Frank coverts Penmaenmawr shop to put antique sewing machines on display

Frank Meldrum has converted a shop in Penmaenmawr.

His desire to showcase the classic collection, the ‘So Handy’ gallery, has become a reality thanks in part to the specialist care and treatment he received earlier this year from Mr Mo Zeinah, consultant heart surgeon, and the rest of the team at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

Susan Best (PA), Dr Mauin Uddin (Cardiac Team), Mr Mohamad Zeinah from Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and Frank Meldrum

Mr Meldrum said: “I’ve always had a passion for portable antique sewing machines, and I wanted to find a space where other people could enjoy them as well. But after spending eight months converting a shop to put them on display, my plans were put on hold by a heart attack at the end of March.

“After being transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for specialist care, my wonderful surgeon, Mr Zeinah, told me that I needed major surgery - a triple heart bypass and an aortic heart valve replacement.

Frank Meldrum on the Threshold of ‘SO-HANDY’

“Thankfully the surgery was a success and after a couple of weeks receiving care from the staff in intensive care and on the wards, I was able to return home to continue my recovery – and to complete the work I’d started on the gallery.”

Sewing machines on display

Sewing machines on display include five various ‘hand crank’ machines, three ‘General Electric’ 110V machines and five Singer Featherweight machines.

Mo Zeinah, cardiac surgeon, with Frank

The earliest dates to 1892 (Singer early flying shuttle, No. 11,232,743).

Heart surgeon Mr Zeinah formally opened the gallery.

He said: "I was was honoured to be invited by Frank to visit and to be asked to formal open the gallery, and was thrilled to see Frank looking so well, back on his feet and doing the things he loves most."

Chris Knowles, Frank, Anna Tucker, Val Palmer (all Penmaenmawr Museum), Susan Best, Mr Mohamad Zeinah, Dr Mauin Udder

Frank added: "The gallery is right in the middle of Penmaenmawr. There hasn't been much interest yet but I hope there will be [especially with the Featherweight machines].

"I was very chuffed Mr Zeinah could attend. They were so professional when I was in hospital, everybody is so focused on operations. They kept me in for three weeks and the operation was complicated enough. 

"I took over the shop last July and in February, it was more or less good to go. Then I had my heart attack. I said when I finally recovered I would open the gallery. 

"I am doing brilliantly now. The hills in Penmaenmawr are like the sound of music." 

SO HANDY is a Gallery of Portable Antique Sewing Machines open part time 9.30am to 1pm Thurday, Friday and Saturday. It is based at 6 Oxford Arcade, Pant-Yr-Afon, Penmaenmawr.