The restoration of Ebenezer Chapel is part of the Cefn Mawr Townscape Heritage Initiative which was awarded a grant of £3.5m from the Welsh Assembly Government, Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the Welsh Development Agency.
your comments
Christine Madsen
For Alvin Price, Tarvin. Why was there an official opening of the Ebenezer in 1950s? My Mum went there in 1930s. She was in the band of hope. Pardon my ignorance! Can anyone tell me the names of the pubs on the High St in late 1800s-early 1900s please? My great, great, great grandfather was a boarder at 114 High St, the head of house was a publican. It cannot have been far from the oldest inhabited house in Cefn (110 High Street). I have been up the High St today to photograph this lovely labourers' cottage.
Mon Dec 22 09:00:03 2008
Denise, London
I have wonderful memories of Cefn from my childhood. I spent most of the summer with family and loved every minute. I still come back once a year (not often enough) and it is sad to see how run down the place has become - not the residential areas, they are looking tidy and most gardens I pass when walking around look beautiful - a nice change from the concrete jungle of the south! The main shopping area is a disgrace - I see the new cafe building is open now - it looks very nice - a little out of place given the state of the adjacent buildings, but if more money is secured to improve those then maybe more people would come back to shop. My family tell me they shop in Wrexham now, as you cannot get the things they need in Cefn - the likes of Gracies stocked anything you needed, and that is sadly lacking now in the area. I hope with the closure of post offices in the area that the village does not die, as it will be a shame for the future generations to miss out on what I took for granted when I was young, a proper village community with lovely little shops I couldn't wait to visit with my Nain and Taid.
Wed Aug 20 07:59:33 2008
J. Williams
Can someone please knock the Holly Bush down and the out buildings at the side? It is spoiling the hard work that's been done in Cefn and looks disgusting. Can we please have some more shops in Cefn as it is a ghost town? I still use my local shops but have to drive to Wrexham for most things but the older people don't have that opportunity. Are we having a new supermarket? Hope so - cannot afford to shop in Somerfield.
Mon Aug 18 08:54:45 2008
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
Went through Cefn on Thursday, the chapel extension looked pretty good, but oh dear, the rest of the high street...
Mon Mar 31 10:20:00 2008
Alwyn Price
Alun; Cardiff. Have now spoken to my elder sister who, despite her 92 years, remembers things that I have long since forgotten. She agrees that there was a colourful scroll on the outside wall in the vestry between the two windows. This obviously is the Roll that you are trying to locate. Will see if I can help.
Mon Dec 24 09:10:22 2007
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff, formerly Cefn Mawr
Alwyn Price, Tarvin – at long last I have been able to track down the video that we viewed during the opening ceremony back in July this year. It would seem that the video was made 5th November 1995 and covered, I suspect, the last service held at Ebenezer. As I said in my message 24th July, I suspect that that the Roll of Honour may have been displayed in the entrance porch. From the video evidence, which is indistinct, there is certainly something on the wall of the porch suggesting that this was its location. However, I'm still of the opinion that the Roll of Honour was located downstairs in the Sunday school. This is supported following a conversation I had with another prominent member of Ebenezer who agrees with me, and who incidentally appears in this video. The Roll also bears the following inscription: Roll of Honour - Ebenezer Baptist Sunday School - Cefn. The Roll of Honour appears in the video after a period of 38 minutes have elapsed, which is towards the end. It reveals that the Roll of Honour is not wall mounted but had been placed against a pew for the benefit of the camera operator. On the back wall of the Church there are a number of other photographs etc in frames. I have no idea what these are but suspect that these frames, together with the Roll of Honour may have been removed by elders of the Church at this time. In which case it may still be in a safe and secure place, but not where I believe it should be which is in a prominent position, in Ebenezer, for all the citizens of Cefn Mawr to admire with pride the soldiers of the parish, some of who lost their lives during The Great War 1914-18.
Tue Dec 18 14:51:56 2007
Neil, Stoke
Change is good and not to be feared! What's wrong with enticing new visitors to the Cefn? I'm sure with good exposure many visitors who holiday on the nearby canal will visit the site financially helping local businesses. Also it's better than looking at some shabby run down site it was.
Mon Dec 3 10:04:45 2007
Kath Jones/Roux
Alwyn Price, Tarvin, Uncle Geoff does have a commanding tone which echoes from the vestibule to the altar, and bounces off the stained glass windows to the ceiling. How he accomplishes this without raising his voice I have no idea. I'm happy that you saw my Aunty Ivy, but sad to say she died in September.
Mon Nov 5 08:40:06 2007
Alison Bowen (nee Jones {Twin}) Cefn
I love the new building. Me, my husband and our grandson go there very often and it's a lovely environment to sit down and have a cup of coffee etc. My Mam ( Mavis ) works in the fruit and veg shop (Kays) across the road and everyone in the shop loves the new building. I know the building cost a lot of money but hopefully this is the start of a regeneration programme that can do nothing only enhance the area, and God knows it needs it. I would like to commend everyone involved in this project for doing such a good job and resolving all the issues associated with it.
Fri Sep 21 08:18:10 2007
Michelle in Cefn Mawr
In my opinion it's a waste of money as it will probably get vandalised but at least the council are attempting to make Cefn a better place for the community, hopefully it will last.
Thu Sep 13 08:23:09 2007
Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
As far as I can see the development is a genuine attempt to improve Cefn and its community. Putting the nostalgia to one side and reflect on the area as a whole you only have to read the other local sites and you will see that Cefn is not the only village that is trying to come to teams with its present situation. Rhos, Coedpoeth, Brymbo and many more are all a shadow of their former selves. This is partly down to the demise of the local industries like coal and steel and as been going on for years. I, for one, welcome any change that improves a community, a flower bed to an old church which, incidentally, had not heard a prayer for many a year. As for vandalism? Well CCTV has a proven track record in reducing such crime as does the "Bobby on the Beat". Perhaps CCTV could be the next step?
Wed Aug 15 12:54:52 2007
Alwyn Price,Tarvin
Hi Kath, Met your uncle at the offical opening of Ebenezer. I was one of his Deacons in the 1950s and can honestly say that he has not changed at all. Listening to him talking at the opening with eyes closed, it could have been 1955. Comments he made about the new toilets confirm he has lost none of his humour. Ivy also looked well after all her illnesses. I just regret his stay at Ebenezer, being his first church, wasn't a happier one.
Mon Aug 13 16:19:06 2007
Kath
Does anyone remember my uncle Rev Jeff Jell? He was the main preacher for Ebeneezer Chapel when my Aunty Ivy was sick with tuberculosis. My aunty was married to Ronald Roberts who died of the same disease in Cefn.
Mon Aug 13 09:58:48 2007
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Alwyn Price – As a child, I seem to recall something resembling the Roll of Honour located in one of the two downstairs vestry rooms. On reflection, something as important as the Roll of Honour would have demanded a more prominent position than this. If not in the main chapel perhaps it was located in the entrance porch! It would help if the DVCP video was studied for it clearly shows the Roll of Honour and memorial tablet of the Diggory family, which I suspect you know is also no longer displayed at Ebenezer. On the day of the presentation, I was unable to stop the video to view it in detail for it was running in the background whilst the introductions were made by the various speakers. So I think the first port of call is to view the video which I am certain will provide a clue as to the Roll's original location.
Tue Jul 24 08:57:43 2007
Alwyn Price, Tarvin
Hi Alun, Can you enlighten me on your comments on the "Roll of Honour" which you remember in Ebenezer. Despite attending for over 20 years and having discussed it with a number of other ex-members, we cannot remember any roll of honour. The only things we can remember is that, either side of the chapel there were two arches, which have been retained, under one was the clock and under the other was a memorial tablet to one of the Diggory family. Can you tell me where the "Roll of Honour" was situated? It would make a lot of other ex-members happy!
Mon Jul 16 10:37:34 2007
Frances, Hampshire
I can safely say that I grew up in Ebenezer. I was there almost every night of the week, with my mother who played a prominent part in the Women's Guild and the young people's guild and of course the Sunday School. My grandfather, Mr George Wood, was a senior deacon and his son and daughters (Ernest, Ethel and Annie) also became in their turn leaders of the church. My sister and I were of course baptised there and she was married there by the Rev Arthur Edwards.I was present at the opening of the new centre. I feel as most people do that it is good to see the building in use. However the glass front is (I feel) not in keeping with an old industrial village built mainly of sandstone and red brick. Time will tell. I do agree with Kath Jones that no doubt locals with too much time and little in the way of leisure opportunities may try to deface such a lovingly cleaned building.I hope not! It was lovely though to see so many faces, so little changed, at the opening.
Mon Jul 2 15:04:19 2007
Paul Tincello
Thanks to all the former congregation members of Ebenezer for the positive comments after your visit on the 22nd June 07. It was lovely to see so many people and listen to so many memories too! So many of the positive comments has lifted the DVCP's spirits both staff and volunteers after whats been a year of criticism. Thank you.
Alun it is disappointing that the roll of honour has not been preserved. I came into the building for the first time almost two years ago and there was nothing left on the walls or on any of the floors sadly. The building has changed hands several times since its closure and during this time all the fixings had been removed including the pulpits and the lovely ornate balustrade on the balcony. I was fortunate to be asked to attend St Paul's Church in Acrefair before its closure. We had the opportunity to take photos and liaise with museums and libraries for items such as their roll of honour to be preserved. It would be wonderful if it did turn up as a result of your enquiry but I don't hold out much hope sadly. On the positive side we are getting a lot of people calling in now with old photos and artifacts. Thank you all again.
Mon Jul 2 09:38:53 2007
Alun Salisbury Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
I also was one of the "old members" invited to preview the completed project, and concur with the previous correspondents. The D.V.C.P. is to be congratulated on such a sympathetic approach in utilising many of the existing fittings in the restoration of this fine building. I was, however, dismayed to note that the Roll of Honour is missing. The Roll of Honour commemorates the men of the parish who served, together with those that Died of Wounds or were Killed in Action in the Great War of 1914-1918. On making enquiries I was informed that its whereabouts was unknown but that it was not in the chapel at the beginning of the project. This I find extraordinary, particularly as the D.V.C.P's video footage clearly shows the Roll of Honour at the commencement of the project. Should anyone know of its whereabouts, or the person who has the Roll of Honour, I would encourage them to return it to the chapel, where it can once again be displayed in its rightful place and viewed with pride by the citizens of Cefn Mawr.
Fri Jun 29 15:32:39 2007
Ken Williams, Ruabon
I can't understand the criticism of this wonderful project that will hopefully be the centre of Cefn's regeneration. It should be the centrepiece for a plan to create a whole new community with shops and services rather than the large housing estates with no identity that we are seeing mushroom up across the area.
Tue Jun 26 08:31:20 2007
Don Parrish, Johnstown
Having just been given the opportunity by DVCP to view the completed project, I can only congratulate everyone concerned on turning an old, tired building into a useful item. Nice to see a church renovated rather than demolished. Lets hope this is the start of regeneration work for other buildings in the village of Cefn Mawr. May the work of DVCP in the village continue to reap similar improvements.
Tue Jun 26 08:17:59 2007
Charles Alwyn Price
Congratulations to the D.V.C.P. After all the "stick" which you've taken, your finished product is magnificent and you can hold your heads up high. The sympathetic way in which Ebenezer has been restored is excellent. As an "old member" of the chapel it was so pleasing to see so many of the original features maintained and the wonderful refurbishment of the windows. Well Done.
Sat Jun 23 14:17:31 2007
Gareth Valentine, London
Hi Peter, I'll be adjudicating at the Llangollen Eisteddfod this year - come and say hello?
Tue Jun 5 10:49:37 2007
Kath Jones/Roux USA ex Heol Cefnydd
Why do the people who are so proud of Cefn (and quite rightly so) sign Anon? Everyone is entitled to their opinion, what are you afraid of?
Tue May 1 11:19:59 2007
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
Hello Gareth - good to hear from you! The High Street you remember would have been the same as I ('60s). It's just so sad to see the difference today. The comments here and on the other Cefn pages show how proud the people feel about their village, and I'm amazed how popular the Cefn site is when compared to the others. Keep up the posts. Peter
Tue Apr 24 14:19:10 2007
Yvonne Pryce, Acrefair
On Good Friday, there was a walk of witness for all Christian denominations in the area. About 60 people walked from Ty Mawr through to the Methodist Church in Rhosymedre, singing and praying at various points along the way. One of our stops was in the square at Ebeneezer and I have since been told that we are the first organised group to use this space. It felt good to be able to meet as a group within this space, and not have to worry about the danger of passing traffic. I hope that the whole project is a success and that Cefn really is regenerated.
Fri Apr 13 08:32:00 2007
Paul Tincello, DVCP Manager
Hi Alwyn,Sorry we have not responded sooner to your enquiry.The opening of the Ebenezer centre has been delayed due to some internal damage to flooring as a result of the inclement weather in January 2007 and an ingress of water. The building itself will be leased to the Dee Valley Community Partnership by Wrexham County Borough Council once the corrective work has been completed. I would very much like to talk to you about the work of the DVCP so please give me a ring on 01978 814920.Once we have taken receipt of the keys we are hoping to arrange for any members of the former Ebenezer Chapel congregation to come in and view the refurbishment.
Thu Apr 5 10:49:18 2007
Alwyn Price
Does anyone involved with the Ebenezer project ever look at its website? There is never any response to questions about the opening dates!
Fri Mar 30 11:34:35 2007
Gareth Valentine, LONDON
Gosh, I came across this new development by chance on the web. Having lived in Cefn until 1975, I remember a high street bristling with activity. Now it seems moribund and depressed. I'll make a point of passing by in the summer. We have a similar conflict in London where the present mayor is building 'high and big' meeting with voices of dissent and approval. Of course the design of Ebeneezer is sensationally incongruous but the main tenet of the other voices here is sanguine - better to have a new community development than the present decay.
Fri Mar 30 07:42:03 2007
Rob Webb, Wellingborough
Having visited Cefn Mawr recently it will be an asset to the community, help to revitalise the village and give a place for groups to meet.
Thu Mar 15 14:07:44 2007
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
I have read with interest the differing views in this thread. Having moved away from 'home' some years ago, and only visiting occasionally perhaps I am in a neutral position to see both sides of the argument. Judging by the photos (I haven't seen this in the flesh) I have to say it does look different to its surroundings, and not in keeping with the existing architecture at all. First impressions are I don't like it! But just think how the High Street looks in general - and has done for years, are people happy to let most of it rot. Cefn was a proud place once, and still is in the hearts of locals. Whilst Ebenezer development might not follow the same style as its surrounds, surely we can't deny investment in new buildings and architecture. Funding for such projects usually has to comply with rigorous criteria, and importantly sustainability of the project will be high on the list. Simply restoring the old building may not have been enough to attract funding - what future use would it have. Bearing in mind the state of the High Street, perhaps this is just the start of regeneration. Cefn needs more than just the old shops that used to line the narrow kerbs and were once so busy. We all know where most families do their shopping these days.
Tue Mar 6 14:20:41 2007
Anon
I think that what people have to understand is that we are now living in 2007 and believe it or not we have to start to move with the times sooner or later. I think this is an improvement for our village as it is a sign that we are moving forward and not just reminiscing on how things used to be. I have lived in Cefn all my life and it's about time we dragged ourselves out of the Dark Ages. And I'm not being funny but I would rather see this when going through the high street than any more boarded up shops.
Fri Mar 2 12:51:33 2007
Mike Crawshaw
I think the new look Ebenezer Chapel looks fantastic. As for the money being better spent on something else, it was Heritage Lottery money and if it wasn't spent in Cefn it would have gone to a similar project in Cardiff. Well done to the people who managed to get the money for Cefn. As for the graffiti, yes some inconsiderate little person with no respect for the community will probably try to spray it, but walking through Cefn the other day I noticed several 'junk food' containers lying within a few yards of the new bins that have been put in. Whose fault is that? The people who put the bins in or the parents that have allowed their kids to think that dropping litter is ok? We can't let these sort of people tell us that nothing new is going to work. What they mean is - we don't care. At least the attempt to do something with the chapel is better than doing nothing, and I'd rather talk to you people who might disagree with me for honest reasons, at least you're concerned with the future of Cefn. What I can't stand are those who write off any attempt to make Cefn look better.
Mon Feb 19 11:03:09 2007
Anon
I also agree with Peter Davies. Even my Grandma thinks it's a total waste of time. Within a week there's bound to be something like soso is g*y graffitt-ed.
Wed Feb 7 08:23:00 2007
Alwyn Price, Tarvin
Has anyone any news on the Ebenezer project? It must be nearing completion and I would not wish to miss the opening.
There have been a number of exCefnites asking me for info.
Mon Jan 8 10:42:03 2007
Alan Roberts, Dolgellau ex Trefynant.
Ebenezer - another case of self satisfied people boosting their own egos. Were the people of the district consulted before the village was closed down to build this? Surely £3.5 million could have been used to better effect than this monstrosity? I know Cefn has gone downhill, but a child with crayons could have designed something better. An insult to the Cefn.
Mon Jan 8 10:23:38 2007
Ellen, Cefn Mawr
Miriam...you would want this project as it is keeping you in a job! I do know the group that are managing the project, and from the other comments in this section the people of Cefn do not want this building! The glass front is not in keeping with the village and the people of Cefn and the surrounding area were not fully consulted. With regards to 'anonymity' sometimes our place in the community restricts us from having Freedom of Speech! If money is available for local busineses...have the DVCP informed the local businessmen and women about the available money? My understanding is that they haven't. Refurbishing the chapel and keeping it as it was would have been no problem to most people, but to add the monstrosity of the 'armour plated glass' is just totally unnecessary. Can I ask, does Miriam actually live in Cefn? Speak to the local people...the DVCP will have you believe that we are over-joyed...the comments tell a different story.
Thu Oct 5 12:34:13 2006
Don Jones (Delph), Gainsborough
I must admit that when I saw the artist's impression of the addition to Ebenezer Chapel I was not very impressed. However I was in Cefn Mawr a week ago and saw the building now that it is nearing completion and found it to be rather attractive. Cefn Mawr has deteriorated so much in the past that more work like this can only improve the appearance of the village.
Thu Oct 5 08:34:33 2006
anon
If money is available, why can't all the old buildings and eyesores be demolished. Replaced by modern units, landscaping and car parking facilities? Not replaced by white elephants to house already existing buildings and offices. Cefn is an eyesore that needs a serious facelift.
Mon Sep 18 10:15:48 2006
Ian Edwards, Cefn Mawr/ Trevor
Having been Cefn born and bred, you can appreciate that I have stuck up for the Cefn many times, but enough is enough. I can't understand how the new development of the Ebenezer Chapel can be an improvement, it is totally not with the keeping of the rest of the village, the money could have been better spent elsewhere. The village has been running down for years, and then all of a sudden we have this modern looking building, costing so I’ve been told, millions of pounds. Would it not have been possible to construct a stone building with all the modern facilities that may be needed, I think the money spent on one building is a waste. I'm open to be proven wrong so let's see, but to my mind it's going to be a "White Elephant". I totally agree with Peter Davies that there is always the small minority of people who will cause disruption for the majority, but this disruption also adds costs and who pays for that, us the local community. As for Miriam's (?), mention of photo's and video's I'm not sure it will be enough to satisfy people with the loss of the original building.
Mon Sep 18 09:46:54 2006
Miriam, Cefn
To answer Kirst-ed Trevor, as far as I am aware a lot of work is being put in to collect photos, videos and other memorabilia from local residents to display at the chapel therefore keeping the history very much alive for future generations. The chapel is being restored so not sure what she means by that! There were not enough people attending to keep it as a chapel. Vandals will find it much more difficult to destroy the glass in the chapel than they did the mural that DVCP put up in the centre of Cefn as I think it is toughened glass and I heard a rumour that it is the same glass that is in the pope's car! As for doing up the shops Peter, there is money available for this through heritage lottery but no one seems to want to apply for it!
Mon Sep 11 15:37:25 2006
Dave Edwards
Peter Davies - Are you saying we should pander to vandals and not build anything new on that basis? That's absolutely ridiculous. Once we start letting the ignorance and the bad behaviour of others dictate the way we live then the game is lost. Shall we replace the panes of glass in the windows of our homes with bars? The chapel is underway so why not get behind it? It may not be to everyone's taste but despite reservations about its new character, is it not better than the sad and derelict shell it had become?
Fri Sep 1 09:25:43 2006
Kirst ed - trevor!
Peter Davies is right! What a total waste of money! Yes, Cefn needs the life putting back into it but in a better way! Restoring the chapel would have been a better plan! Keeping the history of Cefn!
Thu Aug 31 15:02:32 2006
Peter Davies Cefn Mawr
I think that they should have restored the old chapel to its original glory rather than addin the extra bit on. it won't last long as ya can see from that wooden painted wall. I give it a week until the glass is smashed! The money could have been put to better use by bringing in new businesses to occupy the borded up buildings.
Tue Aug 29 11:26:59 2006
Rhian Newton (Errington-Evans) Acrefair
Someone asked about American Hill. My Grandmother told me about the name in the 60s. A young woman left Cefn and went to America where she made her fortune. She returned to Cefn where she opened a shop that became known as America Shop. So the hill became America Hill. She had enough money to build a large house on the Crane which she left in her will as a Manse for her Chapel and all her money.
She had taken in an orphan and the orphan girl worked hard for her and acted like a daughter, nursing her up until her death. My grandmother was scandalised that the girl was left nothing in the will and the chapel put the girl out on the street.
The house is still standing, it is called Bryn Teg and is the house nearest to the Flexsys works. My father-in-law Donald Newton was brought up in the house. He told me that when he was young his mother used to clean the brass candlesticks in the morning and they would be green by the evening due to the chemicals that just belched out of the Graesser/Monsanto works.
Fri Aug 18 10:57:05 2006
Bill
Not having lived in Cefn, but from across the river in Froncysyllte. My memories of Ebenezer Chapel are only in its name. Always brought back memories of "A Christmas Carol" having the same name as the Christian name of Scrooge. What is more important was its close vicinity to the best fish and chip shop in the world. Walking home to Fron along the canal towpath eating a gourmet's delight. Fish and Chips from Evans's. Chips 6 pence, fish 6 pence. Evans's was one of the seven wonders of Wales. Much more important than Ebenezer chapel. Who disagrees?
Mon Aug 14 09:16:16 2006
Alwyn Price, Tarvin
Could anyone please tell me if there is a 'completion date' for the Ebenezer project?
Mon Jul 31 10:59:32 2006
Lesley McLaughlin from Greater Manchester
Can anybody tell me anything about Eldred Horace Girdlestone who was minister here in the late 19th century?
Mon Jul 31 09:38:44 2006
Phil Hughes, Cefner
To Miriam well spoken. The Cefn needs some life putting back into it, not left to rot.
Tue Jul 18 09:46:47 2006
Miriam, Cefn
It is such a shame when people leave comments annonymously. Actually its cowardly. Its also a shame that a certain element (minority I have to say) of the local community continue to pour scorn on the restoration of the beautiful Ebenezer Chapel building. The work being carried out has been done by the heritage lottery/CADW and Welsh Assembly government and has to be done to strict guidelines. This money could not have been spent elsewhere. An eyesore? Hardly. Maybe the person too cowardly to leave their own name would prefer the building to continue to rot like it has done for the last 20 years. This person may also do well to contact the people involved in the restoration before making incorrect statements. The building WILL be attracting business to Cefn and its success will eventually come down to the local community supporting it. If it is not a success then it is down to us in the local community.
Fri Jun 30 15:45:46 2006
Anon: Cefn Mawr
The chapel development beggars belief. To take an old historical building and turn it into a modern monstrosity is truly wrong. It is strongly opposed in Cefn Mawr because of the disruption to local businesses. Could the money not have been better spent? It is already proving too small for the purpose! Whilst people in the village want their village to be preserved and refurbished, the money could have been spent on bringing business into Cefn Mawr...instead of turning into some hideous ghost-town! It is always the way...people who do not live in such areas always have the best opinions and know what's 'best' for local people. The least said about this unwanted eyesore the better. Let's see how long it lasts!
Thu Jun 29 14:37:19 2006
Alwyn Price, Tarvin
Info. for Len Salisbury; Names associated with Ebenezer Chapel; George Clarke (Clarkey) R.I.Jones, Will Wright, Charlie Price, Harold Jones, George and Ernie Wood. Reg Jones (the Post) Jack Cartwright, I could go on for ever but let me know if you require more.
Fri Jun 23 07:59:18 2006
Tim from Cefn
Peter for info on the heritage trail see www.crnca.org.uk
Tue Jun 20 08:01:26 2006
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
I whole heartedly agree with Kath that the new development is not vandlised by mindless hooligans. Notwithstanding the well intentioned and probably necessary improvements to the area, the photos do paint a sad picture of a once thriving 'High Street'. Even in my day (the 1960s/70s) and probably beyond, today Cefn is a shadow of its past. I hope that the people now living in the community appreciate the vitality and enthusiasm of its former (and current) 'sons and daughters'. I heard there was a heritage trail in Cefn, can someone provide any further info please.
Mon Jun 5 09:47:24 2006
Kirsty ed - trevor
All I can say is the money could be used better.
Mon Jun 5 09:30:25 2006
Len Salisbury, Acrefair
I remember going into the cellar of the chapel during the war for safety and being guided by Mr Ffoulkes who was the local ARP warden who used to live in Mount Pleasant. Mr Ffoulkes died watching a football match at Wrexham. The first minister that I recall was Rev. W Arthen Edwards who was a relative of the late David Emlyn Evans of Well Street and Hill Street. Other people that I recall who were members were TA Price and Will Wright. I have some other names in my memory that were associated with Ebenezer and they may come to light later.
Mon May 8 10:50:11 2006
Kath Jones/ Roux USA
Ebenezer Chapel holds many good memories, especially Rev Jell, (my Uncle) but my only hope is that the hooligans of the area will not destroy all the hard work and dedication of the people who are trying to improve Cefn for the younger generation.
Mon May 8 10:41:03 2006
