Tommy Porthcawl On The Seashore.

A Memory of Porthcawl.

Tommy was the ventrioquist's dummy and the morning's show was not to be missed when on family holiday from Penarth in early August 1936. I would be eight in the October of that year. As far as I recollect there was no entrance fee, I just sat on the sand along with a crowd of kids. Unfortunately I do not recall any of the repartee but there was plenty of fun. I have a vague recollection that the ventriloquist sat in a sort of small boxing ring. Next year we spent a fortnight in a caravan, one of perhaps six, in the dunes just east of the Fairground. Either there was no Tommy this summer or, nearly nine, I was too sophisticated to seek him out! The fairground was a great draw especially the Water Chute which at threepence per ride took almost all my spending money in one day. I was also attracted to the 'Beheading the Lady' tent which also offered a magic gift at the end. Twopence entry I think. Standing at the front I was horrified when the magician called me onto the stage to hold the ladies head covered by a cloth. As he went to put it in my hand he whispered ' Don't worry , it's only a cabbage'!I couldn't resist opening the little packet of the magic gift which contained a single raw broad bean which I nibbled at. I was very annoyed with my younger brother for he developed tosilitis, cutting our holiday short by three days. I haven't been to Porthcawl since and am sure it has changed beyond all recognition in over eighty years!

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