'Penarth Pier from the Channel' - a view from a boat. The card was posted during August 1930 to Mary Higgins of Beeston, Leeds. Lillian asks, 'Won't you be kind enough to send on my letters, if there are any, re-addressed at Westbourne House, Penarth, S. Wales.' The post was the way by which people communicated before the days when every home had a telephone land line, before the days of mobile phones and text messages. [001]

'The Pier and Channel Steamer, Penarth' - posted the following summer on the 4th August 1931 to Mrs. White in Nottingham. Her friend 'D' states 'The pier so far as you see it here was burnt out last night. We watched it from the cliffs. Am glad I was not one of the people trapped on the end who had to rescued by small boats.' [001]

More period postcards plus local history with the personal touch from the Penarth Dock Collection. the lower image has been colourised. [001]

The Western Daily Press amongst others reported the fire:-

Disastrous Fire Sweeps Penarth Pier - S.O.S. To Save Marooned People - Rescue Boat Swamped By Seas - 'Dancers in a hall on the pier at Penarth last night, were cut off from the shore by a fire which broke out in the hall, and an S.O.S. message had to be sent out.

About 50 people were cut off by the flames, which quickly spread all over the floor, and for a few minutes they saw death staring them in the face. Pilot cutters in the Bristol Channel and members of the Barry and Penarth yacht clubs answered the call, and the dancers were ultimately taken off safely. One boat capsized in the heavy sea that was running, but all were rescued.

Damage to the extent of £10,000 was done, and the blaze, as the wooden structure was consumed by the flames, made a striking spectacle, being witnessed at Weston-super-Mare, and other points on the coast.

Graphic Stories of Amazing Scene - The flames which broke out about half-past eight, originated in the dance pavilion at the end of the pier. Over 200 dancers were enjoying themselves when flames leapt suddenly from the centre of the floor. The blaze spread with incredible rapidity owing to the fact that the floor-boards had recently been tarred, and screaming girls ran the gauntlet of flames and smoke and clambered through the windows at the end of the hall.

They found themselves marooned on the concrete landings, with the fire creeping gradually nearer. Boats came to their rescue eventually, but owing to the heavy seas which were running at the time, one boat was swamped, and its occupants, after being almost burnt to death, were very nearly drowned.' Western Daily Press [022] 4th August 1931.