your comments
Rene Jamieson, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I lived in Machynlleth from 1940 to 1945 (my parents had sent me away from Birmingham because of the bombing, and I lived with my maternal grandmother.) I always tell people that I'm probably the only person they'll ever meet who has any reason to be grateful to Adolf Hitler! From the age of three to the age of eight, I lived in that beautiful town, nestled in its green bowl of hills, and every summer thereafter until we emigrated to Canada when I was fifteen, I spent my holidays in Mach. I scrambled all over Pen-yr-allt, wandered over Wylfa, spotted trains%! 20at the station, started school, saw my first films at the Powys Cinema and took my first ballet lessons in Owain Glyndwr's Parliament Building! We went to Tan House for milk every day, and swam at Gravel Corner in summer. We picked hazel nuts, rosehips and blackberries in The Garth (the rosehips were made into cough syrup by Nain, and the blackberries - those that actually made it home - were made into jam).We shopped for groceries at Dicko's on Maengwyn Street and treated ourselves to cream-filled buns at the Afonia Bakery, and visited my great-grandmother Emma Eliza Portlock at Mena House on Pentrehedyn Street. Granny Portlock was for many years Machynlleth's oldest inhabitant, a title that ! she treasured!
Thu Oct 8 10:14:05 2009
Bob Owen, Plymouth
I am saddened to read some of the comments sent in by people living in Mach. I'm not criticising what they are saying, I'm just sad to hear that this old place, I have such happy memories of and love so much has changed, in some way for the worst. But sadly it is much the same everywhere these days. I read about the boy racers taking over the place, well you are not alone, it is the same here in a big city like Plymouth. The young people say its because they are bored, but then when I was young and living in Mach, there were times when we were bored too, but we found and m! ade our own enjoyment and tried not to make life difficult for others. We loved playing in the Plas and I share the many views, that the people of Mach should have the say in what the place is used for. But I do sympathise with the younger people wanting more. activities and things to do, perhaps the older generation and the town council ought to listen to the younger people of Machynlleth town and hear what they have to suggest as to what might be done. You would probably be surprised to find that they have some great ideas. I know I moved away, but I love to come "Home" and that's what Mach always will be to me.
Tue Feb 6 16:38:09 2007
Robert Owen, Plymouth
I've enjoyed looking at all the photographs of Mach, it was great to remember all the good times I had growing up in Mach. I moved there from Treherbert in south wales in 1948 when my father started work for the Machynlleth council as a Plumber.We lived in Cynlas House in Maeyngwyn Street when we first mived there and later moved to No 9 Cae Crwn. I went to Mach Junior School Mrs Jones "The Bowling Green was my first teacher, then Miss Venables later moving to Mr ....... sorry I can't rmember his name right now but he use to teach basket weaving as a hobby lesson. Then off to Mach High School in 1955.They were great years I enjoyed them all and school too. I must come "home" soon and see all my old friends again. Bye for now.
Sun Feb 4 11:16:15 2007
Robert Owen from Plymouth
Yes I know Machynlleth very well. I was brought up there I lived there for 17 years from 1948 to 1965. I joined the Royal Navy in 1960 but my parents continued to live there in Caecrwn. I got married and lived in Plymouth from 1965, my parents Ron and Gwen Owen came to Plymouth in 1972 to live near us. I went to mach Junior School and then to Machynlleth High School from 1955 to 1960. I have been back to Machynlleth many times and we had a brilliant school reunion 1995. I have many friends there still and look forward to seeing them again this summer (2007) when we shall be coming back for a few days. I have all happy memories of my life in Mach, it was all good including my school days. I have vivid memories of my younger days, playing care free in the countryside with my pals aand having nothing to fear from anyone. I can remember well, the hours and hours I spent fishing at Felin Gerrig and on the Dovey river oftenncycling miles into the country to fish opn some quiet stream that did not often get fished.The Machynlleth Web site is great. It might be an idea if it had some means of getting in touch with old friends who still live there. It was and still is a great place with great people. It will always have great memories for me and always be home.
Sun Feb 4 11:14:05 2007
April Powell from Machynlleth
The Celtica is now closed.What a shame. My grandma used to love it there.
Tue Jan 9 09:22:27 2007
Laura Holt from Machynlleth
Well a lot has changed with the railway now since Mr Hankey was on the trains in the 50's. The trains still run from Birmingham New Street thru to Machynlleth and beyond for Aberystwyth and Pwllheli. There is plenty to do here at machynlleth with many b&b's for visitors 8 pubs a rugby club, plenty of places to eat and shop. The river is a short walk from the heart of the town where the clock stands. and regular trains run from machynlleth making it easy to visit for a day out. there is the leisure centre, celtica, owain glyndwr buildings. Also not far away there are sandy beaches to the north and pebbled beaches towards aberystwyth once beyond borth. there is an animalarium at borth too which is a fun day out for all the family. I moved to Cardiff and missed Mach so much I moved back after 6 months. It is ideal for a break away with friends or family. But it is best to find out what local attractions are available during the year and where they are as you will either need to drive, go by bus, train or taxi.
Wed Feb 22 18:59:41 2006
David Hankey, Great Easton, Leics.
I remember Machynlleth very well on train journeys on the "Cambrian Coast Express" from Birmingham to Aberystwyth with my parents and brothers in the '50's.
We used to travel from Leicester to Birmingham New Street, walk over to Snow Hill ready to catch the train to Aber.
We also had to remember, in all this excitement, to board the right half of the train as one half split at Dovey Junction to go north to Harlech, Portmadog and Pwllheli whilst the other half carried on to Aberystwyth.
Halcyon days never to be forgotten.
Thu Sep 15 09:12:10 2005
Do you know Machynlleth well? Where's your favourite place? Add your comments here - or send your photos to wales.mid@bbc.co.uk:
