Ruth Jones recently explored her hometown of Porthcawl in a nostalgic journey for her BBC show “Ruth and Steve.” This visit, which featured her friend Steve Speirs, highlighted key locations and experiences from her childhood in Bridgend county, Wales.
Exploring Porthcawl: A Journey Through Memories
The trip included treasured memories from Jones’ past, starting with home videos of her early days on the beach, filmed by her father. Their adventure also involved a cold-water dip at Sandy Bay, visiting the Elvis Festival, and revisiting local favorites.
A Vintage Ride and Coney Beach Amusement Park
Traveling in a vintage car, the duo stopped at Coney Beach Amusement Park. Opened in 1918 and modeled after New York’s Coney Island, the park was a significant part of Jones’ childhood. It closed its doors in October, making way for a new residential development of 1,100 homes.
- Location: Coney Beach Amusement Park
- Year opened: 1918
- Development: 1,100 new homes
Nautical Heritage and RNLI Training
Jones proudly recounted her experiences with the Girls’ Nautical Training Corps. She and Speirs participated in an RNLI training exercise, showcasing their commitment to local safety initiatives by rescuing a 90kg dummy named Dead Fred.
A Weekend of Recreation and Reflection
The pair settled at Trecco Bay caravan park, one of the UK’s largest holiday parks. Their schedule included participating in a local parkrun, enjoying a unique sauna experience, and visiting The General Picton pub. Here, Jones took the stage to perform during her brother’s open mic night.
Memories at the Elvis Festival
At the Elvis Festival, now in its 21st year, Jones and Speirs enchanted the audience by performing dressed as Elvis and Priscilla. Founded by Peter Phillips, the festival has grown significantly, now catering to approximately 40,000 attendees and hosting numerous tribute artists.
- Festival started: 21 years ago
- Attendance: ~40,000 people
- Number of performances: 500 across 20 venues
Reflecting on Family and Community
As the weekend came to a close, the friends cherished their experiences over a glass of Porthcawl gin, remembering Jones’ late father. Jones expressed gratitude for her upbringing, acknowledging the joy of returning to her roots in Porthcawl and the vibrant life she had.
This visit not only highlighted significant cultural events but also deepened Jones’ appreciation for her hometown, proving that cherished memories often shape who we become.
