your comments
Glenys Mates nee Jones
Hello Pat, of course I remember you. I remember all of you. I left Cefn 43 years ago. I find it touching that you remember my mother so well.
Tue Mar 3 08:01:27 2009
Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
Peter Davies - can you get in touch with me via the BBC webteam. This forum will be closing soon.
Fri Feb 20 12:42:59 2009
Pat Savage nee Anderson, Cefn
To Glenys Mates, Preston. Hi Glenys it was lovely to see your name on this site it brought back happy memories. I wonder if you remember me? I lived with my grandmother Edith Daniels in High Street, Cefn (opposite the Chronicle Office). I remember you and your parents, I was really fond of your mother whom I knew as 'aunty Jones', she was my grandmother's best friend. I remember the sad day my grandmother told me your mother had passed away which I seem to think was around Christmas time.
Tue Feb 17 09:22:49 2009
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
For Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair. I am a relative to Tracy from America and I am really interested in this story you have about her great grandmother. I was wondering if you could email me this photo you have of her.
Wed Feb 11 09:50:45 2009
Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
To Tracey Butler, USA. I remember your grandmother Mrs Butler (as I knew her) very well. She came and visited her family some time in the mid-1950s and lodged with my family in Acrefair. I can well remember my mother and Mrs Butler corresponding after she returned to Philadephia and somewhere I have a photograph of her taken in the old Tabernacle Chapel Schoolroom with lots of children together with the members of the Loyal Plasmadoc Lodge, Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity. I seem to recall that she was related to the Machins - I have memories as a child of visiting Mr (old Jack) and Mrs Machin who lived in a tiny cottage adjacent Crane Street Methodist Chapel. Was the visit to scatter your grandfather's ashes on Coed-Richard? My mother told the story of how this package arrived from America and Mrs Machin inquired what it was, wouldn't have it the house and it was kept in the wash-house. If you want to contact me please do so through the webteam.
Thu Dec 18 08:48:57 2008
Glenys Mates from Preston
For Peter Thelwell. I am new to this wonderful site and do remember Gorfwysfa. I was in the band of hope. Are you on the group picture taken with all members? I do know the christian name of UPTON was Dennis from Russell Street.
Fri Dec 12 11:50:36 2008
Peter Thelwell
Anybody remember Gorfwysfa chapel?
Wed Nov 5 08:10:31 2008
Peter Davies
For John Hughes,Sorry for not being able to call you yet had a lot on. I will try and call you in the week if that is okay with you.
Wed Aug 13 07:47:56 2008
Trevor Jones (Australia)
On the top photograph 5th from the right back row is my father Gwilym Ivor Jones or G.I. to everyone that knew him and was a master baker for the Coop in Rhosymedre before leaving and working in Monsanto for a number of years before retiring. The 7th person from the right back row is my grandfather, Tom Jones, who lived in Trevor and was the blacksmith at Trevnant Brickworks in the 30s and 40s.In the front row 5th from the right is my uncle Glyn Jones who lived in Railway Terrace, Chapel Street and worked at Air Products Acrefair.
Mon Aug 11 14:03:34 2008
John Hughes, Ruabon
To Pete Davies, to keep the Choir theme going, I will shortly put up a Cefn Choir photo along with all the names from a programme. I will also show an 1898 Cefn Druids Welsh Cup winning picture, including R. Jones, in response to an earlier web request. Watch this space. For you and Tracey, I'm 1st J.S. in the phone book.
Wed May 21 08:24:24 2008
Sue Panton nee Jones
Graham Reece - did you work in the Co-op in Rhosymedre? If so I worked in the office the time on the switchboard and in charge of the Penny Bank, under the eye of Miss Griffiths and Mr Williams. (I think we went out once!) I can remember 'Phil the boots' who worked in the shoe shop.
Mon May 19 08:27:13 2008
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
John Hughes, Ruabon. John is there any chance I could write to your mother? It would help me and Tracy greatly to trace the family tree.
Tue May 13 08:49:36 2008
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
Hello Tracy, Thanks for the information about the Butler family. I would be glad to help you with you find out about your Welsh roots. My Taid did always say some of the family went to America and about Ena I remember one of my relatives mentioning that name. I would love to see some of those photos if that is okay. If it's possible could you send them to my email don't mean to be cheeky just really interested.
Thu May 1 08:30:35 2008
Tracy Butler from Rhode Island, USA
My grandparents, Wilfred & Letitia Butler, left Ruabon and went through Ellis Island with three boxes of glass photos. Pictures of family and scenes of Wales that are now a century old. My great grandfather was Charles Butler, a baker on Chapel St. My aunt Ena kept in touch with family better than my father, Charles Wilfred Butler. Until his death in 1973, my dad was a design consultant for the Concorde. My sister and I are very interested in our Welsh roots.
Web Team replies: Good to hear from you Tracy. Can you tell us more about the photos and any scenes they may show? Or perhaps you could email some to us that may be used on this site.
Mon Apr 28 09:20:07 2008
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
For John Hughes, Ruabon, wow that's great thanks =D I also spoke with Amy Douglas who wrote Memories Of Pontcysyllte who said she got in contact with your family. I have read the book and copied down the notes your mother had contributed and copied the photos too. It's just great to see what they used to look like and wear. Thanks again for your help, any other information would be great.
Fri Feb 29 15:20:55 2008
John Hughes, Ruabon
To Peter Davies. Just to make your quest more perplexing, there were two Wilfreds and one Wilfrid Butler from near Ted the butchers in Rhosymedre in two generations. Charles Butler, the baker had many children, Joseph, Annie, William, Wilfred and Windsor among them. Windsor won the Welsh Cup with Druids and played for Wales. We have his photos with the cup and W.W. Wynn's letters of the Wynnstay Arms first Welsh F.A. meeting. Quite interesting really. Wilfred joined the then exodus to the States in search for work. He had two children, Ena and Wilfred. Ena became a music advisor for a large area in America and used to visit frequently, glamorously dressed for those times. She married but had no children. Wilfred married and lost touch. Charles' son Joseph had another Joseph Wilfrid Butler, who became Cefn Choir's and Black Park's conductor. He was my taid, who married Bertha. Their children are Mary and the late, very dear Sheila Butler (Jones). If you want to see a picture of Charles and Ena as a young child, the next time you wander through Cefn, glance across to the gent on the horse and trap on the mural by the bank, for that is Charles, with Ena in the small seat, wearing a bonnet. The picture was taken from my mum's extensive picture collection of our family. She has a useful tree to accompany them. I hope this is of help and if you want to know more, drop me a line.
Thu Feb 28 08:47:05 2008
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
For William Russell Jones. Yes you're right sorry looked at the wrong Charles on my family tree lol.
Thu Feb 7 16:47:09 2008
William Russell Jones
For Peter Davies, are you sure Wilfred wasn't the son of Charles and Rachel Butler?
Wed Feb 6 08:52:45 2008
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
This is to John Hughes, Ruabon. Hey I found out that your grandfather Wilfred Butler was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Butler who are my great great grand parents. I was wondering if you have any information about the family as I am at a dead end with the family tree.
Mon Jan 14 14:37:08 2008
John Hughes, Ruabon
I am Mary Butler Hughes' son and would be happy to try to help Peter Davies in his search.
Mon Jan 7 11:39:48 2008
Gerald Bassett Jones, Cefn/Redditch
Peter, the news regarding Mary is not true, one of my friends in the Cefn Mawr area has recently seen her.
Wed Jan 2 10:10:48 2008
Peter Davies, Cefn Mawr
Hello um...the Butlers owned the bakery in Chapel Street. And as for the news about Mary Butler the lady who lives across from her is my Nain's friend who said that she has sadly passed away. If this is not true could you please email me and information. So that I can send her a letter and try and get in contact with her as she would help me greatly with my family tree.
Fri Dec 7 15:02:18 2007
Dave Hall - Yorkshire
My mother was born and raised in the Cefn as she called it. She lived at 10 Rock Place which no longer exists.Her father, William Francis Prodger, conducted a local choir and I have his baton.He died in the 1940s but I don't have a photo of him. I live in hope of finding one on a site like this...keep up the good work.
Fri Nov 16 15:15:41 2007
Graham Reece, Cefn Mawr now Stirling, Scotland
I lived in the top of Cefn, in Rock Lane, I don't remember the Cefn choir, but it's good to read about the old names and places. I remember Aunty Menna's Griffiths Store on High St and the shop on Cae Coch. I left "the Cefn" in 1971 returned for 15 yrs and left again to live in Scotland.
Mon Oct 15 08:40:59 2007
Christine Dukes, Acrefair
My father, Albert Dukes, is pictured in the photograph, a copy of which I have at home. My father died in 1950 when I was just one year old. I don't remember him and would like to hear from anyone who does. My mother was Hilda Dukes, my sisters were Heather and Hazel and my brother was Deryn. I was a founder member of Cefn Mawr Musical Society and Millward Jones, his son and his daughter were involved and we used to rehearse at Plas Kynaston in the early days.
Thu Sep 6 13:03:16 2007
Kath Jones/Roux
Peter Davies. Do you have any more clues that may help us trace your family?
Tue Sep 4 09:26:33 2007
Gerald Bassett Jones, Cefn Mawr, now Redditch
News for Peter Davies. The news you gave me re Mary Butler is thankfully not true according to reliable sources fom Cefn Mawr/Acrefair. I left the area in 1960 but still have many good friends in the area.
Tue Aug 21 10:15:07 2007
Peetey
Gerald B. Jones, Cefn Mawr and Redditch: You say you know Mary Butler. Could you please tell me more as she is my great Aunt and I would like to learn more about my family. Contact me.
Mon Jul 9 08:11:51 2007
Lauren, Ruabon
Does anyone have any info about the George Edwards Hall, Cefn Mawr?
Wed Jun 27 11:12:12 2007
Peter Cefn Mawr
Hey does anyone have any information about Mary Butler Hughes who is the conducter's daughter as she is one of my ancestors and could help greatly in finding more about where I came from. Please contact me - any info would be great. Thanks
Mon Jun 25 12:42:01 2007
Terry Sharpe,Rhosymedre
T.C.Davies is my uncle Tom from Mount Pleasant, Cefn Mawr.He was a wonderful singer. He passed away in 1975 and is buried in Trefnant.
Fri May 11 07:50:53 2007
Richard Evans, Penmachno
To Hanlon. I was interested to read of your connection to Share Jones, since he was my mother's cousin, so we must be distant relatives. You may or may not be aware that John Share Jones was professor of veterinary science at Liverpool University and there is still an annual lecture there named after him. He also endowed a lectureship in law in the name of his wife Mary. I know the family has links with the States. My mother was Eleanor Evans (nee Joseph) who lived all her life in Rhosymedre. She had an Uncle George who lived in New York. Are you part of that side of the family? I was born in 1947 and I just about remember rationing after World War II. My mother would receive parcels from New York which contained, among other rare items, huge bars of chocolate.
Thu Mar 15 09:38:18 2007
Margaret, Cheshire
To Gerald B Jones. Can't find Maelor Y.C. Choir page but would like to hear more about members of the choir. Hope you are well.
Mon Jan 22 10:06:51 2007
Gerald Bassett Jones, Cefn Mawr & Redditch
To Margaret Hughes et al who are old members of the Maelor Youth Club Choir, please enter your names on the F.R. Maelor Y.C.Choir page. I started it off ages ago but I'm still there on my own! Thought you'd all been called up aloft to sing!
Thu Jan 18 08:20:05 2007
Margaret, Cheshire
To Gerald B.Jones, Yes I was in the Maelor Youth Choir sometimes collected the subs on a Friday night. I remember Mr Butler who used to put us through our paces on a Tuesday and Sunday evening. I recognised several of the boys in the football team.
Wed Jan 17 07:14:49 2007
Hanlon, Tampa, FL, U.S.A.
My great grandparents, Mr and Mrs Share Jones, lived at Plas Kynaston. My grandmother, Nellie Manley (née Jones), would tell me anecdotes of her days as a child there. There is some connection, I believe, with Sir Watkins Williams Wynn, who was a sponsor of my great grandfather.
At one time, each of my greatgrandfather's daughters owned a shop in Crane Street, given to them by their father. One had a butcher's shop,(Emily and Joe Davies), another a haberdashery. It was all so long ago now, probably they are all forgotten. I do remember, however, visiting Cefn when the lamps were all gas - even in the houses. I also remember going to chapel with my aunts Ada (Williams) and Emily - we all sang lustily!
Tue Jan 2 10:04:23 2007
Peter
Hey does anyone have any information about Mary Butler Hughes who is the conducter's daughter as she is one of my ancestors and could help greatly in finding more about where I came from, please contact me - any info would be great.
Thanks
Mon Nov 13 13:59:06 2006
Janet Bottomley, Rhosymrdre
From left or right back row 5th person in is my father Percy Kempster.
Mon Oct 30 09:55:21 2006
Kath Jones/Roux
Jan Hughes, Your cousin Malcolm Taylor was my boss in Filmcap. He is a good friend of Brian, whose father is Reg Hayes that lived in Russell St(Lamplighter page]. (Brian's stepmother was my Great aunty Sally, sister of my Gran, Doris)
Mon Sep 11 08:17:30 2006
Peter Davies Cefn mawr
Gerald B. Jones, Cefn Mawr and Redditch. you say that you know Mary Butler..... SHe is one of my ancestors and was wondering if you had any information one her and the butler family if you have please contact me.
Tue Aug 29 11:25:45 2006
Bill Evans, Fron
To Jan Hughes, Cefn Mawr, yes lots of people including me remember the Evans family. Many is the time I listened to madame Bronwen-Evans Jones and her brother Ike perform the duet from Aida in a celebrity concert at the Baptist Chapel Fron. As for your father Oz,he was my mentor in the welding shop at Monsanto. He taught me all the tricks of the trade. Including how to get away with murder.He had a beautiful voice, although I only ever heard him sing at christmas after a few pints in the Railway inn. He was a one off and it was an experience and a privilge to work with him.
Tue Aug 29 11:23:18 2006
David Killck . Formby.
The Butlers and Milward Jones (Brian's father) no problem finding them. Failed to find Griff but his brother Harry is 6th from right second row. The photograph could be post '42 - David (Dai) Davies a choir soloist is absent - he went to the war 42/43. Dai's wife (94) still lives in Charles Avenue, Trevor.
Wed Aug 9 07:45:51 2006
David Hart
Heather Jones, Australia. I have seen your request for a better scan of the picture of Cefn Choir. I have a small copy of the same picture which I can send you, but will need your e-mail address. Perhaps the web team could forward it on to me, with your permission. The faces are clearer on the photo, and I can see your Grandfather, Great Grandfather and your Great Uncle on it. Your Dad mentioned that I would know them, and he is correct. I lived across the road from your Great Uncle Glyn, in Cae Coch. Your Grandfather, Gwilym Ifor, was in the Fron Male Voice Choir when I was with them, and many a time we would have a short duet in work. (Monsanto fumes permitting)! I will try to find another Cefn Choir photo with them on, and let you know.
Fri Jul 7 07:48:49 2006
Heather Jones from Australia
I'm wondering if I can get a larger scan of the picture sent by email by Mrs Hughes as I can see my grandfather, G.I. Jones, my great grandfather, Tom Jones (ex-blacksmith from Trefnant) and Glyn Jones, my great uncle. My dad, Trevor Jones, originally from Rhosymedre, is keen to see it too.
Wed Jul 5 09:54:16 2006
Pat Hill (nee Jones)
My father Morris Jones is on the phgotograph. We lived in Cae Coch when I was young, great times. Anyone with old photos of Cae Coch, Cefn etc please?
Mon Jun 5 09:44:49 2006
EDWARD HUMPHREYS ROBERTS FROM USA
my relatives are from this town ---
so the roberts and the jones in the picture could be related. caredwyn jones
and thomas roberts
Tue May 23 08:30:45 2006
Glyn Davies
Used to visit Cefn Mawr in the early 50s, to do a little courting and walking along the canal, a wonderful sight, going to the old picture house before going to the RAF in 56. Now back in the area don't expect to know anyone now, don't know if Edith is still around?
Thu Apr 20 13:30:04 2006
Peter Davies Cefn Mawr
The Wilfred Butler in the pic above is my ancestor and if any one has any info on him or his daughter Mary Butler Hughes please contact me as it is really hard to find info on them
Sun Apr 2 20:41:42 2006
Jan Hughes Cefn
To Kath Jones/Roux ex Cefn,
Did your uncle Reg live in `MAYSBURY` in Russell st ? I remember an old couple living there and now an old friend of mine lives there. You seem to think you know me but I can`t recall you, sorry ! I was born in 1947 and went to Ruabon Grammar school. Keep in touch x
Mon Mar 20 18:50:54 2006
Gerald.Bassett.Jones.,Cefn Mawr & Redditch
Re the the date of the photo of Cefn Male Voice Choir as submitted by Mrs Hughes.I think it is dated Sept./Oct.1944.I say this because I have a copy of The Wrexham Leader dated 13th October 1944 in which their is an almost identical photo of the choir in front of Plas Kynaston Hall.I say almost because the ``Leader`` photo has the addition of some local celebrities in the front row(Madame Bronwen Evans,Miss Kathleen Edwards,Miss Estelle Wright,Mr Austin Brown and Mr Vernon Wright,who says the caption have been entertaining wounded soldiers at the various hospitals during the past weeks with much success).The displaced choir members from the front row of the `official`` photo have fitted into the back and middle rows of the `Leader` photo.Also noticable on both photos is that Bill Pritchard and Gwilym Thomas(I think it is)are wearing kneck ties and not bow ties whitch I am sure was not normal practice.Therefore I`m fairly sure the `Leader`photo and the official choir photo as shown above were taken on the same day.My dear father is on both photos thus most of the choir members are of the generation above me and fathers to many of my friends.Also I notice because the above photo was taken before the end of the war no younger members are present which would be the case post 1945.Who is Mrs Hughes who posted the above photo??
Sun Mar 12 21:37:14 2006
Kath Jones/USA/ex Cefn
Jan Hughes, You should know my Uncle Reg and Aunty Sally who lived in Russell Street for many years. They both died during the mid eighties, but Reg the Lamplighter is the Uncle who is featured on this site. I know you are a little older than me, but I am sure that I should know who you are. My cousin Phil Evans used to live in the terraced houses just up the hill from 'Aunty Menna's' shop in the seventies. I was not related to Aunty Menna, but anyone who had a halfpenny to spend never left her unique shop disappointed.
Fri Mar 10 08:54:16 2006
Gerald Bassett Jones Cefn/Redditch
Hello Jan,
I left Cefn in 1960 and was brought up in King Street (in the cottage across the road from the Salvation Army, knocked down about 30 years ago). I am a lifelong friend of Dora Davies (nee Franks), Aunty Menna's grand-daughter and your cousin Malcolm Taylor, also knew his late parents Edwina & Noel. Your brother-in-law Howard is the same age as myself. He will most likly remember me. Regards, Gerald.
Tue Feb 21 16:47:29 2006
jan hughes, cefn
Hi Gerald (Redditch). Nice to know that you remember my family, but I`m afaid I don`t remember you. I was born behind the Co-op on the Crane, the youngest of 3, I have a sister Heather and a brother Eric; my mother used to take the Post out many years ago. Who is your family and do they still live in Cefn? I haven`t moved far from the Crane, I now live in Russell Street where I`ve lived for 43 years with my husband Barry (another Cefner), his mother was Ceri Hughes who used to live in Tabernacle house in Well St. Do you know his family? He is the middle one of 7 children, the eldest being Howard, aged 70 now. When did you leave? It`s very different now, Mrs Harry Hughes`s has been knocked down and the chip shop has gone as well!
No more Morris`s, Melias`s or Ethelstons!
Mon Feb 13 15:09:45 2006
Gerald.Bassett.Jones. Cefn Mawr,now Redditch
Hello Jan,yes I remember the Evans family,Os,Ike and Bronwen very often sang in the Celebrity Concerts in the `Old Hall`.I remember Os,living on the Crane behind the shops (Co-op was it?)I am fairly sure all the members of the choir in the photo apart from Mary have now passed on,although I`m not sure who the other lady is on the photo, unless it is Wilfred Butler`s other daughter?
Sun Feb 5 22:18:58 2006
jan hughes cefn mawr
Looking at the photo of the local choir my uncle Noel Taylor is there, I also believe my father James Oswald Evans and his sister Bronwyn were members; they sang together many times and had fantastic voices. Does any one remember the musical Evans family ? Sadly now all gone.
Sat Feb 4 16:53:49 2006
Len Salisbury Acrefair
To Donald Jones (Delph)glad that you popped in on this site but am surprised that even you could not recognise any members other than Millward Jones. Was this because he was the Youth Club Leader at Newbridge and used to referee our games in the Youth Club League down at Jean Williams's father's farm by the Tally Ho. I shall be submitting a photo of the Newbridge Youth team on the Cefn site shortly so keep watching.
Sat Jan 21 18:39:47 2006
Don Jones (Delph) Cefn Mawr, now Gainsborough
What a wonderful choir it was. It never entered competitions but gave many celebrity concerts. As a child I used to sit outside the George Edwards Hall with some friends and listen to the glorious singing. I remember several members of the choir, but apart from Milward Jones, cannot recognise them on the photo after all these years.
Tue Oct 11 20:24:01 2005
Phil hughes cefn mawr
nikie mulligan -Telford's aquaduct was built with stone from chattams quary cefn mawr
Mon Sep 26 22:53:09 2005
R Roberts, Cefn Mawr
My great granfather is in this picture not sure where, he was Mr O David Roberts, unsure what the O stands for either oswaldnor osbourne?
Thu Jul 7 17:45:52 2005
Angela Waller Cefn Mawr
Plas Kynaston Hall is just standing there, and nobody seems to care! It would make a fantastic centre for the community and to see it in its former glory with its magnificent listed staircase would be wonderful. I went there aged 3 to playschool....its a shame that Wrexham Council cannot look after it.
Fri Jul 1 10:54:23 2005
Nikie Mulligan from Wrexham
I would like to know more history about Cefn Mawr, Acrefair & Plas Madoc, if anyone knows any local history I would be very grateful.
Thu Jun 2 15:14:41 2005
Gerald B. Jones, Cefn Mawr and Redditch
I too have a copy of the choir photo and have been able to enlarge it quite successfully. Other members in the choir that I recognise apart from my father Charles Jones (the blacksmith, middle row 2nd right) are Sam Hughes, Buller Williams, Bob Fieldhouse, Bill Pritchard. Mary Butler also taught me in Cefn School during the war she couldn't have been any more than her late teens herself at the time, I think all us lads fell in love with her!
Mon Apr 18 15:29:03 2005
Len Salisbury, Cefn & Camberley Surrey
Joe Jones next to Mary Butler Hughes, Glyn Jones next to him. I wonder who took the picture, was it Vincent Jones? His father in in the picture.
Thu Feb 24 06:17:48 2005
Len Salisbury Cefn & Surrey
There is another picture somewhere of the choir, that I have seen. Maybe someone who reads this may have seen it. One of the members in the picture was Albert Dukes from Trefor.
Tue Feb 22 05:12:55 2005
Alun Salisbury - Cardiff
I saved the photograph to file then zoomed in. Unfortunately, you lose definition which makes identification difficult. It was, however, good to see Mary Butler Hughes, my old teacher.
Mon Feb 14 17:04:57 2005
Len Salisbury Cefn and Surrey
TC Davies, second row middle of picture and Harold Jones near St Paul's and Gwilym Ivor Jones Rhosymedre back row.
Wed Jan 5 05:07:24 2005
