50 years ago

Extracts from the Penarth Times of July 30, 1965:

For the first time in 30 years, Penarth is to have a Royal visitor.

It was learned this week that HRH Princess Marhgaret has graciously consented to come to Penarth to open the International House on October 27.

Dinas Powis Bowling Club won both their PG2 matches last week by margins of over 30 shots, beating GKN and St Fagan's A.

Thousands of people thronged the Front at Penarth last weekend for the start of Penarth's first Holiday Week, which commenced with the Regatta of the Penarth Motor Boat and Sailing Club. By 3.30pm cars and people were packing into the town and the police were hard pressed to keep traffic moving.

The miniature railway on the Pier carried nearly 750 people on the first day, and the Punch and Judy Show, despite a late start, had an audience of several hundred excited youngsters amongst whom several adults enjoyed themselves as much as the children.

A first-class concert was given by the combined choirs of the Penarth Male avoid Choir at the Paget Rooms in Sunday evening, under their respective conductors.

The all-night fishing competition from Penarth Pier proved a great success, with 100 anglers braving the torrential rain, and staying until the conclusion at 6am.

Penarth reached the final of the WBA Carruthers Shield competition for the first time in their history when they best Barry Central by three shots in a tense and exciting match at the GKN green on Saturday.

Sunday next sees the start of the 39th annual Belle Vue bowling tournament. The list of entrants totals 152 and the draw promises some good games in the early stages.

Villa Wanderers continue to progress and show good form in the Barry five-a-side soccer competition, held at Barry Sports Centre.

Distillers (Plastics) Cricket Club recorded a comfortable victory over Pauls CC in the first round of the Barry and District Knockout competition last Wednesday week, but on Sunday they were on the receiving end of a thrashing from a far superior Dowlais team.