Wales on the Web A flash movie about the seaside town of Porthcawl in South Wales. Including Coney Beach, Port Talbot, Royal Porthcawl, Championship Links Course, Trecco Bay, Rest Bay, Newton, Grand Pavillion and more. Part of the largest collection of movies on any culture anywhere on the Web.
Wales on the Web Porthcawl - wales flash movies Porthcawl can trace its roots to 1825 when a horse-drawn tram road was opened from neighbouring collieries and ironworks. The small harbour and the large warehouse building are reminders of this early development. The first harbour was challenge for the ships captains, as there was only about 20 minutes either side of high tide when they could enter and leave. As a guide for the ships the lighthouse was built on the point of the breakwater in 1866 - it is still powered by gas. Nearby is a length of reconstructed tram road. Coal exports declined after the neighbouring harbour at Port Talbot was developed in the early C20th. After that Porthcawl became a popular holiday resort, attracting visitors from the industrial areas of South Wales and farther a field. The funfair was started in the 1920s when a figure of eight was built and more attractions have been added. There is something to suit all tastes, from the thrills and excitement of Coney Beach funfair, to the elegant, sweeping promenade with its fine houses, hotels and public buildings, and the peace and quiet of Rest Bay. A road train connects with all the main attractions. One of the most famous golf courses in Wales is the Royal Porthcawl, so called after a visit by Edward VII in 1909. This is a Championship Links Course that overlooks the Bristol Channel and Swansea Bay. It is amongst the finest in the world. The Rest Bay Convalscent Home for industrial workers and their families was opened in 1862 to take advantage of its clean bracing air. Florence Nightingale advised on the layout. The beach at Rest Bay is very good for families and very popular with surf borders, and Newton Bay is just the place for windsurfing and powerboats. Newton was a medieval borough noted for St Johns Well. Its water magically rises as the tide falls, and falls as the tide rises. Its water was reputed to have holy properties and was sold for three pennies a glass. An inspection by the Medical Officer of Health revealed it was unfit for human consumption... yet some people swore it had cured them. During the Second World War American troops were stationed in the town and trained on the beaches in preparation for the Normandy landings, and it was here that General Eisenhower came to inspect the forces. The town is also famous as the home of one of the largest caravan parks in Europe. At its peak there was accomodation for over 16,000 people, most of whom came to the mining valleys of South Wales. Porthcawl is a very popular resort and busy town; throughout the summer there are many events and street performances. The very aptly named Grand Pavilion is an important venue. The Jolly Sailor pub was a well known haunt of local smugglers. In 1770 a Dutch ship ran aground, and after the locals had finished, there was little of its cargo left. A Customs Officer noted, "The country people are quite outrageous and threatened our lives".The natives are much friendlier these days, and there is always a welcome for the visitor who comes to sample the delights of this area.