Nostalgic memories of Porthcawl's local history

Share your own memories of Porthcawl and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 21 - 27 of 27 in total

My husband Stan Waite went to this camp when he was in homes in Aberdare - Llucoed. They had entertainment; after breakfast we peeled potatoes to help with dinner, after which the tuck shop opened and we bought an ice-cream, 2-3 pennies. We played on the beach, had a good time.
My first job was as a nanny to the Chess children, Oscar, Anna and Paul. Their dad had car sales rooms, one was in Port Talbot. When I got married my husband and I worked in Coney Beach, a big self service cafe on the front with a bar on the corner and a silver service part as well. We worked hard but had some good times and experience.
Our ciu club in Watford came here for a weekend break. It was the Toby Club, as was called, that raised money for the old folks Xmas party. As we were from South Wales, my husband suggested we come down. What agreat time we all had!
We were bombed out in Cardiff during the blitz in Cardiff and my father got us a house in Porthcawl. We lived on Mackworth Road. I have many happy memories of those days. I went to New Road School  and then to the senior school, now a comprehhensive I think. I left Porthcawl in 1953 but still try and get back to Porthcawl every year for a short break, I wonder if any of the people I schooled with or spent my teenage ...see more
I bought a book about Porthcawl in the town, and was delighted to find a photo of myself and my brother standing by the lake, with my mother's family sitting on the bench to the top left of the photo! They had arrived from Northern Ireland for a visit, and we always had to wear Sunday best whilst out, even to the fairground! I sent for a print, and it is now in pride of place in my hallway for everyone to see. Thanks for the memory of life in my home town
How wonderful to find this web site.  I am the second generation of my family to be born, brought up and still live in Porthcawl.  I consider myself very lucky to live here and fully appreciate both the seaside and the country which is easily and quickly accessible. Porthcawl is a great place to live it retains much of the community spirit I remember from childhood. I can still walk down John Street and meet local people I grew up with.
It is lovely to see the old photos of Porthcawl. Our family used to go there every summer for a holiday in a rented bungalow, none of your mod cons then. But they were great times spent there, lots of laughter and fun. I’m talking of the early 50's, when building sand castles and a stick of rock were all you wanted. I’ve got some lovely photos of times spent there with my lovely grandmother and my aunts and uncle, ...see more