‘I’m gutted like the remainder of the individuals right here. It is such an attractive place that I have been coming to for so long as I can keep in mind’
In case you have ever been to Coney Seashore there are most likely just a few acquainted faces you might recognise whether or not that is an proprietor of a stall or an everyday at The Beachcomber. For many individuals the seaside in Porthcawl is a second dwelling, however now they’re being stripped of that because it closes on the finish of this summer time after 100 years of offering ageless household enjoyable.
October will mark the final time the Coney Seashore Amusement Park and promenade will likely be open to the general public, introduced by the house owners, the Evans household, in July this 12 months.
The information dealt a extreme blow to the individuals of Porthcawl who have been deeply saddened to be taught that the Welsh Authorities has plans to make use of the realm for a mixed-use growth that might characteristic a brand new housing property, retail, enterprise amenities, and a brand new main college after its buy in 2023.
We spoke to a few of the individuals who have been acquainted faces in and round Coney Seashore for many years. Our go to occurred earlier than this week’s derailment on the Wacky Worm trip, which noticed 13 youngsters and an grownup injured on Wednesday and noticed the park shut till it reopened on Friday.
Most amusement parks employees keep a summer time and transfer on. Nevertheless there are just a few individuals at Coney Seashore which have spent many years serving beachgoers in the identical spot 12 months after 12 months.
One individual that will likely be recognisable to many is the person behind Porthcawl’s well-known heat doughnuts. Keep knowledgeable on Bridgend information by signing as much as our publication right here
Steve, who runs American Donuts contained in the amusement park has labored on the stand since 1967 straight after he left college.
Now a sprightly 75-year-old, he selected to not retire as he says his buyer “would not let” him because the park wouldn’t be the identical with out him there.
Clients have been begging Steve to proceed, continuously asking the place he will likely be going subsequent. Now that the park is closing, Steve says he’s “gutted” about his “compelled retirement” as he had no plans to cease anytime quickly.
One other fairground favorite on the seaside is Coney’s the place you should buy cockles and mussels alongside the beachfront.
Dave Jones, 60, has been operating the seafood stall at Coney Seashore for round 20 years and ran a second one alongside at Hello-tide on the opposite facet of the seashore for 15 years.
Together with his seafood stall having to shut this October, Dave is not certain of his plans for the long run however is considering downgrading to a cockle bike the place he can promote his inventory alongside the seashore.
Dave stated: “It is unhappy. The place are all of the individuals going to go, there is not one other place like this anyplace shut.
“It is the kids I really feel sorry for, there aren’t many locations the place they will get out, get some train and revel in themselves.”
However it’s not simply the kids that may miss Coney Seashore as together with the amusement park, the jap promenade and the pub, The Beachcomber will likely be closing because of the new developments.
The Beachcomber has served locals and guests to the beachfront for many years and a few punters have been going there for so long as they will keep in mind.
Within the nook of the favored venue is Fraser’s Cwtch, a bit devoted to a person who’s virtually a part of the furnishings alongside the buddies he has made there.
Ian Fraser, 76, born simply outdoors of Porthcawl, spent many days of his life at Coney Seashore the place he took his seven youngsters and now his grandchildren.
Like nearly all of the individuals who frequently go to the beachfront Ian is “gutted” that the place that holds so many recollections for him is closing.
He stated: “I’m gutted like the remainder of the individuals right here. It is such an attractive place that I have been coming to for so long as I can keep in mind.
“I do not know the place I’ll go now, we have all been speaking about what to do when it closes.
“I introduced all of my youngsters right here once they have been youngsters and so they liked it. Now they bring about my grandchildren who’re completely devastated about it closing.”
Over 60-years-ago Ian labored on the fairground as a younger teenager with different youngsters from his college who bought a job in the summertime there.
Then after turning 18 he has grow to be an everyday at The Beachcomber the place photos of him dangle on the partitions above the seat he has been in for many years.
Having spent a variety of time at Coney Seashore Ian has many fond recollections there together with celebrating his seventieth birthday and even assembly King Charles.
