Barry Island, South Wales

Until the Victorian era, when the causeway was built to provide railway access, Barry was really an island.   Today, its more of a Peninsula, but the area has always managed to keep its own unique style.

View from the beach wall
with the tide out, showing people in the distance.

The large shallow beach provides plenty of space for beach activities, although people of an older generation will remember it back-to-back with deckchairs and children digging holes with bucket and spade.   As the tide encroached the squash became more and more with people spilling over onto the already crowded esplanade.   Rain did not deter visitors, their trips already pre-booked with Sunday Schools, Chapels or local Institutes.   Two large pavilions on the esplanade would be crammed with deckchairs, parents in plastic macs, children in bathing costumes, as swimsuits were called back then. Everyone making the most of things, with trays of tea from the cafes, the smell of vinegar on fish and chips in newspaper and the odd stray beach ball bouncing through the chaos.

The TV Series Gavin & Stacey gave the resort a much needed boost, with photographs of the characters popping up all around the area and posters offering 'Celebrity Tours.'

The esplanade looking towards the old Butlins' site

The funfair with its Big Dipper and later the Water Flume, was magical.   Goldfish to be won with pingpong balls as each one expectantly bounced amongst the glass bowls, then disappointment as it fell into an empty glass bowl.   Blood curdling screams echoed from the Ghost Train as travellers encountered cardboard skeletons or cotton cobwebs.

I was sad to hear the owner of the Amusement Park, as it is now known, has plans for a Shopping Precinct - another among many elsewhere.   But rides and attractions are already moving onto the esplanade, replacing the flower clock and rockery.

I remember the excitement of looking in the row of shops at the china momentoes and displays of rock.   Shops unlike anywhere else I had ever been.   Now replaced by fastfood outlets and an amusement arcade.

The esplanade towards the Knap