◊ Beach, Penarth - A tinted postcard view of the beach looking northwards with ladies and children enjoying the sea ozone, although some news reports of the period raised concerns about sewage on the beach around the date of this scene! [001] [20181219]

Below the massive retaining stone-wall of the roadway became a favourite location for bathing machines and families to relax. The postdate of the postcard is August 1906. A few months previously, a steamer struck the pier as the following newspaper report records : -

1906 - Struck Penarth Pier - Mishap to Newport Steamer - 'The Newport steamer 'Reggio', of 1,396 tons register, which is engaged on time charter with the Admiralty to convey coal for the use of warships in the manoeuvres, was leaving Penarth Dock about nine o'clock last night, when her steering gear failed to act properly, and she collided with Penarth Pier. Fortunately, there was not much way on the steamer, and she was soon swung clear. Both pier and boat were slightly damaged, but the 'Reggio' was able to proceed.' - Evening Express [135] [361] 9th June 1906.

◊ Esplanade and Pier, Penarth - Another view looking north along the beach toward Penarth Head. [001] [20181219]

The idyllic scene belies its hidden dangers for the inexperienced and unwary. For example, the two slipways or stages nearest are those of the Penarth Yacht Club and were the scene of a life-threatening drama as the following newspaper report illustrates : -

1906 - Penarth Beach Incident - 'While a number of lads were bathing near the Penarth Yacht Club's stage on Penarth beach on Monday night one of them was carried out of his depth. Two boys pluckily went to the rescue, and the lad, who was nearly drowned. was brought ashore in an unconscious condition. Dr. Aitken happened to be in the vicinity, and resuscitated the boy, who was conveyed to the Cardiff Union Workhouse. The lad was named Kelly, and had come to Penarth with a Bristol outing.' - Evening Express [135] [361] 26th June 1906.

◊ Pier and Beach, Penarth - Happy Christmas - Wishing You A Happy Christmas - This Tuck's 'Oilette' postcard was posted at Penarth on the 22nd December 1906 to an address in Tiverton, Devon. On the same day the Evening Express reported the idyllic scene slightly differently! [001] [20181219]

An Unlucky Baptism - Steamers Collide off Penarth - 'The steamer 'Heronspool', owned by Messrs. Ropner, Cardiff, ran into the Norwegian steamer 'Henrik Ivson' to-day between Penarth Dock Pier and Penarth Pier.

The former struck the Norwegian boat on the starboard quarter in the mainmast rigging, and the 'Henrik  Ivson' immediately proceeded to the roads, and anchored for a surveyor to inspect her.

Both boats were loaded, the 'Heronspool' having left Penarth Dock, and the 'Henrik Ivson' Roath Dock.

The latter is a new steamer, and this is her first voyage after leaving Middlesbrough.' - Evening Express [135] [361] 22nd December 1906.