Coordinates: 53°19′52″N 3°24′18″W / 53.331°N 3.405°W / 53.331; -3.405

Prestatyn
Aerial View of Prestatyn, North Wales
Prestatyn  Prestatyn shown within Denbighshire
Population	18,496 (2001)
OS grid reference	SJ065825
- Cardiff	171.9m
- London	233.9m
Community	Prestatyn
Principal area	Denbighshire
Ceremonial county	Clwyd
Country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	PRESTATYN
Postcode district	LL19
Dialling code	01745
Police	North Wales
Fire	North Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
EU Parliament	Wales
UK Parliament	Vale of Clwyd
Welsh Assembly	Vale of Clwyd
List of places: UK • Wales • Denbighshire

Prestatyn ( /prɛˈstætɪn/) is a seaside resort, town and community in Denbighshire, North Wales. It is located on the Irish Sea coast, to the east of Rhuddlan. At the 2001 Census, Prestatyn had a population of 18,496.^[1]

History[link]

Prehistory[link]

There is evidence that the current town location has been occupied since prehistoric times. Prehistoric tools found in the caves of Craig Fawr, in the nearby village of Meliden, have revealed the existence of early human habitation in the area.

Roman[link]

The Roman bathhouse is believed to be part of a fort on the road from Chester to Caernarfon. However, much of 'Roman Prestatyn' has been destroyed as houses have been built over un-excavated land.

Medieval[link]

The name Prestatyn derives from the Old English preosta ("priest") and tun ("farm"), and was recorded in the Domesday Book as Prestetone.^[2][3] Unlike similarly derived names in England, which generally lost their penultimate syllable and became Preston, this village's name developed a typically Welsh emphasis on the penultimate syllable and a modification of "ton" to "tyn", as also happened at Mostyn.^[4] Although the Domesday Book only extended to demesnes in England, Prestatyn was included since it was at that time under English control.

An earth mound, visible in fields to the south of the railway station, near Nant Hall, marks the site of an early wooden motte and bailey castle, probably built by the Norman Robert de Banastre about 1157, which was destroyed by the Welsh under Owain Gwynedd in 1167.^[5][6] The Banastre family then moved to Bank Hall in Lancashire.

The town appears to have been primarily a fishing village for hundreds of years. The beginning and end of High Street today marks the location of two 'faenols' (or manor houses) called Pendre (translated as "end of" or "top of town") and Penisadre ("lower end of the town").

19th century to present[link]

The town's population remained at less than a thousand until the arrival of the railways and the holidaymakers in the 19th and 20th centuries. "Sunny Prestatyn" became famous for its beach, clean seas and promenade entertainers, and visiting for a bathe was considered very healthful by city dwelling Victorians. During the Second World War the holiday camps were used as billets for British soldiers, many of whom were also sent to live with locals. Despite being close to Liverpool, the area was not bombed by the Luftwaffe, but was one of the few British towns to be bombed by the Regia Aeronautica (the Italian Air Force) in June 1941. Despite this many evacuees came to Denbighshire from various northern cities.

Prestatyn was the home of the first ever UK Kwik Save supermarket in 1965, Prestatyn was also the home of the firm's business headquarters. The Kwik Save store was renamed Somerfield following a takeover in 2007, and was finally demolished in 2008 when surrounding land bought by supermarket giant Tesco. A store is currently being developed with many other leading retailers.

Description[link]

Although Prestatyn remains a tourist destination and resort town, the decline of the British holiday means the town is diversifying. The NHS is planning to open an elderly care facility in the town to serve north Denbighshire, and the opening of big name shops and supermarkets looks set to increase the town's status as a shopping district. Construction of the Scala Cinema started in February 2007, providing a digital cinema with films, exhibition and theatre venues.

Work is under way on the revival of the Ffrith Beach Festival Gardens. After a troubled few years when the seafront site has lain deserted, attractions are planned (e.g., 10-pin bowling, quad bikes, dance studio and yoghurt bar) to breathe fresh life into the resort.

Attractions[link]

The town is located at the northern end of the Offa's Dyke Path, although not on Offa's Dyke itself. It also marks the eastern end of the North Wales Path, a long-distance coastal route to Bangor. Other attractions include the remains of Roman baths and the nearby Neolithic mound, The Gop.

Transport[link]

Prestatyn railway station connects the town to Holyhead to the west and Chester to the east via the North Wales Coast railway line. Bus services are provided by Arriva North West and Wales.

Wind farm[link]

The North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm was opened in 2003. Situated in Liverpool Bay, 5 miles (7.5 km) off the coast of Prestatyn, it was the UK's first major offshore wind farm, with the bulk of the wind being produced off the coast of the Mead crevis. It comprises 30 wind turbines with a combined maximum capacity of 60 megawatts - enough to power 40,000 homes.

Notable people[link]

See Category:People from Prestatyn

Notable people from the town include Harold Bird-Wilson, Neil Aspinall, Peggy Cummins, John Prescott, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Carol Vorderman (who was brought up in the town), Karl Wallinger (of the band World Party), author Emyr Humphreys and the leading ornithologist Jonathan Elphick. It hosts the qualifying tournament for many snooker tournaments at the Pontin's Holiday Centre, which was the location for a 1973 movie of the popular British TV series, On The Buses.

Middlesbrough F.C. goalkeeper Danny Coyne was born in Prestatyn.

Carnival[link]

Prestatyn Carnival is the major annual summer event in the town, and features field events, competitions and a procession. Each year, thousands take part in the festivities. The Carnival celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 2011. The traditional Carnival Parade takes place on the Saturday, and is followed by a Carnival Baby Competition later in the day. In 2008 the Carnival became a two day event with the Sunday designated "Fun on the Field" day, providing a host of events include a talent show and dance competition. In 2011 the event reverted back to its original 1 day.^[7][8]

In 2008, Prestatyn Carnival Association revived the Miss Prestatyn title. Lauren Knowles became the first Miss Prestatyn since 1958, although some have claimed (falsely) to have held the title during the intervening years. Miss Prestatyn attends many local events and civic functions and is somewhat of a local celebrity.^[9]

Cultural references[link]

Philip Larkin once wrote a poem entitled Sunny Prestatyn. In it he describes a poster advertising the resort that is progressively defaced by graffiti artists.^[10] Roddy Frame and Jeremy Stacey wrote most of Aztec Camera's 1995 album Frestonia during a three-week retreat at the Sands Hotel in Prestatyn. Frame later blamed the overcast and grim weather conditions resulting from Prestatyn being situated on the Irish Sea for the album's melancholy and gloomy tone.^[11]

In the 2009 Christmas special of British sitcom The Royle Family, Jim, Barbara, Dave and Denise go on holiday to the 'Pearl of Prestatyn', a holiday caravan park presumably in the town.

In Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, Alan mentions that he used to go on all weekend benders in Prestatyn to see rock band Wings (band).

Sport[link]

Local football side Prestatyn Town F.C. gained promotion to the Welsh Premiership football league having been crowned champions of the Cymru Alliance League 2007-08 season. As of 23 April 2008, planning permission for floodlights and seating has been granted^[12] in order to meet the Welsh Premier grading requirements. The deadline for these upgrades was 1 May 2008^[13] and, having passed these requirements, their promotion was ratified by the Welsh Premier League on 15 May.^[14]

Prestatyn is also the town where many qualification rounds were once held in the sport of snooker, this included all the major snooker tournaments, and the World Championship. The qualifying rounds were held at Pontin's Holiday Camp. The qualification rounds have since moved to the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Prestatyn

• Prestatyn Town Council tourism
• The Parish of Prestatyn
• BBC Wales's Prestatyn website
• Geograph - photos of Prestatyn and surrounding area

v t e Denbighshire Principal settlements Corwen Denbigh Llangollen Prestatyn Rhuddlan Rhyl Ruthin St Asaph Towns and villages Aberwheeler Berwyn Betws Gwerfil Goch Bodelwyddan Bodfari Bontuchel Bryneglwys Bylchau Carrog Castell Cefnmeriadog Cerrigydrudion Clocaenog Corwen Crogen Cwm Cyffylliog Cynwyd Derwen Druid Dyserth Efenechtyd Gellifor Gellioedd Glasfryn Glyndyfrdwy Gronant Gwaenysgor Gwyddelwern Henllan Hirwaen Llanarmon-yn-Iâl Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd Llandegla Llandrillo Llandyrnog Llanefydd Llanelidan Llanferres Llanfwrog Llangar Llangwyfan Llangyhafal Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch Llansanffraid Glyndyfrdwy Llantysilio Llanychan Llanynys Llwynmawr Maerdy Meliden Nantglyn Prion Pentrecelyn Rhewl Rhuallt Saron Tafarn Y Gelyn Trefnant Trelawnyd Tremeirchion Oldest inhabited location Bontnewydd Palaeolithic site Moors Berwyn range Mynydd Hiraethog

Chuck Jackson (born July 22, 1937) is an R&B singer who was one of the first artists to record material by Burt Bacharach and Hal David successfully. He has performed with moderate success since 1961. His hits include "I Don't Want to Cry," "Any Day Now," "I Keep Forgettin'" and "All Over the World".

He was born on July 22, 1937, in Latta, South Carolina, but was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Career[link]

Between 1957 and 1959, he was a member of The Del-Vikings, singing lead on the 1957 release "Willette." After leaving them, he was "discovered" when he opened for soul legend Jackie Wilson at the Apollo Theater. He signed a recording contract with Scepter Records. His first single, "I Don't Want to Cry", which he co-wrote, was his first hit (1961). The song charted on both the R&B and pop charts. In 1962, Jackson's recording of "Any Day Now", the Burt Bacharach-Bob Hilliard classic, became a huge hit,and his signature song. His popularity in the 1960s prompted him to buy up the time on his contract from Scepter and move to Motown Records. There he recorded a number of successful singles, "Honey Come Back." He later recorded for All Platinum and other labels, but with minimal success.

After meeting producer/composer Charles Wallert at the Third Annual Beach Music Awards, the two collaborated to record "How Long Have You Been Loving Me" on Carolina Records. The song became an instant Beach Music/Shag hit and remains a classic both in the Southeast and the UK.

In 1998 Jackson teamed with longtime friend Dionne Warwick to record "If I Let Myself Go", arranged as a duet by Wallert for Wave Entertainment. The recording received critical acclaim and charted at number 19 on the highly competitive Gavin Adult Contemporary Charts. Jackson followed with "What Goes Around, Comes Around", another Wallert production and composition, and reached number 13 on the Gavin Charts.

Several of Jackson's songs later became hits for other artists, including Ronnie Milsap, whose 1982 cover version of "Any Day Now" reached #1 on the Country and Adult Contemporary charts, and Michael McDonald, who covered "I Keep Forgettin'" with much success. Jackson was close friends with political strategist Lee Atwater. He appears in the award-winning documentary Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story.

Hit records[link]

Discography (selected)[link]

Albums

• 1962: I Don't Want to Cry! (Wand WDM-650)
• 1962: Any Day Now (Wand WDM-654)
• 1963: Encore! (Wand WDM-655)
• 1964: Chuck Jackson on Tour (Wand WDM-658)
• 1965: Mr. Everything (Wand WDM-667)
• 1965: Saying Something, with Maxine Brown (Wand WDM-669)
• 1966: A Tribute to Rhythm and Blues (Wand WDM-673)
• 1966: A Tribute to Rhythm and Blues, Volume 2 (Wand WDM-676)
• 1966: Tribute to the King (Wand WDM-680)
• 1967: Greatest Hits (Wand WDM-683)
• 1967: Hold On, We're Coming, with Maxine Brown (Wand WDM-678)
• 1967: The Early Show, with Tammi Terrell (Wand WDM-682)
• 1968: Chuck Jackson Arrives (Motown)
• 1969: Goin' Back to Chuck Jackson (Motown)
• 1970: Teardrops Keep Falling on My Heart (Motown)
• 1974: Through All Times (ABC)
• 1975: Needing You, Wanting You (All Platinum)
• 1977: The Great Chuck Jackson (Bulldog)
• 1980: After You (EMI America)
• 1980: I Wanna Give You Some Love (EMI America)
• 1994: Chuck Jackson (Platinum Pop)
• 1994: Encore/Mr. Everything (Kent-UK)
• 1998: Smooth, Smooth Jackson (Sequel Records)
• 2005: I'll Take Care of You, with Cissy Houston (Shanachie Entertainment), release of 1992 album

Singles on Tamla Motown (UK)

• TMG651 Girls Girls Girls/(You Can't Let the Boy Overpower) The Man in You - 7"
• TMG729 Honey Come Back/What Am I Gonna Do Without You - 7"

^[1]

Awards[link]

• 1992: Rhythm and Blues Foundation, "Pioneer Ward"
• 2009: Carolina Beach Music Hall Of Fame "Joe Pope Pioneer Award"

Footnotes[link]

• Chuck Jackson speaks about Lee Atwater in Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (March 2009)

Dean Parrish (born Phil Anastasi,^[1] or alternatively Phil Anastasia^[2] circa 1942) is an American soul singer from New York, best known for the song, "I'm On My Way", which became famous for being the last record that was played at Northern Soul all-nighters at the Wigan Casino.

Career[link]

Anastasi was born to Italian and Spanish parents and was raised in Little Italy, New York. He lived by the train lines in Brooklyn. Anastasi sang second tenor in a street corner doo-wop group and attended the School of Industrial Arts. He was spotted by the same manager who looked after The Mystics and The Passions who tried to convince Anastasi to go from second tenor to lead/solo singer.

The Peppermint Lounge was New York's premier nightclub in the very early 1960s. Anastasi frequented the establishment and would eventually appeared on the bill. On the advice of The Ronettes lead singer Ronnie Spector, he changed his name to Dean Parrish, and began his own recording career in 1964.

He signed a recording contract with the Laurie record label. Between 1964 and 1967 Parrish recorded for four major U.S. labels Laurie, Warner Bros., Musicor Records and Boom.

Parrish achieved some success with his soul singles "I'm On My Way", "Tell Her", "Determination", "Skate" and "Bricks, Broken Bottles and Sticks".^[3] He toured on Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars, appearing alongside such leading luminaries as Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, The Capitols and Lou Christie; he even appeared on a Motown revue bill with The Supremes. However, his singing career began to fade.

In 1967 Parrish reverted to his original name, and became an actor, who began to appear on television and in films. He kept his hand in musically by playing guitar with Herbie Mann, and sometimes as frontman for The Rosecrucians and Steeplechase. He worked as a session musician with Jimi Hendrix and Santana in 1970, and played guitar with Bob Marley in 1972.

The Northern soul scene had taken a firm hold in the nightclubs of mid 1970s in the United Kingdom where rare American soul music recordings were played. Parrish's recording of "I'm On My Way" came to the attention of Russ Winstanley, a disc jockey at the Wigan Casino. He began playing the gramophone record and it soon became one of the more popular records at the venue. It was re-released in 1975 on the UK Records label, and sold around 200,000 copies. The track reached #38 in the UK Singles Chart in February 1975.^[1] It has consequently gone on to sell over a million copies^{[citation needed]}. Interest in Parrish's mid 1960s recording career began to gain in popularity but Parrish himself remained completely unaware of his popularity on the other side of the Atlantic.

He had changed his name back to Phil Anastasi and no one had been able to track him, with his former U.S. US labels no longer in touch with him. However, in 2001, Parrish contacted Winstanley, and he made his first trip to the UK, some thirty years since his last concert performance.^[2] Parrish found himself performing in front of thousands at a Prestatyn, Wales based Northern soul weekend. More trips to Europe followed as well as a growing number of acting roles.

Parrish met up with Paul Weller's guitarist and Ocean Colour Scene member, Steve Cradock. Craddock was a friend of Winstanely's and handed Parrish "Left Right and Centre", a song Weller had composed at the age of fifteen. Parrish recorded the song with Lord Large in 2006. Back in New York he recruited some of his old friends (including members of Santana) and came up with a new single, a cover version of Timi Yuro's, "It'll Never Be Over for Me", his first solo single for 41 years. His first ever album, Determination - The Northern Soul Sound of Dean Parrish, was due to be released in 2008.

Under the name 'Philip J. Anastasia', he appeared as an emcee in an episode of The Sopranos.^[2]

I'm On My Way – The Dean Parrish Story was broadcast on Saturday 12 January 2008 on BBC Radio 2. Billed as 'The Northern Soul star sold over one million records, but barely received a penny for his work. Pete Mitchell travels to New York to track down Parrish, revealing a remarkable story that takes in The Sopranos and Jimi Hendrix along the way.'^[2]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Dean Parrish official website
• IMDb page for Philip Anastasia aka Dean Parrish