your comments
Sharon Evans from Porthcawl
I lived in Mold for 16 years after moving there with my husband. Moved back to south Wales a year ago. I loved living there and found the people really friendly. I'm going back today to visit my daughter who still lives in that area and to catch up with some good friends.
Wed May 27 08:25:15 2009
Jane
Had my first visit back to Mold for many a few year and how surprised was I to see so many changes. Firstly for those who remember the Candy Bar and Mini Mart in Wrexham Street, the corner shop (the Candy Bar, my dad's shop) is now a house, and my home next to my mum's shop, Mini Mart are now shops. I wanted to pay a visit down Stanley Street, but with a recent gas explosion this was closed off, but I was really surprised how narrow the roads actually are to what I remember, and the amount of cars - I remember only a handful of cars when playing in that street. Then I took a trip into the town, market as I remember but the indoor market?!?!? what happened? the small carpark now has buildings built there - one great thing I thought was the idea of the Somerfield carpark, really cheap and you have to enter your registration of your car so it's printed on ticket (obviously as to not give your ticket away to other motorists) but at the prices they charge there is no need to anyway. Obviously there was a lot of changes of shops to what I remember, but that is across the board. I really enjoyed my day in Mold and although I saw a lot of changes I also noticed a lot of positive points about the town. One place I forget to look for was Bevans at the top of town - is that still there? And a bit further up was the best chippy around. I love looking back at Mold with fond memories, going to I think 3 Bryn Coch schools, first one was where Marcher Sound is near, then we got moved to the one by Bryn Coch Lane, then we got moved to the one off Wrexham Street (where it still is). Does anyone remember the carnivals? I remember being on a few floats over the years travelling around Mold, practising the songs weekly in the church on the corner of Wrexham Street/Stanley Street, then to the park for judging! Loved coming back and taking a trip down memory lane.
Thu Apr 9 11:49:45 2009
Diana Ross, London
Preswylfa, Hendy Rd, Mold, Flintshire, which is now the North Wales Health Authority, was the home to three generations of my family - the Lewis family. The 1881 census notes Edward Arthur Lewis, and his children: Ernest Arthur Lewis (he graduated from Exeter College Oxford 1885), his sister Catherine Lewis and two other sisters (his wife probably deceased at that time). Ernest Arthur Lewis married a Wreford (family from Devon) and my grandmother was their only child - Agnes Wreford Maud Lewis (b.Sep 1889), she was the last family member to live at Preswylfa and she sold the house in approx 1910 by which time both her parents had died. Agnes W M Lewis later married her first cousin, Leonard Handforth Jardine (m 1919) who was the youngest son Catherine Jardine (nee Lewis).
Mon Feb 9 14:40:02 2009
Lloyd Morin, Halifax, Canada
Hello, I am trying to find more information, photos etc about my grandmother's old home in Mold. It was called Preswylfa. Her family (Bellis) emigrated to Canada in the late 1920s. My sister tells me it is now some kind of medical office. Is this the same Preswylfa mentioned in some earlier comments? Thanks.
Mon Jan 19 09:12:01 2009
Owen Visick, Pevensey, East Sussex
My brother, David, and I attended Pantymwyn Preparatory School from 1943-45. It was also known as the 'Elsie Elsby and Marjorie Kelly School' - I believe that name appeared on the letterhead. We were sent there because we weren't happy at Gwernaffield village school, but I can't remember in what way. When walking from PPS to the centre of Mold to catch the bus, "Cronky Crosfield", back home to Pantymwyn, we used to be taunted by older youngsters from the 'Council School'. These days it would be called bullying but I don't think we came to any harm and rarely exchanged blows. I remember John Allen from Troyon. After the Allens moved away, a family named Roberts lived in Troyon. Their two children, Ann and Richard used to go with us to PPS. Then when the war ended we moved to the south of England, and things changed for ever.
Mon Dec 29 09:56:42 2008
Stuart Cooke
I have been looking at your website of Mold. I wonder if anyone has any information regarding 'Cooke and Arkwright Chartered Land Agents', Mold. My grandfather, Harry Herbert Colenutt, worked for them sometime during 1930-40. He lived in Mold with his family at a house called 'The Tyclyn' or something similar.
Tue Dec 9 08:55:29 2008
Lewis Williams from Bedford
Regarding the comments by Richard Gill and John Allen. I attended the Mold High School for boys (1958 -1963) which had Pantymwyn Prepartory School as its junior section. It was based in Wrexham Road. The head master was Mr MacDonald who closed the school in 1963. Fortunately for me the year I took my 'O' level GCEs. I remember 1 football match between what were still known as the polly parrots and the Central School (later secondary modern school, Wrexham Road) where we were soundly beaten 11 - 0. The school premises were later taken over by the County Council and amongst others it housed the Civil Defence Officers.
Wed Nov 12 08:52:18 2008
Kieren Jones from Mold
Mold is a great town and the best shop is Tanz n Hanz.
Wed Oct 8 17:01:58 2008
M.Watts from Mold.
The day after the police did a check on parked cars in Mold I counted seven cars parked on yellow lines adjacent to the church at the top of high street, all without blue badges. This illegal parking happens in all streets in Mold, perhaps it is time for the council to employ a full time traffic warden. Even on the few areas where it is permitted to park, so many thoughtless drivers park so badly that they take up two spaces for their car. Unlike speeding, of course, the council would not raise vast amounts of money in fines so they do not bother, especially as they provided free parking for themselves at Shire Hall, and even then some of those at Shire Hall park on the grass verges making them look a total mess. Perhaps it is time to apply the principle "look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves" to the whole spectrum of traffic management.
Mon Jul 14 09:11:27 2008
Ray Matthews, Mold
I totally agree with Mark Edwards from Mold. The town has become an eyesore. We have empty shops everywhere. The only shops which are open are the charity shops (they have a "special" rates charge so can afford to establish a business in Mold unlike the majority of potential companies/people). If I want to go to the cinema to watch a newly released film I have to go to a cinema outside of Mold (why? we have a cinema in Mold). If I would like to go clothes shopping I have to go out of town to find anything. Mold is on its knees and nobody official seems to care (just keep putting those rates up, eh!). In regard to our local pubs, the ones that still remain open anyway; The majority don't make the effort any more. Maybe this is because a lot of them are now managers and not landlords (perhaps there is no incentive for them to run a good pub as they still get paid either way?) As for Mold market...
Wed Jul 9 14:23:24 2008
Lee, Aberystwyth (formerly Mold)
I couldn't agree more with Mark Edwards. Mold is in a terrible state, and Flintshire County Council should take all the blame! Mold is great if you want to buy a birthday card, second hand clothes from the charity shops or buy a house from any one of the many estate agents. The council really need to get their act together, or it's going to get much worse. They need to get off their backsides and start to attract business to the area and a little more money and help from the Welsh Assembly would not go amiss! As the assembly seems to think North Wales is in Wrexham as all the money seems to go there all the time. Another £25 million agreed yesterday for two mental health units in Wrexham. Disgusting! Maybe Alan Sugar would be willing to run the council and improve things now he has stepped down from Amstrad. He couldn't do any worse and he would get to tell the councillors that they're FIRED!
Thu Jul 3 08:41:30 2008
John Allen, Melmerby, Cumbria CA10 1HB
Regarding Pantymwyn Preparatory School, I started my school career at PPS, but this was in 1940 when I was five. We lived in a house called Troyon, a few hundred yards from the school. At that time it was in a weatherboarding building on the Cefn Bychan road in Pantymwyn, hence the name. It was run by two spinster ladies, Miss Elsby (Head) and Miss Kelly, and a dog called Spriggy!I understood they had previously run a school in Liverpool, specialising in dance, drama and elocution, and had moved to Pantymwyn because of the war. We cetainly had lots of concerts, one memorable one being in the Market Hall in Mold.Around 1941 they re-located to a house called Roanoke on the Panty Buarth road. The last time I looked there was still a house called Roanoke on the same site (L.H.S. going up) but it had been re-built. The following year, 1942, they needed more space, so they moved again to Hendy road in Mold, where they took some boarders, but I can't recall how many. I left in 1943, when my parents moved back to Liverpool.My memory is that it was a happy place, and must have been good, because I was way ahead of the field when we moved back to Liverpool. Result, I have been lazy ever since!
Fri Jun 6 16:06:48 2008
Mark Edwards South Africa (formally of Mold)
Mold Town centre is an eyesore, the council providing no incentives for any business to come to the town unless there is something in it for them. Example, Wetherspoons wanted to come to town, the council quick as a flash stated that they could as long as they paid for cctv for the town (no surprises there then). The council stated at the time of Tesco's arrival it will be good for the town and will not affect but enhance the businesses of Mold. When Wetherspoons came, it was the same response from the council; no pubs will be affected and it will generate much needed business for the town. You only have to look at Mold town centre to see what carnage has been caused. The Leeswood (shut), the Dolphin a once great flagship of Mold, the Pentan (a historic pub - shut) , the Vic (now a dentists) and the list goes on. Please don't get me started on the businesses that have suffered because of Tesco - we'd be here all day! Well done councillors of Mold, look at the mess you've made.
Tue Jun 3 08:22:33 2008
Sam from Mold
Mold is pretty lame, there is nothing to do apart from go to school, which, if I do say so myself, is rather boring and mess around in town. The best thing in Mold is subway :)
Fri Apr 25 09:15:01 2008
C Norry from Chester
Daffs are great, but the only reason we wear them on St David's day is because there are no leek flowers in bloom on the first of March. The true emblem of Wales is the leek and its flower (and the red dragon).
Mon Mar 31 10:32:09 2008
M. Watts from Mold
It is so nice to see the national flower, the daffodil, has at long last been planted on the roundabouts and grass verges around Mold. Sometimes the council do something nice, not often but this is one of the few nice things they have done.
Fri Mar 28 09:32:27 2008
JR, Flint Mountain
I think Mold is a lovely picturesque town, great for shopping and with some marvellous countryside close to hand. However, I'm quite shocked at the 'speak Welsh only' stance from some of the narrow-minded inhabitants, (mainly from the small surrounding villages). Yes of course, it's the language of Wales, but to sneer with disgust at fellow Welsh folk who do not speak the language is a disgrace. Do they have this attitude in other Celtic nations i.e. in Scotland, Ireland etc? My parents and grandparents (on both sides) are/were from Morfa Nefyn on the Lleyn Peninsula before they all moved to Flint Mountain, yet they always found this snobbery disgusting on occasions when visiting Mold, even though they spoke Welsh as a first language. I'm all for our culture and the national language to be preserved and used, even though I'm not a fluent speaker, but for some people to believe they are above those around them who cannot speak a word of Welsh (but who were born and bred in North Wales to Welsh parents) is very disturbing. I dread to think what these clowns think of people with different colour skin or say for example, people working here from Eastern Europe, Iraq or any other nation.
Tue Mar 11 09:37:15 2008
Alan Young, Little Staughton, Beds.
I have just discovered that I'm related to the John Young involved in the 1869 riots. I believe that at a later date he was accepted back and a statue was erected to him. Can anyone help me with information?
Tue Feb 26 14:27:14 2008
David from Mold Civic Society
Catherine, on the subject of Preswylfa - this was originally a private home and it also served as Mold Grammar School. The rings are from the original Andrew Mather Brewery that I understand was located in Pen y Ffordd Cottage (now two dwellings) on the corner of Ruthin Road. More to the story but space does not permit but I hope this helps.
Mon Feb 25 08:25:34 2008
Ann, from the USA
I shall be returning to my home town, Mold, this year, bringing my 20-something daughter. Would love some clean suggestions as to where to take her/what she should see. My only recollections are of a High Street that has seen better days.
Tue Feb 19 09:19:37 2008
Richard Gill
As a very young child I attended Pantymwyn Prep School at Pryswylfa, Hendy Road, about 1946. The school was private and was known locally as the "Polly Parrots". It moved subsequently to the Wrexham Road, also in Mold.
Mon Feb 18 10:07:07 2008
Catherine Mailey
Subject: Preswyfla, Hendy Road, Mold
Hi, I'm trying to find out more about this end of Hendy Road, particularly the history of the house, the mystery of the rings on the wall (I've been told they were used to tie up the dray horses from a brewery opposite). I have also been told that the house on the corner of Hendy Road used to be a Toll House. I have searched the internet but can't find out anything nor has the library been able to help. I really would like to know more and would appreciate any information about this little corner of Mold.
Fri Feb 15 09:09:15 2008
County Councillor Nancy M Matthews
In August 2007 Flintshire County Council imposed a Prohibition Order on the dormant Quarry at Bryn Gwyn, Gwernymynydd. The effect of a Prohibition Order is to stop any future working of the quarry. The Order was then forwarded to the Welsh Assembly Government for confirmation. The owners, DP Williams Holdings, lodged an appeal against the Prohibition Order resulting in an Inquiry in Public beginning on Tuesday 26 February at Gwernymynydd Village Centre at 10am and scheduled to last for 4 days. Residents and the Community Council and councils of surrounding villages are fully behind the County Council and the imposition of the Prohibition Order. Everyone is welcome to attend the Inquiry to show support for the Prohibition Order.
Wed Feb 13 08:30:15 2008
Dave, former resident.
Having had a great childhood in Mold (Bryn Gwalia and Alun). I lived on the Bryn Gwalia estate for 20 years. I find it hard to say anything positive about the Town Council. The potential for regeneration is immense, not modernisation but making good what is there. The empty shops are a disgrace, I have enquired many times about opening a shop only to be told that they won't lease to private enterprise, as they are waiting for the 'big' companies etc. There was the old milk bar (70s) that became empty in the early nineties, that remained unoccupied for more than 6 years! I wish to move back to Mold in the near future, but I am holding back because the town seems to be dying. The council needs to push the Cittaslow ideal and get local business thriving again. Enough of the high rates and rental on the retail properties. Let private enterprise have a chance.
Fri Jan 11 10:08:42 2008
Linda Woodbridge
Anyone know Denise Smaje (nee Hughes)? Parents lived in Mold, she was married late 70s and lived in Buckley. Please say I said hi.
Mon Jan 7 11:35:12 2008
John, Mold
Can anyone explain what the Town Council actually do to support inward investment and tourism in our town? The appearance of some of our buildings is a disgrace! Why have the derelict buildings in New Street (opposite Iceland) remained so? They are a complete eyesore! The ex-garage building in Chester Street adjoining Tesco? What a fantastic treat to a visitor to the town! Add the buildings on the approach to Tesco's (opposite Homebase) and you may be forgiven that the town has been blitzed! Mold could and should be a thriving market town with pavement cafes and numerous shops serving the local community and beyond. Can anyone remember the last time they saw a tourist in the town? (Excluding the Eisteddfod) I seem to remember in the late eighties lots of tourist buses arriving in Mold? What happened? There's certainly enough prosperity in the area but there appears to be a lack of effort/will/inventiveness from the (Town Council?) to attract businesses.
Mon Sep 10 09:11:48 2007
Ivor Evans, Tywyn
I recently found this site and I wondered if anyone remembers Pantymwyn Prep School/Mold High School? The Prep School was in Hendy Rd and the High School, Wrexham Rd. I was a pupil at both from 1950 (prep) to leaving the High School in 1961.
Mon Sep 3 10:27:11 2007
Simnon from Liverpool
I'm afraid that I have to completely disagree with Mike from Prestatyn. Not only am I a non-Welsh speaker but non-Welsh. I was made more than welcome on the maes. There was a mix-up with my reserved tickets and the two gentleman who dealt with me were friendly, warm and welcoming. I found no difficulty in not speaking Welsh at all. I found the whole experience amazing, so much so that I went back for a second day. Also considering learning some Welsh and taking a full week off to visit Cardiff next year!
Mon Aug 13 10:27:56 2007
B. G. Parkin; Melin Wynt
Last Sunday, we decided to visit that jewel of culture, the Eisteddfod. After we had toured the site, we lashed out and went to buy an ice-cream each. So, heading towards the nearest seller, we joined the line and as we waited. Having been learning Welsh for a few months, I scanned the price list, in Welsh, and carefully began constructing the necessary sentence to purchase two small plain cones.Arriving at the head of the queue, I got the exact money for the transaction and carefully said "Dai côn bach s'gwelwch yn dda." Imagine my disappointment to be handed two LARGE cones with chocolate flakes stuck in them. Rather than cause a fuss, we paid the extra and then I reverted to English to chat to the vendor. It turned out he was from Czechoslovakia and was trying to learn two languages at once, namely English and Welsh! Sadly, his Welsh appeared to be even worse than mine!
Mon Aug 13 10:27:19 2007
Mike, Prestatyn
My wife and I visited the Maes on Wednesday 8 August, our previous visit being some four years ago when itwas 'local'. Neither of us speak Welsh, but have been brought up in the Prestatyn area, and returned to our home surroundings some ten years ago.My own impression was that it is a festival for the Welsh arts and is very much a national event for Welsh speakers. However the organisers appear to have been regularly in need of financial support through contributions, membership and entrance fees. We found that the event was so intensively Welsh that whilst we were made to feel as if we were outsiders, and! as English speakers our presence was acceptable, not welcoming. Whatever happened to 'Hiraeth', and 'keeping a welcome in the hillside'?
Thu Aug 9 10:49:44 2007
Sarah Carr from Berth Ddu - Rhosesmor
Having learnt Welsh at school and speaking a small amount as a child, I haven't used it at all since leaving school. My son was performing in the Children's Show 'Y Fordaith Fawr' at the Eisteddfod on Sat night and I was really worried about having to try and speak Welsh again as I had heard everyone speaks Welsh in the Maes. Well I needn't have worried as we were welcomed in English at the Entrance and found that we didn't feel uncomfortable speaking English anywhere. The show was fantastic and my son had a great experience which will stay with him forever. Well done to all concerned, it was a very positive experience for us all.
Wed Aug 8 13:28:28 2007
Bruce Parkin; Melin Wynt
The Mold Barbershop Harmony Club are performing for revellers in the Daniel Owen Square at 6.30pm on Saturday 4th and again on Thursday 9th August. We are also looking for men to join the club. Why not come along? It's free.
Mon Aug 6 11:03:01 2007
Pip from Mynydd Isa
The local shops need the support from the locals. People are too keen to pull down the town. Personally, I think it's looking much better and is trying to keep up with the times. The new Homebase store should bring more people into town than heading out to Chester or Wrexham. Things could be getting even better, the drink and drugs problem is nationwide if you know where to look for it, it's not a Mold thing it's a generation thing. Maybe the people complaining should get together to try and do something to help the problem? What do kids have to do of an evening? Get your thinking caps on and work together for a better community!
Thu Aug 2 12:12:13 2007
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