Growing up in Caerwys

Last updated: 01 June 2009

Keith Mitchell, who now lives in Rhyl, recalls happy times growing up in Caerwys - and other people now share their memories.

• Old photos

your comments

Michael Georgieff Jones, Dyserth
I was born in Caerwys in 1943 and the grandson of Vangel Georgieff who founded the cement works in Caerwys circa 1900. His wife was Jane Georgieff (nee Hughes). They lived in Myrtle House, High Streeet, where I was born. I remember well Morris Jones, a great multi-tasker, his daughter Elinor and her friend the late Myfanwy Talog. Spent some wonderful times in Caerwys going mushrooming and rabbit catching with the late Tom Morgan who lived in South Street and where people would collect their Sunday newspapers. My mother, Marjorie Doris Jones (nee Georgieff), is still alive and resides in Rhyl, she is now 95 and her only connection in Caerwys now is Tom Anwyl. However, she still goes to Caerwys to buy her meat from Morgans butchers. Her aunties were Kate, Gladys, Dilys Hughes who lived at 1 High Street, Caerwys. My mother is a wonderful source of information on the 'old' Caerwys.
Mon Jun 1 08:48:10 2009

Roger Jones from Rhyl
I lived in the old Police Station in Water Street from 1951 until 1962. My father was John Jones the Policeman. I am working on my family tree and have found that my great grandmother was from Caerwys. In the 1851 census she was aged 9, her name was Jane Roberts and she lived in munber 14 High Street, the house name was Tre Dre. Her father William was a carpenter, her mother's name was Serah. William was born in 1812 in Llanddoged. I will be visiting Caerwys soon to see if No. 14 is still there.
Tue May 26 08:51:41 2009

Ruth Jones
Nice to see this site. My Grandfather was the village bobby and lved in the OLD Police station. He was there for many years until he moved to Rhyl in around 1967/8. His name was John Jones. My Grandmother is Olwen. They had 2 sons, my father Roger and my uncle Brian. Does anyone remember them?
Thu Apr 30 08:32:51 2009

Elizabeth Ward, California, USA
My aunt and uncle, Hilda and George Machin, lived in Caerwys. I visited them in May 1984, and I loved the place and have always wished myself back. Hilda passed away in 1992, and my family has lost touch with George. Does anyone know what became of him? I've lost all my family but my sister Kathleen and my son Matthew, and would love to hear any news or memories.
Tue Apr 14 10:46:36 2009

Andrea Savage, Warrington
This is a note for Netta Rowlands. Did you own the riding school in Rhosesmor? I used to go riding as a child for many years. My favourite was Double Diamond. He was a fantastic horse and I still miss him today nearly 30 years on. I also remember Pinky, Perky and Cocoa. I can remember my dad riding Echo. Very fond memories. I now have two daughters, Hannah, 13, and Georgia, 11. Hannah has just started to ride (taking after me) and I have started with her. It doesn't come that easy any more 20 years of not being in the saddle. I remember lazy summer rides up Halkyn mountain. It wasn't that hard then. I can't even canter any more, holding on for dear life.
Tue Mar 31 08:06:16 2009

Nerys Davies, Mold
To I Pritchard of Rhos. Coed Farm was our family home from 1896 when my grandfather Robert Jones moved there as a tenant farmer until 1963 following the death of my father. The 1891 census lists Mary Jones, no relation, her sister and a nephew as living there. We believe that her father farmed there before her. On old maps the house is called Keepers Cottage. Up until the 1940s the farm was part of the Maesmynan estate when it was sold to George Barlow. Most of the land is now a golf course.
Tue Mar 10 10:11:36 2009

Annie Abbott, Ellesmere Port
What a great site. I attended Caerwys VP from about 1956 and my best friends then were Lindsay Morris, Liz Thomas, Wynona Matthews, Lesley Blackshaw. Yes, I'm Ann "Ivy" as your dad used to call me. Give my best regards to Janey please and her books are great, Lindsay. I had 3 bros Elwyn, Mervyn and Peter. Sadly, Pete and my mum died some years ago.
Thu Mar 5 08:07:12 2009

Michael Brown, Atlanta, GA USA
Keith Mitchell's entry struck many familiar chords. Our family left Caerwys in 1944 as the war neared its end so we did not quite overlap. But, like him, I remember plays in the Town Hall and the man who came to show his black and white films. One I remember was The Life of Handel. Occasionally there would be a dance. On one occasion David Roberts and I sold tickets at the door. I remember the Rector (E.T. Jones) gallantly taking the floor with the wallflowers. Over the years I have been grateful for how little Caerwys has changed. It has been a little Eden of stability in a world that changes too fast. But now I see a ghastly Home Park has sprung up on the perimeter. It makes the memories even more precious.
Fri Feb 20 12:42:19 2009

Lynda Urwin
I used to live in Caerwys at the Royal Oak when I was a small child. My father, Harry Urwin, and my mum, Tilly Urwin, when the landlord and landlady. Both sadly are now dead. My brother's name is Brent. One of my earliest memories is a a lovely big dog at the Post Office called Trusty. Does anyone remember our family?
Thu Feb 19 08:42:42 2009

Carol Whittle (now Devaney)
How lovely to read all these familiar names. I am the youngest daughter of Eileen and Cyril Whittle. Sadly dad died on December 30th 2007 after a fall. Mum still there though and being cared for by Trish following a stroke. Mum was the warden for the pensioners' bungalows. Growing up there was great.
Mon Feb 9 10:22:52 2009

Colin Minshull
Hi, my g.g. grandfather, William Minshull, was born 1830 in Flintshire, Wales, wife Mary born 1840; any relations about? I come from Hull in Yorkshire born 24-12-1940.
Mon Feb 9 09:28:52 2009

Cheryl Le Feuvre, Carmarthenshire
Hi everyone, great site, cannot keep away. My g.g.grandparents came from Caerwys - Minshulls and I am now trying to trace any info on John and Margaret Williams, b. c. 1825/7. On the 1891 census they were 'living' at Pwllgwyn Tce, Caerwys.
Mon Feb 2 09:24:54 2009

Dave Barstow, West Yorkshire
For Dave Knights. I spent 3 nights at Frondeg in 1975 when I suppose it was a bed and breakfast. If I remember correctly there was a disused slate mine nearby. The man who owned the house was, as far as I know, a tugboat driver on the river Mersey. I don't know how long they had lived in the house but the lady did keep a guest register. What I do know however is that it was a great holiday. The sun never stopped shining. The owners had two sons. One was unfortunately disabled due to an injection against smallpox when he was a baby. The other son went to university but I cannot remember which. Unfortunately I do not have any names for you but I hope that this little note will be of some interest to you.
Fri Jan 23 07:57:45 2009

Dr J Gwyn Thomas
Dr J O Jones, my grandfather, of Holywell married the daughter of Bryn Gwyn Hall, Caerwys. Sarah Isabella Jones died aged 32 in 1894. Father was John Jones 1826-1894. Any history known?
Thu Nov 20 08:08:56 2008

Rhoda Pemberton, Johnstown
My father, John Parry Price now aged 96, lived at Penhindir on the Bryngwyn Hall estate. His father, Thomas Price, was employed by the lady owner of the hall. I have done some research and found the gardens are grade II listed. Does anyone know if the hall is occupied?
Mon Nov 17 08:24:26 2008

Barbara McParland, Lancashire
Mr Tarbuck, Bodelwyddan. I have just come across this site and saw your reference to Jasmine Cottage - In the 1940s I used to stay with my great aunty Sally (Sarah Kate Jones) at Jasmine Cottage. She was my grandfather's young sister - my grandfather was Albert Bawden Jones and they were both born in Flintshire but moved to Liverpool with my great grandfather - Edward Jones - when they were children. I don't know if there is any connection with Mr Smedley or how long my aunt had been living there, but she lived there until she passed away in 1958 - I remember the cows coming passed the house and a friend, Gwyneth, who had a dog called Scot.
Mon Oct 6 07:58:33 2008

Bryn Williams, Denbigh
This is a message for Dilys Minshull who has had several mentions on this site. I remember you from Gwersyllt Glanllyn and also our visits to Plas yr Antur in Fairbourne, which we visited as young Welsh Wesleyan Methodists. I was from Coedpoeth and a compatriot of Huw Evans, etc. I'd love to find out where you are now and what you made of your life. If you have no recollection of me, don't worry! If you do remember me, please contact me via this site.
Wed Sep 17 08:24:35 2008

David Roberts, Axton, near Holywell
A family friend of mine showed me this website as I'm not too computer-wise! I was very interested to come across Michael Brown's message as I am the David Roberts he talks about! It's 40 years since I left Caerwys and I am married (39 years and counting) with two children who are now also married. I now have three grandchildren. I remember Michael moving to Atlanta to study the cotton trade and became friendly with an American girl?! Since then I lost contact with him and often wondered of his whereabouts, so to get back in contact with him would be great.
Sat Aug 16 15:09:21 2008

Michael Brown, Atlanta, GA USA
What a surprise and a treat to find this site! In 1940, our family moved from Wallasey to a house in Crown Estate, closer to Lloc than to Caerwys. Our relatives, the Sprigings family, came with us so we were Mum, Gran, Auntie Doris and six kids - Brian, Sheila and Ken Sprigings together with Michael, Colin and Graham Brown. The dads stayed behind in Wallasey because of their work. Our lives were centered on Caerwys where we went to school and to church. I still have vivid memories of Mr Parry, Miss Rogers and Miss Morgan and of "Rector" who I always thought of as the central figure of the village. My best friend in Caerwys was David Roberts who lived in a house called "Hendy" just off the square. In an objective sense the war years were grim, but I remember this time fondly and happily and it has given me great pleasure to read through the other memories that are recorded here. I come back to the UK quite often and always try to find some time for a sentimental visit to Caerwys. In some strange way it still nourishes my soul.
Thu Jul 31 15:37:07 2008

Ian Smith, Gresford, Wrexham
My father's family moved from Liverpool to Mill Terrace, Afonwen, just after the may 1941 blitz of Liverpool. They initially lived with Tudor & Ada Roberts. My dad, Les Smith, joined the Caerwys Home Guard and represented Flintshire in the standdown parade in London at the end of the war. Has anyone got or aware of photos of the Home Guard at this time? Les's brother Cyril Smith played the drums in a local band along with Howel Matthews & Len Bryant on piano. Len Bryant was married to my dad's sister, Alma. My grandfather Bill Smith was a policeman in Liverpool and travelled back and to Caerwys at weekends taking the odd suitcase of rabbits back to Liverpool. In return he often brought back free football tickets for either Everton or Liverpool. Cyril Smith went to Mold Grammar. Does anyone have any information regarding the family? If so please get in touch. They all had very happy memories of Afonwen & Saturday night dances in Caerwys.
Mon Jul 14 08:18:38 2008

Bert Moore from Holywell
To Rob Minshull from Northamptonshire. We're getting nearer! I stayed in Liverpool in the early forties.
Wed May 28 08:06:29 2008

Rob Minshull from Northants
To Bert Moore from Holywell. Yes, I am the son of Leonard, the butcher from Liverpool! I was born in 1946, my dad died when I was about 2 years old, so I don't remember him. Do you recall what year you stayed at the shop? My half-sister Dorothy lived next door to the butchers, and her husband, Arthur, opened the old bakers as a barber shop, where I worked when I left school. Please let me have any info on the Minshull family as I've nobody left to ask! I forgot to mention last time - I had been looking through boxes of photos, weeks ago, and had returned them to their shelf. After I had found this site I was moving things around my untidy desk and found one photo had been left behind: Trevor, in his younger days, sitting on a rock face, holding a spaniel dog!
Tue May 27 09:00:32 2008

Bert Moore, Whitford, Holywell
To Lorraine, Caerwys. Thanks for your message April 19th re Minshull family. Glad you've remembered our family but my 'mother' Dilys you mention is actually my cousin (named after my mother!) who is about 10 years younger than me so we've had quite a laugh about that. Still in touch with Dilys and Nora and Auntie Vannie is still living in Holywell altho' Uncle Trevor has sadly died. I've told Dilys about your memories - she now lives 'abroad'- in Pinner Middlesex - and is still my favourite cousin -'Doodle Dilly'!
Fri May 23 07:56:59 2008

Bert Moore from Holywell
To Rob Minshull from Northamptonshire. Just picked up your email of 12th May. We are related via our grandfathers - William Maddox Minshull and Herbert Minshull who were brothers. Are you the son of Leonard who was a butcher in Liverpool? I remember going to him for a holiday as a kid and also remember 'Auntie' Dorothy. We have made great family connections thro' this site and would be delighted to make contact with you and share these with you. Please let me know if you want more info.
Mon May 19 08:41:42 2008

Rob Minshull from Northamptonshire
Hello Caerwys I've just found this site & thought I had better get in touch! When I started looking into my family history, Caerwys kept appearing. My father: Leonard Robert Minshull (1889-1948); My grandfather: William Maddocks Minshull, born Caerwys 1864; My great grandfather: Robert Minshull (1818-1898) buried at St Michaels, Caerwys. The 1881 Census shows him as Postmaster at 16 Water St Post Office, aged 62. When I was a lad, Trevor Minshull used to visit my half-sister, Dorothy, in Liverpool. I knew him as my Welsh cousin - he even taught me a few words in Welsh. I seem to remember going to Caerwys when I was little and seeing a "harp"- or did I dream this? Was Trevor's wife called Myfanwy? What was Trevor's father called? Did his father have many brothers/sisters? What about Dilys?I hope somebody gets in touch. Best wishes, Rob.
Mon May 12 08:48:35 2008

Dave Knights from Afonwen
My wife and I have lived at Fron Deg on the Mold Denbigh Road for the past 14 years. We have met many people who have memories of the house back in the '50s and before and now we are trying to trace the history back to the mid 1800s when we believe it was built. We would appreciate any memories or copies of photographs that may be available.
Tue Mar 25 10:25:03 2008

Mr J Tarbuck, Bodelwyddan
Does anybody remember Mr Smedley of Jasmine cottage in Caerwys around 1938? I used to spend holidays there with my mother, father and sister Rene, then we attended the village school during the war. I have a photo of myself and Mr Smedley. I was sitting on one of his horses. My mother and father used to go to the Sportsmans Inn in Afonwen. Does anyone have any memories of this?
Thu Feb 28 08:45:05 2008

Rosemary, Flintshire
My aunt was evacuated to Bryngwn Hall and I am trying to find out something about the hall for her. If anyone has any memories or information, I would love to hear from you.
Thu Feb 28 08:16:19 2008

Margaret Wynne (nee Parrington)
Tomos Whittle-Williams - well, it is nice to realise someone can relate to my story. I remembers Eileen and Ernie Baxter. We used to walk home from school with them. I think there was an older brother.
Mon Feb 4 09:50:21 2008

Tomos Whittle-Williams
Hi, I heard Margaret Wynne mention Eileen Baxter's name, well I am her grandson, sadly she had a stroke a couple of years ago, but she is still alive and kicking! I have lived in Caerwys all my life, but as I am only 20 I don't quite have as many stories to share, but it's good reading through the ones on here.
Fri Feb 1 07:56:09 2008

Janey King nee Morris, London
Mr Morris Jones had a big yellow dog called Trusty. He would sit head out of the window of Mr Jones's taxi (a red and black Austin Westminster, maybe Bevan will correct this?) when Mr Jones picked people up off the train from Afonwen Station. I was one of the Morris children (siblings Lindsay and Matthew, step-siblings Sandra, Stuart and Julia Roberts). Lived in Caerwys 1947-1966. I'm in touch with Dilys Minshull my oldest friend, Eluned Jones, Coed Farm, and Ianto and Shan Roberts, the Fisheries. I'd love to hear news from Bevan Hulse (we used to play Sailing the Atlantic by wildly rocking the iron swing seat in your garden. I'm just off to sail the Atlantic for real, so you and Andrew have been much in my mind.) Love to hear news from Mike Blackshaw too. And any memories/pictures/stories from Caerwys of that era would be wonderful to have. Greetings to everyone.
Tue Nov 27 11:08:25 2007

Margaret Wynne nee Parrington
I went to Caerwys School from about 1943 to 1949, along with my sister Ann and brother John. We lived in Fron Haul, on the hill going up from Afonwen. I remember Mary and Betty Main, Greta Jones, Connie Ellison, Richard and Phillip Douglas, Ralph Pendleton, Arfon and Berwyn, Rosemary and Bevan Hulse. From Penycefn were Margaret Gibson, Olwen Hughes (a very good friend), Elfed, Morfudd and Heulwen Bartley, Dilys Davies, Nancy Davies (another good friend). Also Edna, John and Lorna Rees. (My father worked for their father's business). Also, Rhys Jones (whose mother was the nurse). During the bad winter of 1947 we were off school for weeks and had fun sledging down the hill on Claire and Pamela Jones' sledge. There was also Estelle Jones and Gwyneth Jones, Ernie and Eileen Baxter all from Afonwen. We lived opposite Mair and Sylvia Williams who lived at Plas Isa. We went to Sunday school at the chapel opposite our house and the organ was played by Mrs Povey and her daughter Mrs Stallard. Then, of course, there the three daughters of Mr Hubert Lloyd Parry, Headmaster of the school, Olwen, Megan and Pat.
Mon Oct 29 09:05:19 2007

Lindsay Thomas Sussex
Netta - I was at the wedding and I have a picture of Jewel and I if you would like a copy. She, and the haywain, looked fantastic and really added something special to the wedding. It was great to be back in Caerwys and, as the reception was held near the Boncyn Field, it made me think about those childhood memories that many people have shared through this website. Netta, if you would like copies of the haywain photos - mention it to Sandra and I will email them to her. Can anyone help me find pictures of Janey Morris growing up in Caerwys in the 50s and 60s? We are compiling a special collection for her 60th birthday.
Thu Sep 13 08:25:17 2007

Netta Rowlands, Rhosesmor.
Today, September 8th 2007 we were thrilled to be part of a very special medieval wedding, the bride Sophie, the daughter of Sandra and Mike Evans, went to church on a haywain (restored by Mr Norman Frost) pulled by our bay shire mare, Jewel.Lots of villagers turned out to see this wedding and I hope the Evans family had a great day with many happy memories ,especially of all the beautiful medieval costumes.
Mon Sep 10 09:32:56 2007

Lindsay Thomas (nee Morris)
How wonderful to know that other people share the same memories of growing up in Caerwys!I was directed to this site by Dylis (nee Minshull) who was a childhood friend of my sister, Janey Morris (aka novelist Rosie Thomas) and I am excited to hear from Bevan Hulse, Mike Blackshaw, Jane Roberts, Elizabeth Thomas and Anon, grandchild of Howell Matthews, Pendre. Does anyone have pictures of Janey in her Caerwys years? We want to compile a surprise album for her birthday. She was born in 1947, went to Caerwys VP, followed by a brief spell at secondary school in Mold before taking up a scholarship to Howell's School, Denbigh. Any leads to help find photos from the 50s and 60s would be much appreciated. It would also be really good to hear from anyone who knew us in those times as I am also keen to learn more about the life of my mother, Rose.
Thu Aug 23 14:30:05 2007

Tracey
Hi Amy, yes it was Bates, was your dad the coal man in the village? I think you're the Amy I'm thinking of, you lived in the bungalow?
Wed Aug 22 11:12:52 2007

Amy Owen nee Hughes
Hi to Tracy (I knew you as Tracy Bates) am I on the right one? If you are Tracy Bates please contact me on this page. Many thanks, Amy x
Mon Aug 20 11:33:24 2007

Liz. Riordan, Whitford.
To those of you researching the Minshull family, my sister went to school with Trevor's daughter Dilys and for several years there was a close relationship between my family and theirs for various reasons. Mainly, I remember Norah who now lives in Southport. Although I have not seen her for years we still exchange Christmas cards with Norah. Norah looked after both my sister and myself when we were children and I remember going with her for picnics down to the Fisheries in Ysceifiog, to watch the swans. She later worked as a bookkeeper for my parents before going to Liverpool to train as a Children's Nurse. She would have been very good at it as I remember she had endless patience! Caerwys was a fantastic place to grow up and my parents and sister still live there, so I am there frequently. I love to walk my dog around the surrounding countryside remembering old times.
Thu Aug 9 17:05:13 2007

Tracey
Great information site. I used to live in Cae Delyn estate when I was a young un! I'm now 36, have a sister Tania and brother Lee. If anyone knows of us would love to hear from you.
Tue Aug 7 16:50:35 2007

Ian Bailey from Widnes, Cheshire.
Hello all, what a cracking site to find, all you people remembering younger days in what must have been a wonderful close community. I passed through many a day, when working, on route to ACC Dairy at Llandyrnog, and am surprised to come across it again in my now retired hobby. I am researching a family tree for a close friend, mainly based in Liverpool, but have arrived at Caerwys back to 1823 at present. I have a Thomas Ellis b. Caerwys 1823 to about 1894, he was Gardener at Bryngwyn Hall for last 25 yrs of his life, succeded by his son Thomas b. 1863 married to an Elizabeth and with children Thomas William b.1885, Frances b.1888, and twins Edward and Mary Blodwin b.1889. Through the years lived at The Nant, South St, Holywell Rd and Tyddyn. I am looking forward to a visit to the village with Robert Ellis and would appreciate any knowledge of these people and times, perhaps relatives are still in the village. Any replies welcome on this informative site. Regards to all.
Mon Jul 30 08:49:29 2007

Dave Roberts from BC
I was brought up in Rhyl but I am trying to trace my family connections in Caerwys. My grandfather was D. T. Jones part of a large family from Caerwys. The family had a connection with Marion Mills which I visited 30 years ago. If anyone has connections or information I would like to hear from you.
Mon Jul 23 12:12:21 2007

Kath Shaw from Derbyshire
Hi there all! What a wonderful site to find! My paternal 3 x great grandparents came from Caerwys - John Griffith married Sarah Lewis. Their daughter Sarah, 2 x great grandmother married James OLDFIELD and eventually settled in Lancashire. However, just wondered if any of the Griffith Family are still in Caerwys? My great great grandmother had at least 4 brothers (Daniel, Joseph, Thomas & John) who all married and had families in the area. The family originally lived in Water Street and then Marian.Any contact would be greatly appreciated.
Thu Jul 19 14:25:17 2007

John Cryer
Amazing the names and memories. I attended Holywell grammar in the early '60s -Michael Palin, Barry Skinner. Fell in love with Susan Chandler, her dad kept the pub in later years. Met up with a few friends in the late '60s when I returned from the Navy. Married Gwenfydd Hughes, from Mertyn Downing. Saw Mike Blackshaw's articles. You'd remember Bertie and fawmily Mike.Left UK 30 yrs now. No longer married but still have 4 great kids who are very proudly Welsh.
Fri Apr 27 09:53:08 2007

Lorraine from Caerwys
To Bert Moore, Holywell. I vaguely remember your mother Dilys though I remember her elder sister better. Nora was my mother's best friend and my elder sister's middle name is Norah in honour of her. For some reason though my sister, brother and I always addressed your mother and Nora as 'Cousin Dilys' and 'Aunty Nora' I don't know why. I also remember Uncle Trevor and Auntie 'Bannie' living in the High St. Reading through these messages it is also obvious that you are related to Val Brooks, Stoke on Trent, so perhaps you can get more information from her. And just to finish - 'Hi, cousin Jane in Spain' Hope you are well. Long time no hear.
Thu Apr 19 08:46:44 2007

Tudor Roberts ( Folkestone )
Nice to read all these emails about Caerwys and Afonwen although there is only one person I recognise and that's my old friend and neighbour from Afonwen, Phillip Parry who works so hard for the local comunitty - good on yer mate. My dad was Emrys Roberts who with his brother Bob used to work in the tannery in Afonwen. Great to see Caerwys on the net. I will keep looking from now on as it will be good to catch up with people who remember me or my family.
Tue Mar 27 08:06:44 2007

Phillip Parry from Caerwys
Emlyn, I had known Wally (as was his local name) for almost 30 years. Apart from supporting his family, Wally did a lot for the community as well. Just over 20 years ago Wally was a committee member for the then local Handicapped Children's Society, who purchased a motorised car for a disabled young lad (something that was unique, as there were not many of these vehicles about then). Wally was also on the committee of the Caerwys Horse Show, the British Legion and helped to raise much money over the years for local charities - including the local Age Concern, in which he enjoyed their coach tours. Two years ago, when Wally received his motorised vehicle, I had the honour, as Mayor of Caerwys, to cut the tape to the 'Garden Shed' and when the doors were opened, there was Wally sitting on the vehicle, hastily waiting to drive it out. In the Summer of 2005, the British Legion held a VJ parade in Caerwys, I took the salute, as the Mayor, and Wally took part, pushed by his daughters, beaming with his medals, as he proudly 'eyes left' to the dais where I was standing. The local Caerwys Chronicle, Caerwys' community paper will in the future, feature a write up on Wally and his achievements - but we will all miss him, especially Rita and the children.
Wed Mar 14 14:17:10 2007

Emlyn from Wrexham
Anyone who knows Jack Williams from Caerwys - he is without doubt the bravest and courageous man I have come to know. Having lost his right leg, the cancer spread to his left toe. Still not deterred, Jack had a smile on his face. His comment to me was "When I die I will be reunited with my other leg." He liked his garden and did some joinery for the church; on top of this he looked after my sister, Rita, who is suffering from ill health. I believe Caerwys should be proud to have such a fine oustanding man like Jack. I know I am proud to be his brother in law, not to forget their two daughters Jan and Mair.
Mon Feb 19 11:54:25 2007

Michael Blackshaw from Vancouver
I have just finished reading the emails on this page, I found it because I was looking for some of the people that I used to know. The first name was Tony Davies of the Bod Erw in St Asaph. Then I looked up Richard Peacock, found him. Next it was Bevan Hulse, I hope to get his email address please contact me. I have a few pictures of Caerwys from the sixties if anyone would like them. By the way my brother John and my sister Lesley Ann live in Vancouver also. Thanks for the memories all, Mike Blackshaw.
Tue Feb 13 13:36:23 2007

Cathy & Jo, Liverpool
I have just discovered that my Grandad attended Caerwys school in the 1920s, does anyone remember him or any of his family? His name was William Leslie Griffiths, other siblings are Harriet May, Doris Marjorie, Amelia, Ada, John Albert & Arthur. They lived in Afon Wen near Ysceifiog. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Mon Feb 12 14:12:02 2007

tracey
great information site i used to live in cae delyn estate when i was a young un!im now 36 have a sister tania and brother lee if any one knows of us would love to hear from you.
Mon Feb 12 11:42:26 2007

Sandra from Wigan, Lancashire
I am so happy I found this wonderful and interesting information about Caerwys. Since I was a baby (1974) my family used to travel from Liverpool to stay in the local caravan site, which was situated within a mile or 2 from Caerwys village. The camp site, which was at the time called Barlows, is still there today. I remember walking to Caerwys village and remembering how very beautiful and peaceful it was. The villagers were so full of character and so very nice, I am 32 now and still have very fond memories that I will treasure always, and I also look forward to re-visiting Caerwys very soon this year with my son and family.
Tue Jan 9 11:06:11 2007

Cheryl le Feuvre
A1, have just discovered I must be related to many of these people that have left info, my grandmother and her parents, and theirs all came from Caerwys and at one time also ran the P.O. + one was in the Police.
Mon Dec 18 10:11:11 2006

l Pritchard, Rhosllanerchrugog
On my grandparents' marriage cert my grt grandpa was an overseer at Coed Farm in the 1890s, has anyone got any history of the farm?
Mon Dec 18 10:01:00 2006

Bevan Hulse, from Port Talbot
I was born and bred in Caerwys from 1946 until 1962 when I left for the Merchant Navy. I remember many stories about Caerwys. Just a few anecdotes here to raise a few chuckle. Yes, I do know who put the bullet hole in the church clock. Though it wasn't me. Ballistics experts would recognise it as a 0.22 cliber rifle hole, (not an air rifle, a proper 'bang shoot' rifle). Yes Caerwys did once have its own fire fighting service. It was a volunteer brigade raised after the fire which burnt down the old post office in the square. The landlord of the Royal Oak, Jack Feathersone, was instrumental in organising it. An amusing but excellent photograph appeared in the local press showing Jack and other well known local lads running on an exercise accross the square. The brigade was known humorously as 'Featherstone's fearless Firefighters'! It was however a serious attempt to address the delays that affected the fire engines getting to Caerwys. To Val Brooks I have this information. Yes a Mrs Minshull did run the old post office in Caerwys but it was not the one in the square that burned down. Her old post office was sited in the High Street just below the old school and next door to Howell Mathews's Pen Dre Farm. Mrs Minshull and Trevor Minshull had two daughters. Dilys Minshull (Is that how it's spelt?)used to be in school with me and I think her older sister's name was Nora Minshull. It's nice to hear from Michael Blackshaw, remember the underground dens and tunnels Mike? It's a wonder we're still alive. I'm stunned that Mr Tom Anwyl is still alive. I fondly remember Mr Morris Jones the grocer cum post master cum taxi driver cum general factotum cum parish councillor as a very busy local businessman. My most lasting memory is his regularly officiating at the November 5th all village bonfire nights held in 'The Rec' (the recreation ground). He always provided the petrol to get the thing going because it was invariably soaking wet from October rains after days, sometimes weeks, of industry by us village boys gathering anything that burned. As to cycling on the Bonky Field, (or the Boncyn Field. We called it the Bonky Field because the Bonks were excellent places to race our bikes), yes I think every village boy with any red blood in his veins would have taken his turns around the bonks on his bike. Today kids have artificial skate board parks, poor dabs, no innnovation and little risk). Ms Jane Roberts of Spain (hiya Jane!) is quite right, it was the old, disused quarry beside the lane that led to Coed farm. However, Keith Mitchell is also partly right about cycling on the Marion. Just after the 39-45 war and into the fifties, the Marion was also a quarry with bumps for cycling over. Then it was chosen as a landfill site and filled in during the fifties and early sixties. There is little to show of both quarries that existed once on the Marion. However, as a young child I spent many happy hours playing in both old quarries honing my illicit rock climbing skills. Then we spent years scrounging for anything that might be deemed useful tipped in the disappearing holes as the quarry was filled in. I also well remember the old Wednesday cinema nights in the Town Hall provided by Mr Lea and his travelling cinemagraphic show. I once had the shock of my life at one picture show. Those who remember the town hall will remember that the ladies loos were behind the stage whilst the men's urinals were 'outside the back'. Little children were allowed to use the rear stage ladies' loos. Well the huge full sized cinema screen (huge to a little child that is) was set on the stage and to get to the loo you had to go immediately behind the huge screen. That night a Tarzan film was showing and I had 'to go' during the intermission. Being a little boy, I was expected to wait until all the ladies had finished, so I was late getting back. I then heard the film re-start so I rushed back to my seat. As I returned from the loos, I opened the toilet passage door directly behind the screen just as a huge bull elephant was charging the wicked white hunters.
Thu Dec 7 14:58:32 2006

Allan from Connecticut.USA
To Keith Mitchell, I too took the train to Mold school from Rhydymwyn,'45 to '49 so it's quite possible we knew each other. I went to the seconary modern school, as it was called then. My paternal great grandfather- John Roberts - was born in Caerwys about 1849. I would be interested in any information anyone has in this lineage. It is also interesting how wide spread the natives of the Halkyn mountains have become.
Tue Dec 5 09:08:20 2006

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