Robin Wharmby (S 37-41 ) remembers Criccieth

Robin Wharmby (S 37-41) writes: "I was in Criccieth last week-end [from Porthmeirion, where we spent a really lovely, place and Saturday weather, weekend] and looked into the past so thought you might like a report.

It will be no surprise that I found the place much changed but, after all, it is 70 years ago - the Castle remains unaltered though the approach seems steeper [rather like cement which has got heavier with the years!].

The Caerwyllan looks the same superficially but is actually closed and suffering considerable internal rebuild though the shape of the rooms remains discernible at least at ceiling level. It remains a hotel.

My memory of the Lion is that it was the sea side of the level crossing but that is actually the Pines - I couldn't remember if we had the Pines, perhaps Hostel had it - it is now an old people's home. The Lion is above the level crossing and I went in to engage conversation but got nowhere there or anywhere else since no one is old enough to remember even when they were children. The Lion lady did show me 'old' photographs but they only went back to 1950 so not much use.

The Parish Hall remains recognisable but is now a church since the parish church where I used to be part of the choir has now been converted to flats. The Towers which was our classrooms is now flats and that end of the town has been extended - promenade, breakwaters, greensward and shelters.

Couldn't find the rugger pitch which I guess is covered with houses but went on to Llanystumdwy where the river where I learned to catch salmon and trout remains as before though the rest of the village has been considerably developed to exploit Lloyd George as a tourist attraction.

The George Hotel in the Criccieth main street remains and was openI think in 1940 though not one of ours. We went up to the golf course where we played quite a lot - still a roughish sort of course, clubhouse as was but painted and beautiful views - quite a long pull up the hill, we must have had bicycles though I have no memory of them or where they were stored.

Last but by no means least Black Rock Halt [the School House smoking room] still makes one wonder why it was built although Black Rock Sands have been developed with a holiday homes village the other side of the hill but I would have thought that now everyone goes there by car.

An interesting and worthwhile trip but too much water has flowed carrying too many people with it and I don't suppose I shall go there again."

(2011)