your comments
Anne Glanville(Hargrave) Victoria, B.C. Canada
I was born in Crickhowell, Nov. 14, l944, during a terrific storm. My Dad was in London & he didn't know I was born till 4 days later. My parents were both in the war. Mum was in the British army & Dad was in the Canadian Army.My Granney was from Clydach. I have always had a warm, soft spot for Crickhowell and very proud to be part Welsh. Loved visiting the last time we were there. Very fond and happy memories. God bless you.(Would love to see a picture of the hospital where I was born. Apparently it was torn down.)
Sun Sep 20 19:25:52 2009
Richard Prescot from Andover
I was based at Cwrt-y-gollen army camp,just down the road from Crickhowell.I remember when as a young soldier 15 and a half years old-part of the Prince of Wales division,I would regularly run through the village-and I still remember the bridge we crossed,and then it was on to the mountains of brecon.Crickhowell was the only night spot ,apart from Abbergavenny.It was a picture post card village-back in the early to mid 80s.I have been back once,very different now.
Wed Jul 15 16:17:25 2009
mark kelly, crickhowell.
Thinking about buying a fleet of trucks and running them from castle road same as my father did for 20yrs. He worked hard and if needed some cigarettes, he would drive that artic round castle rd, past police station into crick,keep tight to isaac's and swing her round to jehu's.Happy days.Glad to be back.
Sun Jun 7 20:56:25 2009
Helen Addis, Lympsham Somerset
Crickhowell is a lovely place, enjoyed a walk along the canal on the easter weekend whilst visiting my mother in law from Ebbw Vale. I was very interested to come across this site though for the name connection, could we be related to the Addis' mentioned here?
Sun Apr 26 19:19:40 2009
Adrian Jones, Bath
I was born in Crick in 1958 and lived in Ffynnonau - or Tintown as the rich kids called it.As a boy I worked at The Beaufort for John Creswick - a fantastic character.Does anyone know what happened to John, Moira, Vicki and Linda?
Wed Apr 1 16:25:56 2009
Betty (nee davies) Hoey Cardiff.
IT Has taken me a little while to be able to write this I was devastated after the death of my sister Val i'm still in shock so how her family must feel is indiscrible I Know this because my children lost thier Dad at only 60 ten years ago and the pain is dreadful my love and blessings go out to them. Her funeral will stay with me for a long time THANK YOU all at Crickhowell you must have loved her so much,infact VAL for me was Crickhowell.Ican't see me ever coming back it just won't be the same with out her Thanks to everyone for giving her so much love
Thu Feb 19 11:42:00 2009
Leighton Winter from Llangattock
I moved to Crickhowell with my partner and then 2 children and expecting our 3rd in August 2005 from Brynmawr being born and bred in the valleys and I can tell you that for all those people that think that Crick and it's surrounding areas are boring and dull then you are quite wrong as believe me, it is an extreme contrast from living in the valleys with the constant bickering and arguing constantly high crime rate and blatent drug abuse, I know that like anywhere else Crickhowell has its problems but it is an amazing place with some really nice people and more oppourtunities than the Valleys could ! ever offer anyone
Mon Feb 16 12:28:15 2009
Paul Roberts Saxilby Lincs
I wonder if anyone in Crickhowell has any memories of the Revd George Roberts who was a relative of mine. He had one son George Lewis born 1901 I am trying to trace any living relatives. We hope to visit Crickhowell ourselves when the weather improves
Sat Feb 7 16:49:05 2009
Pat Woolfall ( Davies),, Andover
Hi Chris ( Lewis ) Thank's so much for your kinds words. It was also good to see you and so many other friends, it was a hard day for us all Val was so special, to me and all those who loved her. I have ask Mel to leave my E- mail add in the shop for you as I didnt have their phone num, take care thanks again.
Tue Jan 27 12:28:05 2009
Chris ( kipper ) Lewis
Hi Pat, It was a very moving day ( Val's Funeral ) I'm glad you found so much support for Val & her infectious charactor ( just like your Mum Gladys ! ). Pat , give me a ring , the Cashell boys will give you my tel. no.. If you could give them an email address, I will send you the photos I took of Valerie as promised . Hope to see you sometime in the near future ( also just obt! ained some pics. of 'GOGO' .....now my hobby, like John Addis, collecting old photos, & taking my own ) hope you coping, best wishes Chris
Sun Jan 18 18:05:04 2009
Sally Harris nee Havard
Crickhowell will always remain with me even with the passing of my mum,Val. Thank you for all those stories and donations which will go back into the town my mum loved.When I come back to visit I know I will be visiting home. Auntie Pat we love you , you are a LEGEND !!!!!
Sun Jan 18 18:03:36 2009
David Woolfall, London
I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to the Havard family for the passing of Val, my Aunty. Love to you all at this time.
Fri Jan 16 15:35:51 2009
Mel Havard CRickhowell
I would like to thank everyone who has sent cards, flowers and donations to my family after the sudden passing of my mum, Val.Mum was very much a lively community member.Thank you to all those who came to mums funeral,i believe she was obviously much loved and respected by all.Val will be missed but will remain in our hearts and in the community of Crickhowell and further afield forever.
Fri Jan 16 10:03:58 2009
Patricia Anne Woolfall Murrell Cottage
Dear Friends of Crickhowell. I am sending this message on be half of my sister Iris and her family,as she does not have a PC it reads. I would like to thank the people of Crichowell For all your tributes, that was shown to my sister Val who was loved and respected by all who knew her, she will sadly be missed by her family and friends of Crichowell
Thu Jan 15 14:16:13 2009
Pat Woolfall ( Davies ) Murrel Cottage Church Stre
Dear Friends & people of Crickhowell,thank you all so very much for the love shown to us as a family, as we said good bye to our dear sister Val she spoke always so foundly of you all and her beloved Crickhowell, for me she wasn't just a sister but my very best friend. At the moment for us all her passing is painful and for me a little of me went with her,thank you Crickhowell you all did her proud keep her memory alive and remember when the first flower blooms think of her when you look at the stars at night she will be watching over you all.
Wed Jan 14 13:56:09 2009
John & Susan Addis & family
Val Havard(nee Davies) was a great friend of my family and will be sadly missed.St. Edmunds Church was bursting at the seams with tributes The biggest gathering of friends and locals I have ever seen at St Edmunds A Great tribute to a daughter of Crickhowell and she will be missed by everyone that knew her.
Tue Jan 13 17:41:55 2009
Tara Anne Davies(Woolfall) North Yorkshire
I would like to pass on my deepest sympathy to the Havard Family, Who lost their Mother,Wife, Sister and Grandmother,Aunty this week. A long standing Member born and breed in Crickhowell. Will be thinking of you all at this sad time. You will be sorely missed within the community Val.
Sun Jan 11 16:59:36 2009
suzanne, crickhowell
Crickhowell is the most boring place ever! the mountains are nice but they are not even in Crcickhowell. The rivers quite nice! there are some lovly people but there are also some very narrow minded people who need to expand their horizons. nd realise there is more to life than whats going on in crickhowell!!!
Sun Jan 4 16:00:11 2009
Mark Hywell Sanders, Langport Somerset.
Crick is a wonderful market town and I've found memories. I used to help my aunty jen on her paper round when i was up to visit my grandparents.I was born in crickhowell hospital in feb 1960. My grandparent's Charlie & Glad Davies and they lived at Ffynnonau. Crickhowell is always in my heart and I'm proud to be welsh.
Thu Dec 11 15:42:22 2008
Anon
I have lived in Crick for 5 years and love the place, unfortunately my 16 year old daughter was beaten up by five youths in the town whilst celerbrating her GCSE results...
Sun Oct 19 16:50:22 2008
Betty Hoey Cardiff.
Sister to Val Harvard.Ilived in Crickhowell from the age of 9. left to do my nurse training at 17.That was in 1956 .I shared a room with Val Addis. I never returned to live there, much to my parentsdisappointment ( Charl and Glad Davies.But when I visit I feel a great love for the place.Having lost my husband over 9 years ago I have been very tempted to return there to live. But the property is too expensive. If anyone reading this remember me I would love to hear from them.
Sun Aug 31 13:58:54 2008
Patricia Woolfall Murrle, Andover
Hello Lorraine Ellis Cumbran,I Dont know if the Raymond ( your dad ) is the same one that I new He lived in Ffynnonau we liveed three doors uo from the family,they were a large family as we were some of their names, Terry, Lena, Roney, Doug,there was another sister but have forgotten her name. I see your last comment was 2006 hope you read this as it would be nice to know that I have the right family.
Sun Aug 31 13:47:26 2008
George Evans Pontypool
I visited the town yesterday as I do with my daughters who were born there, we visit the family graves in st Edmund's church also where we got married the town is still a lovely market town, but the life of working and living there has long gone I worked and lived there for years, as did my grandfather and father before me. I see my grandfathers house where my mother was born, in 1899 still empty...the daughters had their pictures taken outside yesterday we still love the town and get back as often as we can for a visit.
Fri Aug 22 14:30:52 2008
Patricia Woolfallmurrle
Hi John Addis of Crickhowell, Thanks for your comments I met you and Sue after so many years at Sally's wedding my niece (Vals daughter) we also went to school together sorry that Sue has not been well, please could you find out the meaning of ffynnonau, my daughter Tara Davies would like to know. Crickhowell will always remain my home the folk mean so much to me my children loved coming there to stay.
Wed Aug 20 14:20:53 2008
anon
crick is beautiful, i have lived here all my life. there is a serious lack of things for kids and teenagers, and a real loss of community feel. i remember the days when there were fetes in crickhowell high street carnivals from llangattock park and all sorts of things going on which the whole community would be involved with. unfortunately we have lost that as alot of houses are second homes and people who move here seem to create their own little communities with other new people. But it is no doubt a beautiful part of the world.
Wed Aug 20 09:07:13 2008
John Addis Crickhowell
Hi Patricia Woolfall yes Crickhowell was a safe place when you were a child. Its quite safe today, and we are so lucky to be born and brought up here and live in such a charming place, Val your sister is Susan, my wifes best friend, When we were kids all the local families were friends with one another and wonderful stories can still be told today.
Mon Aug 18 09:38:43 2008
Patricia Woolfall from Hurstbourne Tarrant Andover
I went to visit Crichowell three weeks ago and was taken as always with its charm,and felt so proud in once living there with my parents Charlie& Glad Davies brothers Clive Gordon, John sisters Val, Betty, Iris,Jennifer.I left 43 years after marrying my husband who was in the army only going back to visit now and again, for me growing up in Crickhowell was a safe place,and our home always full of love and respect for our parents.My sister Val Havard and her husband still live in Bridge Steet which have been their home for nearly 50 years lots of my school friends also still l! ive and have done very well for themselves( well done to you all)Crickhowell will also be in my heart.
Thu Aug 14 09:30:40 2008
Tara Davies North Yorkshire
My Mum is from Crickhowell and i still have Family in bridge St.Could anyone tell what Ffynnonau means?Also have Family in Aber. Doing the Family tree.
Fri Aug 8 09:19:37 2008
Peter Evans from Woking
For David Mears Abertillery : I too remember Elvicta Handtools and worked there for a few months in late 1966 while I waited to join the Royal Navy. You are right Ron and Rose were the greatest people on the planet but I would be biased as they were my parents. Sadly Ron passed away in 1995 and Rose the following year. I worked on Bob Candy's gang and remember Max well as he used to spend the whole year building the bonfire which was his pride and joy. I still return to my roots in Crickhowell but not as often, like many of my era there was little there to offer so I moved on. Many of the people I went to school with did the same and now the cost is too prohibitive to return on a permanent basis. It is still a great place but progress has taken its toll and I fear not for the better.
Fri Mar 7 14:54:50 2008
Sheila Deegan-French
I was born in Crichowell 1944 havent been back for many years hoping to visit this year. I lived in Glangrwyney with my family Brother Michael sisters Pat and Angela.
Sat Jan 26 17:03:51 2008
David Howell
I haven't chased my family tree back to this area, but, I can't help but think there is a link. There's something so familiar in the pictures I've seen. According to one source, our ancestor came from Aberystwyth (did I spell that correctly?).
Mon Jan 21 08:29:10 2008
Mark Powell from Chepstow
Can anyone remember my Grandfather Eddy Powell who was the local coal merchant around Crickhowell. We worked for years with Bill Ellis and lived next door to the Six Bells pub on New Road?
Mon Jan 7 08:34:58 2008
Dave Sharpe, Ebbw Vale
David Mears From Abertillery== Ron and Rose Evans were my grandparents and lived in Bryn-nant.He was a fireman and bird breeder.Crickhowell is a lovely place but the locals are being priced out of the housing market which is why i bought a house in Ebbw Vale.
Mon Dec 24 14:20:03 2007
Mike Chamberlain, Crickhowell
Readers of this page may be interested to know of recent improvments to The Clarence Hall. A new cinema screen has been installed together with a suround sound system. A high output projector and laptop computer, cared for by Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre, are also available to enable films to be shown in high quality sound and vision. Also visit our crickhowellinfo website for a comprehensive diary of events held in the Clarence Hall and other local venues, updated every month. Also on the site are full details of next Spring's Crickhowell Walking Festival.
Wed Dec 19 09:57:33 2007
Jocelyn Edwards- Hawke
Hello Crickhowell.This is Jocelyn formerly from 13-15 Bridge St. Hello John Addis - Read your comments here in Ottawa Canada about Crickhowell. I miss my home town, the River Usk and Table Mountain!
Tue Dec 11 09:09:08 2007
Martha
I go to their high school, It's great! I love it here!
Tue Nov 13 09:17:16 2007
Stephanie, London
My mother, Gaynor Louise Thompson,came from Crickhowell and I was born there in June 1964 but moved away shortly afterwards so I don't know the town well. Does anyone remember my mum?
Wed Sep 19 13:16:27 2007
George Evans, Pontypool
I was in Crickhowell two weeks ago while on holiday and visiting our old homeground looked up the street my mother was born in and my grandfathers house it was empty, bridge street no 28. It brought back a lot of memories of the family.
Mon Sep 17 15:58:26 2007
David Mears, Abertillery
I grew up in Gilwern near Crickhowell and started my working life in elvicta, what great memories I have especially for a fine man by the name of Ron he was a fireman had a wife called Rosie, a few of the workforce came from pen y fal there was Max the sweeper, Walter who talked to the voices, Dai the sander and many others, but Mr Gill the manager he was a proper gentleman, we used to drink in the corn exchange and I remember when decimalisation came in there were a lot of unhappy drinkers for a while.
Tue Aug 28 09:08:24 2007
Mayne Chesham Bucks
I love your town especially the BEAR HOTEL. Hope to visit again in the autumn.Have to wait and see if my friend from Guernsey can visit too as we are both getting old (hmm! got old) one can only do so much...I do love Wales.
Mon May 21 17:30:14 2007
Ian Phillips From Newport
Have lived here for 2 years, the primary school my daughters attend here is on the ball.
Thu Apr 19 09:35:54 2007
Chris Short from Ilkley
I have many good memories of Crickhowell in the 50s and 60s. My aunt, Joyce Short taught at the school adjacent to the church and we spent holidays with Ivor Lindsay the headmaster of the time. I remember playing the organ in the church. My aunt lived in Llangynidr with Mab and Mervyn Watkins. The Brecon canal was in disrepair then but there was talk of cleaning it up. Many happy memories of this beautiful area. Memories: remember eating Filbert Hazelnuts from the hedgerows; remember the old lime kiln workings up on the Duffryn(?) where Mr Lindsay taught me how to hit a golf ball down into the ferns in the valley below. Yes, many good memories.
Mon Mar 5 09:59:25 2007
George Evans
Lorraine Ellis, I knew your father and grandfather. They lived not far from me. I worked with your grandfather. Crickhowell is a lovely place.
Fri Oct 6 09:32:34 2006
Lorraine Ellis from Cwmbran
I love Crickhowell. My grandfather lived there for many years also other family members my fathers name was Raymond Ellis one day I would love to move there.
Thu Oct 5 09:00:31 2006
George Evans pontypool
I was born in Crickhowell as was my mother , my grandfather worked on the Glanusk estate for 40 years till his death in 1933. I was married in Crickhowell church in 1952 all my family are buried there. I lived on New rd and Ffynnonau when it was first built.I visit the town as often as I can. My last relative to live there died several years ago, his name Vincent Leslie. My mother's sister's son. I love the town and have fond memories of it.
Sat Sep 30 11:36:05 2006
Ian Moore, Llechfaen
We came to Crickhowell in 1995 and ran Ty Croeso Hotel for 10 years loving the town and its characters. Semi-retired now and living nearer Brecon we still come to shop in Crick. We don't think it is boring; for those wanting the crassness of Cardiff go and live there.
Tue Sep 5 09:25:46 2006
Mark Harris
I grew up in Llangenny a small village on the outside of Crickhowell. I have too many good memories growing up in that town to mention. I manage to get back from the U.S. to visit family about every two years, which is not really enough. Once I moved away from that area I really appreciated what the town and the surrounding area has to offer. Love going back, catching up and taking it easy.
Fri Aug 25 09:36:30 2006
Louise Thompson , Rugeley, Staffs
After 41 yrs I visited Crickhowell this summer and had a very enjoyable week looking round, driving up the mountains and finally seeing the place where I was born. I came home feeling very refreshed and armed with many photographs and a huge bag of sheeps wool. Looking forward to next year and another holiday. Going to try the horse riding next year! I could really see myself living there, it's very beautiful. Why did my mother leave!!
Mon Aug 21 09:51:32 2006
Tom Thirgood from Enniskillen
I went to the primary school at the bottom of Bell Lane from about 1950 to 1955 when I went on to the Grammar School in Brecon.
I still remember Boss Linsey at Christmas time with his deer's head on a pole pocking over the partition wall of Miss Powell's class. Everyone was so excited and cheered "the reindeer, the reindeer". I remember when I was in the top class, Mr Short selling biscuits at playtime from a big tin and I remember having a row for selling them at a profit in the play ground. I remember that it was Gaynor Leonard who "told on me". That was over 50 years ago. A year or so ago I met Edward Bromwell who was my "best friend". I had not seen him for over 40 years, but it was good to have some of my old school memories confirmed. I was from the country and for me Crickhowell was a real town although when I went to work in England many would have called it a village.
Fri Aug 18 09:34:38 2006
Mark Powell from Chepstow
Born and lived in Crickhowell up to 1979 when I moved to Chepstow with my work. Crickhowell is set in beautiful surroundings and I return as often as I can to visit family there. Unspoilt is a good word to describe Crickhowell.
Mon Aug 14 09:53:24 2006
Roy Russell. Ffynnonau.
Having being the manager/projectionist, and any thing else you care to mention regarding the Clarence Hall in the 1950s, with a great staff working for me, such as Mrs Brace as cashier, Mrs Harvard downstairs usherette, Mrs O'Brian working upstairs, I could tell loads & loads of stories regarding the Clarence Hall. My wife and I left the hall in 1964, when the cinema closed down, and moved to Ffynnonau, and like many of your correspondents would never like to live anywhere else. This is God's little heaven.
Sun Jul 23 19:54:14 2006
Graham, Crickhowell
I was born and bred in Crickhowell and it is and always will be a warm friendly place to live, unspoiled by modern day commercialism. That has a downside. It means that many of us locals have to travel to other areas to work every day as there are too few well paid jobs in this area.
Sun Jul 9 15:52:24 2006
Jerry, Llangattock
Crick is, on the whole, a great place to live, beautiful scenery etc. Some of the locals are a little bit "Deliverance" and are generally the troublemakers (drug taking, glassing people etc), whilst some of the folk that move there are a little too colourful for comfort (and harp on about their hometowns)..but it's generally a nice place to live. It appears to be a little bit more tatty these days (compared to for example Usk, which is always well kept and a pleasure to walk around).
The pubs in Crick have really gone down hill over the last 10 years.. the Cambrian now a furniture show room , The Beaufort with it's metal covers over the windows since it's closure, The Swan and Conservative Club being Crick's answer to Royston Vasey, The Six Bells has been turned into a house. There aren't many options left for those who enjoy a pint.
I used to compare Crickhowell to Totnes in Devon but no more. Driving through Crick these days is more like driving through Talgarth or somewhere equally bland. Let's hope the people of Crickhowell pull their socks up and return the town to it's former glory.
Wed Jun 28 12:16:18 2006
John Addis, Crickhowell
Another proud feeling of another grandchild being carried to Silver Lane play school, Jacob Addis, 6th. generation of Addis, walking down the same lane, I am certainly not bored of Crickhowell but proud of the Town as my family heritage.
Mon Jun 19 10:47:33 2006
John Addis, Crickhowell
Hi Louise Thompson, Crickhowell War Memorial Hospital was where you were born. Formally known as Greenhill House. An appeal fund in 1918 was started for the privately owned house to become a hospital. It was demolished in 1970.
It had a reputation for the best maternity ward in Breconshire. I was born there and my wife.
Everyone is born at Nevill Hall, Abergavenny now. On the site now stands, Sheltered Housing,
Health Centre, and an OAP home.
Tue May 16 13:26:45 2006
Louise Thompson, Rugely Staffs
I was born on the 4th oct 1964 at a maternity home in Crickhowell. I have looked for photos, information etc. but can't find any. My mum said it burnt down destroying records etc. yet there's no mention on this site or anywhere. Would really like to know anything however small.
Wed Apr 19 11:23:46 2006
Stephen Carter, Crickhowell
I moved here 11 yrs ago from London and I love the scenery, the river, canal and mountains. The lack of anything for youth to do is a let down, as is the fact that everyone in the town seems to want to know everyone else's business. It's a very clicky place, ie, here you need to know the right people in the right places otherwise you are nothing. Schools are terrible, and prices very high due to the fact there are no shops for six miles. Other than that I love it here.
Sun Jan 15 23:36:17 2006
Sue Widnall, Crickhowell
I had always lived in cities until we moved to Crickhowell 20 years ago. We were deciding between Cardiff and Crick and after sitting in the Bear looking at house details chose Crickhowell. It was the best decision we ever made and has been a beautiful place to bring up children.The primary school gave our children a great head start and we have made life long friends.Every day I am grateful for being so fortunate to be living in such a beautiful setting and friendly community.
Sun Jan 1 21:43:07 2006
John Addis, Crickhowell
For generations my family have lived in crickhowell and the proudest moment of my life was carrying my grandchild Ellie on my shoulders to the play school held in the silver lane play school (the old canteen to the now closed St Edmunds school) over 130 yrs ago my grand father went to St Edmunds school my sisters & brother also went to St. Edmunds (my dad went to Llangattock). The feeling has to happen to you you cannot explain the proud feeling of being part of Crickhowell.
Fri Dec 16 15:59:15 2005
Lily, Crickhowell
Crickhowell is great. I live here and go to school here so I get all the juicy stuff. It's also a great place to live. Everybody is friendly and kind. We also have all the shops we need to get veg, fruit, bread, and gifts.
Mon Nov 14 16:39:48 2005
Trevor Sewry from Llangatwg
I wish I could get around the town of Crick again. In 1982/3 I lived in Llangrwyne, opposite (as it was then) The Bell, with Glyn & Lyn. Unfortunately, whilst serving in the Fleet Air Arm on Ascension Island (just as the Falklands` War finished) I broke my back, then lost my legs. So, as a permanent wheelchair user (hand-draulic) not electric, I miss walking round Crick, having a quick half every now & then whilst my wife and children did the shopping. Enjoying the walk home again past Cwrt-y-Gollen - nipping into The Bell for another quick half while my wife got lunch ready. Still mustn`t grumble, I still drive into the mountains to sketch or take digital photos to play around with on my PC.
Sun Oct 23 20:03:30 2005
Darran (Not in Crickhowell)
Thank God I got away. Dreary little town with nothing more than annual duck race to look forward to. Its a good job Cardiff is only an hour away so you can escape the numbing inevitability which is Crickhowell life.
Mon Oct 17 14:16:50 2005
Mat Noblett
Crickhowell is extremely beautiful and this more than makes up for the fact that it is also immensely boring. If you are old and looking for a perfect place to while away uneventful days then our little market town is perfect for you.
Thu Sep 8 00:03:15 2005
Roger, Crickhowell
Crickhowell is wonderful. There are very few disadvantages to living here apart from the lorries driving through the centre of town, but at least they slow the traffic down!
Thu Aug 11 10:34:31 2005
Ann, Crickhowell
Crickhowell is a really good place to live. People come and they don't want to move away.
Thu Aug 11 10:31:26 2005
Steve Mogg
Thank God for Crickhowell.
Thu Aug 11 10:30:09 2005
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