It was only a short few years ago that the Cambrian Soft Drinks Ltd, then a part of the Greenhall Whitley group, produced pop and other soda water products from its plant on Park Road, says Ruthin marketing manager Sian Owen.
They were the last surviving company from an industry set-up in the early 19th century to take advantage of the extremely high quality water that lies beneath Ruthin, a natural resource the population had been drinking for centuries.
Indeed, the other major soda water producer in the town, R. Ellis & Son, who were established in 1825 and situated under what is now Maes Ffynnon housing estate, supplied Ruthin water to the Royal Family for many years.
Each company drilled boreholes to reach the water, which runs off the hills around the town and is filtered through the red sandstone bedrock on which Ruthin is built.
The Cambrian borehole, now on the site at Richard Williams' Builders, Park Road, still survives and it's from this that Ruthin Produce Market collected water to give away free during the Vale of Clwyd Heritage Weekend in September 2007, giving everybody the chance to sample it for themselves.
your comments
Mark A from St Helens
Oh, how I'd love to find a Cambrian soda syphon to remind me of my days growing up in Greenall Whitley pubs! Any offers?
Thu Jun 4 08:00:41 2009
Andy C from Llanrwst
I explore old mines in the Llanrwst area and found a Ruthin Soda Water Company bottle. It is clear glass with a green tinge, the bottom is rounded and the glass is reasonably thick. Anyone know of date and use of this type of bottle? This bottle is in perfect condition. In the same mine I found a small bottle Owbridges Lung Tonic, any ideas?
Tue Apr 7 10:11:13 2009
Lee, Salford
Cambrian Soft Drinks were the major sponsor of Salford Rugby League club in 1988 to 1990.
Mon Jan 26 08:45:40 2009
Andrew Williams, Anglesey
Ruthin Water, what a topic for all of us to be talking about but we must be proud of the glassware that we have, but not being one to boast but I think I can top the lot. I have a soda syphon (complete) even has the glass tube down the centre with all the markings as the rest of the items, has anyone found out if they are of value? My partner has cleaned it up and it looks nice filled with red water in it.
Fri Jan 2 10:33:18 2009
C. Peter from Llysfaen
Found in back garden, a clear glass bottle "The Ruthin Soda Water Co. Limited, Ruthin", with registered trademark of a prancing billy goat. Any ideas as to date? What were the stoppers made of? Any photos of bottles available anywhere?
Mon Dec 15 08:31:34 2008
Ken, Wrexham
I have found a brown bottle R Ellis and Son. At the top it says Ellis, under this is the Prince of Wales feathers. Under this is a billy goat and the words 'cymry am byth' and around the bottom Ellis and Son Ruthin. Would appreciate any information on age, history and value.
Mon Oct 6 13:44:44 2008
Chris Lloyd, Welshpool, Powys
I have just discovered a green glass bottle the shape of a rugby ball inscribed with R Ellis and Son, Ruthin. 'Manufacturers of superior aerated waters to the Royal Family.' Information on this bottle would be greatly appreciated.
Mon Apr 28 09:33:43 2008
Mr James W DeMell
Hello. I recently inherited one of your selzter bottles. I'm trying to find out some of the history and if it has any value. On one side of the bottle it has a billy goat that says CYMRU AM BYTH trade mark Registered Ruthin waters.On the other side It has Ellis's on top, then a crown with a lion on one side and a unicorn on the other, below the crown it says HONI.SOIT.QUI.MAL.Y.PENSE. Down below it, it says FDIEU ET MON DROIT. By Royal Warrant to His Majesty The King. Would appreciate any help you can offer.
Wed Mar 19 09:23:45 2008
C.R. Ellis, Wrexham
Indeed my great, great grandad was RE Ellis of Ruthin, of which I am very proud. It's ironic that water is big business now, and would have been a major player within the industry still today.
Sun Nov 18 16:27:13 2007
Jonathan Gammond, Wrexham
Wrexham had several companies (Chadwick's,and Zoedone are just two that come to mind )bottling mineral water and producing fizzy drinks. I wonder how many other Welsh towns have a forgotten heritage in this industry
Fri Oct 5 08:05:00 2007
Arwel from Congleton.
I spent two summer holidays from University working there. One thing that sticks in my memory (from around 1956?) was the exploding soda syphons. Thankfully they were behind a wire gauze protection screen. There was great atmosphere there, plenty of fun. My biggest problem was cycling from and to Henllan to get there for about 8.30am.
Thu Oct 4 15:01:48 2007
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