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Llandudno Pier repair work continues

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:38:54 GMT

Llandudno Pier repair work continues- this is when it could reopen, (This is great news)

LLANDUDNO PIER could reopen in some capacity this coming weekend, with most of its businesses to remain closed until February.

The famous Victorian-era landmark was devastated by Storm Darragh in early December, with Kelly's Ice Cream parlour "completely” swept away , while a 150-year-old unit was "ripped off its foundations", with storm damage totalling an estimated £250,000.

Llandudno Pier, which is owned by Tir Prince Leisure Group, have given an update on the work which has already been undertaken at the site.

The gentleman’s toilet block will have its roof replaced, as the footing for the Kelly’s unit now been cleared and made safe.

The roof to the bar at the end of the pier is currently being repaired after several sections were blown o

One hut remains on its side, with another impacted hut requiring surveying.

“Several” benches and tables which were damaged are in the process of being repaired, and repairs will shortly start on the steel work supporting the structure – 10-12 pieces under the café, bar and deck arcade were “significantly” damaged and will need replacing or reattaching.

“The weather hasn’t helped in any way with the progress of the repairs and we have faced several hurdles so far as a result,” said Paul Williams, Llandudno Pier general manager.

“We are looking at opening up the Pier as far as the The Crystal Hut by next weekend.

“The shops will remain closed until February 1 and then hopefully back fully trading for the upcoming season.

“We are trying our hardest to get the Pier back open fully as quickly, but as safely, as possible.

“On behalf of the whole team, I would like to thank everyone for all their continued support, it’s greatly appreciated. I look forward to to welcoming everyone back in the coming weeks.”

Thisarticle is from the North Wales Pioneer see HERE

A Model Of The Pier By TAPE.

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:27:41 GMT

A big Thank you to TAPE who have created this fantastic model of the new Pier, which is now on display in a shop window, near the entrance to the Bay View Shopping Centre, Colwyn Bay, About TAPE (Priding itself on accessibility and inclusivity TAPE has been providing high-quality inclusive. supportive, person-led opportunities since 2008.
From 1-hour taster sessions and film screenings to commercial contracts and feature film production TAPE’s delivery offers people the chance to explore and develop their creativity.
TAPE’s delivery supports both individuals and groups, working with people of all ages and experience levels, ensuring that they are centrally involved in the creative process. From first time creatives through to graduates and professionals the charity can offer training, support and opportunities.) see their website HERE

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Llandudno Pier Damaged By Storm

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 17:53:26 GMT

Heartbreaking news, as Llandudno Pier has been damaged by a 93mph gales! The owner of Llandudno's historic pier says it will be a "miracle" if it survives Storm Darragh. North Wales has been battered by fierce winds since the early hours of the morning - reaching 93mph in some areas.

The famous pier has already suffered damage in the storms. One kiosk has been ripped from its foundations while others have suffered roof damage.

But the biggest fear is once high tide is reached at the resort. If wind speeds remain very high this could see the whole structure swamped. High tide is at 2.42pm this afternoon. Wind speeds are expected to remain at close to 70mph in Llandudno for much of the afternoon, with gales blowing in from the north.

Adam Williams, of Tir Prince, who has owned the site since 2015, said: "The weather is biblical. We have never known it so bad. The tide still has a long way to come in yet, if it survives it will be a miracle.

"I am thankful we spent so much money over the summer reinforcing the underneath. It’s heart breaking to watch, so much good work can be undone in the space of a few hours.At 2,295 feet (700 m), the pier is the longest in Wales and the fifth longest in England and Wales. It attracts millions of visitors every year. Thank you to the Daily Post for this story. To read the article please see HERE

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Clearance Sale At Pier Shop

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:52:42 GMT

The Pier Trust Fundraising Shop. 18 Station Road are having a sale. Books 10p each, DVDs 10p each, Clothing from 10p each, Ceramics from 10p each, Bedding from 10p each and much more, We will be open this week, Tues, 10-3pm, Wed, Thurs Fri, am and Sat 9-4pm, pop down and grab a bargain. (Please do not worry we are not closing down!)

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Llandudno Pier owner wins Tourism Award

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:42:30 GMT

Congratulations to Adam Williams, for winning this wonderful award, it is well deserved, Below is the Article from The North Wales Pioneer. THE OWNER of Llandudno Pier has won a prestigious Service to Tourism award.

Adam Williams, who owns Tir Prince Leisure Group, won the Go North Wales Tourism Service to Tourism Award .

The annual event, organised by North Wales Tourism, celebrates the 'dedication, skill, and achievements' of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Mr Williams, who also owns Tir Prince Amusement Park in Towyn, bought Llandudno's historic pier in 2015.

He said: "This is my home - I was born and brought up down the road in St Asaph.

"I love it here and I will always go out of my way to promote the name of this beautiful region of North Wales far and wide."

Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, added: "Adam is a real-life hero of the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales whose drive and ingenuity are helping to turbocharge the visitor economy as well as preserving a precious part of our tourism heritage." To read the original article see HERE

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Childrens Books Are The New Window Display

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:16:59 GMT

Our shop window display is full of childrens books, and all kindly donated by one of our customers! Also on display are our Pier related goods, mugs, posters and framed pictures.

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Hollywood director backs Colwyn Bay Monty Python statue

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:17:59 GMT

AN APPEAL to raise £120,000 for a statue of Colwyn Bay Monty Python legend Terry Jones in the town has secured another high-profile supporter.

Sara Sugarman, the Rhyl-born director of Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen proudly posted a pic of herself wearing the exclusive A Python on the Prom campaign t-shirt designed by View Creative in Conwy on Instagram.

In her message the director - who has also appeared in front of camera in films including Sid and Nancy and Mr Nice, thanked Terrys children Sally and Bill Jones and encouraged her followers to drive the campaign towards its goal.

"Thank you Joann Rae and Sally and Bill and everyone involved with getting a statue onto the Prom at Colwyn Bay of a missing Python, TERRY JONES, in Terry’s childhood home! Fforever ( the Welsh spelling) making Wales Terry-fied!!!!!" she wrote. look what arrived for me! Thankyou Joann Rae and Sally & Bill and every one involved with getting a statue onto the Prom at Colwyn Bay of a missing Python, TERRY JONES, in Terry’s childhood home! Fforever ( the Welsh spelling) making Wales Terry-fied!!!!! The campaign is still gathering donations and has reached £97,647. Llandudno sculptor Nick Elphick has already begun working on the design.

High-profile donors to the campaign include Robert Friedman - one of the founding fathers of MTV, Hugo Blick - producer of The Honourable Woman and Not the Nine O'Clock News writer Richard Sparks.

They join a collection of stars from all corners of sport and entertainment including Steve Coogan, Taskmaster's Alex Horne, Jo Brand, Emma Thompson, former Formula One world champion Damon Hill, David Bowie's son Duncan Jones, the cast of Armando Ianucci's West end production of Dr Strangelove, Gail Renard - who is currently working on a film adaptation of her John Lennon book Give Me a Chance and Abergele's Peter Bennett-Jones - who produced comedy classics Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley.

"THANK YOU! It's because of your support and generosity we've got this far and our goal is now in sight," said Sally and Bill in an update on the campaign's goFundme page.

"Having got this far, artist Nick Elphick, has now started work on Terry's likeness and he'll be working on numerous clay sketches, to really nail it, before starting on the final sculpture.

"Our hope is to unveil the sculpture next summer, with a big shindig on the beach and you will all be invited! To help get us over the finish line we've got some special events coming up and we'll keep you in the loop, in the meantime we could really do with some more of your help."

Campaign t-shirts and tote bags are still on sale at a-python-on-the-prom.teemill.com or you can donate directly using the link.

Updates are also available on the Python on the Prom social media channels -
on Instagram @apythonontheprom , Facebook at @apythontheprom and @PythonOnTheProm on X. A big thank you to rEporter for the North Wales Pioneer Alec Doyle , The original article can be viewed HERE

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Michael Palin on the Welshness that shaped Terry Jones' comedy and career

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:33:02 GMT

The actor paid tribute to his fellow Monty Python star as a bid to erect a bronze statue for the Colwyn Bay man nears its £120,000 target A big thank you to the Daily Post for this article and the picture on the Pier. To see the original article click HERE

Terry Jones left Colwyn Bay as a five-year-old for Home Counties Surrey but his unshakeable "Welshness" never left him, his fellow Monty Python star Sir Michael Palin said. Palin said that sense of identity shaped his life, career and comedy even under the intense teasing of another Python legend.

John Cleese - Basil Fawlty in classic TV hit Fawlty Towers - jokingly "victimised" his pal Terry for his Welshness, as he grew up in the heart of the English suburban commuter belt, the travel guru added.

Palin paid tribute to his old friend on Colwyn Bay promenade was launched last month, alongside another Python, the filmmaker Terry Gilliam. The pair were there to launch a fundraising to erect a bronze statue for Terry.

Today appeal organisers revealed the current total is £95,000 towards a £120,000 target.In his speech at the launch on Colwyn Bay pier last month Sir Michael said: "Terry always claimed he was Welsh.

But there was usually an argument with John Cleese, who claimed to be English, and they would wind each other up. Terry was sort of 'victimised' for a while by Cleese for being Welsh. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up

"But it gave Terry his energy. It gave Terry his wonderful ideas about life. How things should be done and how things should be different and how things should be special."

Sir Michael, at the launch with another fellow Monty Python contributor Terry Gilliam, went on: "Terry (Jones) was a real polymath - he could do a lot of things. When I first met him at Oxford University he was a very good actor, a very funny man.

"He also played the guitar. He also designed the covers for the Oxford magazine Isis at the time. So Terry was into everything.

"He was always very strong-willed about it. And I think his Welshness gave him that sort of feeling that he was right! That's the way he'd see it.

"I think it was rather sad for Terry that at the age of five he had to go and live in Esher in Surrey which is probably as unWelsh as you could imagine."

Sir Michael said the idea of a statue in Colwyn Bay of Terry - which may be of him playing piano in the nude after one of his Monty Python sketches - is fitting as he could show off his "immaculate, Welsh body".

He concluded : "It's left to the people of Colwyn Bay to honour him. Here's to A Python on the Prom (statue) in the future and I just hope Terry will be an icon and a 'visitor centre' for Colwyn Bay."

Meanwhile Sally Jones, Terry’s daughter, said today the £120,000 appeal has reached £95,000 so far: “We are thrilled to reach this point in the fundraising - we have just over £25,000 left to raise to reach our goal! Everyone has been so generous.

"Our (A Python on the Prom) t-shirts have sold worldwide and we've had over 1,000 donations in just one month.” Llandudno artist Nick Elphick has released an early image of his first maquette of Terry’s likeness, sculpted in clay.

He has been commissioned to make a larger sculpture by Terry’s children Sally and Bill and the Conwy Arts Trust, who are running the fundraising campaign, supported by Conwy County Borough Council

Meanwhile campaign "Ambassador" Eric Idle, another Monty Python veteran, has been drafted in support across the Atlantic. Supporters include talk show host and stand-up, Conan O’Brien, who joins stand-up comedian Jo Brand, actor/comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, actor/Strictly Come Dancing star Greg Wise and many other illustrious names from the TV, Film and Comedy world who are backing the campaign.Jo Brand, stand-up comedian and actor, said: “Terry was lovely, warm and absolutely hilarious. When I learnt to play the organ several years ago, it was always Terry I thought of when I sat down to play. If anyone deserves a statue, it’s Terry.”

Oscar-nominated comedy actor and writer Steve Coogan said: “Naked at the organ’ is both cheeky and a strangely profound expression of Terry’s life affirming anti-establishment anarchy!”

Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar said: “Since Terry never won ‘Rear of the Year’ I think his posterior preserved for posterity in Colwyn Bay seems right. I’m absolutely behind it.”

Although public opinion seems to be in favour of the Naked Organist, Sally said: “It hasn’t been decided what character we will use for Dad’s statue. We feel it’s really important that a decision like this is made with the people of Colwyn Bay, after all they are going to have to live with this sculpture everyday.

“For Nick, working on these maquettes is the equivalent of making sketches, trying to find Dad’s likeness, before embarking on the actual statue. This is part of a long process before he begins work on the final character and pose.”

Llandudno based Nick said: “I start with research and photographs for reference, as well as talking to the family and watching his work, really getting to know him as a human being as well as through his character and his art.”

From there, half size clay sketches of Terry’s head, starting with him as a younger man to really capture Terry’s likeness are sculpted, before Nick moves on to working on some of Terry’s facial expressions from his character work.

Terry Jones died on January 21, 2020, aged 77.

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The Pier at Night!

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 10:34:56 GMT

A big thank you to Amy Dyke for the stunning picture of the Pier.

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Llandudno Revamped Pier entrance set to reopen

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 10:25:49 GMT

Great to see this happening. THE Happy Valley entrance to Llandudno Pier should be re-opened “early in the new year” following the completion of ongoing restoration works.

This will involve the replacement of three 16-metre girders, two 10-metre girders, side fencing, and the entire wooden decking from the entrance, all the way up to the ice cream kiosk.

The entire section will be scaffolded from the top all the way underneath, supported by a further two 18-metre girders.

Paul Williams, general manager of the pier, hailed the “huge investment” made by Tir Prince Leisure Group, which owns and operates it.

He said: “ Happy Valley restoration work will commence next week, with the goal to open the entrance early in the new year.

“This will be only the second time in the pier’s history, and the first time in the past 50 years, where the original pier will be separated from the headland.

“There will be a display on the pier side informing the works to be carried out and the progress which is being made.

“Once complete, we will be looking at adding additional food and beverage offerings, including café/bar/outside seating, which will enhance the Happy Valley entrance and this section of the pier.

“We will continue to keep the general public updated as the project progresses.”

The Grade II listed Victorian pier is the longest in Wale s, measuring about 700 metres, and was first opened in 1877.

Thank you to the Pioneer for this story, to read the article see HERE

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A newly installed mural of the Pier at Bayview Shopping Centre

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:16:38 GMT

This is a fantastic painting of the Pier, Malcolm, Mclean, has done a fantastic job, also its nice to see the Bandstand and Entrance Domes in the painting. And "To Celebrate the newly installed mural of the pier circ 1960's, commissioned by Bayview and painted by Malcolm Mclean the Bayview would love you to post photos of your favourite memory of #ColwynBay pier through the ages and tell them what you loved about it ."

They have also got a got a £50 Morrisons Gift Card to spend for the one we decide is the best !

Post your picture below with your memories and we'll pick a winner and contact you directly on Friday 11th October. Gift card to be picked up in person from Bayview Shopping Centre

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A Fire Under The Pier!

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:55:42 GMT

So someone decided to start a fire under the Pier! This could have set the boards alight! Thank goodness it did not. Thank you to the public for reporting this to us.

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Statue honouring Monty Python star Terry Jones wins A-list backing

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:01:05 GMT

A big thank you to the Daily Post for this Article , see HERE for original story. A Bid for Colwyn Bay statue honouring Monty Python star Terry Jones wins A-list backing Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam have launched a £120,000 appeal to fund a statue of the late Terry Jones, their friend and fellow member of Monty Python. High profile celebrities are backing the campaign for the bronze memorial in Jones' native Colwyn Bay .

The statue, which would be placed on the town's promenade, will depict Jones as a nude organist, a nod to one of his famous Monty Python sketches. The campaign is supported by celebrities including Cerys Matthews, Steve Coogan, Jo Brand, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Emma Thompson, Alex Horne, Simon Fanshawe OBE and Steven Isserlis CBE.

The bid will be run in partnership with Terry’s children, Sally Jones and Bill Jones. Conwy Arts Trust, a Conwy-based charity supporting the arts in North Wales will help run the campaign. It has the support of the Mayor of Colwyn Bay and Conwy County Borough Council.Terry was born in Colwyn Bay and lived there for the first five years of his life until his family moved to Surrey. Later he became a Patron of Theatr Colwyn, a place where his grandfather, mother and aunt all appeared on stage as both amateurs and professionals.Terry would return to the town often to help with fundraising and other special events to support Theatr Colwyn and the arts in Colwyn Bay, helping to ensure there was always life and laughter. He died on January 21, 2020, aged 77.At today's fundraising launch Sir Michael said Terry Jones’ Welshness was important to him even though he left North Wales as a child. He said: “The fact that he had to leave Colwyn Bay at the age of five, he felt he had a lot to make up for if he was really going to be Welsh. He mentioned it quite a lot later on.

“He valued his Welshness very much. It influenced a lot of his work and his attitude to work and his passion for work. And his determination not to accept just anything that the English said to him.”

Sir Michael said he would only like a statue of himself in his hometown of Ranmoor in Sheffield if it were a funny one like that proposed for Terry Jones - as a naked organist, from one of his sketches.

He said: “It has to be light hearted. Python was always about the alternative so we’d look for the alternative to a formal statue.”

Terry Gilliam, standing on Colwyn Bay Pier, chipped in: “We’re planting the seeds of humour wherever we can around the world to keep people from being miserable and serious and pompous.”

Meanwhile Emma Thompson has offered her support for the appeal. She has said: “Terry Jones was a comic genius to whom I largely owe my survival. Laughing with him got me through school. I will always be grateful.” Jo Brand said: “Terry was lovely, warm and absolutely hilarious.

"When I learnt to play the organ several years ago, it was always Terry I thought of when I sat down to play. If anyone deserves a statue, it’s Terry.”

Alex Horne said: “In thousands of years time, when future archaeologists are looking at our statues in the same way we look at those of Pompeii and Ancient Rome, there would be no better hero than a naked Terry Jones. Please let us immortalise the silly great man.”

Steve Coogan in a moving video message has said: “Terry was and remains a hero to me in exemplifying the very best of British, that British sense of anarchy and eccentricity… The original disrupters were Monty Python and as the years go by my affection for them grows exponentially, it’s about time we celebrated and saluted one of our greats.”

Steven Isserlis CBE said: “I love the idea of a statue of Terry Jones in Colwyn Bay! Terry remained deeply, irreversibly, defiantly Welsh throughout his life, and would have been so proud to know that his image would grace or disgrace, as he would have put it, the Promenade.”

Simon Fanshawe OBE has also offered his support to the campaign and sent this memory of Terry: “My memories of Terry revolve mostly around food, wine, conversation and laughter. After a Sunday lunch at ours in Brighton we all lurched naked into the sea off the nudist beach and Terry gesturing at the surrounding water as he held up a stray tea bag that had been floating in the waves, shouted to me 'it’s the biggest cup of tea in the world'."

The campaign has the backing of all the remaining Pythons with Sir Michael Palin recording a special appeal for donations featured on the GoFundMe page. Eric Idle said: “Finally Terry gets the recognition he deserves. A statue no less.

"Ok, so it’s not an airport or a Boulevard, but a statue in Colwyn Bay is lovely and a wonderful way to remember this fabulous man.”

John Cleese said: “I am so delighted that Terry is being immortalized in bronze, although I would have preferred that he be immortalized by not dying. Still, bronze is better than nothing."

It is hoped the life-size statue will be sited on the Promenade in Colwyn Bay. It will be created by Llandudno-based sculptor Nick Elphick.

The campaign has received enthusiastic local support from Conwy County Borough Council, the Mayor of Colwyn Bay, and town councillors. Sarah Ecob, Head of Service for Economy and Culture at Conwy County Borough Council, said: "Terry Jones was a much loved and valued Patron of Theatr Colwyn for 14 years. His regular visits to Colwyn Bay brought joy to us and our audiences.

"Celebrating Terry's life with a very silly statue is a fitting tribute to this most brilliant son of Colwyn Bay. Sadly, our budgets, which keep Theatr Colwyn affordable, exciting and welcoming for all, don't stretch to funding the statue.

"It would mean the world to us if you could help make the statue a reality by chipping in a few pounds or whatever you can afford. We're looking forward to seeing Terry’s statue in pride of place on the prom, once again bringing a smile to all who see him."

Cllr Aaron Wynne, Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Everyone associated with Theatr Colwyn was very proud when Terry Jones agreed to become the first patron. The support he gave the theatre and the town was always greatly appreciated.

"It would be fitting if his support could be acknowledged in a lasting way, and I wish Conwy Arts Trust every success with their fundraising campaign.”

Ricki Owen, Mayor of Colwyn Bay, said “Having a statue dedicated to Terry Jones here in Colwyn Bay would honour his contribution to the area over many years and keep his legacy going. As a childhood fan of Monty Python, I am delighted to support this project and urge anyone who is able to donate or get involved in any way they can. Also, to have the sculpture commissioned by a local artist is also a fantastic addition to this project.”

The fundraiser is called a Python on the Prom and you can donate Here

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A Rainbow Over The Pier!

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:22:10 GMT

This is a stunning picture of a rainbow over our beloved Pier. A big thank you to Ben Blundell for this wonderful shot.

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Inside Colwyn Bay Pier in The Early 1990s!

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:15:30 GMT

This picture was taken inside the Pier in the early to late 1990s

The picture shows the Cafe on the left as you entered the Pier, (it was later moved further down and replaced by a fishing tackle shop)

There was also a record shop and a wine bar.

And further into the light you walked out onto the Pier and to the Pavillion.

A lovely picture that captures a gateway in time.

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Restoration of Llandudno Pier continues with maintenance work

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:49:53 GMT

Restoration of Llandudno Pier continues with maintenance work

WORK TO restore Llandudno Pier continues as the landmark undergoes "invaluable" maintenance work.

The panels and boards towards the deck of the pier have been replaced, having been sent off to be delicately restored.

The panels were fixed back in their rightful place.

Llandudno Pier has undergone maintenance work since last year, with the Happy Valley entrance and the foundations of the pier also being renovated.

Owned and operated by Tir Prince Leisure Group, the Grade II listed Victorian pier is the longest in Wales (at around 700 metres) and was first opened in 1877.It recently came second in the annual UK Pier of the Year awards , coming narrowly close to first place behind Cromer Pier.

A spokesperson for Llandudno Pier said: "The invaluable maintenance work continues with the restoration of the panels and boards towards the Pier Deck.

"These have all been replaced, sent off to be delicately restored, and fixed back in situ."

Lovely to see the work happening on such a lovely Pier, well done to owner Adam Williams and his team. The original artical by The North Wales Pioneer can be found HERE

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Eurovision On The Pier!

Mon, 13 May 2024 08:49:05 GMT

The screen looked fantastic, and well done to everyone from CVPT and Together for Colwyn Bay, it was great to see people dancing away on the Pier to the songs of Eurovision. And thank you to all those who bought tickets, we hope you had a great time.

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New Pride T Shirts Go Down A Storm!

Mon, 13 May 2024 08:35:16 GMT

Everybody loved the Seagull T Shirts! A big thank you to Amy for getting the T Shirts printed and for the board for manning the stall and to everyone who helped in anyway, Thank You.

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Llandudno Pier named Attraction of the Year for 2024

Fri, 10 May 2024 17:59:04 GMT

Llandudno Pier named Attraction of the Year for 2024 THE FAMOUS Llandudno Pier has been named the Attraction of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The landmark claimed the prize at the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards.

The awards celebrate the success and achievements of leading professionals and companies for being results driven, service focused and taken an innovative approach to demonstrating exceptional business performance.

The pier was assessed on how the team have harnessed more effective processes, products, or ideas in order to transform their industry for the better, increase profits, and/or offer a more successful service.

Llandudno Pier comes 'close second' in UK Pier of the Year awards!

Owned and operated by Tir Prince Leisure Group, the Grade II listed Victorian pier is the longest in Wales (at around 700 metres) and was first opened in 1877.

It recently came second in the annual UK Pier of the Year awards , coming narrowly close to first place behind Cromer Pier.

The pier has undergone significant maintenance and refurbishment in the past months, and just unveiled a huge project to refurbish the Happy Valley entrance .

A spokesperson for Llandudno Pier said of the award: "We are pleased to announce we have won in the category - Attraction of the Year 2024.

"Thank you to everyone's continued support."

From The North Wales Pioneer

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Watch Eurovision 2024 on big screen on Colwyn Bay Pier!

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:28:54 GMT

Watch Eurovision 2024 on big screen on Colwyn Bay Pier!

THE Eurovision Song Contest is coming to Colwyn Bay next month - on the big screen!

The big entertainment event of the year will be relayed live from Malmo, Sweden, on a giant screen on the town’s new pier.

There will be a chance to dance the night away to the sounds of a DJ who performed at the Eurovision village in Liverpool last year.

D J Kels will be keeping the energy high throughout the evening spinning plenty of vintage and recent Eurovision songs.

Amy Dyke of the Colwyn Bay Pier Trust said: "Everybody loves the Eurovision contest and its special social atmosphere, so we thought local people would relish the chance to see it larger than life with other local fans.

"The atmosphere will be fantastic and we hope people will embrace the Eurovision Fanzone by dressing up, bring their friends and family with them and really make a night of it.”

The event is brought to fans jointly by ‘Together for Colwyn Bay’ and ‘The Colwyn Bay Pier Trust’.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards their mission to explore and develop plans to extend the pier into an exciting visitor destination.

A hundred free tickets are available to residents of Glyn Ward (two per household). They can be collected from Sheldon’s Cafe Bar in Penrhyn Road, Colwyn Bay. Residents must take ID that shows their your postcode.

Entry to the big Eurovision night on May 11 is from 7.30pm and will be part of a fun-packed weekend being held on the promenade with the annual ‘Prom Xtra’ event on Saturday and ‘Pride' on Sunday the day afterwards.

Tickets for the Eurovision Fanzone event are available on ‘Ticketsource’.

Type in ‘Colwyn Bay’ to find it.

A big thank you to The North Wales Pioneer For this article, to read the original article see HERE

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Eurovision Fanzone - Pier Bae Colwyn

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 10:05:20 GMT

Pier Bae Colwyn,are proud to announce the following...

On Sat 11th May 2024 7:30PM Colwyn Bay, LL29 8HH

Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust are delighted to be collaborating with Together for Colwyn Bay to bring you Colwyn Bays's first Eurovision Fanzone.
Whether you're a die-hard Eurovision enthusiast or just looking for a fun-filled night out, this event promises something for everyone.

Live Screening : Watch all the Eurovision action unfold on a giant screen right by the picturesque Colwyn Bay coastline. Cheer for your favourite acts and experience the magic of the Eurovision with fellow fans.

DJ Kels will be keeping the energy high throughout the evening - fresh from their 2023 performance at the Liverpool Eurovision village there will be plenty of vintage and recent Eurovision songs turned on the decks for your enjoyment to compliment this much loved song contest.
There will be a selection of food and drink stalls available on the night - for you to enjoy during the festivities.
Why not make a night of it with your friends and family.

Please note - All tickets are standing.

Event Details

Starts at 7:30PM

Location

Pier Bae Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8HH

See LInk HERE

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Set Of Stunning Photographs By Louie Snell

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 22:12:07 GMT

A big thank you to Louie for taking these wonderful pictures, I will post a new one every few days. Louie stated the following.. Hello I don’t live in Colwyn Bay but I visited last February and took some photos, these are probably my favourite photos out of all the pictures I’ve taken! So I thought I’d share them here my Instagram is @louiesnellarchives if you want to check out more!

The Pier At Night!

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:09:43 GMT

A big thank you to Gareth Ellidge for this fantastic drone picture of our beloved Pier at night.

Gareth also has some other fantastic Pictures which cn be found on his Facebook page called Welsh Skies by Gareth see HERE

Llandudno Pier undergoes work to ensure safety for ‘decades to come’

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:55:54 GMT

Great to see this work starting, Thank you to North Wales Pioneer for the article.

Llandudno Pier undergoes work to ensure safety for ‘decades to come’

THE FAMOUS Llandudno Pier is undergoing essential maintenance work to ensure it operates for several more decades.

Owned and operated by Tir Prince Leisure Group, the Grade II listed Victorian pier is the longest in Wales (at around 700 metres) and was first opened in 1877.

Now, the iron and steel beams and cross members that support several sections of the top of the pier are being replaced and repaired, in what the group called a “thankless and tiring” task.

The work is done alongside routine maintenance work throughout the year, particularly on benches, tables and decking.

A Llandudno Pier spokesperson told the Pioneer: “We are carrying out essential maintenance work to replace and repair some of the iron and steel beams and cross members underneath several sections at the Pier Head.

“This is to ensure the Pier is able to operate for decades to come.

“We carry out routine maintenance all year long from repainting all the benches and tables to replacing any worn timber decking.

“It is a thankless and tiring job, however we have an amazing, dedicated maintenance team who keep on top of it all year long come rain or shine.”

To see original article please click HERE .

Llyfrau Cymraeg yw ein ffenestr newydd

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 20:10:16 GMT

Llyfrau Cymraeg yw ein ffenestr newydd, Welsh books are our new window display.

Pop down to our fundraising shop at 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay and get a bargain.

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

The Minature Railway 1961

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:26:06 GMT

You can see clearly the Pier behind the happy children on the minature railway ride in 1961!

Thank you to Berwyn Davies for posting these pictures on Facebook.

North Somerset Council now owns Birnbeck Pier!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:26:49 GMT

This is wonderful news, well done to North Somerset Council and the Trust.

Birnbeck Holdings Ltd have agreed to sell Birnbeck Pier to North Somerset Council today (Thursday 13 July), avoiding the need for a legal Compulsory Purchase Order Public Inquiry which was scheduled to take place in August.

At a sale price of £400k, funded by the RNLI, the purchase now means North Somerset Council can start work jointly with the charity on the restoration of Birnbeck Pier immediately, avoiding further delays.

Work will start on site in the coming weeks at pace, starting with tidying up the car park area, fencing and putting up safety signage.

Studio Four Architects and engineers have been appointed by the RNLI to develop a detailed proposal for the pier restoration and the new lifeboat station on the island. Haverstock Associates Architects have been appointed to develop proposals for the island and landside restoration and associated buildings.

Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “It’s taken years of planning, negotiation and sheer determination but we’re thrilled to announce Birnbeck Pier’s future is firmly in our hands and it’s once again looking bright. Thanks to our partners' unwavering support along with millions in funding, we will now be working as quickly as possible to get on site, prevent any further collapse and renovate the pier and its buildings for future generations to enjoy. We look forward to returning Birnbeck Pier to the people, present and future, of Weston-super-Mare as soon as possible.”

The sale includes North Somerset Council agreeing to lease an area on the pier approach for parking to Birnbeck Holdings Ltd as well as providing permits in the Madeira car park should a development on the former Royal Pier Hotel site be completed before July 2033.

Cllr Bell continued: “We agreed to these terms in the interest of Birnbeck Pier which now means the Compulsory Purchase Order Public Inquiry will not take place. Although our case was very strong, there was always a risk that Birnbeck Holdings Ltd could have challenged the decision in the High Court. Time which the pier and the other buildings don’t have.”

North Somerset Council will own Birnbeck Pier with an area of the island leased to the RNLI for a new lifeboat station to be built.

An updated formal agreement has been put in place which sets out how the Council and RNLI will work together in future years to return public access to the pier as quickly as possible and reinstate the RNLI’s vital life-saving service direct from the island.

Duncan Macpherson, RNLI Principal Estates Manager, said: “Securing ownership of the island is a culmination of years of hard work and has been incredibly challenging. The RNLI is grateful for the support and commitment of North Somerset Council in its determination to secure a long-term base for the RNLI’s lifesaving in Weston-super-Mare.

“This is an exciting and crucial step for the charity and our dedicated team of volunteers at Weston RNLI.

“After many years of investigation of over 20 alternative sites in and around Weston, Birnbeck Island offers the charity the safest and most effective place for our volunteer crew to launch and recover their lifeboats. It is the only place that our volunteers can safely provide a lifesaving service for the town at all states of tide.

“We’re delighted to be able to forward with the next stage of engineering and design works to restore access and reinstate a lifesaving facility on the island.”

Three phases of funding for the pier have been announced - emergency funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund of £3.55m to strengthen the pier ‘legs’ and create an interim walkway onto the island. Alongside this, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has initially supported the project with a grant of £234,761 to enable plans to progress for a full grant application of £4.3m at a later date. As part of this, detailed proposals for the restoration and reuse of Birnbeck's buildings will be created. The project has also received £4.4m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Duncan Wilson CBE, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “This is wonderful news for Birnbeck Pier. We applaud the Council, the RNLI and many other partners for their hard work in securing its future. It’s great to know that the repair of this beautiful historic structure, one of the most important Victorian piers in the country, can now get under way.”

Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: "Birnbeck Pier is one of the greatest memorials to Victorian ingenuity and engineering in the UK. We are delighted to hear of this fantastic milestone in the pier's restoration journey thanks to the hard work of North Somerset Council, the RNLI and their partners. We are proud to be supporting those plans with a £3.55m National Heritage Memorial Fund grant, which will strengthen the pier structure and create an interim walkway onto the island."

Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, North Somerset Councillor and Heritage Champion, said: “Today is a key date in Weston-super-Mare’s history – a day when we can finally start work on renovating Birnbeck Pier so residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy it once again. We are very grateful to our partners and funders, RNLI, Historic England, Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Levelling Up Fund for supporting us reach this momentous day.”

For more information about the Birnbeck Pier project, please visit HERE

Pier Bench Vandalized!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:20:00 GMT

This is very sad news, the benches look lovely and have only been recently installed by the council.

Sadly the council will have to repair the bench.

People are often seen sitting on the benches and enjoying the Pier and the wonderful views.

Maybe CCTV might need to be installed.

Our Christmas Window Has Arrived!

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 21:21:55 GMT

A big Thank You to Jason and Tracy for doing our lovely Christmas Window Display.

‘despicable’ vandalism of Colwyn Bay bench

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:47:07 GMT

Residents slam ‘despicable’ vandalism of Colwyn Bay bench

RESIDENTS have slammed the “despicable” damage done to a bench on Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier.

A large part of a bench was snapped off, and was first reported by a member of the public to Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust Campaign, a charity which dedicated to the protection and redevelopment of the landmark.

The damage was then reported on to the council and harbourmaster, with the charity saying the bench “will be removed and repaired”.

Damage was thought to have been caused by “jumping repeatedly on the end of the plank”, the charity added.

This comes shortly after a bench in the town centre had seemingly been torn apart.

A trust spokesperson said: “The council and harbourmaster are aware of the damage to the bench on the Pier.

“It will be removed and repaired - please be careful around it until then.”

Some residents criticised the vandalism, with one calling it “despicable” while another was “shocked and sad” to see it happen to their “favourite place”.

Sad to see the new benches on the Pier vandalised, Thank you to the North Wales Pioneer for this article, to read the original story see HERE

Colwyn Bay Town Centre Regeneration

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 02:54:10 GMT

Colwyn Bay Town Centre Regeneration and Active Travel Consultation

We are holding this consultation to find out your views on the proposed improvements to Colwyn Bay town centre and active travel routes.

Conwy Council are giving residents and visitors the chance to have their say, to view and participate in the consultation see HERE

This proposal aims to improve the pedestrian and cycling experience around Colwyn Bay town centre. This would encourage active travel commuting between Colwyn Bay town centre and Old Colwyn and could attract more visitors walking and cycling to the area.

The plan has been guided by transportation-specific targets outlined by Welsh Government, as well as insights from stakeholders.

We will need to secure funding to develop this design ready for building, and further funding to do the construction work.

History of this project

This proposal builds on feedback from a previous consultation in 2020 on plans for Colwyn Bay town centre.

In that consultation, residents and members of the public told us they liked ideas for:

Better quality wider pavements, better quality street furniture, trees and planted areas in the town centre (41% liked a lot, 33% liked)
A new town square at the corner of St Paul’s Church grounds and improvements to Station Square (35% liked a lot, 28% liked)
Walking and cycling routes in the town centre and down to the waterfront and promenade (38% liked a lot, 32% liked)
A new car park at the former Market Hall site (41% liked a lot, 34% liked)
Improvements to the Ivy Street car park (25% liked a lot, 38% liked)
Opening up Station Road to one way traffic with parking bays for shoppers, keeping wide pavements for pedestrians and businesses to use (39% liked a lot, 28% liked)
20mph zone in the town centre (33% liked a lot, 32% liked)
A revised one way system in the town centre (27% liked a lot, 24% liked, but 21% really disliked and 9% disliked)

However, we received feedback from stakeholders and funders such as Welsh Government, Sustrans, Cycling UK, NMWTRA and Transport for Wales that they had concerns about:

Lack of active travel facilities
Lack of connection to nearby communities
Too much focus on cars
Impact on the A55 as Abergele/Conway Road is often used as a diversion during maintenance work or if the road is closed due to an accident

All this feedback has been considered to create these new proposals, keeping elements which the public liked while addressing other stakeholder concerns

What is Active Travel?

Active travel means making every day journeys by walking, wheeling or cycling instead of using transport such as cars or buses. (Wheeling includes using a mobility scooter or wheelchair.)

It is a Welsh Government initiative to encourage healthier travel and reduce traffic congestion.

Active travel includes journeys made to work, school, college, shops and leisure facilities. An active travel route has to connect to these places and be suitable for everyday journeys. Active travel does not cover routes that are only used for leisure or recreational purposes.

Scheme objectives

The key objectives include:

Encouraging sustainable transport
Making it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists
Enhancing public spaces
Creating convenient active travel routes that help connect neighbourhoods in the Colwyn Bay area

The scheme includes:

Redeveloping the Colwyn Bay railway station forecourt
Enhancing Colwyn Bay town centre
Upgrading active travel routes on Abergele Road and related junctions.

Upgrading active travel routes through Eirias Park

Introducing electric vehicle charging points
Improving the active travel network by connecting to existing routes
Redesigning the local road network to make it easier for people to walk and cycle and to improve connections to the town centre

And a big Thank you to Bryn Woodlands House see HERE for the picture of the Pier.

June 1899 The First Stanchions Were Laid!

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:40:40 GMT

Designed by Mangnall & Littlewoods of Manchester, Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier was one of the later British piers to be built.

Construction by the Salford firm of William Brown & Sons began in June 1899.

Many of the pier's components were pre-fabricated , and manufactured by the Widnes Iron Foundry .

Its official opening was on 1 June 1900, when the architect, Mr. Littlewood, handed a golden key to the pier's owners.

As first constructed, the pier was just 316 feet (96 m) long and 40 feet (12 m) wide, comprising a timber promenade deck with seating and railings along its length, and a 2,500 seat pavilion in the Moorish Revival style .

The pavilion was set to the right of the deck, with a walkway allowing access to the pier-head to the left.

The pavilion's main entrance was flanked on one side by a flower shop and, on the other, by a coffee lounge and cake shop. Inside, the pavilion had a large balcony which extended around three sides of the auditorium and a full orchestra pit.

The pier however, has never featured a landing stage.

How proud the architects and workers would be to see the original stanchions still in situe and holding up the new pier today!

For the full history of Colwyn Bay Pier see HERE

Stunning Aerial Shots Of The Pier

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:18:01 GMT

A big thank you to to Gareth Ellidge for taking these wonderful night time drone pictures of the Pier

Do You Want To Speak welsh?

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 04:16:14 GMT

We are pleased to announce that we will be running Welsh lessons for beginners from Monday 18th September (evenings). Please see the image for details or contact us HERE to request registration.

Eric Ravilious - Drawn to War Screening

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:00:39 GMT

Colwyn Bay Pier Trust to host screening: Eric Ravilious - Drawn to War

THE campaign to rebuild Colwyn Bay’s famous pier in all its former glory takes a step further this month with the charity screening of an acclaimed film.

The documentary - Eric Ravilious - Drawn to War, directed by Margy Kinmonth, is the life story of renowned war artist Eric Ravilious. He was killed in an air crash during the second world war but not before he’d completed hundreds of paintings.

They included some striking murals for Colwyn Bay’s old Victoria Pier; Ravilious painted murals alongside Mary Adshead. Prior to its dismantling [gales badly damaged the pier in 2017], some of the panels containing the murals were saved by Conwy County Borough Council and their restoration - or a homage to his work - form part of the trust's future plans to extend the current truncated pier.

Colwyn Bay Pier Trust have arranged a showing of the film at the town’s Theatr Colwyn on Thursday, September 7 at 7pm. All proceeds will go towards returning the pier to the town.

A spokesperson for the pier trust said: "The trust are determined to keep the memory of the pier and its history alive and are pleased to hold the event at Theatre Colwyn in Colwyn Bay.

"Ravilious was presumed dead 81 years ago on 2nd September 1942 yet his art is still loved the world over. His work continues to inspire young artists and the Trust have been approached by a local digital artist Livi Wilmore who is working on an artistic and immersive experience to be held on the pier at a later stage.

"Livi will be on hand at the screening to discuss the project which is currently being developed which will also bring the works of Eric Ravilious to life."

Eric Ravilious completed hundreds of paintings. They included some striking murals for Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier. (Image: Permission granted)

The film includes contributions from two of Ravilious's most ardent fans - playwright Alan Bennett and artist Grayson Perry.

Tickets for the film are on sale online at www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01492 556677/872000.

Anyone who can’t attend the showing but would like to support the campaign to bring back the pier are invited to donate to office@pierbaecolwyn.org

There is also a donation button on the campaign’s website or donations can be left at the pier’s charity shop in Station Road, Colwyn Bay.

To view the article and the Trailer see HERE

A big thank you to Suzanne Kendrick , Costal News Reporter at The North Wales Pioneer.

Year Of The Pier!

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 02:49:28 GMT

2023 is the 'Year of the Pier' and we wanted to take the time to celebrate the Victoria pier.

The pier has been part of Colwyn Bay's history and culture for over 100 years now.

Thank you Bay of Colwyn Town Council for the mention and continuing Bay of Colwyn Town Council

See

A Stunning Picture!

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:24:53 GMT

This lovely picture appeared on social media, but I am not sure who took the photograph, If you know please get in touch. Thanks

Retain Shop Volunteers Wanted

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:54:00 GMT

The trust are seeking volunteers to join our friendly team at our Fundraising Shop in Colwyn Bay.

The Role of the Volunteer will be to work with the Shop Manager and adhere to stock control, pricing and rotation procedures, displaying goods in the shop, and maintaining high overall standards of display and housekeeping. •

Also to Maintain a high standard of display, both externally and internally. •

And to Achieve and maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation and cleanliness throughout the shop premises.

Also Provide the highest level of customer service to donors and customers. •

Maintain awareness of competitor activity in the local area (particularly in the charity / low cost sector)

To Assist the Shop Manager to ensure the shop is a safe environment that protects all staff, volunteers and the public.

And to Actively encourage all donations into the shop.

To Understand and comply with the requirements of Trading Standards Regulations in the shop.

Volunteers may be expected to Hold shop keys, opening & closing the premises for trading hours ensuring that the hours are strictly adhered to when the Shop Manager are unavailable.

Report any maintenance or H&S issues in the shop to Shop Manager.

To carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by Shop Manager.

Be familiar with and able to operate all necessary procedures on the till.

To support the manager in merchandising creatively to ensure maximum sales and profit are achieved.

But also to have fun and enjoy your work!

Our New Merchandise Window Display

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:38:05 GMT

A big thank you to Amy Dyke for doing this stunning window display with our new Pier Merchandise.

The Board have worked really hard with the artist to come up with these fantastic designs, and they are selling fast!

The framed pictures are nearly all gone with just two left!

The Framed pictures are £15.00

The Prints are £5.00

The Mugs are £7.00

The Cards are £3.00

And Postcards are £1.00

All of the items are for sale at our Fundraising Shop at 18 Station Road, Colwyn Bay.

Just A Few Pride T Shirts Remaining

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:22:03 GMT

These T Shirts were such a big seller at the Colwyn Bay Pride event last week. We have just a few remaining, and Amy will be displaying the T Shirts and other new items ith a fantastic Window Display starting on Saturday.

Stunning New Pier Pictures, Postcards & Prints For Sale!

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:08:19 GMT

Pop down to our fundraising shop, and see our new Pier merchandice including, Framed Pictures, Prints, Postcards, and Mugs

New Paragraph

New Pier Mugs For Sale

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:00:37 GMT

The New Pier Mugs are For Sale at our fundraising shop.

A big thank you to Amy and Gavin for getting all these lovely new items printed.

New Paragraph

Press Release 2023

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:53:59 GMT

Our New Press Release

Paper copies are available at our fundraising store,

Pride On The Pier!

Sun, 14 May 2023 17:41:13 GMT

Lovely to see Pride in Colwyn Bay today, and the new Pier play a central focus to it.

The event was hugely successful, and I hope it continues for many years to come.

New Sale Room at Fundraising Shop

Sat, 06 May 2023 01:48:18 GMT

We have a new sale room at our Shop!

We have opened up another room and now have a clothes clearance area at the Fundraising Shop.

Clothes both Ladies and Gents are £1.00 each or 3 for £2.00!

So pop down and grab a bargain at 18 Station Road, Colwyn Bay.

New Paragraph

New Benches On The Pier!

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 09:41:52 GMT

Well done to Conwy Council.

They look really nice and people will at least be able to sit down on the Pier and enjoy the scenery.

Llandudno Pier's giant Ferris Wheel returns 'home!'

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 22:44:37 GMT

LLANDUDNO's giant ferris wheel has returned 'home' to the Pier.

The 69-foot tall structure, dubbed the “Llandudno Eye” due to its likeness with the London landmark, left the town in November 2022. It went to Sheffield for the Christmas Market and then in early January, it went back to the location where it was manufactured, Italy, for routine maintenance.

It is returning to Llandudno Pier this afternoon (March 22) and if all goes to plan, riders will be able to enjoy the attraction from Saturday, March 25.

Paul Williams, general manager at Llandudno Pier Trading Limited, said: "Everyone on the Pier is extremely excited to have the wheel return home ready for the season. It is returning this afternoon and we are looking at operating Saturday.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy the spectacular Pier Wheel."

The £1million structure, which has been custom-made, opened in August 2021. Llandudno Pier owner Adam Williams commissioned Italian manufacturer Lamborghini to design the traditional wheel, which has 18 gondolas carrying six people each.

The Artilcle is from The North Wales Pioneer, see HERE

The Unforgettable Fire of 1922

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:24:41 GMT

Heartbreaking news at the time, but after just 22 years the much loved Pavillion was burnt to the ground.

The Victoria Pier Company suffered serious financial difficulties after the fire. As a result, Colwyn Bay Urban District Council purchased the pier and work began immediately to rebuild the pavilion.

In July 1923, the second pavilion was opened, at a cost of £45,000. Unfortunately, disaster struck again on 16 May 1933, when the second pavilion was destroyed by fire, followed, on 28 July 1933, by a fire that destroyed the Bijou Theatre

Alcohol on Llandudno Pier!

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:15:30 GMT

Aber Falls kiosk at Llandudno Pier opens on St David's Day

ABER Falls Whisky Distillery has welcomed its first customers at its new kiosk on Llandudno Pier.

The kiosk opened on March 1 (St David's Day).

Aber Falls has been enjoying high demand in Llandudno, with strong sales from visitors frequenting The Ocean Bar, based on the Pier itself.

Aiming to expand on its existing offering at the Pier, the brand wanted to offer visitors the option of taking home their own bottle of flavoured gin and whisky from their own, Aber Falls Distillery kiosk.

The kiosk will stock all the brand’s regular spirits including Aber Falls’ Single Malt Whisky, Orange Marmalade Gin, Rhubarb and Ginger Gin, and Welsh Dry Gin. The public will also be able to book discounted Aber Falls Whisky Distilery tours and gin lab experiences at the kiosk. Also available will be Aber Falls merchandise.

Carole Jones, general manager at Aber Falls, said: “We are so pleased to announce our Llandudno Pier kiosk is now open. We are proud to say that the demand for our product has exceeded expectations, both at The Ocean Bar in Llandudno and at our distillery, which has allowed us to make Aber Falls products more easily accessible to customers across North Wales.

“As one of the most popular attractions in the area, Llandudno Pier was the perfect choice for us to expand our business and move outside of the Abergwyngreyn site. We can’t wait to meet new people and share the joy of Welsh whisky and gin with more people.”

The Aber Falls Visitors Centre in Abergwyngregyn has been popular with tourists since 2021. Visitors can enjoy gin lab experiences and a tours to discover more about the distilling process.

The kiosk will see the Welsh distillery create two new job opportunities; staff hired will be tasked to run the kiosk and attend events.

Aber Falls produces a range of gins and whiskies which are distilled, matured, and bottled at a site located between the foothills of the Snowdonian mountains and the Menai straits. They are crafted using Welsh malted barley and rock-filtered water taken from the Aber Falls Waterfall.

For the original story see HERE

Rare Victorian Pier Plate Found On Ebay!

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:04:48 GMT

This lovely Victorian Plate with a picture of Colwyn Bay Pier was for sale on Ebay!

Thankfully I won the bid.

It just goes to show how popular the Pier must have been at that time to have plates manufacturedfor tourism.

Birnbeck Pier restoration to benefit from £3.55m funding

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 21:29:43 GMT

A Victorian pier in danger of collapse is to benefit from £3.55 million in government funding.

Birnbeck Pier, in Weston-super-Mare, closed to the public in 1994 and became so unstable that RNLI lifeboat crews stopped using it as a base in 2014.

Now cash from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has been allocated towards its repairs.

Mark Canniford, from North Somerset Council, said the money is "vital" in the effort to save the pier.

The executive councillor for placemaking and economy said the authority is also "working tirelessly to secure a sale with the private owner, whilst continuing in parallel with the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)".

'Significant step'

It is hoped that the council will own the site soon, allowing it to start restoring the pier which will pave the way for the public to have access and the RNLI to once again have a base there.

The money came from the NHMF's Cultural Assets Fund (CAF) which has awarded £20million to 11 projects nationally.

Adrian Carey, RNLI head of region, said the development was a "significant step" towards the council's wider plan to regenerate the pier.

It also means that the RNLI can move forward with the next stage of engineering and design works to restore access to the island and reinstate a volunteer lifeboat station there.

'Positive news'

He added: "While the success of the project is still dependent on many factors, the charity is encouraged by this positive news."

The pier opened in 1867 and went on to play a vital role during World War Two as a site of experimental activities and weapons testing.

It was the backdrop to a famous 1963 publicity photograph of The Beatles, then an up-and-coming group.

But it feel into disrepair over the subsequent decades and closed to the public in 1994 before being placed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register in 1999.

The Grade II-listed site is the only pier in the UK to link to an island and served as an RNLI lifeboat station for 132 years.

Arts minister Stuart Andrew said he was "delighted" to be helping support the regeneration of the pier.

"Heritage is an important part of what makes a place so special. It connects us to our history, brings in visitors and makes us proud of where we live," he added.

From see HERE

Llandudno Pier launches new Beer!

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:05:13 GMT

Llandudno Pier launches new beer to help quench thirst of visitors!

And what a wonderful article by the Daily Post, see original article HERE

The longest pier in Wales has launched its own beer to quench the thirst of visitors who must walk half-a-mile out to sea to reach its tip. Llandudno Pier Ale went on sale this week at Oceans Bar to entice tourists to drink in its spectacular sunset views.

The bar stocks a variety a national and local brands but businessman Adam Williams , who owns Llandudno Pier, wanted a beverage the pier could call its own. Future plans may include a roll-out of own-branded spirits.

“The pier and the bar are so iconic – there aren’t many bars so far out to sea – so it seemed fitting that we should be stocking an end-of-pier beer,” he said. “It is a different kind of venue for a drink and we wanted to offer a different kind of beer that visitors could get nowhere else.

“From the end of the pier you can see fantastic sunsets. I can think of nothing better than strolling along the pier in an evening and watching the sun go down over Llandudno Bay and Great Orme – I’ve done it many times myself. And to do so with a beer is even better.”

Llandudno Pier Ale was created in collaboration with Carlsberg Marstons, with whom the pier already has a good relationship. Several flavours were assessed by pier staff, with the final product deemed to have a “relaxing” ambiance.

Initially, the ale will be trialed during the 2023 season and, if successful, will be retained. Other varieties are also on the cards, along with branded Llandudno Pier spirits.

Mr Williams said this will be done carefully. “We already have a lot of local distilled products in the bar and we don’t want to replace these with our own brand,” he said. “The aim is to promote local products as much as possible.”

The beer launch is the latest in a series of moves by Mr Williams, who also owns Tir Prince, Towyn . Last November his leisure group bought the 50-acre Tir Prince site it had previously leased from Conwy Council since 1990.

Plans are also progressing at Llandudno’s former Pier Pavilion site, which was destroyed by a fire more than 20 years ago. Architects' drawings and costings have been drawn up for a £20m entertainment complex which could include bars and restaurants – potentially another outlet for Llandudno Pier Ale .

Happy Christmas & Have A Wonderful New Year!

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 20:24:58 GMT

Have a great fesrive season whereever you are, and thank you from the Trust for all the wonderful support that has been given in 2022, and lets hope 2003 bring more exciting developments!

Christmas Raffle!

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:35:53 GMT

A big thank you to Gail for the donation of the lovely hampers.

Tickets are available at the shop, and are 5 for £1.

Christmas Tombola Now At Shop!

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:29:10 GMT

Some great prizes!

5 tickets for £1, and all even numbers win!

Pop down and have a go, all of the proceeds go to the Pier Trust.

A lovely 1920s drawing of the Pier

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 20:28:32 GMT

This really is a lovely drawing of the Pier!

The date is a guess, but looking at the cars, it has to be around that period, or a little later.

If only it still looked like that now!

Retail Assistants Wanted Urgently!

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 21:25:15 GMT

The Pier Fundraising Shop Currently has vacancies for Tuesdays and Wednesdays For Volunteer Retail Assistants.

The hours are to suit, experience is a bonus but not essential as training will be given

The vacancies would ideally suit two friends or a couple.but an experienced person would also be a great asset.

We are also looking for an assistant Volunteer Manager.

For further information please message me on the link HERE .

Thank You

A Boxing Theme Is Our New Window Display!

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:11:24 GMT

Pop on down to our fundraising Shop and gets some Vintage Boxing Magazines, Boxing Gloves and Books!

The Magazine are £1.00 each, so you had better be quick, they wont be around for long!

Thank You Hilary and Graham

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:04:03 GMT

Thank You!

A big thank you to Hilary and Graham.

Sadly to of our much-loved fundraising volunteers has left us to move back to be near their family in Lancashire.

Both Hilary and Graham left a mark on our fundraising team and the community.

Their dedication and enthusiasm were endless. We will miss them dearly.

We had a small send off for them

Pier-ing into the celebrated past!

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:45:19 GMT

Pier-ing into the celebrated past of familiar former seafront landmark.

THIS week’s Nostalgia looks back at the Victoria Pier and Pavilion in Colwyn Bay, once a favourite of the North Wales coast.

The pier was opened in 1900, and was extended to a length of 227 metres three years later.

The first two pavilions to be built on the pier were destroyed by fires, along with the bijou theatre that stood there.

A third pavilion was built in 1934, and in the 1970s was enhanced to offer nightclub and amusement arcade entertainment, as the pier became a hub of community activity.

The poor condition of the facilities, and the risk to public safety, led to the pier’s decline from the 1980s onwards, until it was closed permanently in 2008.

Part of the pier collapsed onto the beach below in 2017, and it was mostly dismantled by 2018.

There are plans to recreate a shortened pier, which have not yet been realised.

Thank you to the Daily Post for this article, to read the original article see HERE

A Tribute To Queen Elizabeth II

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 08:12:46 GMT

On behalf of the board and staff at the Pier Trust we would like to express our deep sadness at the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty The King, and to the Royal Family.

As a mark of respect, The Fundraising Shop will be closed on Monday 19th September.

The Pier From The Station!

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 11:05:24 GMT

A 1950s Picture Of The Pier?

This stunning picture was taken from Colwyn Bay Train Station.

The Pier and the Pavilion look fully intact, with the original lamps on the Pier and at the Railway Station.

Also the original railway benches are in situ.

At a guess I would say early 1950s, but if anyone can give a clearer date please get in touch.

Many Thanks

Do you want to speak Welsh?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 00:35:49 GMT

We are pleased to announce that we will be running Welsh lessons for beginners from Monday 19th September (evenings).

03.09.22 UPDATE - We are now oversubscribed for the September course but would encourage you to register your interest online by emailing us at office@pierbaecolwy.org or visit us in the Pier Trust shop for further information.

We will be running further courses and will contact you as soon as extra dates are confirmed.

The Big Picnic In The Park!

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 23:17:17 GMT

Well done to Together For Colwyn Bay for organizing this event.

Our Directors Pat and Amy had a stall at the event to meet with members of the public and find out what people feel about our Pier and what they would like to see on the Pier.

The day was a big success and the public were lovely and very positive about the Pier and the future plans.

So a big thank you to Together For Colwyn Bay for letting us have the stall.

If you would like to get in touch with Together For Colwyn Bay please contact them HERE

And a big thank you to Pat and Amy for all their hard work.

Thank you

Build A Bear Window Display!

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:51:11 GMT

Yes our new Fundraising Shop Window Has Arrived!

The build a bear window was done by the Legendary Window dressing Queen Hilary, and it looks fantasic!

Pop down to our Shop at 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay.

But be warned the items are flying out!

School Raises Money For Veterans

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 03:53:31 GMT

School raises thousands for Veterans sight loss charity

Pupils and staff at a Colwyn Bay school have this week raised funds for a vital charity aiding ex-armed forces personnel experiencing partial or full sight loss.

The latest initiative involving the entire school community at Rydal Penrhos took place on Wednesday and involved staff and pupils participating in a special Walkathon to raise much-needed funds for Blind Veterans UK.

Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are tens of thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.

More than 120 pupils and staff from all areas of Rydal Penrhos trekked the 5.9-mile stretch along the shoreline from Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier to the heart of Llandudno and back to raise money for a very worthy cause.

Senior School pupils were joined at various stages of the walk by those from the Prep School, who met blind veteran and Llandudno town crier Billy Baxter recently and were keen not to miss out on this adventure.

Rydal Penrhos raised almost £2,500 from the Walkathon, with all proceeds going towards the Blind Veterans UK Centre for Wellbeing situated in Llandudno.

Victoria Beech from the Blind Veterans UK Community Partnerships Team, said: “The team at Rydal Penrhos are looking to make the walkathon an annual event to support our Llandudno Centre.

“In return, we hope to give pupils the opportunity to learn more about the charity, the impact of sight loss, and to meet some of the veterans and hear their stories too.

“Their choice of a walkathon is brilliant as it enables the younger children to take part in smaller sections of the route, meaning that every member of the school community can be involved in supporting our blind veterans.

“Partnerships with organisations such as Rydal Penrhos give us an opportunity to remove the barriers often placed by sight loss. Giving children the opportunity to learn about the impact of sight loss at an early age removes the apprehension many feel in later life when interacting with people with disabilities.”

A spokesperson for the school said: "We are enormously proud of our charitable work at Rydal Penrhos. This is something that forms a core component behind our ethos and is a collective effort from pupils, parents, staff, alumni and almost everyone associated with the school."

Anyone wishing to donate to the Rydal Penrhos Walkathon for Blind Veterans UK can do so here :

Thank you to Bayside Radio for this great Article see

Bathing Beauties In The 1950s!

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 22:17:17 GMT

This is a lovely picture from the 1950s! The picture is taken at the end of the Pier and the girls are pushing a boat out in to the water.

If anyone has any more information please let us know. Thanks

New Sand For The Beach!

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 12:43:18 GMT

As sea defences continue in Rhos On Sea, these pictures show the barges and pipes being laid ready for the sand!

New Paragraph

Graham Lends A Hand At The Repair Cafe

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 20:14:27 GMT

Our kind hearted Fundraising Shop Volunteer helps out at The Repair Cafe in Colwyn Bay.

This is a great service offered by The Repair Cafe, if you have any goods that need fixing these sessions are advertised on their web page or Facebook see Here

Thank you to Together for Colwyn Bay for the Pictures see Here

Tools & DIY is our New Window Display!

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 20:02:33 GMT

A big thank you to our Trust Shop Volunteer Graham for danating all of these items, and for doing the window display.

All of the items are for sale at our fundraising shop 18 Station Road, Colwyn Bay.

New Paragraph

Vertical Dancing Under The Pier!

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 01:24:28 GMT

This does look great fun I must Admit! see the link here Parti Pier - Vertical Dance - Rehearsals.

Party On The Pier

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 01:18:11 GMT

Its all happening on the Pier, and this looks fun!

Conwy Council Welcome Two Food Outlets On Pier

Wed, 25 May 2022 11:45:49 GMT

Lovely to see two local Welsh Businesses get the contracts.

Thank you to the North Wales Pioneer for this article.

CONWY County Borough Council are to welcome two businesses to Colwyn Bay Pier this summer.

Seasonal licences have been awarded to Cymru Ices, a Conwy-based dessert shop who operate at a number of different events, and The Peacock Lounge, a restaurant and cocktail bar in Rhos-on-Sea.

Earlier this year, the Council invited applications from local or independent businesses to offer food, drinks or retail at the newly constructed pier in Colwyn Bay.

The Pier Project Board reviewed the applications, and last month (April) licences were awarded to the two companies.

Cymru Ices will also sell fish and chips, perfect for a coastal getaway this summer.

Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, said: “We were looking for seasonal concessions to complement the character of this beautifully designed structure and, alongside the existing businesses on the waterfront, enhance the visitor experience.

“I’m pleased to welcome Cymru Ices and Peacock Lounge to Colwyn Bay pier, and wish them a very busy and successful summer.”

To read the original article see HERE

The Gilded Tram is at Colwyn Bay Pier!

Wed, 25 May 2022 11:32:43 GMT

Lovely to see this lovely Cafe on the new Pier!

It was our fist outing on the newly built Colwyn bay pier and we had a lovely few days.

The Tram created some great attention, even tho we are still awaiting some finishing touches you can still stop by and get some snacks and drinks.

Thanks to the lovely Glenda & John for coming to take these pictures and sharing them on The Colwyn Bay notice board.see HERE

New Paragraph

A Bench With A Wonderful Story!

Wed, 18 May 2022 22:13:30 GMT

We would like to thank Rhisiart Owen and his lovely Wife for gifting us this original Colwyn Bay Pier Bench .

His father Rhys Owen who was the owner of the old indoor Market Hall on Princes' Drive bought a job lot of old decking in the late 1950s and the bench was thrown in.

However the young Rhisiart was on the Pier when a workman dropped his hammer in the sea, the next morning Rhisiart got up early and found the hammer under the Pier when the tide was out, and the worker had also gone to look for it, but it had been safely returned by Rhisiart!

The bench was placed inside the Market Hall outside the cafe on the right. I'm sure many of you have sat on it in the past.

It was salvaged after the fire and Rhisiart has had it in his garden in mid Wales ever since.

It needs restoration and Rhisiart very kindly offered it to the Pier Trust with the above provenance.

So it's come back home and hopefully one day will sit back in pride of place on the Pier.

He has also gifted us an Ariel photograph of Colwyn Bay showing the same benches and probability of location. We will share this at a later date.

Thank you Rhisiart for your very kind gesture and we promise to look after this marvellous piece of Colwyn Bay Pier heritage.

Party On The Pier!

Tue, 17 May 2022 23:06:07 GMT

A great event to look forward to on the Pier!

A brief history of Bangor's Garth Pier

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:17:21 GMT

125 years old and still going strong, a brief history of Bangor's Garth Pier!

It has survived threats of demolition and the wear and tear of tide and time to be voted Pier of the Year for 2022

Strutting out into the Menai Strait stands one of North Wales most recognisable landmarks. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, Garth Pier offers a perfect spot for summers day, a seaside snack or just a relaxing stretch of the legs. The pier has sat at part of the city of Bangor for 125 years, yet despite threats of demolition and the wear and tear brought on by time, it's still thriving, being voted Pier of the Year by the National Pier's Society this year.

The pier was originally opened 14th May 1896 from a design made by J.J. Webster at a cost of £14,475 - just over £2 million today. It was opened in a ceremony performed by George Douglas-Pennant, the second baron Penrhyn, the family who owned much of the lands around the area, including Penrhyn Castle, the Bangor docks and Bethesda Quarry.

The pier measuring 1,550 feet (470 m) has cast iron columns, with the rest of the metal structure made of steel including the handrails, the wooden deck stretches out over the straits, with several kiosks along it's length, offering a range of different services. Much of what you see on the pier today was part of it when it originally opened in the Victorian era, including the kiosks, ironwork fences and gate, while much of the decking has been replaced over the years.

Many steamers stopped at the pier up until 1914, with an average of 34,000 passengers each year coming until then. Steamers would travel from Liverpool en route to Llandudno , stopping at Garth pier as part of that journey.

Originally a railway for handling baggage had been included in the design but it was removed in 1914, after a cargo ship, the SS Christina drifted into the pier over night, causing a significant amount of damage. The ship cleaved straight through the structure, leaving the pier divided, the Royal Anglesey Engineers constructed a makeshift gangway between the two, intended as a temporary fix, it instead remained until 1921 when repairs were resumed after World War 1.

The Menai Strait is notorious for its unpredictable currents and rough waters. This made any repairs to the pier especially challenging.

Two sappers, Lionel Hemingway and Samuel Hill, drowned after losing control of their boat. The pier was a popular stopping point for tour boats heading around Anglesey. But it was not a short trip taking a near 12 hours to complete starting at Liverpool at 9am and returning at 8.40pm.

In 1927, one of the pier's kiosks was transformed into a Marine science laboratory, set up by Professor Phillip White for the University of North Wales - now Bangor University. His sudden death in 1929 prompted the creation of the first Marine Zoology course.

These days Bangor is renowned for its Marine Sciences as one of its most popular and successful courses, with extensive facilities set around the area. By 1971 the pier had fallen in disrepair and was closed, being bought off Arfon Borough Council by Bangor City Council for 1p in 1982.

But repairs restarted funded by various grants and the public. A list of those who donated is shown on the stone plaque near the gatehouse. It's estimated to have cost around o£750,000. The then Mayor of Bangor Councillor John Haydn Jones lifted the first plank setting the project on its way.

This was not the last bit of restoration work to take place. In 2017 £1 million was set aside to complete a range of work needed on the pier. The pier is now watched over by the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, many of whom had a hand in creating the Pier 125 exhibition currently on show in Storiel until the 4th of June, where you can learn more about this iconic piece of Bangor's history.

Thank you to the Daily Post for the great article, see HERE

Pavilioneers on the Pier!

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:57:40 GMT

30 APR AT 10:00 – 2 MAY AT 13:00

Pavilioneers on the Pier

Llandudno Pier

Event by Dav Jones and The Pavilioneers - Friends of Llandudno's Pier and Pavilion

Llandudno Pier

Duration: 2 days

Public

Anyone on or off Facebook

Members of the Pavilioneers Group in Victorian dress, with history stories of the Pier and Pavilion for all those interested to listen.

For further info see Here

I hope it goes well for the group.

Easter Has Arrived at our Fundraising Shop!

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:52 GMT

A big thank you to the wonderful Hilary for the lovely window display and also for making all of the Easter Egg gift sets which have flown out!

Bangor Garth Pier Wins Award!

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 23:55:54 GMT

Massive congratulations to Bangor Garth Pier for winning National Piers Society Pier of the year. Well done.
Cromer Pier came second well done to you as well AND Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust came third !!!

How happy are we thank you to everyone who voted for us. Makes everything worthwhile
.Happy Pier days

Colwyn Bay Heritage Walk

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:31:58 GMT

Colwyn Bay Heritage Walk Sunday 3rd April 2pm

Why not spend your Sunday a little differently? Join local Heritage club member David Masding for an informative walk around Colwyn Bay town, focusing on the history of the town’s architecture, culture and heritage following the ‘Imagine trail app’.

Beth am dreulio eich Dydd Sul ychydig yn wahanol? Ymunwch ag aelod o’r clwb Treftadaeth lleol, David Masding, ar daith llawn gwybodaeth o amgylch tref Bae Colwyn, gan ganolbwyntio ar hanes pensaernïaeth, diwylliant a threftadaeth y dref gan ddilyn yr ‘ap llwybr Dychmygu’.

A Pet Shop On The Pier!

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 21:12:38 GMT

Adam Williams owner of Llandudno Pier is certainly causing quite a stir, with a new Pavillion on the way and this lovely little Pet Shop on the Pier, it is going from strength to strength! This looks lovely, well done Adam, can't wait to visit.

1981 at The Dixieland Pier Bar!

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 20:38:22 GMT

The Dixieland Club on the Pier attracted so many famous bands, even now people still remember with fodness the wonderful times they had there!

Below the final days of the famous venue.

Some of the acts that played there included

25.11.60 – Johnny Dankworth

19.8.62 – Clinton Ford with Merseysippin Jazz Band

15.2.63 – Jay Beats

13.4.63 – Jay Beats plus The Venoms

17.1.64 – Group One

24.1.64 – Rory Storm & The Hurricanes supp by Aristocrats
Aristocrats were a Llandudno based rock’n’roll band of 1962-65, feat; Ray Gardner (who runs Tiffanys Restaurant in the town). Played residency spot at Llandudno’s Washington pub.

31.1.64 – Escorts supp by Anglesey Strangers
Anglesey Strangers were a rock’n’roll band from early tipped for bigger things but nothing ever came of it. Feat; Bryn Chamberlin, Gordon Humphreys. S4C aired a documentary c1997 on the band. Lemmy also hung out at a few rehearsals. Band were heading for stardom until their manager, Joe Meek committed suicide by shooting himself in the head in Bangor (03.02.67)

14.2.64 – London Beats supp by Aristocrats

15.2.64 – Cossacks supp by Aristocrats

13.3.64 – Jess Conrad

26.3.64 – Jeannie And The Big Guys supp by Anglesey Strangers

3.4.64 – Escorts supp by Aristocrats

11.4.64 – Gene Vincent & The Shouts supp by Anglesey Strangers

24.4.64 – Outlaws supp by Anglesey Strangers

15.5.64 – Escorts supp by Cossacks

22.5.64 – Screaming Lord Sutch supp by Aristocrats

23.5.64 – Wailing Art Woods

29.5.64 – Licorice Locking’s All Sorts

5.6.64 – Paladins

26.6.64 – Swinging Blue Jeans

3.7.64 – Silverstones supp by Aristocrats

10.7.64 – Informers supp by Aristocrats

17.7.64 – Merseybeats

31.7.64 – Dec Dooley’s Dominators

4.9.64 – Rory Storm & Hurricanes

5.9.64 – Road-Runners

11.9.64 – Cy Tucker’s Friars

18.9.64 – Chick Graham & The Coasters

10.10.64 – Wayne Fontana & Mindbenders

28.10.64 – Herman’s Hermits

7.11.64 – Four Just Men supp by Toggery Five

5.12.64 – Kinsley’s

13.02.65 – Escorts

01.05.65 – Undertakers

26.6.65 – Escorts supp by Betrayers

Jul/Aug 1965 – Nashville Teens
Jean Cox says, ‘I was only allowed to go because it was the Pier!’

04.12.65 – Swinging Blue Jeans supp by Escorts

20.04.66 – Sounds Incorporated supp by Escorts

14.01.67 – The Questions (pic above)
Mike Hall says; ‘As I recall, we were the only band on stage that night, so it must have been a regular Saturday night dance. The band worked under the name of The Questions at that time, tho’ according to my diary, we changed our name to Uncle Herbert (short for Uncle Herbert’s Big Soul Band) on January 21st, one week later. The personnel was Haydn Bannister (voc), Pete Flaherty (drms), Steve Griffiths (bass), Martin Peel (gtr) and myself, Mike Hall (keys). Sadly, Haydn & Pete are no longer with us.
We were not averse to letting the odd ‘guest musician’ sit in with us at gigs from time to time, and Lemmy was a frequent visitor on stage, as he was living in the area at that time, before his trip to London & fame & fortune. I recall he played guitar, rather than bass, in those days, and sometimes came along to roadie for us for a couple of quid when he was short of cash – quite a frequent occurrence.’

15.04.67 – The Jaybirds ( Mike Hall remembers )

17.06.67 – The Move

01.07.67 – Jeff Beck Group
Mike Hall says, ‘This listing is highly questionable. Beck was one of my favourites then so I would have seen him thru’ hell or high water had he appeared at the Pier! Who gave you this info?’

13.11.71 – Lyle Marshall Band

31.12.71 – Lyle Marshall Band (new year’s eve pics above courtesy of Roger Tinsley)

22.03.73 – Sutherland Brothers & Quiver

25.03.73 – Brinsley Schwarz ( Ian Gomm talks )

06.06.73 – Blackfoot Sue

1973 – Thin Lizzy
Steve Morris says, ‘I remember in my college days going to see Thin Lizzy it was the ‘Whisky in The Jar’ year. They were actually a substitute because I think it was The Equals could not be there.’

25.01.74 – Budgie

10.10.74 – McGuinness Flint

22.10.74 – KC & The Sunshine Band

03.02.75 – Stackridge

23.10.75 – Showaddywaddy / The Arrows

13.05.76 – JR Walker & The All Stars / James Alexander Barr (poster above courtesy of Mike Hall)

17.01.77 – Motorhead ( ticket )

22.04.77 – Sad Cafe / Hot Water

27.05.77 – Hot Water

02.10.77 – The Enid ( info )

16.12.77 – The Radio Stars

17.12.77 – Siouxsie & The Banshees / Amsterdam ( poster & info )

22.12.77 – Bert & The Eggos

05.02.78 – Motorhead (this may not have happened)

17.02.78 – Prefects / TV Eye (Paul the drummer’s last gig with the Prefects)

27.03.78 – Whitesnake (Gig cancelled, David Coverdale said they were too big to play)
Kev Hughes of Stone Cold says, ‘We were booked to support Whitesnake we worked so hard on our set then they pulled the gig and we ended up supporting Hugo Dines. We also supported Steel Pulse and the Pirates. Sad Café played the Pier, Elvis Costello, Strife, Ginger Baker Band, 29th And Dearborn. The pier was a great place for local bands and I for one will never forget it.’

18.05.78 – Pirates / Stone Cold

25.05.78 – John Grimaldi

20.07.78 – Hot Water

Summer 1978 – Les Enfants played twice during the summer, once with Amsterdam (‘they were tossers and wouldn’t let us use their PA’) and once at a Tech Dance (for Llandrillo College)

14.08.78 – The Jam / The Jolt (Craig Davies says, ‘I had the poster, had the ticket, but they never turned up. NME said they had to go on BBC’s Top Of The Pops show for David Watts single. Emyr ac Elwyns [record shop] said they only sold 16 tickets.’) (David Alexander adds, ‘The Jam didn’t play because they didn’t sell enough tickets, the promoter said publicly that The Jam (being very popular right then) were the most expensive band he’d booked for years so the public would have to basically show support by selling the gig out months before. Craig is right 16 tickets…clearly they didn’t support it, wonder why?)

08.03.79 – Martha Reeves & The Vandellas / Honky
(poster pic by Terry Lamb)

19.12.79 – Hot Water

10.01.80 – Ginger Baker’s Energy / Last Rytes

12.01.80 – Hot Water

14.01.80 – Witchfynde

20.02.80 – Harvest Moon / Quad

17.03.80 – Elvis Costello / Clive Langer & The Boxes ( bootleg album )

26.03.80 – Money

08.05.80 – Saxon / Lutreck

15.05.80 – Run 229

11.06.80 – The Specials / Bodysnatchers / Reluctant Stereotypes
Alan Littlehales says, ‘Reluctant Stereotypes supported Specials and the Bodysnatchers the guy from King sang for them before he formed King.’
Harold Bennett says ‘I was first in the queue to see The Specials I also was in the Malibu World Disco Championships in 1985 … I painted the palm trees on the fire curtain and also painted the sign Colwyn Bay Pier Fun Club Disco on the side that got told had to be removed asap.’
Steve Rastin; ‘There were obviously tensions within the band that night – Roddy Radiation trashed his guitar towards the end in a manner that suggested genuine unhappiness rather than mere theatrics – but the performance absolutely fizzed. The layout of the venue meant that there was no barrier between band and audience and with several hundred rude boys n girls, punks and skins bouncing around in unison you felt that The Pier was in imminent danger of collapsing into the sea, but my god we’d have all drowned happy!’

24.06.80 – Cockney Rejects / The Grids

06.08.80 – Girlschool / Harvest Moon

14.08.80 – Angelwitch / Harvest Moon

24.09.80 – Tygers of Pan Tang / Taurus (Graham Pritchard says, ‘I was at this gig, I was 15 and got hammered. My mate tried to get on stage and knocked the speaker over.)

Oct 1980 – ‘Son of Stiff Tour’ – Ten Pole Tudor / Equators / Any Trouble / Dirty Looks / The Crowns

15.10.80 – Diamond Head

18.10.80 – Bad Manners (Ste says, ‘Remember Peter Powell [Radio 1 DJ] getting a slap because he was shite and Buster Bloodvessel running off stage when fighting started in the crowd. I think Colwyn Bay was a bit to scary for some people in them days)

28.11.80 – Stray Cats / Seventeen – this gig was cancelled due to Top Of the Pops appearance

03.12.80 – Revillos

16.12.80 – Slade / Taurus

Jan.Feb 81 – Deadringer / Mask – Mask pulled out and Colwyn Bay band Zenith played last minute.

30.04.81 – Tygers of Pan Tang / Magnum / Alcatrass

05.05.81 – The Bureau / The Modettes

08.06.81 – Iron Maiden / Aragorn (this may not have happened)

18.06.81 – Samson

22.06.81 – More

29.06.81 – Praying Mantis

02.07.81 – Revillos ( download this gig! )

07.07.81 – Steve Gibbons Band

28.07.81 – Limelight / Chevy

18.08.81 – Spider

26.08.81 – The Beat / Mood Elevators – Pirahna Boy says, ‘900 people jumping up & down to Stand Down Margaret in a small room at the end of the pier! Looking back I’m surprised we didn’t all end up in the sea’
Alan Holmes however said, ‘They were so shit that I sold all their records the next day and have been unable to listen to them ever since! (the same happened with Rush in Liverpool a couple of years previously).’

30.08.81 – Harvest Moon / Zenith (date may not be correct, but in Aug)

01.09.81 – 7-20 / Streetfighter

08.09.81 – Lionheart / Saxon / Aragorn (please verify)

24.09.81 – Budgie

01.10.81 – Stray / Liason

15.10.81 – Steve Gibbons Band / The AK Band

26.10.81 – Theatre Of Hate / Southern Death Cult

Steve Rastin says, ‘The Theatre Of Hate gig was a particularly nasty one. A bunch of Southern Death Cult fans, off their heads on lighter fluid, were beating the crap out of anyone who tried to dance to ToH.’

20.11.81 – The Damned / Anti-Nowhere League ( review )

30.11.81 – The Bureau / Tearjerkers / Modettes

16.01.82 – Black Flag / Vicious Circle

23.02.82 – Magnum

19.03.82 – Budgie (a bootleg of the gig has done the rounds)

31.03.82 – Diamond Head (a bootleg of the gig has done the rounds)

11.05.82 – Fish

20.05.82 – Wishbone Ash

13.07.82 – Magnum

01.12.82 – Meteors / Mercenary Skank ( memories )
Paul Duffield went to this gig, ‘because my Dad ran antique fairs from there I used to go back stage. One of the bands had grafittied their name on one of the purple velour chairs!’

29.12.82 – Dagaband

14.04.83 – The Enid

12.05.83 – Hanoi Rocks

14.03.86 – ‘Northern Soul All Nighter’ ( pic )

11.06.06 – ‘All Day Festival’ – Skunkfish played, Rob Loughlin of the band says, ‘I definitely played there twice although I can’t remember if one of the times was with the Deadlight Spiral or whether it was with Skunkfish twice. I was drunk one of the times hence having a hazy memory but we got called off the stage halfway through our set the first time we were there as there were complaints from local residents about the noise.’

23.05.08 – Global Parasite / Anti Virus

11.07.08 – Global Parasite / Portrait of A Lifetime / Leucine

Aug 2008 – Inferno / Tramp With A Plan – the final live performance at this venue

Other bands that played but we’re unsure of the dates (your help is needed) –
Thin Lizzy (c1973), Desmond Dekker (1985), The Drones (1977.78), Nine Below Zero, Sad Cafe, Trust, One Foot In The Grave, The Blue Cats (Jul81), Body Snatchers (1982), Trident, Black Roots, Swan, Groundhogs, Boney M (!), Rainbow Cottage, Blodwyn Pig, Strife, Cilla Black, Bill The Murderer, Les Enfants, Twisted Sister, Splodgenessabounds . The Grids, Jimmy Clarke & His Band, Steel Pulse, O Jays, The Real Thing (1978), Limmie and The Family Cookin’, Four Tops, Andrea True Connection, Lords of The New Church, Glitter Band, Trapeze, Nutz, Herman’s Hermits, The Escorts, Roy Wood & His Helicopters (1983?), TNT, Sgt Furry, Blue Cats, The Jets, Dr Feelgood, Vardis, Swinging Blue Jeans, Black Slate, Jackie Wilson, Jr Walker and Major Lance. Dexys Midnight Runners were due to play until Kevin Rowland sacked the band. They subsequently formed The Bureau and played The Pier twice.

David Alexander who used to play for Trident says, ‘I used to work a bit in the Dixieland so got in free to a lot of the gigs, plus went as a punter early on, remember the Hugo Dines Band ‘riot’ also similar fights being common for The Enid!’
‘Hugo Dines Band got bottled off by about three old Teds who had been looking for trouble all night. I met them after, they were scousers I think (punks) they were very chuffed with the riot and asked me to send them any newspaper clippings.’
He continues, ‘I don’t reckon Iron Maiden played though, Samson did (so yes to Bruce Dickenson) but I have seen an official list of Maiden’s Welsh gigs, there was a few in South Wales, but their only recorded date in North Wales was supporting Judas Priest at Deeside Leisure Centre on the British Steel Tour.’

The entire pier was been earmarked to be demolished, having fallen into disrepair. Being deemed unsafe and too expensive to renovate, the final part was removed in May 2018.
This is what the venue looked like in January 2014.

All of this information comes from Dixieland – Colwyn Bay Pier see HERE

Happy Valentines!

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 21:24:11 GMT

What ever you are doing tomorrow, have a wonderful day with the one you love.

And a big thank you to our window dressing Queen who has done a stunning Valentines window display yet again.

Thank You Hilary.

5 Years has flown By!

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:47:14 GMT

Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier partially collapses into sea (Five Years Ago!)

A Grade II-listed pier has partially collapsed into the sea off the Conwy coast

Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier was already closed to the public for safety reason and there is no suggestion anyone was nearby at the time.

In 2013, Conwy council voted to demolish it but this was refused by the Welsh Government in 2015.

The council said it was responsible for the clearance and a clear-up would start at low tide on Thursday.

A spokesman said: "Contractors have been mobilised to make the area safe, to remove the fallen pieces and salvage materials wherever possible.

"Over recent years the council has been quite clear about the deteriorating state of the pier. Fencing has been in place around the structure for some time for public safety and we urge the public to take note of the situation and keep away from the area."

The pier has been the subject of a protracted legal battle between the council and businessman Steven Hunt.

Mr Hunt failed in a 2015 High Court bid to regain ownership of it when Mr Justice Morgan said the pier was unsafe, in danger of collapsing and Mr Hunt was in no financial position to restore it.

It is estimated it would cost about £12m to restore and the council could be asked to provide £850,000 towards it.

Campaign group Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust wants the authority to save the structure, saying it would be far less costly than demolishing it.

Taken from the original BBC News article, which can be found HERE

Come and get fit on the Pier!

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:49:54 GMT

Come and have fun and get fit on the Pier!

Nadolig Llawen, Merry Christmas!

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:37:48 GMT

The Trust would just like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

What ever you are doing keep safe and enjoy the festive season with those loved one's in your life.

We will be back in the New Year, Nadolig Llawen,

Fundraising Shops Christmas Window Display

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 13:11:18 GMT

Our Fundraising Shop Has A Christmassy Feel!

A big thank you to Hilary for our lovely window display this year.

All of the items in thye window are for display and we also have a Christmas decorations and gifts table, but things are going fast!

Pop down to our fundraising shop at 18 Station Road, Colwyn Bay.

Thank You

A Big Thank You To Amy For All Her Hard Work

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:39:33 GMT

A Very Big Thank You To Amy

Amy our company secretary has been out in all weathers with a stall at the Colwyn Bay Market and Artisan Market.

Amy has been out leasing with the community and getting feed back from the public on what they see the future of Colwyn Bay Pier as being.

We would just like to say a big thank you to her for her motivation and drive, Amy your a Star!

The consultation is still on going see below

If you have not had time to complete our survey about what you would like to see on Pier Bae Colwyn then please click on the link below and help us to understand what you would like or not like to see it being used for now and in the future.

It is important that we get as many people to complete it as possible.

We will be continuing to gather information as part of several community consultation actions.

Your feedback is important and we value all opinions - thank you.

The link is HERE

Chairman Mark Roberts Presents Voucher To Compertition Winner

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:22:53 GMT

Well done to winner Gemma.

Lovely to catch up with our summer photo competition winner Gemma L Campbell at today’s windy The Artisan Market Company to hand over her voucher.

Here is Mark Roberts our Chairman presenting the Cambrian Photography voucher for her to spend at will.

Congratulations Gemma article from our Facebook page see HERE

Colwyn Bay Pier with the Paxman Family

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 13:56:59 GMT

A wonderful Picture from the 1990s.

Sunshine break for Mike Paxman, his wife Ann and daughter Joanne on the Colwyn Bay Pier.

The family bought the Pier and started restoration.

To the right of the picture can clearly be seen the boards being replaced on the pier. They did a wonderful job before selling the pier on to the next passionate owner.

Late 1899 The Foundations Being Laid!

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:33:01 GMT

This Rare Picture from around late 1899 shows the Stanchions being drilled into the sand in preperation for the historic Pier.

Walking the plank off Llandudno Pier!

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:20:34 GMT

57-year-old to 'walk the plank' off Llandudno Pier in madcap charity challenge!

AFTER bouncing back from the financial brink and being struck down by cancer, property developer and charity fundraiser Rob Lloyd is planning to walk the plank off Llandudno pier.

The crazy stunt, which takes place at 2pm on Saturday, will form part of Rob Lloyd’s ‘Senseless Challenge’ - a year of madcap exploits to raise money for the disability charity Sense.

The 57-year-old from Rhos-on-Sea, who starred in Channel 4's hit show 'The Secret Millionaire' in 2009, has been challenged to jump off the landmark and into the sea by Adam Williams, owner of Llandudno Pier.

Rob, who also appeared on and ITV’s 'Real Housewives of Cheshire' in 2017, was one of the richest people in Wales before losing his fortune and being diagnosed with blood cancer.

The challenge will divert from his 10 day challenge which starts on Friday, which involves walking, running and cycling the 379 miles from Wrexham to Newport (and which starts on Friday 3rd December) on arrival in Llandudno to take the leap into the sea which is expected to be a bracing 9.7C/49.5F degrees in temperature.

Of his latest stunt, Rob said: "After having lymphoma and then committing to a year of sporting challenges which have included a gruelling weekend of physical activity with the SAS; scaling the

Three Peaks and abseiling blindfolded down The Orbit, and many more, this challenge might be the toughest of all. I don’t like heights and the water will be very cold!

"However I am doing it because I want to support people with complex disabilities and their families. Children and adults who are living with two or more disabilities need high levels of support

every single day of their lives which is why the work of charities like Sense is so vital.

“This is going to be the craziest stunt so far and I’m really grateful to Adam for making it happen.”

Donate to Rob's fundraiser at justgiving.com/campaign/RobsChallenge

From The North Wales Pioneer See HERE

Plans revealed for Pier Pavilion site

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 22:16:28 GMT

THE owner of Llandudno Pier has revealed plans for a £15m-£20m entertainment complex at the old Pier Pavilion site.

Adam Williams says the new complex will likely include a bowling alley, bars and restaurants if the plans get the go-ahead.

The complex is currently at an early stage but will be submitted as a future planning application.

The pier already employs 100 staff as well as another 50 seasonal positions, but the new development could potentially generate an additional 150 year-round jobs.

The revelation follows Adam buying the land from developer Alan Waldron last month. The old pavilion was destroyed by a fire over twenty years ago.

In an exclusive interview with Conwy’s Local Democracy Reporting Service, Adam commented: “I can reveal what the plans are going to be, but I haven’t got the drawings to reveal how exactly it is going to look.

“The basis for how I would like it to be is a similar look to the (old) Pavilion and a similar but modern-day use where it’s all indoor entertainment, bowling, restaurants, bars, all indoor stuff.

“We would have to look at a list of what works in leisure and entertainment and see what we could physically get in there and afford. But you are probably looking at £15m-£20m for the development, something like that. But it is premature to know what that is going to look like yet because we’ve only owned the site for a week.”

He added: “The finished building is going to take a while. I don’t want to rush into it. This building is going to stay there for at least 100 years and be useful for all that period. So there is a lot of thinking to do, a lot of work, a lot of design. We need to make sure we get it right. So the definition of getting it right is what suits the town and the tourism industry. It’s got to suit everybody.”

Last month Adam bought the land from developer Alan Waldron before an auction could take place. Mr Waldron had planning consent for 54 apartments and a restaurant.

Adam believed placing residents so close to the pier threatened its future as a tourist spot, due to the likelihood of complaints about noise and smells from residents. But after spending years fighting against that planning application, which was approved in 2018, Adam has now re-registered this planning consent under his own name with Conwy County Council.

This allows Adam to retain the maximum value of the land, enabling the new project to borrow against its worth when seeking finance from the banks. Although it also means, if the banks took control of the land in future, the old plans for 54 apartments and a restaurant could be back on the cards.

Adam added: “This is huge for Llandudno. Everyone knows I think Llandudno’s great to start with. But we do miss out in the winter season and the rainy days, for something for families when the weather is not nice. This would help that immensely. It would help the pier keep jobs 12 months a year. I think it would help a lot of the hotels keep full-time jobs too and really change the economy. We don’t need to change the summer. What we need to improve is the rainy days and the winter.”

“It’s very exciting. Obviously, I’m very nervous. I might not be able to deliver everything I would like to deliver, and it is quite a scary thought. There is a lot of investment going into there, but I can see the potential. In 20 years, we’ll look back and think, my God, that was the right thing to do.

“The aim of the game is to secure the pier’s future. Everything we do is to make sure the pier can afford its maintenance. The wind the other night didn’t help! But this will make an economic impact so we can keep going in the future.”

Well done to Adam Williams above, I am sure the new build will be inkeeping with the Pier and former Pavilion.

Thank you to The North Wales Pioneer for this article, see HERE

Tombola Stall 27th November Colwyn Bay Market

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 23:47:56 GMT

Tombola Stall 27th November Colwyn Bay Market!

Our Fundraising shop at 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay see HERE will be holding a very special Tombola event on the 27th of November just outside the shop on a market stall.

The drawing of the Raffle which as been ongoing for a few weeks will also take place,

The Tombola will be a large stall with 3 tables!

The shop manager Hilary and volunteer Val have really gone to town on making things for this event and have spent hours wrapping and shopping, so a very big thank you to them both, and to everyone who has donated items for the Tombola.

Just to note that if the weather is bad, the Tombola may be brought into the shop.

The WinnIng Pictures Are On Display At Our Fundraising Shop.

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 23:34:41 GMT

A big thank you to Amy our Company Secretary for this lovely window display of the winning pictures.

The photographs have been framed and are now for sale at our fundraising shop on 18 Station Road, Colwyn Bay,see HERE

Community Consultation Paper Copies

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:42:13 GMT

The Trust are currently running a Community Consultation for The Pier (see below)

But not everyone may be able to fill the survey in online, due to this we have Paper Copies available at our Fundraising Shop at 18 Station Road, Colwyn Bay

see Map HERE

Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust (CVPT) are preparing plans to enhance the truncated pier by creating a venue for events, family friendly attractions and facilities.

The aim of the Project is to Build upon the work recently completed by Conwy County Borough Council and to further develop and extend the Pier by restoring it to its former glory, offering a 21st century solution that benefits, visitors, residents, and the business community.

We want to provide:

A venue for events, family friendly attractions and facilities
A year-round facility for the people of Colwyn Bay and wider area
A Pier which focuses on quality and the right aesthetic
A Pier which supports, promotes and develops Welsh culture and the Welsh
language.

The Trust has been in discussions with the Local Authority with a view to taking on operational responsibility for the Pier in due course, but this will be partly dependent on developing the right business model and ensuring that the community has an ongoing role to play in its future.

We need to gather the interests of not only the local community but everyone who has an opinion on the pier and ultimately the future of Colwyn Bay.

We would kindly ask that you take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey and help us to consult the community!

New Paragraph

Colwyn Bay Pier plans aim to return site to former glory within a decade

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:26:00 GMT

Thank you to the Daily Post For This Great News

Plans are being prepared to return a pier to its former glory with hopes it would benefit the entire community.

Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust (CVPT) are preparing plans to enhance the truncated pier in Colwyn Bay by creating a new venue for events, family-friendly attractions and facilities.

The aim of the project is to build upon the work recently completed by Conwy County Council and to further develop and extend the pier by restoring it to its former glory, with the trust saying they want to "offer a 21st century solution that benefits, visitors, residents, and the business community".

Conservation architects Donald Insall Associates have been appointed by the trust to assist in exploring wider opportunities for the pier and their aspiration is to extend it.

A director of CVPT Amy Sue Dyke said: "There are some really interesting ideas being considered and we are determined more than ever to restore the pier to it's full glory.

"The first phase has been completed, the second phase will be to build a pavilion and then the third and final phase will be to extend the pier into the sea.

"Admittedly this is all going to take time because of the funding needed and first of all we need to be granted a lease from Conwy County Council so that the new temporary venue can be erected and perhaps some temporary facilities such as wooden huts be put up so that we can start the process of raising funds.

"Lottery heritage grants can also be accessed so it's not necessary true that tax payer's money will be used to fund the project."

She added: “Activity down at the waterfront will have wider benefits to the town and region.

"Donal Insall Associates are working on some designs for us now and we plan to give a presentation to the local authority by the end of the year, or at the beginning of 2022.

"We've realised we need to be swift as we've heard rumours that other parties are interested in the pier to do something with the space there.

"Many people have mentioned to us that there are no facilities on it such as benches and there's no cafe, but it's out of our hands until the owners - Conwy Council has given us the lease."

The trust has stated they'd like to provide a year-round facility for the area that will be compatible with already established venues such as Theatr Colwyn.

The trust has already been in discussions with Conwy to take on operational responsibility for the pier, but this will be partly dependent on developing the right business model.

A survey has been launched by the trust to gather the interests of not only the local community but everyone who has an opinion on the pier and ultimately the future of Colwyn Bay.

You can find the survey here.

For the original article see HERE

Great News For Llandudno Pier

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:12:23 GMT

Well done to Adam Williams owner of Llandudno Pier, who has just secured the purchase of The former Pavilions site which burnt down a number of years ago.

The previous owner had plans approved to build a huge carbuncle block of flats that would have seriously damaged tourism at the landmark Pier.

Here is the article from the Daily Post below,

Llandudno's Pier Pavilion site has been sold after going up for sale last month with a guide price of £2.8m .

The site which has lain empty for 23-years after the old pavilion was destroyed by fire .

It had been earmarked for the development of luxury apartments and restaurants by developer Alan Waldron - with the latest controversial application facing a call-in request to Welsh Government planning inspectors.

But last month in a surprise move, Mr Waldron, put the site up for auction, and bidding was set to start on November 9.

But a sale has now been announced.

Adam Williams, who owns Llandudno Pier and Tir Prince in Towyn , has confirmed that he is buying the site and has spoken about his plans for the land.

He had been a fierce opponent of the flats scheme with fears over its potential impact on the pier.

Adam Williams owns Llandudno Pier and Tir Prince in Towyn has confirmed, that he has now acquired the site

Speaking to North Wales Live , Adam said: "Tir Prince Leisure Group are delighted to announce that they have secured the purchase of the land at Llandudno Pier Pavilion following negotiations with the current owners.

"Given the close proximity to The Pier and the fact that until 1980 they were in the same ownership and formed part of the same parcel of land it was an easy and straightforward decision to make the purchase having had many worthwhile meetings with the Pavilion owner over the last few months."

"Tir Prince Leisure Group hopes that the acquisition of this site will enable us to secure the long term future of Llandudno Pier and Llandudno as the jewel in the crown of North Wales tourism by enhancing and improving our current offering and ensuring that the site can continue to be enjoyed by many future generations.

The site has lain empty for 23-years and only has a few cast iron balustrades showing its history (Image: @droneographs_)

"In many ways the hard work starts now but we are confident that we can do something extremely worthwhile with the site and further announcements will follow in due course."

The sale comes as opponents of the Llandudno Pier Pavilion development had planned a protest prior to the auction .

Speaking to one of the petition's organisers , David Jones he said: "Having been informed that Llandudno Pier owner Adam Williams has acquired the former Pier Pavilion site prior to auction is great.

"This is obviously fantastic news for all involved with our campaign, our supporters and those thousands that signed our petitions to stop the apartment's development.

"It now looks as though Llandudno Pier Pavilion may, at last, rise from the ashes and be developed for it's rightful purpose, tourism and leisure, thus securing the long-term future of Llandudno's Grade 2 listed Victorian Pier.

"On behalf of our group, I would like to offer congratulations to Adam Williams and Tir Prince on this momentous moment in Llandudno's history."

See Article HERE

Help make decisions about the future of Colwyn Bay's pier

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:09:39 GMT

Help make decisions about the future of Colwyn Bay's pier!

A big thank you to Bayside Radio for this article, The visit their page see HERE

A consultation on the future of the new Colwyn Bay pier has begun.

Working in conjunction with the local community, the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust would like to know what future plans might look like, what the pier structure could be used for and what people feel about further extending the pier in the future.

Currently the Trust are preparing plans to enhance the truncated pier by creating a venue for events, family friendly attractions and facilities.

In its proposals the Trust wishes to provide:

- A venue for events, family friendly attractions and facilities
- A year-round facility for the people of Colwyn Bay and wider area
- A Pier which focuses on quality and the right aesthetic
- A Pier which supports, promotes and develops Welsh culture and the Welsh language.

"We need to gather the interests of not only the local community but everyone who has an opinion on the pier and ultimately the future of Colwyn Bay."

"We would kindly ask that you take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey and help us to consult the community."

To take part please visit HERE

Christmas Raffle Tickets Are Now Available!

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:06:09 GMT

Yes The Christmas Raffle Tickets Are Now Available to Buy At Our Fundraising Shop, On 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay.

There are some fantastic prizes, pop down and buy a ticket, also a Tombola will follow.

I must also say a huge thank you to Hilary our shop manager for doing all this amazing work.

Not only does she buy everything, she wraps it, makes gift sets, knits items, even bakes, and this is on top of her amazing work at out fundraising shop.

Hilary you are amazing, and thank you so much for all you wonderful work every year.

Your a Star x

Consult The Community Pier Trust Survey

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 20:28:51 GMT

Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust (CVPT) are preparing plans to enhance the truncated pier by creating a venue for events, family friendly attractions and facilities.

We want to provide:

* A venue for events, family friendly attractions and facilities

* A year-round facility for the people of Colwyn Bay and wider area

* A Pier which focuses on quality and the right aesthetic

* A Pier which supports, promotes and develops Welsh culture and the Welsh language.

We need to gather the interests of not only the local community but everyone who has an opinion on the pier and ultimately the future of Colwyn Bay.

We would kindly ask that you take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey and help us to consult the community!

For online digital survey see Here

And for paper copies please call in to our shop at 18a Station Road Colwyn Bay,

Thank You

Winner Of Video Compertition Accepts Prize!

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 20:18:34 GMT

Congratulations To Mr Kevin Sutton who won our best video of our new Pier Compertition!

Mr Sutton was presented a gift voucher for Cambrian Photography.

Presenting the award at the Trusts Funding Shop and Head Quaters was Trust Director Amy Dyke,

Halloween is The New Window Display

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:02:56 GMT

Yes Halloween has come early at the fundraising shop!

A big thank you to Hilary and Val for all of their hard work in doing this stunning window display.

Pop down to our fundraising shop at 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay to view our Halloween items as well as clothes, music, kitchenalia and much more

The Resurrected Victoria Pier

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 13:02:48 GMT

A look back at the site of Colwyn Bay's resurrected Victoria Pier

An article by The Daily Post see HERE

THIS week’s nostalgia spotlight looks at the history behind the Victoria Pier on Colwyn Bay Promenade, of which a truncated version has recently been built after the former design collapsed due to Storm Doris in February 2017.

Opened in 1900, the Grade II listed building is steeped in a rich, varied history, and has created a platform for many famous visitors over the years including Cary Grant, Slade, Motorhead and many more.

It has also been twinned with three different pavilions – the first was destroyed by fire in 1922, as did the second in 1933, while the third was dismantled in 2018.

Amy Dyke, a director at the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust (CVPT), shared fellow Colwyn Bay residents’ memories of the pier and offered an insight into what the future will hopefully hold for it.

Future plans

Amy said: “The recent completion of the truncated Pier Bae Colwyn on Colwyn Bay Promenade has been met with mixed feelings from the community; both welcome congratulations, and sadness that the old Victorian Pier did not survive Storm Doris in February 2017.

“There is one local group (CVPT) who have continued to believe in the importance of its existence and the benefits it brings to the town, and have always fought to give it a voice.

“They, along with many of its supporters, believe that it should not be another one of those listed building in Wales that has been allowed to deteriorate, and that as a community non-for-profit organisation, they can win the hearts, minds and finances of the funding bodies and organisations that would help to realise this vision.

“The truncated pier has been erected using many of its original parts, most of which required careful restoration.

“It has been beautifully resurrected, sympathetic to its heritage, and although it is not yet the full extent of the pier that was once, it is the minimum that the council were required to do for now!

“We are busy working on designs and plans to initially utilise the truncated pier, which will add value to the promenade for visiting tourism while also providing a showcase for local businesses, providing jobs and the opportunities for the wider community.

“The plans will see the project evolve in phases, which will ultimately lead to the structure extended out from the truncated pier with the reinstatement of facilities on top of the deck ,creating an innovative 21st century offer, fit for future business purposes.

“The trust intends to hold public consultations once the plans are ready for viewing.

“The pandemic has been tough, and like many local charities, we couldn’t open the shop to sell any items and generate funds, and couldn’t organise any face to face activities, but we have maintained our work by meeting on Zoom and have made good progress in the background.

“The trust hears from many people who are reminded of their connection with the old pier, particularly when images are shared on the trust’s Facebook page, often evoking discussions of times gone by.

“It has always been such a vital and iconic part of the town and holds the fondest of memories for both locals and visitors.

“With such a rich and varied history, the pier has created a platform for many famous visitors over the years, and it is the trust’s belief that its legacy should be far-reaching.

“With continued development, it was and still can become an iconic meeting place for new relationships, social gatherings, and creative arts, providing inspiration, enjoyment and happiness for those who love to tread the boards.”

Old treasured memories

Actor Cary Grant remembered the pier in his autobiography, ‘Archie Leach’ (his birth name).

He had arrived to perform: “In the theatre built on, of all windy wintry places, a pier. So many young former members of the company (entertainer Bob Pender's troupe of young performers) were already being discharged from the army that Bob Pender obtained engagements for two complete troupes in the type of Christmas shows that so particularly suited our tumbling talents: the traditional English pantomimes.

“Which aren’t pantomimes at all, by the way, but fairy stories such as Cinderella, Mother Goose, Puss in Boots, and so on, told in part musical-comedy and part slapstick form.

“They’re colourfully and quite expensively presented in most English towns for, usually, a packed eight-week run. The best troupe, the older troupe, played the better pantomime in Liverpool.

“So, that’s how I came to be in cold Colwyn Bay; walking the next-to-highest stilts in a graduated line of other stilt walkers, with my head inside a huge papier-mâché mask on which sat a large, white, limp lady’s bonnet with a frill around it, and my elongated body and long, long legs encased in a great calico dress that had frilled collar and cuffs to match the hat.

“Well, naturally! It was the most spectacular of the many acts we performed to delight children who yearly sit entranced at the magic of English pantomime.”

Glenys Thomas (née Jones) remembered doing ‘proper ballroom dancing’ and fondly recalls doing the Lambeth Walk underneath a large glitter ball on the ceiling. Her husband was also a manager of the pier during the 1940s and 1950s.

In the late 1980s, Gavin Davies remembers visiting the record shop to while away some time with his friend Mike Lewis, who ran the establishment.

He was asked to draw a Welsh dragon as he had some artistic talent, which was later put up on the front of the pier surrounded by bright lighting which remained in situ for years.

Gavin believes this was the catalyst for his decision to go into graphic design.

Mike Hall, a friend of the trust, recalls: “When playing in a local band, The Questions (later we changed our name to Uncle Herbert’s Big Soul Band), we often let the odd guest musician sit in with us at gigs from time to time and Lemmy (who later become Motörhead frontman) was a frequent visitor on stage.

“He was living in the area at that time before his trip to London and fame and fortune.

“He played guitar rather than bass in those days and sometimes came along to roadie for us for a couple of quid when he was short of cash - which was quite a frequent occurrence.”

Jane, a Colwyn Bay resident, shared: “I went to see Slade with my partner (at the pier)on his birthday on December 16, 1980.

“It was our first date and we had to leave on the song ‘Goodbye to Jane’ as I was only 16 and had to go to school in the morning.”

Amy added: “Whatever your thoughts are about the new truncated pier, there is no doubt that piers create wonderful memories for lots of people.

“As we grow old, we do become nostalgic, but we have learned during the pandemic just how important events, socialising or enjoying a simple family day out to the seaside is.

“An iconic landmark such as a pier can focus the mind, providing a backdrop which enhances memories.

“I suppose you could say it’s the ultimate buried treasure.”

Interview by Amy Dyke ( who is one of our loyal Trust Members ,) and a wonderful article, thank you Amy.

The Pier At High Tide.

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 12:09:37 GMT

Lovely to see the Pier at high tide.

Llandudno Pier stars in new ITV series

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 21:10:10 GMT

Llandudno pier stars in new ITV series documenting highs and lows of summer like no other!

Thank you to the Daily Post For this article see HERE

I think that it would be fair to say that all Pier owners and Trusts must have struggled over the last few years, but as an added issue the owner of Llandudno Pier is fighting the building of a huge block of flats at the entrance to the Pier which will further damage his business and the future of the Pier. I hope the series highlights this as well.

A top North Wales attraction will star in a brand new TV series documenting the highs and lows of a summer like no other

The six-part series will give an insight into what it’s really like operating Llandudno Pier, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the region.

Set to air on Monday, October 4, the series - called The Pier - will feature owner Adam Williams along with stall keepers, food vendors, entertainers, boatmen and hoteliers.

Showing life before, during and after the coronavirus pandemic, along with the struggles in between, the series will air on ITV Wales at 8pm.

Speaking to North Wales Live , series producer Aled Llyr said: "The Pier has taken a different tone and feel to our previous ITV series of this type.

"The Mountain ( Snowdon ), The Village ( Portmeirion ), The Island Strait ( Menai Straits ) were all 'a year in the life of' portraits of iconic Welsh locations.

"18 months of Covid forced us to rethink The Pier - which has become the story of the summer of 2021.

"By capturing this moment in time post-Covid, the series has moments of real depth and emotion with Adam and all the featured 'characters' sharing their struggles and the despair of lockdown as well as their passion for their pier and their optimism as Llandudno comes back to life."

During the series, Mr Williams said: "I am passionate about maintaining the structure's original character and you have to respect the property and the history - what it means to local people.

"I think Llandudno's a one-off location in the world. You've got a sweeping bay, you've got two big Ormes and the pier just just off at the end of the bay.

"There's not a pier like it. Normally, piers strut out from a straight piece of land and this is where this is different - it struts off from the bay. The view you get from that is like an amphitheatre.

"It's a one-off. I can see why the Victorians built this in the first place."

Conservation architect helping protect and restore North Wales’ historic buildings

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:32:21 GMT

Thank you to the Daily Post for this great article, and what a wonderful job Elgan Jones is doing.

Elgan Jones has worked on the region’s famous castles over the years but says buildings and streetscapes at the heart of communities are of equal importance

A conservation architect that has worked on castles, mansions, and a pier says that protecting and restoring Wales’ historic buildings is critical to preserve the nation’s history and provide places for communities to continue to meet.

Elgan Jones works for Donald Insall Associates, an architect and historic buildings consultants with a long history of working in North Wales.

While Elgan has worked on the region’s famous castles over the years, he said of equal importance were those historic buildings and streetscapes at the heart of communities, from the farmhouses of well known families to historic pubs and other public buildings.

The practice also recently completed work on the redeveloped Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier – a landmark Elgan says is “embedded” in the fabric and history of the town.

He said: “We work on such a diverse range of projects.

“It’s not just about Conwy castle, Caernarfon castle, it’s those remote farmhouses or vernacular structures that are equally important and often more at risk because they are overlooked.

“These are absolutely critical, not just in the buildings’ regional historic building techniques but it tells us a lot about the social history and culture and wider aspects, not just specific to that bricks and mortar of the building.

“It is especially true for buildings like the Victoria Pier which is so embedded into the town.

“A country house has an important role in talking about the history of families while the key with buildings like the pier is that it was fundamental to the design of the town, the main draw for people to Colwyn Bay and the catalyst for its growth.

“The layout of the town and railway station has a strong relationship with the pier.

“Conserving those buildings is fundamental to the town’s regeneration.

“Following the recent completion of the ‘truncated pier’ the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust are exploring wider opportunities for the pier and their aspiration is to extend the pier.

“We have been appointed by the trust to assist in exploring these and there are some really interesting ideas being considered.

“Activity down at the waterfront will have wider benefits to the town and region.

“Another similar project is Holyhead market – the project will help regenerate the town centre and bring people back into the centre. It then attracts other investment.”

Sir Donald Insall founded the company in 1958 and was chairman until 1998. He continues to play an active role within the firm.

On qualifying as an architect in 2013, Elgan was awarded the same scholarship from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings as Sir Donald undertook in 1950. This was an intensive nine month programme travelling all around the country and abroad - spending time with different architects and craftsmens to broaden his conservation understanding.

He joined company in 2018 after previously being involved with the conservation of Yr Ysgwrn, the farmstead of the bard Hedd Wynn in Trawsfynydd.

While extremely rewarding the senior architect said there are many challenges working on conversation and restoration projects.

He added: “The challenge is finding a viable use that gives them a sustainable future without impacting the character or integrity of the historic building and site.

“It’s not just about the conservation of the fabric, it’s understanding how they can be adapted for future uses.

“Those uses also need to be underpinned by a sustainable business plan and funding strategy.

“When authorities go down the compulsory purchase route to tackle dilapidated and at risk historic buildings they sometimes need a back-to-back agreement with a third party who have demonstrated that they have the funds for the repair and an appropriate use for the building.

“Our role will often involve assessing the buildings condition, scheduling the urgent works and exploring appropriate uses for the building.

“When working with listed buildings there are often a number of interested parties, organisations and consultants which should be involved in the work throughout the lifespan of a project, managing the differing views, aspirations and approaches can often be a challenge when working historic buildings.

“A collaborative approach and early consultation is key to the success of any project.”

The firm works closely with heritage body Cadw.

Elgan said: “We are currently working at Harlech and Conwy Castle looking at opportunities to manage and design out risks associated with visitor access to historic sites.

“A key challenge is ensuring safety without adversely impacting the character or fabric of the building and the wider views to and from the site.”

They have also been involved with some redevelopment work, like at Porth Mawr the Grade I-listed gatehouse in Caernarfon.

Following the recent programme of repairs, works will soon start on the next phase to incorporate holiday accommodation and improved public access on to Caernarfon’s town walls.

Close by, the firm has just finished Antur Waunfawr’s bike rental facility and studio space – Beics Antur – a complex project due to its proximity to the Porth yr Aur Gatehouse and historic town walls and a building that will bring economic and social benefits to the town.

Another one at the heart of a community is Tafarn y Plu pub in Llanystumdwy, near Criccieth.

The site was taken on by a community enterprise created by villagers.

“The ideas is to make subtle alterations to the building to increase flexibility and use whilst retaining the qualities of a traditional pub” said Elgan.

“This will allow the building to continue contributing socially to the community of Llanystumdwy as it has done for so many years.

“When the building was put up for sale, the risk of it being developed into other uses posed a real threat to the community.

“Small projects, but they have such an important role.”

On the qualities needed to succeed in conservation and restoration, he added: “You have to have that passion, interest and willingness to want to save a building because it ca n be is a long process.”

To read the article see HERE

A New Mural Of The Pier!

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 13:11:44 GMT

This stunning picture along with others has been painted on the Railway Tunnel just by the Pier.

The tunnel was once a direct route off the train station on to the Promanade and the Colwyn Bay Hotel.

It has been comissioned by a new Heritage project and painted by the very talented Andy Dimeone Birch See HERE

And The Winner is Gemma L Campbell! Well Done.

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:04:40 GMT

The clear winner on the deadline date and time with 119 likes was Gemma L Campbell. Well done!

We are pleased to announce the Top 5 entries which we recently recieved for our photo competition. Thank-you all for getting involved, liking the images and helping our Board to pick the winners.

2. Jay Cervi

3. Tim Williams

4. Tony Fanning

5. Xander Young

We were very pleased with the engagement and will be holding other photographic and art based competitions in the future. So keep being creative, snapping away and capturing those Autumn and Winter skylines, sunrises, sunsets, moods and shadows - its a fabulous backdrop to showcase your talents and we can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

No 2. Jay Cervi

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:01:18 GMT

Well done to Jay Cervi.

We are pleased to announce the Top 5 entries which we recently recieved for our photo competition. The clear winner on the deadline date and time with 119 likes was Gemma L Campbell. Thank-you all for getting involved, liking the images and helping our Board to pick the winners.

2. Jay Cervi

3. Tim Williams

4. Tony Fanning

5. Xander Young

No 3. Tim Williams

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:57:56 GMT

Well done to Tim Williams.

2. Jay Cervi

3. Tim Williams

4. Tony Fanning

5. Xander Young

No 4 Tony Fanning

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:54:49 GMT

Well Done to Tony Fanning.

2. Jay Cervi

3. Tim Williams

4. Tony Fanning

5. Xander Young

We Are Pleased To Announce The Top 5 Competition Entries!

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:50:07 GMT

No 5 Xander Young! Well done.

2. Jay Cervi

3. Tim Williams

4. Tony Fanning

5. Xander Young

New Paragraph

Shadows On The Sand!

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:09:47 GMT

I love this picture!

Thank you to Pat our vice chair for this picture off Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust Campaign

New Paragraph

Who Remembers the Mechanical Elephant?

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 20:02:30 GMT

Who remembers the mechanical elephant on the prom? Many happy memories will be shared thanks to this brilliant app!

September 06, 2021

The clocks are to go back a little earlier for the launch of a new history app.

The first of its kind in North Wales, a free history app, called Imagine Trail, will shed light on some of the Bay of Colwyn and Mochdre’s old tales and bring them to life through augmented reality (AR) technology.

The app has been created as part of Imagine Colwyn Bay, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from Conwy County Borough Council and the Bay of Colwyn Town Council.

Local arts charity TAPE Community Music & Film and tech experts Reality Boffins worked closely with local creatives, heritage groups and the wider community to develop it.

Animated videos, old footage and photos, sound recordings and interviews have been used to recall stories of note from monks in the Middle Ages through to the mod rallies of the 70s and 80s.

The app will be unveiled and ready for download on September 18th with launch events at Colwyn Bay Artisan’s market and the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Before then, history buffs and cinemagoers can enjoy a week of free, related activities starting on September 13th.

TAPE’s Neil Dunsire said: “The app is a real treasure trove of stories. We’ve been fortunate to unearth some terrific tales and memories from Dinosaur World to Medieval ambushes.

“It has been brilliant to work with 20 local creatives, who have adapted and overcome challenges brought about by the pandemic. In all, we’ve worked with 300 people, from school children to local historians to create the 52 pieces of video, sound, and animation included in the app, which will be free to download.

“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has taken part and are very much looking forward to being able to share the Imagine Trail.”

The launch week includes heritage walks, app demos, pop-up cinema screenings, and arts and animation workshops. An additional event will take place on Tuesday, September 28th at Theatr Colwyn, launching a film documenting the Harlequin Puppet Theatre, Britain’s oldest permanent puppet theatre.

“David Masding, Chair of Colwyn Bay Heritage Group, said: “The new app will be a draw for locals and visitors alike, I am delighted that our heritage trails have been brought to life in a modern, engaging, fun way for everyone to enjoy.

“There is something for everyone throughout the week-long launch with the chance to see how the app works and get a taste of what to expect. The events are all free to attend. All we’d ask is people get in touch to book or for more information.”

To find out more and book your place, visit www.tapemusicandfilm.co.uk or call 01492 512109.

You can also hear more details about the daily launch events on Good Morning Colwyn Bay from 8am. Listen online. on smart speaker and on DAB Digital Radio across North West Wales.

New Paragraph

The Plaque Under The Pier!

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:42:33 GMT

This plaque would have been better placed at the entrance of the Pier along with a Chronology of the last 120 plus years of Colwyn Bay Pier!

But the Piers story is far from over, it is just begining.

New Paragraph

Buy a Lotto Lwcus ticket and help the Trust!

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:57:11 GMT

Did you know that if you buy a Lotto Lwcus ticket in the next few weeks, not only are you in with a chance of winning but you are also helping CVPT with our mission to extend the new pier. You will also be entered into a draw to win a LUXURY forest staycation, (bonus offer ends 28th August 2021). For just £1 per week your ticket supports not only CVPT but other Conwy charities too. Check out the link below :

Click HERE

The Pier From Underneath!

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:49:08 GMT

Pier Bae Colwyn From Underneath!

And I know that I am biased but the new pier looks goof from any angle!

A Wonderful Aerial View Of The Pier!

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 09:13:37 GMT

Do you have any interesting pictures of the Pier To Share?

The Pier looks wonderful from above, this picture was taken with a drone. If you have any pictures of the Pier please get in touch. Thank You

Pound Rockout Workout on the Pier!

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 22:56:10 GMT

So the Pier is now a local exercise venue!

Weather permitting, Pound Rockout Workout on the New Pier !!

Saturday 14th 10.30am. it's just for Fun, no charge. All you'll need is a yoga mat or large towel and drinking water.

Come and join us for a great fun workout.

Please message me if your coming along, spaces are limited

See HERE

A deeper dive with the architects behind Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:42:53 GMT

A deeper dive with the architects behind Colwyn Bay's Victoria Pier.

Thank you to The North Wales Pioneer for this great article. see Here

RESIDENTS and visitors now have a new public amenity on the seaside, but how exactly was the new 132ft truncated pier reconstructed and what did it take to re-construct?

Following a comprehensive three year project, Donald Insall Associates, one of the UK’s leading conservation architects, have completed work on Colwyn Bay’s historic Grade II listed pier.

The pier has had a 121 year turbulent history. Three pier complexes have been built and destroyed three times by fire and, eventually, the elements.

Although the most recent structure was dismantled in 2018 for safety reasons – leaving only nine standing columns and the stone seawall remaining – salvaged elements of previous piers have been retained and cleverly reimagined in a way that pays tribute to the pier’s historic fabric, setting and social significance.

A Challenging brief

Upon winning a competitive tender for the project in 2018, the architects were faced with a structure that had severely dilapidated since its closure in 2008; it had been ravaged by Storm Doris in 2017 and was subsequently primarily dismantled to ensure public safety and safeguard what was left of the pier.

The architects inherited a project comprising nine standing columns, a stone seawall and numerous fragments of the previous structures which had been removed for safekeeping.

With Planning and Listed Building Consents already in place to reinstate the initial three bays of the pier, the challenge was to develop technical designs.

Given the scale of the restoration and renewal of missing elements, architects needed to establish a strategic approach that would protect the pier's structural integrity and architectural heritage.

Creative solutions

As the harsh coastal environment had hastened the demise of previous piers, the architects undertook technical investigations into the remaining cast-iron fragments. This enabled them to understand what went wrong and to ‘design out’ inherent defects – creating a structure which was both more robust and easier to maintain, whilst importantly retaining as much of the original historic fabric as possible.

by Taboola

In order to combat the salt-water damage which had ravaged the ironwork and timbers of previous piers, the architects improved the detailing to encourage water away from the structure and chose a coating system for the original Moorish Revival cast-iron balustrades that better protects them.

The architects’ research into the pier’s architectural history and social significance, as well as expert paint analysis of the 1934 structure, influenced the choice of salmon pink and cream for the decorative scheme. These colours bear a striking resemblance to colours in the interiors of the Art Deco pavilion, as well as Ravilious and Adshead’s murals, which had previously been removed for safekeeping. Almost poetically, whilst the future and conservation of the Ravilous murals remain uncertain, their spirit has been recaptured in the decorative scheme of the pier.

Armed with an understanding of the pier’s historic fabric, setting and social significance, along with a philosophy that emphasises repair over restoration, the project – led by the architects in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council – has achieved the reinstatement by retaining and repairing the pier’s nine remaining columns and the decorative cast-ironwork, and reinterpreting the lighting based on the original designs.

The result is described as a truncated, yet elegant, pier.

Elgan Jones, Senior Architect, Donald Insall Associates, told the Pioneer: “Victoria Pier is an important local landmark that symbolises the development of Colwyn Bay from a seaside hamlet to a Victorian tourist destination. Having walked along the promenade and seen the pier fall into disrepair I feel privileged to have been part of a dedicated and knowledgeable team its restoration and conservation.

"When I initially saw the plans for the truncated pier and compared it to its former length I, as I’m sure many, wondered and imagined how it would sit within the wider context of the bay. As the designs developed we were confident in its detailing, proportions and scale but one aspect which exceeded expectations was the impact of the colour scheme for the decorative cast iron which defined its hierarchy from the contrasting darker colour of the structure below.

"The practice specialises in conservation and work within the historic environment.

"I’ve been fortunate to work on a diverse range of historic sites from chapels, farmsteads, country houses, museums, castles, aqueducts and now a pier. On this project, as the structure had been dismantled prior to our involvement, there was a greater reliance on research, trials, testing and design workshops with the engineers to inform the proposals."

A new future for Colwyn Bay

The new pier, sea wall and adjacent landscaping form a crucial element in the regeneration of the town’s waterfront and town centre.

Mr Jones, who qualified as an architect in 2013 and was awarded the prestigious SPAB Lethaby Scholarship to focus my understanding on working with historic buildings, said he feels "privileged" and very fortunate to spend time working with such fantastic and interesting buildings.

"When we started the project nine columns stood on the beach and a labyrinth of heavily corroded cast iron sections, panels and posts had been dismantled and stored in the yard," he explained.

"I was thrilled with the decorative detail which survived beneath the corrosion, its repair and reuse were important to the integrity of the pier.

"I’m incredibly pleased how the new and old have come together, the detail reinstated and the character retained.

"The pier seems to evoke fond memories from all who visited – myself included.

"It has certainly been one of my favourite and the most technically challenging projects.

"The environmental conditions and the risk of corrosion to the metalwork made it critical that the structure was suitably detailed and protected. Where possible, we also introduced subtle changes to help improve the longevity of the fabric."

From

The Board & Shop Fundraisers Step On To The New Pier!

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:13:48 GMT

The Board & Shop Fundraisers Step On To The New Pier!

Everything has been so difficult due to Covid19 and Social Distancing, but some of our frontline team stepped on to the new Pier for a photo shoot opportunity.

A big thank you to Gavin for taking the wonderful pictures.

Above the Team are as follows, Directors of the Trust Board, Mark, Chair, Pat, Vice Chair, Amy Company Secretary, Garry Treasurer, and The Shop Fundraising Team are Kathleen, Jean, Joe, Albert, June, and Martin. Also Jane who is one of our Pier Trust supporters. Sadly not all of our team were able to make it for the pictures, but hopefully we can arrange another photoshoot for them.

Thank You To St Joseff School For The New Window Display!

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 21:30:09 GMT

A Very Big Thank You To The Pupils Of St Joseffs School For The New Window Display!

This wonderful window display was done by Hilary at the Pier Fundraising shop.

Also a big thank you to Toria for working withSt Joseffs school and working with the pupils who have drawn these stunning pictures of summer.

Each week a new set of pictures will be placed in the window.

Waiting To See The Beat !

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 23:21:47 GMT

Every Picture Tells A Story!

Thank you to Alyson Spencer for this wonderful picture from August the 26th in the late 70s!

Alysons cousin Samantha and her boyfriend John came for a weeks holiday to stay and this picture was taken as the gang were waiting to be let into the Dixieland Showbar to see the Beat! .(The poster is clearly visible on the wall behind them!)

The posters in the background are interesting don’t you think ?

Three Ladies On The Pier in 1971

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:35:36 GMT

Three Ladies On Colwyn Bay Pier in 1971!

Again continued thanks to Alyson Spencer who shared this treasured family picture of her mother, her mothers sister and her mothers sister in law who had come down to visit!

And what a place to relax, on the Pier!

Pier Dance Ticket From 1973!

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:25:38 GMT

Top Soul Dance and Disco!

Again I big thank you to Alyson Spencer who attended this event on Colwyn Bay Pier in 1973 and still has the ticket in pristine condition!

Gwrych Castle Thank The Trust!

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 08:10:37 GMT

A Big Thank You To Gwrych Castle, The Volunteers and Supporters.

The Gwrych Castle Trust held an event to thank volunteers and supporters of The Castle on Saturday, and it was lovely.

They had a Disco, Fire Eaters, Folk Singers, a Barbeque and a Tour around the Castle.

The staff and team were all lovely and have done such a great job.

Dr Mark Baker was also there and went around thanking everyone.

The Pier Trust was also discussed and praised for its work and how wonderful the new Pier looks.

The evening ended with a Firework display.

Such a lovely thing to do.

More Stunning Pictures!

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 08:00:10 GMT

A big Thank You To Cllr Dr Mark Baker for these lovely photographs of the new Pier

Pier Competition The Best Picture Wins!

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 21:44:51 GMT

Please send us your pictures!

As you all know by now the Pier has had a "quiet " opening BUT we feel it needs more of a fuss made of it.

There are loads of great photographs coming up on various fb pages so we thought we'd have a fun competition.
We want you to send us your favourite restored Pier photos and videos deadline by the end of the month which we can use to update our website

Please send to HERE or Via our High Street shop. Thank You

Morning Coffee In 1970 On The Pier!

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 21:32:33 GMT

A big thank you to Alyson Spencer for this wonderful picture.

Alison tells us that This was taken in 1970 when we bought the dingle cafe and we used to walk to the pier along the prom to enjoy a coffee in the morning before we opened our cafe for lunches and dinners in the evening. (Sadly the Dingle Cafe was soon to be demolished for the A55)

A wonderful story behind a picture again thank you Alyson.

Pier opens to public & harks back to Towns heyday!

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 13:35:19 GMT

From The Daily Post Article Today.

An historic pier has been replaced by shortened version to remind future generations about its predecessor, which was five times longer.

Conwy County Borough Council today announced that work to construct the new 132 ft pier in Colwyn Bay has been completed. It is on the site of an old derelict pier that partially collapsed during Storm Doris in 2017.

That predecessor, which opened in 1900, boasted fabulous murals designed by Eric Ravilious and dating back to the 1930s.

The pier had a string of owners before falling into disrepair, was some 750 ft long.

The remains of the old pier were dismantled in 2018. Decorative ironwork was salvaged from the old structure, refurbished and used to construct the new pier.

Construction of the new pier started on site in October 2019, but was interrupted and suspended during lockdown in 2020.

Cllr Abdul Khan, Conwy Council chairman, opened Colwyn Bay Pier to the public.

He said: “It is with great pleasure that I open the pier today. Due to Covid restrictions we can’t have the big community celebration we’d have liked, but it’s still important that we mark this day and this connection to Colwyn Bay’s seaside history."

He added: “By constructing this pier we acknowledge the legacy of the Victorian engineers and also provides a focus for people to relive their many happy memories at this site.”

Built within the footprint of the original 1900 pier, the new truncated pier features ironwork salvaged from the old structure.

The original ornate columns under the boardwalk have been treated and reinforced, and 78 decorative panels have been successfully refurbished.

The lamp columns, their bases and capitals have been recast as per original design.

Layers of paint on the old pier were analysed, and the colours used on the new truncated pier match the colour scheme from 1934.

Cllr Brian Cossey, Cabinet Member for Finance and Chair of the Pier Project Board, said: “Building a truncated pier was one of the conditions of being allowed to dismantle the old, unstable structure.

"It’s thanks to the hard work of the councillors and officers involved that the new truncated pier has been built without the need for additional money, as the funding was within the existing maintenance budget.”

Grosvenor Construction Ltd, a specialist in building conservation from Kinmel Bay, reconstructed the pier and Calibre Metalwork, Caulmert, Donald Insall Associates, and J Freeley Ltd, helped "bring the space back to life,” he added.

Cllr Cossey said: “Having the pier open for the public to use once more is another piece in the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Colwyn Bay waterfront and the physical regeneration of the town.

"It will be great to see families being able to enjoy the space as well as the beautiful coast line.”

To read the full story see HERE

The New Pier Is Open!

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:50:00 GMT

The New Pier Is Open!

Yes it has happened and now you can walk on the first phase of the Colwyn Bay Pier.

As of yet benches and anything else on the Pier has not been discussed, but members of the public are already saying that it would be nice to have benches, even memorial ones on there.

What do you think should be on there?

Council opens Colwyn Bay Pier!

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:45:02 GMT

A statement from Conwy Council

Council opens Colwyn Bay Pier

Conwy County Borough Council is proud to announce that work to construct the new truncated pier in Colwyn Bay has been completed.

Today (14/07/21) Council Chairman, Cllr Abdul Khan, opened Colwyn Bay Pier to the public.

Cllr Abdul Khan said: “It is with great pleasure that I open the pier today. Due to Covid restrictions we can’t have the big community celebration we’d have liked, but it’s still important that we mark this day and this connection to Colwyn Bay’s seaside history.”

“By constructing this pier we acknowledge the legacy of the Victorian engineers and also provides a focus for people to relive their many happy memories at this site.”

Built within the footprint of the original 1900 pier, the new truncated pier features ironwork salvaged from the old structure.

The original ornate columns under the boardwalk have been treated and reinforced, and seventy-eight decorative panels have been successfully refurbished.

The lamp columns, their bases and capitals have been recast as per original design.

Layers of paint on the old pier were analysed, and the colours used on the new truncated pier match the colour scheme from 1934.

Cllr Brian Cossey, Cabinet Member for Finance and Chair of the Pier Project Board, said, “Building a truncated pier was one of the conditions of being allowed to dismantle the old unstable structure. It’s thanks to the hard work of the councillors and officers involved that the new truncated pier has been built without the need for additional money, as the funding was within the existing maintenance budget.”

“We have also been pleased to be able to utilise Grosvenor Construction Ltd a specialist in building conservation from Kinmel Bay to reconstruct the pier as well as Calibre Metalwork, Caulmert, Donald Insall Associates, and J Freeley Ltd, who have been fundamental in bringing the space back to life.”

“Having the pier open for the public to use once more is another piece in the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Colwyn Bay waterfront and the physical regeneration of the town. It will be great to see families being able to enjoy the space as well as the beautiful coast line.”

Posted on 14/07/2021

New Dress Making Window Display!

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:58:13 GMT

A New Dress Making Window Display At The Shop!

Well done to the window dressers Val and Martin for this lovely window display!

All of the patterns and material are for sale at the Fundraising Shop on 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay. Thanks

Phase One Looks Stunning!

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:29:38 GMT

Phase one of the newly restored Pier looks fantastic!

The Council have stated that following all of the health and safety checks the Pier is set to open at the end of July! Great News.

National Piers Society Pier Passport tour!

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:23:23 GMT

National Piers Society Pier Passport tour

Thanks to Jan and Phil for becoming our first official visitors to the phase 1 of the newly built Colwyn Bay Pier doing their National Piers Society Pier Passport tour. Available from their website HERE

Pier Closing Time, an Oriel Colwyn Exhibition!

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:13:11 GMT

Pier Closing Time a FREE EXHIBITION At Oriel Colwyn!
A photographic journey through 1970's North Wales.
Our new exhibition, Pier Closing Time by Michael Bennett is now open for visitors. (see link below

If you have not visited Oriel Colwyn before, you can find us upstairs at Theatr Colwyn ..
Presently, opening days/times work around weekly theatre and cinema schedules.
Visitor numbers are reduced with timed visiting slots now bookable for FREE now via this link

A New Window Display At The Shop!

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 16:23:12 GMT

A Wedding Dress Window Display!

A big thank you to Hilary and Val for this lovely window display at our fundraising shop.

The stunning wedding dress and suits are all for sale, for further information please message us on our Facebook page here or drop in to 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay

Thank You

Conwy County Council Pier Update!

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:45:52 GMT

Pier Update: From Conwy County Council

Work’s been progressing well. There’s just some final materials to come and then we’ll be on the home straight.

Looking good to complete by early July, thank you to all the on & off site construction teams.

National Piers Society AGM Presentation

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 21:15:40 GMT

Mark Roberts filming a presentation for the National Piers Society AGM

Mark Roberts our chairman filming a presentation for yesterday's National Piers Society AGM in which Colwyn Bay Pier were proudly featured alongside Bangor Garth Pier. Doing our bit for North Wales Piers .

Thank you to Pat for this article from the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust Campaign Facebook page,

“Old Theatres Magazine”

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:09:07 GMT

The End of an Era!

Terry Bond popped into the shop a few weeks ago to let me know that the “Old Theatres Magazine” has now ended publication due to the sad passing of Terry Kirkland who wrote the magazine and featured issues on Colwyn Bay Pier Pavilion Theatre.

Terry Bond has lived in the Colwyn Bay area since 1975.

And stated that has very fond memories of the Pier, Theatr Colwyn and the many cinemas in the town.

Terry was a keen old time dancer, and competed at the Pier Pavilion, the Four Oaks and the Winter Gardens, Llandudno.

Sadly Britain’s unique magazine of theatre nostalgia, OLD THEATRES, ended its publication which also included restorations, histories, memories and artistes’ experiences.

The magazines former Patron included Sir Ken Dodd. It will sadly be missed. Thank you to Terry for keeping us updated. see HERE for an example of the magazine.

New Paragraph

Ravilious: 'Missing' painting to go on show!

Sun, 30 May 2021 22:35:53 GMT

Eric William Ravilious: 'Missing' painting to go on show!

(And we also have the rescued paintings awaiting to be restored that the public will not have seen since the Pavilion was repainted in the 1950s!) Let us hope at some point in the future the Paintings can be restored and put on view to the public.)

A painting by one of the UK's finest watercolour artists that was "considered missing" for 82 years is to be put on display.

Mackerel Sky by Eric William Ravilious was sold to a private collector for 15 guineas in 1939.

The current owner is loaning it to Hastings Contemporary art gallery for its Seaside Modern Exhibition.

Curator and art historian James Russell said the painting reappearing was "exciting news for Ravilious fans".

"This 1938 gem, Mackerel Sky, was considered missing for years but has now resurfaced and will feature in my exhibition," added Mr Russell in a tweet .

The work, which measures 29ins by 21ins (75cm by 55cm), is estimated to be worth at least £250,000, according to gallery experts.

In 2018, another Ravilious work, which had not been seen since the war years, was sold for a similar price.

Ravilious, who grew up in East Sussex, was a war artist who was also famous for his watercolours of the South Downs and other English landscapes.

Mackerel Sky is one of about 30 Ravilious paintings dating from the 1920s and 1930s which the art community could not confirm were still in existence, as many of his paintings went missing or were destroyed during World War Two.

Ravilious died aged 39 in 1942 when the aircraft he was in disappeared off Iceland.

Hastings Contemporary will reopen on 27 May. The exhibition will explore the relationship between artists and the beach from the 1920s to 1970s.

A spokesman for the gallery said it marked the "beginning of summer and the hopeful and happy return to a better way of life".

Paintings, sculptures and drawings will be on show, from artists including L.S. Lowry, Richard Eurich, Paul Nash, Laura Knight, William Roberts, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

Liz Gilmore, director of Hastings Contemporary, said: "We are determined to support the cultural recovery nationally and the economy and tourism locally."

To read the BBC article see HERE

And this is the lost picture above, stunning!

Keep Fit is our New Window Display!

Wed, 26 May 2021 16:05:35 GMT

Keep Fit Is Our New Window Display!

A Big Thank you to Val, Hilary, and Graham for this wonderful display. From Tennis, Running, Cycling, Karate, Weight Lifting, and Yoga, there is something for everyone! And all for sale too including a running machine!

New Paragraph

Nearly Finished!

Sat, 15 May 2021 22:23:24 GMT

The Work is Nearly Completed.

The wet decking and still Sea makes this picture look great, also The cream cladding board all around the Pier under the balustrade looks a great contrast to the decking.

Thanks to Pat our Vice Chair for these pictures.

On The 8th May 1934 !

Sat, 15 May 2021 22:15:45 GMT

On The 8th May 1934 the 3rd Pavilion was opened!

And here is a stunning picture. Thank you to Pat our Vice Chair for this article from her Facebook page Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust Campaign.

The first pavilion building was completely destroyed by fire in 1922. The Victoria Pier Company suffered serious financial difficulties after the fire.

As a result, Colwyn Bay Urban District Council purchased the pier and work began immediately to rebuild the pavilion.

In July 1923, the second pavilion was opened, at a cost of £45,000. Unfortunately, disaster struck yet again on 16 May 1933, when the second pavilion was destroyed by fire, and then a further disaster stuck, on 28 July 1933, by a fire that destroyed the Bijou Theatre!

Penblwydd Hapus /Happy BirthdayGarth Pier Bangor!

Fri, 14 May 2021 07:34:25 GMT

Happy Birthday To Garth Pier Bangor!

Yes Garth Pier is 125 years of age today!

Some interesting information, Garth Pier is the second longest pier in Wales, and the ninth longest in the British Isles, at 1,500 feet (460 m) in length. It was opened in 1893 and was a promenade pier, for the amusement of holiday-makers who could stroll among the pinnacle-roofed kiosks.

In 1914 it was struck by a vessel that had broken free of its moorings. The damaged section was repaired temporarily by the Royal Engineers , but when in 1922, a permanent repair was contemplated, it was found that the damage was more severe than had been thought. The repairs were made at considerable cost and the pier remained open until 1974 when it was nearly condemned as being in poor condition. It was sold for a nominal price to Arfon Borough Council who proposed to demolish it, but the County Council , encouraged by local support, ensured that it survived by obtaining Grade II Listed building status for it.

When it was listed that year, the British Listed Buildings inspector considered it to be "the best in Britain of the older type of pier without a large pavilion at the landward end".

Restoration work took place between 1982 and 1988, and the pier was re-opened to the public on 7 May 1988. See Wiki

The New Pier By Night!

Sun, 09 May 2021 10:53:03 GMT

The New Pier By Night!

It is really looking lovely at night. The lights give a lovely glow, when the benches are fitted imagine sitting under the lights looking out to Sea on a warm Summers Evening!

Community Calls For Vintage Phone Box At The Pier!

Sun, 09 May 2021 10:48:46 GMT

A Vintage Phone Box At The Pier?

Now the public are seeing the fully restored new Pier, and how fantastic it is looking, it seems people in the community are questioning the modern phone box at the entrance of the Pier not being in character with the historic one.

Today day on Facebook Ann Gray who is a local artist, has called for a vintage phone box to be installed at the Pier and given a wonderful example of how it looks. The original picture is 3d, so this is just a still picture.

It would be lovely for this to happen. Maybe we need to think about approaching the council, what are your thoughts on this?

Vinyl Records Are Our New Window Display!

Mon, 03 May 2021 11:44:55 GMT

Vinyl Introduced After Popular Request!

Vinyl Records Are now being repressed and sold in the music industry with nearly all new releases being pressed on vinyl. so after being asked by many customers for vinyl, we have listened and now have a large amount of vinyl for sale in the shop. (Please note the turntables and speakers have now sold)

The New Pier At High Tide!

Mon, 03 May 2021 11:36:12 GMT

The New Pier At High Tide!

Lovely to see the water under the Pier!

Cynefin S4C TV Program Featuring The Pier

Mon, 03 May 2021 11:32:40 GMT

Did you see the show?

Did you manage to catch the S4C Program Cenefin on the Second Of May? The Program was rumoured to be featuring a snippet of the Pier and one of Wales's most popular seaside resorts!

A Stunning Close Of Of The Original Pavilion

Sun, 02 May 2021 08:59:08 GMT

A rare close up of the Original Pavilion.

Thank you to out lovely Vice Chair Pat for this picture it really is lovely.

Work began in 1899 to the design of Maynall and Littlewood of Manchester.

The pier opened on 1st June 1900 to a length of 220 feet, including a 2500 seat pavilion. The Bijou Theatre, built in 1916, accommodated 600. In 1922, the main pavilion was burnt down, So this picture must date between 1916 to 1922 as the Bijou Theatre had been built.

Fishing Rods, Plants & More For Sale At The Fundraising Shop!

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 19:09:58 GMT

Fishing Rods, Plants & More For Sale At The Fundraising Shop!

Supporters of the Trust and members of the public have been very kind in donating so much to the fundraising shop and we are very grateful Thank You.

We have so much at the shop to sell, including fishing tackle, an electric mower, children's clothes, knitted dolls clothes,adult clothing, pictures, games, ornaments, curtains, bedding, books, jewellery, vintage items, bric a brac and so much more! All for sale at our fundraising shop at 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay.

Stunning Drawing Of 1st Pier!

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 19:01:00 GMT

A Stunning Drawing

This is a fantastic drawing of the Pier, however there is not date and it is unclear if this is an early artists impression or an actual drawing of the Pier. However the drawing shows the extended Pier not the original shorter length. If you do know anything about this please get in touch. Thanks

And Just A Few More Planks To Go!

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 22:04:02 GMT

Completion is just a short step away!

The Warm weather is coming and by the the progress of the work on the new Pier, we could be walking on it very soon!

The paving is nearly finished at the entrance and the decking is almost completed, all ready for summer!

Fishing Tackle Window Display

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 21:53:56 GMT

The New April Shop Window Display Has Arrived!

A big thank you to Graham for donating the Fishing Rods and Tackle.

The rods range from £15 to £20, and one of the Rods is over 70 years old!

Also we have on display some plants including Roses, Herbs and Shrubs, all for sale at the Fundraising Shop.

Fundraising Shop Will Be re-opening on April 12th!

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 02:05:47 GMT

Great News!

Its been a while but now we can get back to raising vital funds for the Trust!

The Pier Fundraising Shop 18 Station Road Colwyn Bay LL29 8BU (see google map for directions just type in postcode!

We are excited to be re-opening on April 12th.

Please come along, we can't wait to see you all again.

Walking the Plank On BBC Radio 4 !

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:55:00 GMT

A Wonderful Radio Show to look forward to!

Tune in on Monday 19th April to a Radio4 programme called Walking the Plank at 8.00pm with Dr Kathryn Ferry Pier historian.

Featuring Withernsea Pier and Colwyn Bay Pier Trust.

(The seaside town of Withernsea is in danger of dying on its feet, so the local community are building a new pier which they hope will help. Can they do it and will it work?) Tune in to hear their plans!

For further info see Here

The Pier In 1981!

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 21:22:08 GMT

Two wonderful pictures from 1981, and the Pier looks in great condition as does the Pavilion. What a difference 39 years can make!

The Paving is nearly Finished!

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 21:08:20 GMT

This is looking so good now, it will be lovely when it is finished.

Easter Has Arrived At Our Fundraising Shop!

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:37:08 GMT

Easter has Arrived at our Fundraising shop, and a big thank you to Hilary and Val for all their hard work on this colourful window display.

For more information on our Fundraising shop and opening times see HERE , Thanks

Appeal For Information On Man Who Worked At The Pier Bar

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 22:29:02 GMT

Again a very big thank you to Matt Greenly who is trying to trace information about his grandfather Hubert Greenly who was a local man who lived in Colwyn Bay and worked on the Pier Bar. To contact Matt see HERE

Would love to know if anyone remembers my Grandfather, Hubert Greenly who was the cobbler in Colwyn bay in the 40’s to around the 1960’s 70’s maybe? He was also the driver of the mobile library in his latter years and apparently was an ARP warden and fire watcher during WWII. At one stage he worked in the bar on the pier and rented out deckchairs to tourists. He lived on Grange Road all of his life opposite Phyllis (known to us all as Aunty Phil) and was brother to Walter Greenly who was a church warden in Colwyn Bay. The third Brother was Harold.

Also my dad (also Hubert), brother of Sheila Greenly (who married Bill Edwards who worked at the Ford Dealership for years) and also worked at the family shoe repair shed until he left for Manchester in the 1950’s. Dad used to be best mates with Norman (nunca) Large and would often go shooting rabbits as a kid and fishing for mackerel off the pier to sell to the locals in Grange Road

If anyone remembers them I’d love to hear from you with any stories. I know very little about my grandfather and dad’s no longer around to ask. Many thanks, Matt Greenly

Nostalgic Community Memories!

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 22:17:59 GMT

A big Thank you to Matt Greenly For Sharing These wonderful memories and Photographs. Matt would also like to know if anyone has any further information about his grandfather, If anyone does please get in touch with Matt HERE

Would love to know if anyone remembers my Grandfather, Hubert Greenly who was the cobbler in Colwyn bay in the 40’s to around the 1960’s 70’s maybe?

He was also the driver of the mobile library in his latter years and apparently was an ARP warden and fire watcher during WWII.

At one stage he worked in the bar on the pier and rented out deckchairs to tourists.

He lived on Grange Road all of his life opposite Phyllis (known to us all as Aunty Phil) and was brother to Walter Greenly who was a church warden in Colwyn Bay.

The third Brother was Harold.

Also my dad (also Hubert), brother of Sheila Greenly (who married Bill Edwards who worked at the Ford Dealership for years) and also worked at the family shoe repair shed until he left for Manchester in the 1950’s.

Dad used to be best mates with Norman (nunca) Large and would often go shooting rabbits as a kid and fishing for mackerel off the pier to sell to the locals in Grange Road

If anyone remembers them I’d love to hear from you with any stories. I know very little about my grandfather and dad’s no longer around to ask. Many thanks, Matt Greenly

Three Piers Cycle Challenge!

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:38:05 GMT

Three Piers Challenge

Thanks to Nigel Chaplin for the photos proving his bike ride from Bangor Pier on to Llandudno and finishing off at Colwyn Bay Pier...in two hours !

We had a chat with Nigel who came up with the idea of turning this into a fundraising event for the Pier.

What do you think, would you be interested ? Please get in touch.

Early 1930s on the Pier!

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:33:05 GMT

Thank you Gillian Everton for sharing this picture of her very stylish Nain Jean Dean on the right in the early 1930s on the Pier.

Note the lamp posts 1930s and 2021 are an exact replica now in situ on the new pier. . Great to see.

Thank You to our vice chair Pat Owen for this article

Beach Huts and Crowds!

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:25:32 GMT

Beach huts along the sea wall, crowds of people having a stroll or sitting listening to some music maybe drink in hand.

Keep supporting the Trust maybe one day there could be a version of this re appear

#pierbaecolwyn #piercymru

Thank you to Pat Owen Vice Chair for the article.

Crowds At The Pier!

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:43:05 GMT

I wonder what the event was!

This is a fantastic picture and looking at the clothes and cars as well as the second Pavilion the date would suggest the early part of the last century.

The Pier Is Nearly Finished!

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:14:35 GMT

The boards are nearly all down, and soon the barriers will be removed and people will be able to walk on the new Pier!

The Picture is taken under the railway bridge looking out over the Pier.

Captivating Colwyn Bay!

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 22:29:04 GMT

The Model in the fantastic promotional photograph is Gabrielle Chambers, and a big thank you to her for sharing this picture of herself in the tourism publication as her role as Miss Colwyn Bay in the 60s.

Not many of us have that claim to fame!

The Boards Are Going Down!

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:31:04 GMT

Thank you to Darren Owen for these wonderful pictures.

We could be walking on the new Pier very soon!

The Lampposts Are Looking Stunning!

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:24:18 GMT

These really do stand out and everyone is commenting on how wonderful they look. Well done to Conwy council for this.

The New Lampposts Have Arrived!

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 18:56:43 GMT

The new Lampposts have arrived and they look stunning.

Everyone in the town is commenting on how lovely the Pier is now looking.

Just think how magical the Pier will look at night when it is all lite up! Can't wait.

Play Loto Lwcus and support our community with a fundraising lottery.

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:03:24 GMT

Play Loto Lwcus and support our community with a fundraising lottery.

At least 60% from each ticket sold goes to support Conwy, and there’s a chance to win the £25,000 jackpot every week!

This is how the lottery works for you

Loto Lwcus is an exciting weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in Conwy.

All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit Conwy and its residents.

Play the lottery, support the Conwy area - it’s that simple!

To visit and play please click the link HERE Thanks

People Wanted For Memories On Pier Film Project!

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:03:18 GMT

Our Company Secretary Toria is doing a Zoom film project.

Hi everyone I'm looking for volunteers to do a zoom interview about memories of the pier, if you worked there, came on holiday here or just spent a lot of time on the pier, it will be recorded for the pier Trust website, thanks

To contact Toria please see HERE

or Message us through this site. Thanks

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Paintings And Pictures Are The New Shop Display!

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:14:53 GMT

A Window Display Full Of Pictures!

Well done to the Fundraising Shop for another wonderful window display.

All of the pictures are for sale in the window ranging from £1.00 to £10.00.

Just the thing to bring a bit of cheer during Lockdown and brighten up a wall in your home!

If you do pass and see a picture you would like to buy please contact the shop Here

Thanks

Work to save Colwyn Bay pier is a 'long-term dream coming to fruition', say trust

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 10:09:34 GMT

Thank You to Chief Reporter Suzanne Kendrick From the Daily Post for this Article. see @Suzanne_RJ

Work to save Colwyn Bay pier is a 'long-term dream coming to fruition', say trust

A TRUST have voiced their delight that work on the new pier in Colwyn Bay will soon be complete.

The pier is rapidly taking shape; contractors have been installing decorative ironwork panels.

Of the 99 original decorative ironwork panels taken from the old pier, 74 were successfully refurbished and are being used on the new pier.

A spokesperson from the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust Campaign said: "We are delighted to see this long term dream coming to fruition.

"There have been many hurdles and doubters along the way but we never steered away from the objective of saving the pier in one form or another.

"I'm sure we'll have a celebration the day the pier opens her boardwalk to us again."

Work to construct the new pier is scheduled to be completed by late spring.

Cllr Brian Cossey, chair of the project board, said “It’s been fascinating to watch the new pier take shape over recent months, and it’s particularly exciting to see some of the decorative ironwork being installed.

“Conwy’s councillors and officers have worked hard over many years to get to this stage and we’re pleased that the project is progressing well and completion is in sight.”

The colours used on the decorative ironwork are taken from the results of a paint analysis that dated the colour scheme back to 1934, which corresponds with the construction of the third pavilion that year.

For original Daily Post Story Please see HERE

Mechanical Elephant Rides At The Pier!

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:18:39 GMT

Yes the Pier used to have a large Mechanical Elephant that used to give children a ride!

I wonder what ever happened to the Elephant?

If you know please drop us a line.

Work continues on the construction of the new pier . (Daily Post Article)

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 10:53:45 GMT

A Big Thank You To The Daily Post For This Article.

Story by By Suzanne Kendrick

WORK continues on the construction of the new pier in Colwyn Bay, with contractors currently installing the decorative ironwork panels.

“Conwy’s councillors and officers have worked hard over many years to get to this stage and we’re pleased that the project is progressing well and completion is in sight.”

Of the 99 original decorative ironwork panels taken from the old pier, 74 were successfully refurbished and will be used on the new pier.

All the lamp columns, their bases and capitals have been recast (as per original design).

Work to construct the new pier is scheduled to be completed by late spring.

To read the original story please click HERE

Our Fundraising Valentines Message Window Looks great.

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:16:53 GMT

We Are All Hearts At The Pier Shop!

A massive thank you to Hilary and Val for doing this wonderful window display.

To get that special loved ones name in the window on one of our hearts, just drop us a message through the letterbox with a donation, or message us HERE .

Thank you

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The Cast Iron Panels Are Looking Good!

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:05:40 GMT

Another set of pictures taken today

As always the workers are working so hard on this project during lockdown.

It is lovely to see that so many of the panels are in place and next the wood flooring or decks will be laid!

We could be walking on phase one of Pier Colwyn Very soon!

Another View Of The Newly Restored Cast Iron Panels.

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:01:17 GMT

The New Panels look fantastic from the beach.

The whole phase one of the project to rebuild the Pier is now looking fantastic.

Well done to all who have worked so hard on this wonderful Restoration project

The Restored Cast Iron Panels Are Now In Situ!

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:57:00 GMT

A thing of great beauty. Thank you # Calibremetalworks and Grosvenor construction for your great work. They look wonderful. Thank you to Pat for the pictures on the FaceBook Pier Pier page Here

And More Photographs Of The Pier in the Snow!

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 21:36:11 GMT

It just looks so lovely, and these are the first pictures people will be taking of the new Pier in the snow. History in the making.

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Pier Colwyn In The Snow!

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 21:32:00 GMT

Our first real snow fall this year was on January 23rd 2021, and this is the first time the new pier has ever been pictured with snow on it! I must say it looks rather good.

Valentine Window Message Display for February 14th

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 23:15:41 GMT

Do you want to send a message to the one you love on Valentines?

Do you want to tell that special person in your life that you love them?

The Pier Trust Shop will be running a Valentine Window Heart Message Board for the 14th of February.

Just drop a message through the letterbox with a small donation at 18 station road Colwyn Bay, and we will put your message to your loved one in the window.

We will also photograph some of the best ones and put them on our page.

If you have any questions please just message this page. or contact our shop page

HERE

Thank you.

Teddies Brighten Up Our Shop Window During Lockdown!

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 23:03:55 GMT

Well If you go down to the Pier Fundraising shop today you may find a big surprise!

Staff have been busy bringing a little cheer into these difficult times with some amazing window displays!

This is the Teddy bears picnic, with all of the teddies for sale to raise funds for the ongoing project. People can leave a message to arrange a time to collect, all Covid safe.

The next display will be a two week valentines window message followed by a picture display and music one.

Mumbles Pier Reveals New And Exciting Plans For Restoration!

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 22:52:27 GMT

The old offshore lifeboat base at Mumbles Pier will reopen as a restaurant

Two new pavilions will also be built on the pier providing retail and café units.

The owners of Mumbles Pier say they are "delighted" after being given the green light to carry out exciting transformation plans to the iconic Swansea site.

Swansea Council yesterday approved plans submitted by Fred Bollom to erect two new pavilion buildings on the Grade II listed pier which will become retail, bathroom and cafe units.

And the former offshore lifeboat house, situated right at the end of the pier, will be transformed into a brand new restaurant.

The owners will also replace the existing access bridge for the former lifeboat house, and erect gates at the pier entrance.

A spokesman for Ameco, which owns the Pier, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this important approval stage. It has taken a bit of time but we wanted replicate period features and a Victorian theme.

“Work is currently on hold, for obvious reasons, but we’re hoping to resume as and when its safe to do so."

Planning documents state the development will have a beneficial impact on the local economy, "creating additional jobs on site once the development is operational, and construction-related jobs will be created during the construction period".

It adds: "The development will bring this under-utilised asset to the city into enhanced use."

The pier is one of Swansea's most iconic and recognisable landmarks, having been part of the city since 1898.

Steeped in a rich history, it is a triumph of Victorian architecture and one of only six surviving iron piers in Wales. It is Grade II listed and is currently undergoing extensive restoration works.

The plans are part of a multi-million pound redevelopment, and refurbishment works for which have already been approved commenced during the summer of 2018.

Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter .

Reacting to the news, chairman of Mumbles Community Council, councillor Dr Martin O'Neill said: "I welcome the maintenance and the restoration of an historic and valuable site to Mumbles, but at the same time it is very important we monitor the situation and make sure the area is not overdeveloped."

And Mumbles councillor Myles Langstone added: "As far as I'm concerned, developments are welcomed as long as they are in-keeping with the character of the community.

"The pier is one of the most iconic points in Mumbles that comes to a lot of people's minds when thinking of Mumbles. Protecting that and enhancing it is key."

For full article see HERE

A Rare Photograph Of The Pier From The West

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:07:19 GMT

A Rare Photograph Of The Pier From The Taken From The West!

Most of the Pictures Of the Pier are from the sweeping side of the bay towards Rhos on sea. this is a rare photograph that isn't.

Also in the picture is the former Colwyn Bay hotel sitting majestically over the bay,

The hotel had many famous guests including Queen Victoria, Cary Grant and Adam Faith. For those residents with bedrooms facing the sea, they must have looked out on to a stunning view of the Pier.

Judging by the card it must be around the early part of the last century.

An Appeal For Photographs & Stories Of The Pier!

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 04:42:52 GMT

Do you have any photographs of any of the Colwyn Bay Piers you could share?

Our company secretary the very talented Toria Westwood is putting together a book about the Pier, and is seeking anyone who has any pictures either of the Pier or of any days or nights out on the Pier?

All photographs will be credited to the owner.

Also Toria is looking for any stories about the Pie. So if you do have anything you would like to share please get in touch via our email on this site or our Facebook page Here , Thank you. The above photograph was shared with us by Sandra Roberts, a big thank you Sandra.

A Stunning Summer Picture Of The Pier!

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 21:26:46 GMT

This photograph looks like it was taken in the late 50s or early 60s judging by the cars. The photographer must have taken the picture whilst standing at the front of the stunning but now lost Colwyn Bay Hotel. The colours are glorious, and the picture also shows that the A55 was yet to be built.

The Pier in 1961

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:20:41 GMT

A big thank you to David Williams for allowing us to share this personal photograph of the old Victoria Pier In 1961! So that is over 60 years ago as she still looked stunning. Also the small seating area to the right is still in place.

New Daily Post Article!

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:15:34 GMT

Colwyn Bay's 'mini pier' taking shape and this is when work will be completed.

The original pier was demolished in 2018 after parts of it collapsed into the sea

(Thank you to the Daily Post For This Article)

Construction of the new truncated pier in Colwyn Bay is progressing well.

Work was suspended earlier this year during the first lockdown but contractors were able to return in early summer.

They have since worked through the last few months and the new structure is taking shape.

The old pier was dismantled in 2018, a year after it partially fell into the sea.

A campaign to save the Grade II-listed Victoria Pier was launched prior to the collapse , after it had been shut in 2008.

The new decked area will be about 43m (141ft) in length and will be completed in spring 2021.

There is the potential if funding is ever secured for extending this in the future.

Cllr Brian Cossey, Chair of Pier Project Board said: “Progress has been clear to see over recent weeks.

"It's really pleasing to see everything coming together so well after so many weeks of enforced inactivity.”

The latest work from September to November 2020 has included:

The supporting steelwork has been installed on top of the nine original columns.
The beams to tie the pier back to the land are being installed.
Scaffolders are erecting a temporary deck to so that the work on the joists, decking and cast iron balustrades can take place.
The lower promenade railings have been installed.
The four upper promenade street light columns have been erected.
The paving on the upper promenade is progressing and we’re currently awaiting connection of the electrical supply.

From The Daily Post Website to view see HERE

The Collars For Above The Stanchions Have Arrived!

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:11:19 GMT

Thanks Steve Gort and see Link Calibre Metal Work for the correct photos of the collars that will be around the top of the stanchions. What fantastic craftsmanship! The Piers in good hands, They will look wonderful. To read more visits Pats Pier Trust Page for the latest news HERE

The Strengthening Girders Being Added.

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:02:32 GMT

The Strengthening Girders Are Being Added To The Stanchions for extra Strength! We want our new Pier ready to battle those ferocious North Wales waves don't we!

More Work Today

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 10:57:29 GMT

At this rate the Pier will be finished very quickly! Thank you to Mike Hall and Celyn for these updates.

Colwyn Bay Vintage Amateur Dramatics Society Programme

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:09:00 GMT

A big thank you to Colin Swindell's for allowing the Trust to share this vintage item. This has survived over 108 years!

And More New Photographs!

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:26:36 GMT

So much happening this week, and the Cast Iron Panels will be going up next!

Some Great New Photographs!

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:23:23 GMT

Thanks Celyn and Mike Hall who posted these photographs on Pats Facebook Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust Campaign. The Cast Iron looks like some of the original, but I am not sure at this stage if it is, or new,

The Balustrades Are Going Up!

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 11:28:01 GMT

Thank you to Mike Hall who posted this wonderful photograph on our facebook page of the Balustrade supports being put in place, next will be the cast Iron Panels, and then the Decking!

Colwyn Bay's 'mini pier' taking shape and this is when work will be completed

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 11:20:07 GMT

A Big Thank You To The Daily Post For This Article Today. see LINK here.