Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Activity at the docks . . .

'Taff Express - Cardiff to Penarth - The Taff Vale for ever!' Our local express. It lasted only until being taken over by the GWR in 1922, but by then it was one of the most successful railway companies in Great Britain and the Empire. This postcard makes me smile, with its kettle, the assistance of a donkey and the manpower and ladypower required to get it moving. The fireman could be a gondolier! I'm not too sure if cricket was common at the time. I went to a school at Cadoxton where we were forced to play rugby winter and summer; whatever the weather! [034] [030]

'Our Local Express - Cardiff to Penarth' a postcard acquired for the Penarth Dock Collection [001] published by the Cynicus Publishing Co., Ltd, of Tayport, Fife. The company went into liquidation in 1911 but this card pre-dates that event bearing a postmark of Penarth in March 1907. It is addressed to one Miss Harries at an address in Roath, Cardiff and asks; 'Dear Dorty, Are you still alive - write soon - tell all news - fondest love - Mandy'

'Our Local Express - Barry Dock to Cardiff - Good Old Barry Rly.' - Another local version of the same postcard held within the Penarth Dock Collection [001] and published by the Cynicus Publishing Co., Ltd, of Tayport, Fife. In this case it was addressed to Councillor Rees at the White Hart Hotel, Llantwit Major and jokes 'Rees of Bute Lord making his record score of 1. Clean bowled!' The true meaning is lost in time but Mr. Hopkins obviously had a keen sense of humour back in 1931! [20190621]

'Our Rhondda Valley Express - Taff Vale Forever! Look you.' - Yet another variation on a theme held within the Penarth Dock Collection [001] and published by the Cynicus Publishing Co., Ltd, of Tayport, Fife.