DaveR
Very interesting photo of the bath house/pump house at the Craigside Hydro. The pump was used to convey sea water up to the hotel for use in the pool there. There was at one time a tank or reservoir at the rear of the hotel which stored the sea water.
A while ago I posted an brief account of a sad incident at the pump house. I will recap here so folk can relate to the photo.
On 1st March 1946, three 17 year old lads (from Rhos, Old Colwyn and Llandudno) were employed at the Hydro by the Inland Revenue. During their lunch break they had taken to visiting the old pump house and, given its derelict state, were given to knocking bricks out of walls. On that fateful day, their activities caused the upper floor of the two story building to collapse.
Their absence was noticed and staff went looking for them. A supervisor found the building in a state of collapse and investigated.
Two had died at the scene and the Llandudno lad was taken to hospital in shock and with leg injuries.
At the subsequent inquest on 26th March, at which the Llandudno lad gave evidence from a stretcher, the Coroner, noting the existence of warning signs, said "They must have known they were playing with fire. Boys will be boys - that is the spirit which won the last war".
Given this tragedy, it must be assumed the remains of the building were quickly removed afterwards.
Compared with today, it is noteworthy that a full inquest was conducted within the month.
