The Mentone Hotel, The Parks, Minehead

A Memory of Minehead.

I was born in Birmingham in 1943. My parents and my aunt and uncle (Les and Beat Bradshaw) purchased The Mentone in The Parks around 1949. A double decker bus ran over my leg directly outside Minehead Hospital. My parents left the hotel and returned to Birmingham. Beat and Les ran Mentone until early 60s. They moved to Barn Close on Watchet Hill doing B&B until their retirement. Spent my honeymoon at Barn Close. When Les passed away, my aunt moved to an apartment in Bancks St until her death. I have visited Minehead regularly and have now purchased a property at Warren Bay. Does anyone remember staying at The Mentone? A motor cycling club used to stay regularly and my aunt used to have girls from the local grammar school staying at various times. The old hotel looks a little neglected now and appears closed for business. My aunt's friend was a man called Venn Fielden who had a fantastic toy shop. So sorry to see how the holiday camp has changed the character of the town. My father used to take me fishing in the pools that existed prior to the camp's arrival. I hope to reside in Minehead finally when my wife retires. My dream is to live in one of the luxury apartments in Blenheim Road overlooking the gardens. Should anyone remember Beat and Les Bradshaw I would love to hear from them. I have lost touch with their son, Luke, who used to live in Whitworth Road, Periton. Any information would be welcomed. He did earn a living as a general builder. my email is mentonekev@gmail.com