I was born and raised in Mumbles and after a short period away from Swansea now live just outside this seaside village in south Wales on the very edge of the Gower Peninsular. In 1956 Gower was the first place in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Mumbles is famous for its pier and lighthouse but probably most famous for The Mumbles Mile. It was considered something of a challenge especially for stag and hen nights to complete the Mumbles Mile, which involved drinking a pint of beer in each of the numerous pubs running from the village to the pier (20 in a 2-mile stretch). Now, thankfully some of us may say, a number of those pubs have closed so it's less challenging but in the past groups would come from all over to try to earn the right to a 'I've done the Mumbles Mile' mug or t-shirt.
But let's concentrate on more attractive aspects. The village itself has a thriving community spirit again. After a long period when it lost its heart a new generation has arisen and revitalised the village with a host of posh shops as well as all the essentials.
For good old-fashioned fun you need to visit the pier and its amusement arcade. After being in a state of disrepair for some years the pier itself is now being spruced up - and made safe!
 |
| Before repair |
 |
| Withe new lifeboat station |
 |
| Mumbles lighthouse from Bracelet Bay |
 |
| And from the pier |
For many years the lighthouse was manned and for some years a unit of soldiers was also stationed there. In 1883 the lifeboat was launched to go to the aid of a German ship. The crew was rescued but the lifeboat itself later got into trouble. Jessie and Margaret, the daughters of the lighthouse-keeper, helped rescue crewmen washed up in lighthouse waters and their actions were commemorated in a poem to be found here. And very recently a blue commemorative plaque was installed at the top of the steps leading down to the beach to the lighthouse.
Of course, Mumbles lifeboat has a proud and sad history. As well as the 1883 disaster in 1947 the boat and the crew of eight were all lost during a rescue.
2 comments:
As a very light drinker, I wouldn't have got very far on the Mumbles Mile. How about a cake equivalent where you stop for a slice of cake at every bakery in a two-mile stretch? Mind you, I'm not sure I'd get far on that either. I think I'd be feeling a bit queasy after the fifth or sixth slice....
Now you're talking! Cake and tea, yes please. And there are a number of very lovely little teashops.
Post a Comment