Interview with Marie Mielczarski by David Phillips (Age Concern North Wales Central). Marie reflects on how childhood holidays in North Wales grew into a lifelong connection shaped by family life, community work, and later supported living. Her story traces a journey from early hardship to decades of local engagement and community-building across Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, and Prestatyn.


00:00–00:30

Marie begins by recalling her first visits to Wales in the early 1990s, starting with day trips to Rhyl and later caravan holidays filled with funfair visits and lively seafront attractions.

00:30–01:33

She contrasts these holidays with her difficult childhood in Manchester, describing growing up in poverty and her father’s various manual jobs.

01:33–02:55

Marie reads a poem capturing the hectic routine of raising five children, juggling school runs, housework, adult education classes, and family life.

02:55–04:11

She explains how her training led to work in community development, eventually becoming a coordinator for a local programme in Southwest Rhyl. She describes the area’s strong community spirit despite its reputation.

04:11–04:56

Marie recalls living in Colwyn Bay near the zoo, describing the surreal experience of hearing animals each morning.

04:56–05:35

She later moved to supported accommodation due to her partner’s illness, continuing her work while receiving help from on‑site staff. She remained there after his passing because of the supportive community.

05:35–06:54

Marie describes organising social activities, including Tai Chi classes, communal meals, and regular fish‑and‑chip nights.

06:54–07:35

She ends by recalling local flooding, noting how nearby residents were displaced and temporarily housed in her building.