Donald Trump and the world’s other hucksters and shysters is a very good reason for us to remain safely within the European Union.
The BBC News website has an interesting article about his activities in Scotland:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/Trump_and_Scotland

--
TUE 21 AUG 2018 UPDATE: Two of Mr. Trump's sleazebag associates are heading for jail.
Paul Manafort, ex-Trump election campaign chief, has been found guilty on eight charges of tax fraud, bank fraud and failing to disclose foreign banks accounts.
Michael Cohen, Mr. Trump's former lawyer, has been found guilty on eight counts, including violating election campaign finance laws, tax evasion and bank fraud.

--
TUE 18th DEC 2018 UPDATE: Attorney General of New York State, Barbara Underwood, has announced that Donald Trump’s dodgy charity ‘The Trump Foundation’ is to be shut down.
She has accused Mr. Trump and his three eldest children of using it for private and political gain. In a statement, she said there had been "a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation – including unlawful co-ordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and wilful self-dealing, and much more.
"We'll continue to move our suit forward to ensure the Trump Foundation and its directors are held to account for their clear and repeated violations of state and federal law."

Hmmmm, Donald Trump is looking more and more like the crook I have always suspected him to be.

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

--

LIFE GOES ON: JUN 2018

On our eastern promenade two new businesses are emerging. Next door to the west of Pavilion Theatre a Travelodge is being built:

Between this Travelodge and Garden Of Remembrance the Sun Verge pub/restaurant is under construction:

The photographs above were taken a week ago by Yours Truly.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During June 2018 the following posts were updated:

Arthur Cheetham -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2015/07/cheethams-revenge_7.html

and

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/01/flashback-7.html

Belvoir Hotel, East Parade -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2016/03/quiz-answer-130.html

Canterbury House care home -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2016/07/quiz-answer-146.html

Floral Hall / Cambrian Railways -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-floral.html

Flying Scotsman train -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2010/07/railway-scenes.html

Haven Hotel, West Parade -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/11/palacepalace.html

May Queen Beryl 1937 -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2015/04/leg-show_2.html

Rhyl Love, the song -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2010/06/junes-choice.html

Rhyl Pavilion demolition -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2009/09/pulling-it-down-2.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A new book of interest to railway enthusiasts is on sale at local bookshops and on Amazon, eBay etc. It is Lost Lines of Wales: Rhyl to Corwen by Paul Lawton and David Southern.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS FROM ICELAND (the shop not the country)

On Tuesday 31st July 2018 the food retailer Iceland will open a new store on Clwyd Retail Park, Rhyl Road, Rhuddlan. The branch in White Rose Centre, Rhyl, will continue as usual. See story in Daily Post:

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/iceland-reveals-opening-date-new-14790939

--

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

--

LIFE GOES ON: MAY 2018

Muliview card from the 1960s

During May 2018 the following posts were updated:

Elvis Presley -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/quiz-answer-189.html

Foryd Harbour, more old pix -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/foryd-harbour.html

Kinmel Bay, vintage aircraft -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/bodfari-2.html

Louis Volpe, photographer -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/flashback-22.html

Mystery shop -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/dont-know-everything-yet.html

Promenade illuminations -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-prom-2.html

Rhuddlan, A.E. Williams (company) -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/take-five-rhuddlan.html

Rhyl Silver Band CD -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/bouncing-back.html

Roma Expresso Coffee Bar -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/quiz-question-189.html

Waterpark progress -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/cool-calling.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Castell Rhuddlan / Rhuddlan Castle by English artist
George Grainger Smith, circa 1930.

Rhuddlan - Abbey Farm in Abbey Road, undated. The farm is
built on the site of an ancient Dominican Friary.

--
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 on the link below to see RHYL AT THE FÊTE, a new slideshow of stills from an amateur video of a garden party at The Lawn care home in Russell Road, circa 1990.
Featured are many residents, staff and visitors including councillors Nancy Fletcher-Williams & Frank Selby.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5zBr3Pxb48

Only YouTube items labelled RhylTime are mine!

--

LIFE GOES ON: APR 2018

Punchinello aka Punch and Judy on Rhyl promenade, late 1800s.
On your left is the Rowley-Conwy drinking fountain
which had been erected in 1862.

A rare and rusty old tin that once contained "dainty pieces"
of  Mountain Heather Toffee made by
Convalli Confections Ltd of Rhyl.

During April 2018 the following posts were updated:

Circus at the old Pavilion / Trio Hazmas -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/pavilions-circus.html

Dolphinarium in West Parade -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/dolphinarium.html

Johnny Gizzi -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/skid-row.html

J.W. Jones / Rhyl Pavilion -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/parting-shots.html

Kinmel Park Camp, National Service -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/give-us-rink.html

Premier Inn project -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/cool-calling.html

Rhylsville the song -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/junes-choice.html

Roller skating rink -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/rolling-for-rhyl.html

Vaughan's Baths, High Street -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/in-swim-1.html

World War 2 -
http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/echoes-of-world-war-2.html

New-ish in Queen Street is Chutney Lobster Indian Restaurant (renamed
from Jafflong Spice) on the former Chilli Pink premises. Pity about the
spelling mistake "Takewaway" on fascia.

Preparing to launch is Tim's Coffee Lounge at 90 High Street (with black
frontage) formerly the  premises of Soulmates Bridal Shop.
Soulmates went round the corner to 12 Kinmel Street.

These references are added here for indexing purposes:

Front Room pub restaurant Rhyl, Reeds Rains estate agents.

--

LIFE GOES ON: MAR 2018

Above: stamp albums published in Rhyl by Thomas Cliffe of The Philatelic Factory, Marsh Road, and one by Martin Mills of The Philatelic Workshops, Lusanga Mews.

Lusanga Mews?

Since 1st March 2018 the following posts have been updated:

Albion Hotel, Rhyl -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/quiz-answer-123.html

Botanical Gardens: lily pond -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/flashback-21_9.html

Coal mines -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/quiz-answer-190.html

Derbyshire Miners’ Camp -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/derbyshire-miners.html

Fiveways Café -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/quiz-answer-47.html

Floral hall: birds -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/floral-hall-advert-1970s.html

Kavern Records -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/quiz-answer-115.html

National Eisteddfod 1985 -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/rhuddlan-request.html

Rawicz & Landauer at Pavilion -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/mark-hambourg.html

YMCA Kings Avenue -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/wellington-and-kings.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BARNES BOOKED

As hinted in a previous post, there exists a biography of Albert Barnes the creator of Marine Lake Fun Fair and Ocean Beach Fun Fair. The book is written by Kathryn Nedd. The back and front covers are shown above.

Click on the image to read the blurb.

Kathryn is Mr. Barnes' granddaughter (and Eric Hughes' daughter). Although essentially a piece of family history, the book gives a thorough appraisal of the Barnes contribution to Rhyl. He was one of the most important figures in the development of the resort.

The first edition of the book, 'White Socks and a Walking Stick' by Kathryn Nedd, was circulated privately. The second edition is yours for £10 in Central Station at Marine Lake or £11 via the Rhyl Miniature Railway website:

http://www.rhylminiaturerailway.co.uk

--
At long last the chain store named The Range has opened at Marina Quay the former Ocean Beach Fun Fair site. The Range sells furniture, bedding, curtains, and has a garden centre and cafe. The company's headquarters are in Plymouth.
To see the Rhyl store's opening hours please click here:
https://www.therange.co.uk/stores/rhyl/

--

6720. Additional image added in July 2020:
Re: The Philatelic Factory (Thomas Cliffe) mentioned above, here is a rare glimpse of the workshop interior – 

--

FOR ST DAVID'S DAY

In 1993 after a long absence I returned to the Vale of Clwyd where born and raised. My mother and her mother being Rhylites, I had known the town all my life and was shocked to see how much it had changed.

Since then I have been involved with community groups in Rhyl, and from early 1990s onwards with the resort’s history. One way or another I have been thinking about Rhyl on a daily basis for a quarter of a century.

It’s time I thought about something else.

Rhyl Life therefore is closing today, but the existing posts will continue to be updated, and ‘Life Goes On’ bulletins about these updates should appear occasionally.

--

I've had my say about the inadequacies of local politics and about the 2016 referendum on UK's membership of the European Union having produced the wrong result for Wales.

In my 72nd year I feel unhappy about the bigger picture but could never feel pessimistic about Rhyl – it has as much potential as ever. It is a young town with far more of a future than a past. 

Rhyl Life has operated on-and-off for ten years. Many early posts were of a temporary nature and have been deleted. At the time of writing there are 1,220 posts and an estimated 3,000 images.

At its height, the site attracted about 10,000 pageviews a month. A large part of this success was due to the contributors who generously supplied material for inclusion.

With a final word of thanks to the contributors, I sign off here and wish all readers the best of health and happiness.


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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHEETHAM BOOKED

Arthur Cheetham the Rhyl-based movie pioneer and businessman is the subject of a new book by Philip Lloyd whose previous work 'Glorious Rhyl: a peep at its past' was published in 2002 and well received.

Of the new book, which is titled 'Silvograph, Arthur Cheetham 1865-1937, pioneer film maker', Philip writes, "Arthur Cheetham arrived in Rhyl in 1889 and set up in business as a phrenologist, ‘medical electrician’ (offering ‘treatment’ for a variety of ailments with his ‘electro-curative battery’), printer, publisher and photographer.

"But he is best known as the town’s pioneer film maker. Between 1898 and 1912 Cheetham shot at least 47 films, depicting aspects of contemporary entertainment, sport, industry, transport etc, well over half of them in Rhyl, including the arrival of the first through Euston/Rhyl summer-service train."

The new book will be on sale on Thursday 22nd March 2018 at Rhyl Library. The author will be available to sign copies between 9.30 am and 5 pm and will screen a selection of Cheetham films at 2 pm.
Most of the films came from the collection of the late Eric Foulkes of Foulkes' Bar, High Street, Rhyl.

--

LIFE GOES ON: FEB 2018

Artwork by The FastStone Kid - Rhyl's clock tower in original position

During February 2018 the following posts were updated:

The Beatles at Ritz Ballroom -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/the-beatles-at-ritz.html

Chinese food -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/quiz-answer-195.html

H. Batten-Jones, undertakers -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/down-to-earth.html

Jewish connections -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/jewish-connections.html

Miller’s Camp, Towyn -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/brians-pix.html

Former Morville Hotel -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/time-for-laugh-2_8.html

Plastirion Puzzle -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/plastirion-puzzle.html

Sussex Street Baths -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/in-swim-1.html

Swimming at Marine Lake -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/grounded.html

Visit by Duke of Connaught & Strathearn -

http://rhyl-life.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/new-year-quiz-181-answers.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MORE ANTI-BREXIT ACTIVITY

The UK Government continues to hatch its plan to rob us of our European citizenship. Meanwhile, there is a new organisation named Is It Worth It?  They are running a campaign in favour of remaining in European Union and they have a touring battle bus.

Link to the organisation:
https://www.isitworthit.org.uk/

--
ALSO there is a new political party named RENEW whose policies include staying in the EU, and I am getting involved.
Link to the party:
https://www.renewparty.org.uk/
See them on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwewVzrYqSM

--
WED 8th AUG 2018 UPDATE: The RENEW political party now has a membership scheme and is busy this-month-and-next visiting nine big cities including Liverpool and Cardiff. Some visits are timed to coincide with rallies by the People’s Vote Campaign which wants a referendum on the final Brexit deal. A 2018 poll by The Guardian/ICM indicated that 58 per cent of voters in that poll were in favour of having a second referendum.

--