“MISS WEST WALES”

CROWNED AT

SWIMMING    RACES

The Hendy Park presented a very gay, appearance on Saturday for the variety show and gala held at the open air swimming pool, under the auspices of The Hendy Park development Committee.

The event was well organised by Mr Idris Jones.

The President was Mr T.R.Miller of Llanelly, while the special attraction was the crowning of “MISS WEST WALES” and also the fairy queens. A parade of bathing belles was arranged and there were numerous sideshows.

The variety programme was contributed by the    

Following:-

Master - Cynddyran Williams (national winner) and the Marnet Troupe, including baby Dean Barbara and Gwladys, Master Willie James wee Norma and Margaret. Neath’s Lady Crooners, T.J.Wilson and little Betty Hughes.

Diving exhibitions, were given by Joe White, of Morriston (Diving champion of Wales)

Members of the Swansea Swimming club were present and rendered yeoman service,                                           

Results:-

Sir Evan Williams Challenge cup for best West Wales swimmer

1^st R.Kidwell, 2^nd W.Fames,   3^rd L.Wells.

Challenge cup for inter-club competition

Clydach swimming club team Leslie Jenkins, Douglas Davies, E. Melien, David Griffiths.

Girls squadron race, under 16 years, Hendy Swimming Club Team Avis Haycock, Morwen Evans, Joan Williams, Winne Cottie.

Boys squadron race, under 16 years Hendy Swimming Club Team Ralph Davies, Glauville Williams, John Mathias, Dan Rees.

Girls squadron race under 14 years Hendy Swimming Club Team Joan Williams, Betty Jones, Pat James Marian David,

Boys squadron race under 14 years Clydach Swimming Club Team Morton Thomas, E. Dalton, D. Munday, Ivor Jones.

Ladies breast stroke, 1^st Iris Bowen Clydach s.c

2^nd Avis Haycock   Hendy s.c

3^rd B.Sullivan   Clydach s.c

Mens race 1^st Leslie Jenkins Clydach s.c

2^nd Douglas Davies Hendy s.c

3^rd Ralph Davies Hendy s.c

Diving competition. 1^st Ralph Davies, 2^nd Leslie Jenkins, 3^rd Dan Rees.

Interworks squadron race open. Upper forest works Morriston; the Crowning of “Miss West Wales” was done by Mr Evan Jones of Wilkes Barne USA a Hendy man home on holiday.

“Miss West Wales” was Miss Gwladys Bishop of Gorseinon, and her attendant Miss Margaret Owen of Bynea.

The Fairy Queens and attendants were crowned by Mrs H John Bassett of Hendy

 They were 4-7 years Fairy Queen, Menna Griffiths Grovesend, attendants Jean Griffiths Tycroes, and Elsa Rees Gorseinon.

7-14 years Fairy Queen Iris Davies Tumble, attendants

Nancy Smith Pontardulais and Brenwen Davies Ammanford.

In the evening a dance was held at the Mechanics institute Pontarddulais. Mr D.J.Hiddlestone acted as m.c and the music was supplied by Eric Dares Dance Band.

Among those present at the gala was Mr Malcolm H Smith Swansea practical in his support, Mr Smith has shown unabated interest in the many events organised by the Hendy Parks Committee.

Addressing the big crowd of spectators Mr Smith paid tribute to the Committee and organisers for their collective efforts in making the Hendy open-air bathing pool an asset to the locality and a credit to West Wales.

Wishing those in charge of the administration of the park and its many projects every success, Mr Smith gave an assurance of his continued interest in the future development of Hendy Park.  "

This article was in 1932 when the pool held an event towards the end of the August holidays this beauty show became an annual event

The official opening of the pool was in the spring of 1933 and the photo above was at the similar annual event in 1936,

If you have any eldery relatives in their late 80's or 90's who would have been at the event or even entered in the under 14's swimming contest, who might have memories of these beauty events and swimming gala, these please contact us, we would love to hear their fond memories.

Do you recognise some of the names of the Hendy winners? leave a comment 

FURTHER ENTRIES AND OLD PHOTOS FROM 1932 HAVE BEEN ADDED HERE