Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - More Moments Captured in Time . . .

◊ Alexandra Park, Penarth - A Valentine's Series postcard view of the ornate bandstand which hosted many band concerts, much to the annoyance of local resident Mr. S. A. Brain. The ceremony of the opening of the 6½ acre park was reported by the local press during June 1902 : 'The landscape gardener was Mr. Edgar I. Evans, surveyor to the District Council, who has utilised the natural beauties of the situation, while adding a few trees. Messrs Mackay and Davies, contractors, have carried out their work admirably.' The Cardiff Times [019] [361] 28th June 1902. The gardens became renowned for its fine examples of topiary, the work of generations of gardeners, but in particular that of Mr. Frank Spear. Another lovely Moment Captured in Time and a postcard held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001] [20181013]

◊ Alexandra Park, Penarth - The entrance to the park in this Valentine's Series postcard view probably from the 1920's? Two paths offer a choice of route to the esplanade below. The left-hand route was always the one that I preferred especially on warm summer days as it passed below a cool, predominately oak tree canopy, with the distinctive aroma of wild garlic tickling your nostrils. For me, a lovely Moment Captured in Time and a postcard held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001] [20181013]

◊ Shelter and Bandstand, Alexandra Park, Penarth - An early (1900's) postcard looking across the Severn Sea. Near-distant we view the seaward end of the pier, the rear of the Esplanade Hotel and adjacent sea-water baths. I feel the hand-coloured photograph, however, paints a rather rosy picture of the waters as they are, and always were, somewhat closer to brown in colour! I accept, however, even as I set aside that minor artistic licence, that it is a lovely Moment Captured in Time from the Penarth Dock Collection. [001] [20181013]

◊ The Esplanade and Alexandra Park - An Aerofilms Collection photograph dating from 1929 of the esplanade with the Alexandra Park above. The Esplanade Hotel, pier and Baths dominate this Victorian esplanade, a masterpiece which Herr Hitler failed to destroy but which private individuals and your local and county public servants alike have failed to protect for future generations to wonder at and enjoy. [545] [20181013]