Wales – October 2017
Had the great pleasure of meeting up again with some wonderful people that I met on my first surf trip to Europe back in the 70s. No name, no pack drill. Just the delight of seeing fantastic people that still enjoy your company after so many years.
I was introduced to the surf around the Gower Peninsular back then and have enjoyed the Gower Peninsular laid back lifestyle ever since. It has a special beauty that only a Welsh seaside can produce. The tidal difference in Swansea Bay is still breathtaking and the Langland Golf Course still sits majestically over Langland Bay with a view that is as stunning as any in the world.
It is a shame to see the demise of two great watering holes though – the Langland Bay and Osborne Hotels, but you can’t stop progress. Just remember the good times drinking pints and playing darts with some great local characters. The popular Langland’s Brasserie By The Sea restaurant serves a good feed of food in front of where the Langland Bay Hotel used to stand so all is not lost. Just sit back and enjoy the food and the view.
A trip over to Llangennith is always good value when looking for a wave. The drive through narrow country lanes never fails to please and the Kings Head Tavern is a welcome sight for that early pint or cappuccino. While there, stop at Pete Jones’ Surf Shop and say hello. Great family run shop. You will never meet a more sincere and welcoming person in the surf industry worldwide. He can still ride with the best of them as well. (That’s him at the top of the page.)
For the history buffs, Oystermouth Castle on a hill overlooking Mumbles is worth a visit. It traces back to the early 12th century and although falling into disrepair at various times through the ages, it received funding in recent times to restore it. The Castle closed in 2010 while it underwent a £1 m refurbishment and reopened to the public in July 2011. The refurbishment included new visitor facilities, an educational space, improvements to access and a 30-foot high glass viewing platform and bridge that leads to Alina’s Chapel.
There is now a great Facebook page called “I love Langland” which has been a revelation. It includes recent pictures as well as issues concerning the locals. There are also many who are posting some fantastic pictures from times gone past. They range from old black and white images from 100 years ago up to more recent colour shots. As many of the members are now in their later years, there are many shots from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Enjoy seeing so much history located in the one place. Many different contributors help keep its originality.
This area is well known to the British but I can’t help but think that it is not that well known abroad. You certainly don’t hear many other accents around the Mumbles village. I know it captured me all those years ago and I am so glad to have had the pleasure of the company of the families and friends I have there.
Of course nowadays with technology it is so much easier to keep in touch. It is great that we can now do this more often. Can’t wait to get back there again though.
