The Esplanade Hotel at Penarth viewed from the pier, home for a while in the 1960's to childhood friend Sally Fitzgerald. To the left of the hotel are the baths where as a pupil of Dinas Powys Primary School we swam. The hotel opened in 1887 and was built from local red marl brick with Bath stonework. Being located conveniently for the ferry service it was a short ride from Cardiff docklands to the seaside atmosphere of the Windsor Esplanade and the spacious luxury of the hotel. [000] [001]
I recall that large puddles of water formed on the steps rising to the hotel which can just be seen between the hotel and the adjacent public baths. There was a large flat stone landing halfway up where puddles formed in the undulations and on one occasion I slipped down on my arse into the slime. I was briskly whisked up to Sally's bedroom where the maid demanded my trousers and underclothes. Some time later they were delivered back with the same ceremony duly dried and pressed on posh wooden hangers clearly engraved 'Property of Esplanade Hotel'. In the meantime, I sat semi-naked trying desperately to hide my bits from Sally in her bedroom much to my embarrassment. I hope its not too late to apologise (55 years or so later). Sorry for being such a gormless little prat Sally!
Update! - Sally made contact with me early in 2017 after reading this item and we keep in touch now! The amazing power of the internet, eh?!!
