Three Towns Forum
The Local => Times Past => Topic started by: Dave W on June 01, 2011, 02:23:16 pm
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I have discussed this with some friendly folk on another thread, but there are still a few gaps. I am working on my memoirs, and could do with some help. I worked there in the summer of 1979, when it was definitely known as The Ritz. John Dowle was the proprietor, and the staff included, at various times:
Liz Hughes (John's sister); Sarah Hughes (Liz's daughter); Steve Hughes (Liz's son); Bobby Owen; John Jones; Michael Owens; Ivan; Lil; Carol; Dawn and John Dowle's aunt on the till. For completeness, can anybody recall when it closed its doors, or what happened to any of the staff? Much appreciated.
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Sarah Hughes (Liz's daughter);
After the alterations, I believe Sarah opened a hairdressers at the far end of the building but she later changed the unit into a café which I believe is still there.
If you live locally, Dave W, you may wish to walk in and make enquiries.
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Michael Owens
Mike is still in town and still working in catering. I'm sure I can put you in touch with him if you want to speak to him.
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Dave W. You and I have exchanged messages recently on this topic. I did also receive a message from another member Valerietrish saying she worked at the Ritz in 1978 and mentioning some names. Val, Dawn, Julie and Carol.
Stan
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Much appreciated everyone, and thanks for your previous (and ongoing) assistance Stan. I live in Cheshire, so am not a million miles away, and you have all given me a few good 'leads' for next time I am in God's own town. There'll certainly be an acknowledgement for you, in my book, when it eventually sees the light of day.
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Somewhere in our collection of junk and old papers, I am sure we have an old Share Certificate for the Ritz Cafe. I will see if we can get it dug out. Is it worth anything I wonder? ;D
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Yorkie, this is the Ritz in Llandudno not London.
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A fact of which I am fully aware! :D
I am refering to RITZ CATERERS (LLANDUDNO) LIMITED (Registered No 00832728) now disolved.
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Yorkie and Bri; laughing heartily at this, guys!!!
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I am, of course, talking pre 1950! The Ritz was at one time owned by Robert Clare Baxter who also had Clare's Store, Baxter's Bon and a few other interests in the area. He passed away in May 1950. The Share Certificate we have (when we can find it) was issued in favour of P G Gadd for 200 or so shares, he being the Accountant for the Company. I cannot find any further information but there may be some available in the local archives. I do not know when the Ritz was sold or to whom.
$walesflag$
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Where about was it? (I cant get a sensible answer off anyone else)
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Where about was it? (I cant get a sensible answer off anyone else)
I think the topic heading is a good clue! $good$
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It's where 'The Mall' Shopping Arcade is now:
http://g.co/maps/5gtbw (http://g.co/maps/5gtbw)
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you had the ritz then the savoy and the ven coffee bar
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Where about was it? (I cant get a sensible answer off anyone else)
I think the topic heading is a good clue! $good$
Not really if u were born closer to the 90s and have no idea where these old places are.
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That's a good point if you are in the younger generation and it's great that some of the younger generation are interested in such things :)
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&shake& To be fair, I think Yorkie was referring to number 39 Mostyn Street and not necesserily the names of businesses that have historically occupied number 39.
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Here is a photograph taken inside the Ritz Cafe on 29 April 1936. The Cafe was then owned by Robert Clare Baxter (seated, front right). It was a party for the Staff of the Ritz, Clares, Baxter's Bon and The Douglas the evening before the marriage of his youngest Daughter, Marjorie to Geoffrey Gadd. :)
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Good photo, Yorkie. $good$
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Does anyone have any information on what The Douglas was, we presume it was another of his business interests? The info is taken from the back of the photo but we have been unable to find such a place, except in the I.O.M. ?{}?
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I have quite a lot of family from Llandudno, moved from Liverpool during the war.
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Interesting photograph Yorkie! Robert Clare Baxter is my great grandfather, I can see my grandmother Gwyneth sat behind her father. I'd be interested in getting hold of a copy of this photograph. If anybody wants any further information about Robert Clare Baxter, I will be happy to try and help them. Robert's son was Douglas Baxter who later took over Clare's and ran it until his death when it was sold. I will find out what business The Douglas was and get back to you.
Thanks
Alex
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Replied direct to Alex as it is "in the family" so to speak! ZXZ
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Hi Dave W ,
I worked in the Ritz , summer of 78 and was asked to go back in 79 but was planning my wedding
Dawn and Carol were working there that summer too.
I don’t know their Surnames but I know they are from Skelmersdale.
It was a great Summer and will never forget it.
Are John and Liz still around I wonder
Does anyone know?
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Thanks Valerie. Dawn and Carol returned in 1979 which was the Summer I worked there. I tracked John Dowle down, a few years ago, and had a telephone chat. He sadly passed away around 3 years ago. Thanks again for your reply. I wish I’d gone back in 1980, but I got a full time job elsewhere.