Fairground memories (From Barry And District News)

Fairground memories

8:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Letters

I SALUTE Vernon Studt and admire what he wants to do with the Barry Island fairground.

My memories go back to when Barry Island fairground was the finest in Wales; we had the scenic railway (that was unfortunately damaged during a gale and a fire), the ghost train, the dodgems, the Caterpillar, the waltzer, the wall of death (my father-in-law was one of the riders), the boxing booths, side shows and penny arcades.

The promenade and the beach had their own sights to entertain visitors. On the prom you had the Guinness clock, the huge goldfish pond and plenty of ice cream; the beach had Punch and Judy, donkey and cart rides the beach photographers with their cameras that gave you a sepia photograph, the beach pool – and of course the lost children play area where the unfortunate ones were left while their parents cleared off to the Marine Hotel to drink up the atmosphere. The miners’ fortnight was the busiest time - train load after train load packed the beach like sardines, and of course we must not forget the coach loads parked up where Butlin’s camp entrance was to be built a long time after.

The Spion Cop (the fields that went over to Jackson’s Bay) was a favourite spot for picnickers and courting couples. Those were the days.

Mr B Kirke Crossways Street Barry