your comments
Thomas Jones, Hamburg
To Geraint Edge, I knew your father well when I used to play football for Rhos and for the New Inn, Rhos. He is the only ref I remember changing his mind over a sending off. A player was fouled just outside the penalty area and your father gave a penalty and sent the player off. There was a big protest going on when the player who was fouled went up to your dad and told him that he wasn't fouled at all, that he simply fell over. Your father then changed his mind and told the sent off player to stay on the pitch, it was a brave thing to do and he got full points on his report card from the club for that game. The player who came clean over that foul was me. I couldn't let this player be sent off for nothing.
Thu Nov 6 08:40:26 2008
Nev Roberts (Shropshire)
To Geraint Edge, Wrexham. That is correct Bob was Barry's father, and he did sing in the choir, but I cannot remember which one.
Tue Sep 16 08:28:25 2008
Geraint Edge (Wrexham)
To Nev Roberts: I know a Barry Lloyd, I sang with his father Bob in the Rhos Male Voice Choir. The darts would have been about right, he ran the league for many years, as well as the domino league. Yes, he was a quiet chap, that is how everybody remembers him.
Mon Sep 8 14:36:09 2008
Sheila Noble
To Susan Penycae. How nice your Mum has fond memories of Joe. I do remember him talking about Myra brother, (your dad). I have some photoes of Myra and her Mum (your grandmother) if you would like to have them, Susan.
Wed Sep 3 08:27:16 2008
Nev Roberts (Shropshire)
To Geraint Edge, (Wrexham). I left Rhos many years ago, but I did go to school at the same time as your father. I lived on Cemetery Road and had a paper round for Wal Jarvis, News Agent at Rhos. I delivered the daily paper and Evening Leader to your father's house at the prefabs. Your grandmother used to give me a super 'tip' at Christmas time. I did also return to Rhos now and then in the Seventies to visit old friends. Do you remember Barry Lloyd? We used to go for a pint at several places and, occasionally, we would see your dad - usually at darts matches. I remember him as a truly genuine, quiet chap, and from what you tell me, continued to be so.
Tue Sep 2 09:14:03 2008
Geraint Edge (Wrexham)
To Nev Roberts, yes he did. First of all in the old prefabs in Ffordd Offa, also Wern Las, Erw Las and finally in Ffordd Gwynedd. He also did lot with the tenants' association.
Wed Aug 27 14:39:30 2008
Nev Roberts, Shropshire
To Geraint Edge (Wrexham), did your father come from the Gardden Road area of Rhos?
Mon Aug 18 13:39:54 2008
Geraint Edge (Wrexham)
Does anyone remember my father Colin Edge? He did a lot of refereeing, and ran the darts and dominoes.
Tue Aug 12 16:25:00 2008
Pam Batha, Oswestry
I lived in Rhos until I was about 11, but still visit relatives there. Love the photos and even saw a couple of familiar faces in them. As children we often walked past The Hall and I'd love to find out more about it and the people who owned it.
Mon Aug 11 14:03:58 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Sandra, Somerset. Correction. Haulage contractors daughter has moved to Alicante, Spain. Just found out by visiting "Johnstown Memories" site with a recent entry "Sue McClelland (nee Owen). Try it, I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
Mon Jun 2 09:28:51 2008
Wil, Wrexham
For Sandra, Somerset. The haulage contractor I worked for, as mentioned previously, had a son who went on to be a bank manager out on the Welsh coast and I believe he retired early many years ago due to ill-health. He also had a daughter who, as far as I know, still lives in the two stone cottages merged into one adjacent to what used to be the workshop. The haulage business came from horse and cart into the modern mechanical world when your great-uncle swapped a motorbike for a small tipping lorry from the son of the blacksmith in Penycae. Ructions followed but there was no going back and I recall by 1960 a fleet of 3 tippers and 1 flat-back which I drove until it was sold off to finance a failing brick manufacturing enterprise on Wrexham Industrial Estate. Just another snippet, lots more but not on this open site, cheers, Wil.
Tue May 27 09:02:53 2008
Sandra from Somerset
For Paul Jones (Rhos) and Wil (Wrexham). You asked about Jack Punch/Bishop. I don't know if this will be any help but I found a comment on another site from Nicholas Jones (Hughes). He said his nain's family operated the level crossing in Ponciau on Fennant Road. Their surname was Hughes, but they were nicknamed "Y Lein" or Bishops. The Bishops nickname appears in brackets after Hughes on old Electoral Registers. I am interested because I think the haulage contractor Wil mentions is my great uncle (my grandfather was a milkman from Ponciau). It may be that Jack Punch was married to my great grandmother. As I am tracing my family tree and history your information has been very useful. Thank you very much.
Thu May 15 09:20:21 2008
Denise from NSW Australia
Re: Bulls Head. My G G grandfather built the Bulls Head from 'Terra Cotta' and it was put up over the front door of a Pub, is it the same one that you are talking about in Rhos? His name is Thomas Humphreys and he was a Terra Cotta worker by trade. He was born 1824 Llangollen and married Jane Roberts.
Tue May 6 15:02:45 2008
H. Joseph
I think that the photos are great. I am showing Rhos to my grandaughter and she is shocked at how it looked then to now.
Fri Apr 4 09:56:57 2008
Susan, Penycae
To Sheila Noble, Rhyl, Joe was my uncle, he married Myra my dad's sister. I don't remember him, he left the area before I was born but my mother who is still alive has fond memories of Joe. The place they lived in Rhos is still there but not used as a garage, hasn't been for years now.
Thu Mar 27 09:47:07 2008
Gerallt Smith, Rossett
Have enjoyed reading all the comments. There have been one or two mentions of my father, Mr TJ Smith, who taught at Grango school in the sixties. Out of interest he is now in his 97th year and in reasonable health, he and my mother now live in Llangollen, mam is 90, they only left their own home in Mountain Street in June 2007. They both have remarkable memories, I speak with them every day on the telephone and see them twice a week, if anyone has a question about 'the old good? times', they love to reminisce and may be able to answer! I would ask them. For my own self even though Dad was a teacher I really did not enjoy school, but growing up in Rhos was wonderful, the people, the friends, great, and a great pleasure is hearing or reading about anyone from "The Rhos" there is only one who have made a mark.
Tue Feb 26 09:33:33 2008
Nev Roberts, Shropshire
To Wil-Wrexham. Thanks for the lead, unfortunately no joy, must now look further afield, but still hoping for a 'break' in this area.
Mon Feb 25 16:00:01 2008
Nev Roberts, Shrewsbury
To Julie Wright, Johnstown. Thank you Julie, if all else fails I will try the library. However, I would dearly love to have my own copy, and it is a little dificult to get to the 'old home town' these days.
Tue Feb 19 12:49:49 2008
Julie Wright (Johnstown)
Message for Nev. Will Portmadoc Jones lived in Bank Street Ponciau, his wife still lives there. He wrote a few books which were very funny, he also wrote a poem for my dad when he passed away and he read it at his funeral, he was a great neighbour. I bet you would get a copy of his book at Rhos Libary.
Mon Feb 18 10:06:48 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For:-Nev Roberts, Google Bridge Books, Wrexham for contact details, if they didn't publish that book I'm sure they'll know who did. Cheers, Wil.
Wed Feb 13 08:35:51 2008
Nev Roberts, Shropshire
Can anyone please help me? I am looking for information regarding Bill (Portmadoc) Jones, he published a book 'Through These Windows, A place and its peoples', in 1981. I would be grateful for any information, either about Bill, or where I may obtain a copy of the book. To Rob Jones (Butcher). Oh boy do I remember 'Tojo' (David Jones), but if I remember the science teacher was Mr Ash, 'Hardnock' was Vernon Jones and Mr Smith taught metalwork. I have many memories of my days at school, not all good, but keen to hear from any old aquaintances.
Mon Feb 11 10:20:33 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For Paul Jones, Rhos. Apparently Jack Punch was a character, he owned houses all over the Rhos, Ponciau and Johnstown area, buying at auction. He would let the bids go up in small amounts, say £2, £5 and £10, we're talking 1930s or even earlier. Bidding might falter at perhaps £250, Jack would then weigh in with a bid of £350 and usually succeed. I worked in road haulage for Jack's (step?) son in the Brandy for about eight years late 50s, early 60s. I think he benefitted from carrying Jack's surname. Have more small snippets of info, but not on public site. Wil.
Wed Jan 30 09:24:31 2008
Paul Jones, Rhos
Hi, has anyone got any information on Bryn Offa, in Ponciau? A row of houses that was once one large house later split into terraces. I believe Jack (Punch) Bishop, owned them many years ago, and the farm further up and surrounding fields. I am a cousin to the family, but cannot find out much, or how Jack got his nick name 'Punch'! I believe the houses go back to the Quaker times. There is no record of who built this house, which once stood with balconies, well before Jack Punch had them. I belive Jack Punch was, well to say the least, a bit of a character. Would anyone no if Jack had brothers of sisters, and where he originated from, or was he born local? Any information on this would be much appreciated. I believe Charles and Peggy Owain later took over the properties.
Mon Jan 21 09:21:11 2008
Steve Pickford Williams Penycae
Hi it's Steve Pickford Williams. Still have fond memories of the Rhos although have been living in Penycae 35 years. Haven't forgotten my roots, once a 'Jacko' always a 'Jacko' I keep telling Eleanor.
Fri Nov 9 12:39:34 2007
Gareth Wright (Bryn-Y-Brain, Rhos)
Thomas Hamburg how the hell are you? The patio doors you fitted are still working but those stairs Derwyn fitted are creaking a bit. Great days with the football, only recently stopped training. Next time you are over must meet up for a drink or two.
Mon Oct 22 12:53:55 2007
P. Simon from Johnstown
Looking at the angle of this pic, it's taken from the doorstep of the house where I was born! 67 Hall St.
Wed Oct 10 07:59:01 2007
Enid Davies (was) Malpas, Cheshire
The fruit and veg shop in Hall Street was run by my two Aunties Megan Bradshaw and Nora Griffiths. Nora is now the only one left of the original nine. She was delighted to see the photograph of the shop. I have to say that the photographs bring back many memories. I have been away from Rhos/Johnstown now for 40 years but still visit regularly. Some of the names ring a bell from days at Grango school 1953-1958. Keep going with this website - it is teriffic.
Fri Sep 28 08:52:57 2007
S Lawson, Johnstown
The names of the two ladies that run the shop (photo 5) are Nora Griffiths and Blodwyn not sure of her surname.
Thu Sep 13 16:30:07 2007
Sheila Noble, Rhyl
Does any one remember Joe Noble? He had the garage and house in Church St. His first wife was from Ros, she was one of the Jarvis family. Reg, her brother, was a bricklayer. My late husband Joe use to tell me all about the folk he took out on trips he ran from his garage. (Is it still there?) His first wife's name was Mrya. Joe left Rhos in 1957. He always had such happy memories of the village.
Tue Sep 11 08:40:24 2007
Rob Jones (Butcher)
Hi I'm Joe Debs eldest son, and I worked in Sally the Butchers while I was in school. Nev I am sure you were in my class in Grango with Dai Pen Coch, Ian Hughes (Bo Bo), Randel, Paul Owen, David Coshott, John Evans to name but a few. Tom you fitted my kitchen in Nant Parc in 1983. Before that I lived in 20 Market St next door to Trish & Dav. It's great to hear the stories, it sends me back 44 years in Grango & Frankie, & Weknow (Brenda Jones), ToJo,(HardKnock Mr Evans) Mr Smith, Science. Keep it going.
Tue Sep 4 09:34:01 2007
Thomas, Hanburg
To Sharon, I would suggest visiting the cemetery and checking through the register. That's what I did. Good luck.
Wed May 16 08:20:23 2007
Sharon from Flintshire
I am looking for information relating to Albert Edward Smallwood, his wife Ethel and their son Raymond, I believe they are buried at Rhos Cemetery. Would anybody in the area happen to have any relatives who may have known this family? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Mon May 14 09:12:50 2007
Ray Clarke now Wrexham
My grandmother Gwladys Smith (nee Jones) was in service at Llanerchrugog Hall in the early part of the 20th C. The family she worked for were from Blackburn but had the hall in Rhos too, and made pots of money from cotton of course. She was their nanny and I have photos of the children she looked after. My grandfather George Smith from Ponciau worked down pit, and because of this was exempt from the army. Because my nain was so good with the kids they did not want to lose her as a nanny by marrying my taid so they tried to "pull strings" to have him drafted! Money talks but they failed and nain and taid were married in 1917, and my mam Violet was born in 1918 at 2 Owen Street, I still have the receipt for her birth. She cost a guinea to deliver. She was worth a king's ransom to me! She married John Stanley Clarke at Penuel on June 16th 1941, had me in 1943, my sister Gillian in 1949 and sadly died at Meifod Nursing home on January 10th 1998. Stan followed her 2 years later also at Meifod. What a hole there is in my life!
Thu May 10 08:36:26 2007
Ray Clarke. Stryt Las now Wrexham
Tom I remember you so well. So that's where you got to! Get in touch.
Thu May 10 08:35:08 2007
Thomas Rogers from Eugene, Oregon
Reading the blog brought a smile to my face. The experience was one to remember! I found the blog because I am searching for the Rogers Rhos history. My grandfather "Thomas" & wife "Ellen" & 4 children ... Ryan, Nellie, Thomas & Theresa, had a butcher shop on High Street in the early 1900s. Moved to Detroit, Michigan in the 1920s. If any one can give me some direction it would be fully appreciated.
Tue May 8 10:30:07 2007
Thomas, Hamburg
To Richard, Yes I lived at 4 Maesenion and I remember Polly and the family. Jerry I also have nice memories of. I used to help do some work for him at his property by the railway line. He had some garages there and I did at time park my car on the site. Great that you also remember the festival on the Llanerchrugog hall field. As for Stifyn he and his brother Anthony were grooms at my wedding in 1969. Stifyn's family you refer to were the family Evans and lived at no 6. The family being on "Marilyn" his mother's side. I really do have very fond memories of growing up in the Gornel like you. Thanks for getting in touch.
Wed Mar 28 10:04:37 2007
Ian Jones, Oman
To Len, as you say it is long gone new airport expansion plan although some of the original passenger and military facilities still remain. Salalah still very underdeveloped in comparison although the whole country is breathtaking.
Thu Mar 22 08:13:01 2007
Richard (Dick) Morris, Caernarfon
To Thomas, Hamburg. The party you refer to was at Rhos Hall on Coronation Day (1953) I remember being there. If you are from Maeseinion do you remember Polly Parry (lived in the top of the cul de sac) as she was my mother's sister? Her children (my cousins) were Jerry who played rugby for Wrexham, Enid, who died of a brain haemorrage aged 34 years, and Eddie who passed away 2 years ago at Melton Mowbray. I used to spend most of my time in Maeseinion. Stifyn Parry (Welsh entertainer), his family lived in the 2nd house on left. Dan Jonnah (kept order at the snooker in the Stute! with his one leg, lived second house on the right going into the cul de sac. It was a great time to be brought up in Rhos. Everyone knew everyone.
Tue Mar 20 08:16:50 2007
Thomas Hamburg
To Rhianon, Llannerchrugog Hall was, I believe, to have been a part of a large farming estate. The house with the stone sun on its gable that is by the crossroads of Hall Lane and Maesenion is known as "The lodge" and once, as I was told, stood at the beginning of a long drive to the hall which is why it was called "The Lodge House". I remember when I lived in Maesenion taking part in an egg and spoon race that was held on the field in front of its surrounding wall. I must have been four maybe five years of age so this would be around 1951/52 and was part of a festival of some sort held on its property. Maybe it was to celebrate the Queen's Coronation. The hall always fascinated me as we could see it from our house before the flats were built. I never did get the chance to see what it was like from the inside. A tip for you. Ask the "Human Encyclopedia of local history" Tony Jackson, he will know.
Fri Mar 9 10:02:27 2007
Rhianon, Ponciau
Can anyone give any historical information about Rhosllanerchrugog Hall like when it was built and by whom and was it a farm? Did it own land and dwellings around it? It's just general interest on my part.
Thu Mar 8 08:32:07 2007
Nev Roberts, Shropshire
These sights and photograghs have really jogged my memories of my days at 'The Rhos' and my attendance at Grango School in the early sixties. Sadly I have lost touch with my past(and past friends) but am delighted to be reminded.
Tue Mar 6 11:57:57 2007
Richard Morris, Caernarfon
I have very many happy memories of Ponciau / Rhos in the 1950s. The gang used to be David Lloyd, Fennant Road (alas no longer with us), Barry Powell, Trefor Dodd, Gareth Richards. Spent many a sixpence in the old Milk bar listening to the juke box (also corner cafe, Pentrebychan, where we used to go for a walk after chapel. Can anyone please tell me if Y Trefor Dodd is still with us?
Tue Mar 6 08:40:23 2007
Rhianon, Ponciau
The two sisters who ran Bradshaws fruit & veg were called Nora & Megan. I think one still lives in Rhos she knew my Nain (grandmother) Violet Lloyd. It is lovely looking back, Rhos has changed quite a lot but I wouldn't like to live anywhere else.
Mon Feb 26 09:37:33 2007
Thomas
Thomas to Rhianon and Lisa - Hallo Rhianon Yes you are right the bit of a shop you see in the fifth photo was FHW and yes George on order was in the middle of Central Buildings. Thanks for the info concerning the name of the two sisters that ran the shop. Isn't looking back wonderful? Hi Lisa - Have you checked out my other submissions on this site? and have you seen your dad's photo in the football team? See you in June, Uncle Tom.
Thu Feb 22 09:32:04 2007
Lisa Jones of Ponciau
Uncle Tom, how lovely to see all the pictures on here. Even though I was aged between 5-9 years at the time, I still remember holding nain's hand and going shopping into Rhos. Looking forward to seeing you in June. For those you don't know me, I'm Dai Pen Coch's eldest daughter.
Mon Feb 19 12:31:03 2007
Rhianon Jones, Ponciau
On photo 5 the small fruit & veg shop on Hall St was called Bradshaws and run by a lady called Norah Bradshaw and her sister. Also on this photo I'm sure the shop on the left was Freeman Hardy & Willis shoe shop or Dick'es and the next shop was George and orders.
Mon Feb 12 12:15:27 2007
Thomas Jones
To Julie
Yes, I am the brother of David "Pen Coch". Maybe I should have said that my name is Tom. Since I have been living in Hamburg people know me as Thomas which I don't mind at all. I think that I would be correct in saying that your brother is Gareth.
To Chris,
If you do have a photo of me then there was only one and that was taken on the Grango field before Yscol Hoosan was built. I really would love to see it again. I will be over in the first two weeks in June and will be staying in Llan. Maybe we can get in touch. Thanks for the feedback.
Mon Dec 11 09:47:33 2006
Don Jones (Delph) , Gainsborough
For Len Salisbury. Another coincidence. I used to fly down to Salalah and Masirah at that time. Not so comfortably though as it was always by Hercules.
Fri Dec 8 08:44:38 2006
Len Salisbury, Acrefair
Ian Jones how is Bait al Falaj these days? I was stationed there in 1973-74 near to the Post Office by the runway long gone. I used to fly down to Salalah by Viscount.
Mon Dec 4 10:58:32 2006
Chris
Tom, good to see you're still thinking about the Rhos! Julie, it's Dei Pen Coch Jones. 2 other brothers are Tom and Derwyn. Tom, I think we've got some old photos of you and Derwyn when you were playing for Clwb Rygbi Rhos. I'll go through them with Sel Bala and get them up on this site. If you're home anytime pop in the Sun, the Rugby Club have taken it over.
Fri Dec 1 14:59:38 2006
Julie Wright of Rhos
It was great to look back on the old photos of Rhos. You forget how much it has changed. My brother is on one of them. Are you a brother to Dai Pen Coch Thomas? Think I've got the right family.
Wed Nov 29 08:02:17 2006
Thomas Hamburg
I am happy that I got up very early one Sunday morning "it was around 6 am" and decided to take the above photos. I decided that all would some day vanish as so much had before. The only sad thing is that I must have taken about twenty or so photos and allas all the others have been lost.
I will keep searching though, I am happy you like them.
Tue Nov 7 10:03:28 2006
Ian Jones from Oman
Great to see the 80's photos. I lived in Glanrafon and went to Ruabon school from Grango. It has certainly changed but I am not sure for the better. The character of the village has certainly gone but it is still a unique place and always will be.
Mon Nov 6 09:10:25 2006
Sharon Davies from Rhos
I came to live in Rhos in 1978 and to see the photos from the 80s brought back happy memories, especially the one of The Bulls Head. Rhos has changed almost beyond recognition but, thankfully, the people are the same, with the wit and sense of humour that is unique to this village!
Mon Nov 6 08:59:36 2006
This comments form is now closed
