Acrefair Bridge

Last updated: 26 May 2009

David Hart shares photos and memories in this short film about the old Acrefair Bridge, the village railway station and migrating frogs!

View David's film

your comments

Sue Fortune from Pen y Cae
To Joan Hudson: thanks so much for info about Hewitt family of Burton Terrace and apologies for late thanks - I thought this such a long shot I didn't bother to follow it up.
Tue May 26 08:38:34 2009

Bruni Nolan
I notice people have mentioned my mum's cousin, Haydn Griffiths, the old landlord of the "Oddies". I have been trying to ring him for a while, and get no answer. If anyone knows him could you tell him Beryl Jones' daughter has been trying to ring him from Manchester. No alarm though, mum is fine!
Thu May 14 09:52:26 2009

Joe Morrison
David Hart. Yes you are correct about Abernant, I was brought up there and my parents have lived there for over 40 years. The houses there now are The Croft, Owens Terrace, Prospect House and Jubilee Terrace which is set back from the road up the side of Prospect House. There is another row which I can't think of the name of now sorry.
Wed May 6 10:16:51 2009

Bryan Jones, Vancouver
Hi Joe Ruabon, you seem to know the local pubs so maybe you can jog my memory. I tell people that when I threw darts in the Blubell pub in the 60s I had to stand in a hole in the pub floor because the roofbeams were too low for the trajectory of the darts. Is this true or am I thinking of some other pub?
Fri Apr 24 08:35:57 2009

Peter Lloyd
Alan Haslam. Not been on for quite a while and just seen your entry. I live in Trevor now but lived all my life until 21 in Creswell. My dad is still there, he is 90 years old and has a fantastic memory. His dad, my grandad, walked all the way to Creswell from Cefn Mawr for jobs in the 20s. He can remember all sorts of people, especially as he was a dustman in Creswell for years. He knows some of the names you mention. He is away at the moment, but will be back soon. If you would like to talk to him I am sure it could be arranged.
Tue Apr 14 09:42:33 2009

Lynda Boydell, Maesteg, Glam
Hi. Trying to trace some family history. Can anyone tell me anything about Edward Griffiths? He lived at 1 Greenfields Terrace, Johnstown. He was born 1850 in Ruabon and married Hannah Griffiths nee Hughes, he was a senior deacon at Christ Church, Johnstown he died 1906/1907. I believe he had 3 daughters Kate, Nora and Gwennie. I believe Kate and Nora were spinsters and are possibly still alive, they would be well in their nineties, and Gwennie married becoming Gwennie Mc'Cormick and had a son, Peter. I would love to hear from anyone who can help. Many thanks, Lynda.
Mon Apr 6 10:17:21 2009

Joe Ruabon
To Bryan Jones Vancouver, re; Dusty Jones - name was David, also known as Dave "Corwen" a family nickname. S.E. Jones was his grandmother.
Mon Mar 30 08:50:02 2009

Bryan Jones, Canada
Thanks, Joe Ruabon. I never knew DC Jones but I went to Ruabon grammar school with his son. I spent years in the same class but for some reason never knew his real name. He was always called Dusty, I never knew why.
Mon Mar 23 08:29:48 2009

Joe Ruabon
To Bryan Jones, Vancouver. I think the landlord you refer to is Haydn Griffiths who ran the Oddies with his wife Tina. He also drove lorries for SE Jones in Acrefair.
Mon Mar 16 08:42:00 2009

Bryan Jones, Vancouver
Hi David Hart. Thanks for the info, you are correct it was the Oddfellows. The people I mentioned worked alongside of me both in Monsanto and Air products. At that time the landlord of the Oddfellows also worked at Air Products. I don't remember his name but his wife's name was Tina.
Fri Mar 6 08:21:06 2009

David Hart/Acrefair-Cefn
To Bryan Jones, Vancouver, Canada. The pub you refer to, where you played darts, is probably the ODDFELLOWS, known locally as "The Middle House". It is halfway up Chapel Street, on the left hand side. I have an idea that the people you mentioned worked at Air Products (Hughes & Lancs.) and/or Monsanto, as I know them.
Thu Mar 5 07:51:58 2009

Bryan Jones, Vancouver, Canada
Hi Haydn Morris. I don't know what part of Canada you live but if you had been anywhere close to Cloverdale BC on Sunday you could have dropped in on my St David's day annual celebration. I played many a dart game in a pub in Acrefair with my buddies Denzil Evans, Trevor Parry and Allan Graham but I can't remember the name of the pub. It was not the Eagles, it was on the left hand side of the roadabout 100 yards from the bridge on the way up to the Bluebell.
Wed Mar 4 09:36:12 2009

Haydn Morris, Canada
To Julian Griffiths, ex-Bersham. Yes, I am the Haydn Morris who used to work there. Not sure you will get this because it was a year ago when you wrote it. Hope you are well.
Mon Mar 2 10:48:06 2009

Joan Hudson, Downham Market, Norfolk
For Sue Fortune. My grandmother Ellen Hewett lived at 23 Burton Terrace early 1930s. There were six children, Harry, Mary Ann, Will, Esther, Johnny and Nellie. Also, Alice and Harry Hewett lived at 32 Burton Terrace, daughters were Margaret and Maud.
Fri Feb 13 09:54:27 2009

Alan Haslam
To Peter Lloyd and Roy Samuels. Just read your queries about Creswell, Derbyshire and its mining disaster. I was born and still live in Creswell and my grandfather (Robert Hall) originated from Chirk but moved in the 1920s to work at the pit. My gran, Anne Florrie (nee Machin) was from Cefn Mawr. Many moved from the Chirk area to Creswell around that time. Please contact me if you want further information. I would be curious about any relatives I may have in that area.
Mon Jan 5 09:40:31 2009

Tony Vaughan, Trefonen
To Teresa Russell, Brisbane. Hello Teresa, if you look on the Cefn Mawr memories page you will see that I've already enquired about you. We moved into 13 Cae Coch when you moved out (mam thinks it was xmas 1967 into new year 1968). I think you must be getting me confused with my big cousin Ricky who knew your sister Carol (I think they were roughly the same age). To your uncle David I hope you and your family are well, I haven't been online for a while due to my working away. (Also, new email address posted with the web team). A happy new year to all you "ELDERS" and contributors to these pages as without you many memories would be lost!
Mon Jan 5 09:04:22 2009

Teresa Russell, Brisbane, Australia
To Tony Vaughn. My uncle is David Hart. His now wife and her mother lived in number 13. We swapped houses with her. We lived in 13 Cae Coch until 1968, next door to your Nan. I was only young but I remember collecting eggs from her chickens. I think you knew my sister Carol (Hart), she is a grandmother now and her boyfriend, now hubby, Stuart Vickers from Penycae, he came to Australia in 1967, us a year later. My grandad lived in number 12, my dad John (Jack) Hart worked in Monsanto. I have been back to Cae Coch and nothing much has changed but the memories came flooding back. My good friend Yvonne Pryce (Shawcross) lived in number 24 next to the air raid shelter. I hope to be back again 1 day.
Mon Dec 29 09:59:16 2008

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Joe, Ruabon. You are quite correct in the location of Abernant. The area where Flexsys car park is now is where there were numerous houses, years ago. Jubilee Terrace was one row of houses but I can't remember the names of the others. One row was parallel with the road, and another at right angles to it, facing the old Research Labs.
Mon Dec 22 08:24:38 2008

Joe, Ruabon
Can anyone tell me where Abernant is? Is it the area near Monsanto bridge / Trefynant cemetery? Many thanks.
Mon Dec 15 08:08:27 2008

Chris Madsen
For David Hart and Len Salisbury. Thanks for your replies. I believe Ruth, my Uncle Bob's daughter, and George are living in South of France (I am Steve's daughter). I would like to know who Ruth's boys Kevin and Mark married and names of children for my tree. Also, does anyone know of a William Humphreys who married Vera Morris and had daughter Jill please? I would expect Jill to be around the 60 mark, her grandfather was my grandmother's brother (I think!).
Mon Nov 10 15:06:02 2008

Len Salisbury, Acrefair
To Chris Madsen, I knew your uncle Bob (Ireland) but before he lived in Abernant he lived in a house just after Gethin Davies's shop before you went up the hill to Cae Coch houses. As a young child our family lived in Bryn Goleu behind Brynffynnon but is no longer there and my parents were big friends of Bob and Cissie his wife. If you want more info please ask.
Wed Nov 5 08:41:39 2008

David Hart, Acrefair/Cefn
For Chris Madsen. I remember your uncle Bob very well. He lived on Cae Coch Lane when we lived in Cae Coch, and I knew all of the family. Your cousin Phylis was about my age, and Ruth is younger. Later on, the family lived next door to my brother, Jack, in Jubilee Terrace, Abernant. I believe that Ruth is living in Abernant at the moment, across the road from where Jubilee Terrace once stood. Are you Steve's daughter? If so, I also knew him from my time at Monsanto, and also another relative, Fred. Your uncle?
Wed Nov 5 08:38:41 2008

Chris Madsen
For David Hart. Do you remember my Uncle Bob Jones who worked on the gate house in Monsanto and was involved with St Johns Ambulance Brigade? He lived in Abernant.
Mon Nov 3 09:14:17 2008

Aaron
To Tracy who was Butterton before marriage, did you live by Ty Mawr and have a sister called Karen as I remember seeing you out in town on a Friday night and we got talking and became good friends for a few years before I moved away. Hope you are okay if it is you and am wondering what you are up to nowadays.
Thu Oct 9 10:15:45 2008

Chris Madsen
For Wayne Cotton, Penycae. I was in school with a Raymond Cotton. Is he your Dad? I was born in 1949, have not come across anyone of that name since. He went to Rhosymdre school and at one time lived in Marlbrook, Acrefair. Would love to know of him again.
Fri Sep 12 08:36:08 2008

Len Broadbent - Johnstown
Dear Pilgrims...congratulations to Bethan Golby who was the only one to get the correct answer to the Johnstown Fun QuizBEER - BIRMINGHAM - JULIUS CAESAR - ARISTOTLE. What have these four things got in common. In the event of nobody else getting the correct answer in the near future, Bethan will post the answer with a full explanation in the next fortnight. Regards. Len B.
Mon Sep 1 15:48:26 2008

Christine Mairs
To Mary Nethercott, hi you should remember me. I am Billy's sister and Elsie Mairs' daughter. How have you been?
Mon Aug 4 09:59:45 2008

Len Broadbent - Johnstownn
Hello Pilgrims in Cefn and Acrefair. Here as promised is the next clue to Johnstown Fun Puzzle... BEER - BIRMINGHAM -ARISTOTLE - JULIUS CAESAR... What have these four things got in common. The next clue - a fantastic bovine leap much to the merriment of a canine onlooker. Looking forward to the first correct answer.P.S. Another seperate clue appears on blog "Johnstown Memories" on this NE Wales BBC site. Regards, Len B.
Mon Aug 4 09:29:15 2008

Len Broadbent - Johnstown
To Pilgrims David Hart and Susan Gordon Jones (S.W. France). Thanks for attempting to solve Johnstown fun puzzle - BEER - BIRMINGHAM - ARISTOTLE - JULIUS CAESAR - what do these four things have in common? For words of verse 8 go to Google and type in O Happy Band of Pilgrims. There are 9 verses altogether plus music. If there are no more entries shortly we will have two more clues this wekend. Put your thinking caps on Bethan Golby - EBJ- Srewart E - Andy H - Edgar P - and many more - good luck. To Susan Gordon Jones (SW France)..Yes, Veronica Broadbent is my niece, now living in Wrexham - I shall pass on your regards. Best wishes.
Thu Jul 31 09:24:14 2008

Susan Gordon Jones (Whitehead) ex Cefn, SW France
Hello David, nice to hear from you. I have been following your exploits on these pages - aren't they great?
To Len Broadbent: are you related to Veronica nee Broadbent? If so, do please remember me to her as we went though RGGS together. Last saw her at a year reunion over 10 years ago.
Thu Jul 24 08:30:28 2008

David Hart, Acrefair/Cefn
For Susan Gordon Jones (Whitehead) & Len Broadbent.
As Len says, I must have sung this many times (many years ago), but am stumped as to what the answer is. I couldn't find an eighth verse in the Church Hymnal, but found one in a copy of the Old version. Hymn number 224 . It didn't do me any good though! Regards, David.
Tue Jul 22 08:31:47 2008

Susan Gordon Jones (Whitehead) ex Cefn SW France
To Len Broadbent, I was RGGS and sang in St Paul's choir. I have rooted out my hymn book but my version of 'Oh happy band of Pilgrims' has only 7 verses so I am stumped!
Mon Jul 21 09:54:14 2008

Len Broadbent - Johnstown
To David Hart and other Cefners. Another Johnstown fun quiz.What do the following four things have in common?:- BEER.. BIRMINGHAM.. ARISTOTLE.. JULIUS CEASAR. The clue lies in the church hymnal. Hymn number 364 - O Happy Band of Pilgrims Versed 8. Come on Dai Hart and you other RGS and St Pauls Church choir members - you have sung this song dozens of times. I have many happy memories of working in the Analytical Lab at Monsanto 1947 - 1953. Good Luck and Best Wishes.
Fri May 30 08:25:01 2008

Samuels, Chirk
To Peter Lloyd. Further to my note the other day I have found that if you type (Creswell Derbyshire information yellow pages) you can scroll and find a message board for Creswell, hope that is what you are looking for, hope you find lots of old friends. Cheerio for now.
Mon Apr 21 16:20:59 2008

Samuels, Chirk
To Peter Lloyd. Nice to hear from you Peter. I simply typed Derbyshire towns and then looked for Creswell. Hope this is of use to you. The site I wanted was the mining disaster in Creswell pit. I am not sure about leaving messages for people, but I will have another look some time. If I find anything I will, of course, let you know. Hope you are all well and will look out for you again.
Mon Apr 21 09:15:13 2008

Peter Lloyd, Trevor.
Roy Samuels. Hi Roy, are you Charlie's and Blodwyn's Roy? I am Ted's lad. I have just got back to the site and saw your messages. You say you liked the site for Creswell. I would be grateful if you give me the site's address as I can't seem to find it. There seem to be a few sites but I can't find one that takes messages like this one. Will get back to you later. Bye for now.
Thu Apr 10 08:20:56 2008

Kate
Hello everyone, I live in Wrexham and I am currently completing an apprenticeship with a bespoke tailor in Chester. With this I am researching the history of tailoring and tailors and was wondering if anyone had any information on Wrexham tailors? Thank you.
Wed Apr 2 10:26:07 2008

J Griffiths
Are you the Haydn Morris who worked for Bersham Eng in the 70s, with Matt, Trevor, Pecker, Delwyn?
Fri Feb 29 15:28:43 2008

Rod Bowen, Ruabon
Looking through the post form Ramsay Powell and noted his great grandparents lived in Abernant Terrace, Acrefair. So did mine, George and Sarah Morris, at number 2 in 1881. Today went looking to take a photo but failed to locate the houses. Any information, please.
Tue Dec 11 08:22:51 2007

William Russell Jones,Cefn Mawr
Wayne, click on to the main Cefn Mawr page, and then you will see a link called Picture Postcards. This has many old photos of the Cefn area.
Fri Nov 9 08:34:13 2007

Wayne Cotton, Wrexham/Penycae
I'd love to see some old pics or find a site of old local history especially the old railway networks that ran through Acrefair, Cefn, Trevor and across to even Ruabon and Rhos etc. Anyone know anything?
Mon Oct 15 08:50:57 2007

Sue Fortune, from Pen y Cae
Hi, I just stumbled across this most interesting site, and wondered (though it's a bit off the subject) do any of the contributors remember a family called Hewitt? At one time they lived in Burton Terrace, before the war I think, and I would love to make contact as they were relatives of my grandmother's but we're not in touch.
Mon Oct 1 09:20:29 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
Hi Clare, I knew your grandparents Agnus and Norman. I lived in Plas Isaf as a child. You may remember my daughter, Nicola, who, I think, was in school with you and I knew was in Sunday school at the same time. We went to Rhosymedre and your family went to St Pauls.
Mon Sep 24 09:49:11 2007

Glenys Wright - nee James
Just came across your site, really brings back memories. I lived at Maelor Terrace. Now live in Dawlish, Devon, sister to Jennifer Jenkins. I remember Diane Powell, Monica Parks, Marlene Jones, in fact, everyone contributing. Does anyone remember me? Lived in Bethania Road years ago. Phil Lloyd was also my friend...
Fri Sep 7 08:31:19 2007

Dave Short, Llangollen
Looking for photos of Ruabon, Acrefair, Trevor Stations and Sun Bank Halt and any sights along the line. Can anyone help?
Fri Aug 24 16:41:36 2007

Yvonne Pryce, Acrefair
To Paul Butterton. As a family we moved into 24 Cae Coch after your grandmother moved to no 3. I remember playing with her grandson, until he moved away. He had a wheelbarrow which I thought was a great toy ( much better than a doll's pram). I don't know if it was you or someone else from your family. I was 4 when we moved in 1957
Fri Jul 27 13:53:56 2007

Diane Williams nee Powell
Hi David, you asked me in your last message about my uncle John's big birthday. Well, it's today 16th - my brother and his wife took my mother up to see him today only a quick visit. I have asked on the site if anyone has contact with Marlene Jones that was or Monica Parks. Any news would be welcomed.
Mon Jul 16 10:34:25 2007

Graham Jones/ Cefn
To Haydyn Morris, Calgary, my dad Mike Jones - one of your dad's best friends - says to say hello to you. He remembers your dad in the Fron, him and his brother Iestyn.
Mon Jul 2 09:06:28 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Clare Kempster. Hello Clare, nice to read your comments about the bridge etc. and glad to know that you are still in circulation! You are correct about me knowing your Mam, as we were neighbours as youngsters, and she was a big friend of my wife, Hazel. They were members of the Maelor Youth Choir. Your Dad and I worked together at Monsanto Warehouse (many years ago), and also your Grandad Norman. Even though your Mam only lives a few hundred yards from us, it isn't very often we see each other. I haven't seen you for some time, but remember you giving me a wave as you passed me in your car on Bethania Road! Regards. David
Wed May 30 08:31:06 2007

Tracy Williams, Cefn
To Paul Butterton, Birmingham: I wonder if you are of any relation to me. I was a Butterton before marriage. My dad is called Phill Butterton. His dad was called Benny. Any memories?
Tue May 29 10:28:45 2007

Clare Kempster, now living Chatham
Even though I'm young in comparison, I do vaguely remember the bridge, as I had gone out with Mam the day it was being knocked down, April 1979? I think I'm right. You know my mam and knew my dad, Moyra and Mike. I come home fairly often, but it's great to see some photos. The video was great really has made me think about getting up HOME soon.
Mon May 21 10:53:30 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
To Mary Nethercott. Hello Mary. Yes, Mike was my younger brother, and I know that he and Bill were big mates. As I said to Anna, I remember you living at Plas Madoc. Perhaps you will remember my wife, Hazel, who was an agent for a catalogue. We both lived across the road from your mother in law. Hazel in No.13 and me in No.12. We then moved to by the RAFA club when we got married. Nice to hear from you. Regards. David
Fri May 11 08:05:01 2007

Mary Nethercott, Exmouth, Devon
I have heard of your web site from my daughter - Anna - I used to be married to Bill Mairs who was a friend of Mike Hart. I knew Audrey his wife well. I believe sadly they have died. I can see by your photo a resemblance - are you related in any way? My mother in law Elsie Mairs lived in Cae Coch, I lived in Ash Grove Acrefair, until I moved down to Exeter. What an interesting site...
Fri May 4 10:35:18 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Dianne Williams/Powell. Hello Dianne. I was speaking to your uncle John yesterday, and told him that you had written to the site. He was highly delighted. He is keeping well, and is very good visiting your uncle "Nat".John and I are good friends, and spend many hours putting the world to rights. I live just around the corner from him, as your mother will know. Please give her my regards, and tell her I will look out for her next time she is up here, and will ask her when it is John's birthday. He is very coy about it, but I know it is a special one! Regards, David.
Mon Apr 30 16:06:05 2007

Diane Williams / Powell
Hi David, I am Ramsey's older sister have read all the sites on Acrefair with interest. Have sent some queries on the other Acrefair site and await with interest some response. Give my regards to anyone who remembers me.
Fri Apr 27 08:13:09 2007

David Hart
For Paul Butterton, Birmingham.
You have obviously read the previous postings about Cae Coch etc., and perhaps have seen my reply to Tony Vaughan regarding the VE Day party photograph. Your Nan and your Aunty Peggy are both in the photo., and the background to it is the gable end of number 24! Some of the "gathering" are standing on the roof of the underground air raid shelter that you mentioned. Sadly, the Chip Shop is no more but, looking on a brighter side, neither is the smell of Monsanto. If you would care to get in touch, via the Web Team, I will send you a copy of the photo.
Tue Apr 24 08:43:14 2007

Paul Butterton, Birmingham
I have just found this site as have an interest in family history. My grandparents Enoch and Marion Butterton lived at 24 Cae COCH and then number 3 during the 40s and 50s. They had two children, Desmond [my father] and Peggy[Margaret]. Dad joined the army during the war and met my mother in India and my brother and I were born in 50 and 52. I lived intermittingly at Cae Coch until 59 when everyone moved to Hampshire. Even though only a small boy I can still remember the air raid shelter, the smell of Monsanto, the footbridge over the railway at the other end of the road ,the huge quarry cliff at the back of the garden, my nan's favourite place - Zion Chapel, Gaynor at the local shop where I was sent to get the Tizer for Sunday lunch and the amazing fish and chips from the shop at the bottom of Zion Hill. Simple days of childhood.
Mon Apr 23 08:42:47 2007

Sandra nee Thomas
To David: I did see it. My sister took a copy of it to show my mum. Our Valerie was up here on Thursday. Showing her it to, she enjoyed reading some of it and about Rhosymedre. Going to get my mum to come up when she's better so she can do some reading - thanks again.
Mon Apr 2 09:25:04 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Sandra (nee Thomas). You may not have seen the photos that are listed on BOWERS ROAD 2 page. If you look at number 12, you will see your Dad, with other drivers, standing by a Monsanto tanker. I remember your family living on Browns Lane, near Roy Samuels, and had one or two pints with your Dad in the Grosvenors.
Fri Mar 30 07:59:39 2007

Sandra nee Thomas
I lived in Browns Lane as a small child. I remember the bridge and the station. We walked along the line - a shortcut home from school till one day the train came and caught me and my sister. It stopped and our Val nearly had a heart attack.
Mon Mar 26 09:07:20 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Tony Vaughan. Regarding your queries. Yes, your Aunty Eileen & Uncle Bill took over the chipshop from Mr Evans. Sometime in the 1960s. Sorry I can't be more specific on the date. So far as I can remember, your Nain & Taid moved to Cae Coch about 1944/45. I have a photograph of the V.E. day party at Cae Coch, taken in 1945. Your Dad is one of the younger children on it, together with five of his cousins. These are Edgar, Ivor, Morfydd & Brin (baby) Parry and Marion Edwards, who is standing by your Nain on the photo. It was taken by the underground Air raid shelter, next to No.24 at the top of Cae Coch. I'll send you a scan of it if you will let me have your e-mail address, via the Web Team.
Mon Mar 12 09:55:40 2007

Tony Vaughan, Trefonen
To Mr Hart: Sorry to bother you again but would you know when my nan and taid moved into Cae Coch? I recall my dad saying that my uncle Phil was born there and that my dad and uncle Graeme were very young when they moved from by the Queens. Mr and Mrs Evans who used to own the chip shop were my mam and aunty Eileen's aunty and uncle. Did Bill and Eileen take over from them? Many thanks.
Thu Mar 8 08:48:05 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Tony Vaughan. The manager of the CO-OP was a Mr Matthews, and his assistant was GEORGE SMITH who eventually became manager. This must have been when you remember him. You mentioned your Uncle Bill's Chip shop and this brought back memories for me. I can see him now, standing there surrounded by steam, waiting for the chips to brown, and chatting to the customers in the queue. Your Aunty Eileen not saying a word but keeping an eye on the cooking! The chip shop was previously owned by Mr & Mrs Ceulanydd Evans, who lived next door to us, and I tried to get the secret of their batter making from Mr Evans. He never told me, but I can honestly say it was lovely to eat. During the war they would make salmon fritters which went down a treat. The fritters were two slices of potato with Salmon PASTE in between, dipped & fried in batter. Maybe some of the older contributors from Cefn will remember them, as Evans chip shop was well known. Glad you were able to help Sonia, South Africa with her query re. the Watts.
Mon Mar 5 09:02:57 2007

Tony Vaughan, Trefonen
To Mr Hart, You mention the Co-op shop next to the R.A.F.A club. Do you remember the manager there? I remember his name was George but can't recall his surname and also can you recall the milkman whose name was Herbie and came from Ruabon? I used to help him on his round up top of Cefn in the 60s when we lived in Russell Street. I would meet him at uncle Bill's chip shop (Evans's) at about 9 and be home for 11 Saturdays and Sundays for a sixpence. I was only 5 or 6 at the time, imagine being allowed to do that today! Gethins was known to my generation as "Thompson's" who were there from about 1969 to when it closed in about 1975.
Wed Feb 28 14:47:28 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
Reply to Tony Vaughan. Glad you have found out who I am! I'm afraid the comment about my BLACK hair doesn't apply these days, most of it left me a long time ago! Yes, we still live in Cae Bedw, and my sister in Llangollen. Susan is living in Penycae and a Grandmother now. Our son Stephen is still at home with us. Alec and Nancy Cunningham were in the RAFA club when we lived next door. Your Aunt Eileen and Uncle Bill were in the Chip shop at the same time. This is when the top of Cefn was a thriving, close knit community with its own shops. Ask your mother if she remembers "Gethins", and the CO-OP (Feathers) next to the RAFA. Thanks for replying.
Wed Feb 14 17:42:36 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
David Rowlands, Kent. Lovely to have your comments, and to know that you are keeping up with local news. No doubt cousin Bill (Evans) lets you know about the Fron news. Ask him for my e-mail address, and get in touch. The Railway photos sound interesting. Perhaps I could see them next time you come over. Hope Glenys liked the story about Acrefair. It all took place not too far from where she lived!!
Wed Feb 14 17:40:33 2007

Tony Vaughan, Trefonen
For Mr. Hart- please accept my apologies for not realising who you are. The penny dropped when you said you were my parents' best man at their wedding in October 1956 as they always referred to you as "David". Mam has filled in the gaps a little. I think I can remember you living by the R.A.F.A. club (were Alec and Nancy Cunningham there at the time?) Are you still living in Cae Bedw? And how are your children Susan and Peter? Mam also asks is your sister Rosemary still living in Llangollen? I must say that you haven't changed that much from that dark haired young man! on Mam and Dad's wedding album!!!!
Wed Feb 14 10:49:38 2007

David Hart,, Acrefair/Cefn
Ramsey Powell. Port Talbot. Hello Ramsey. Good to see that you are viewing this site, and hope you are passing on the news to your mother. Please give her my regards. I am a neighbour of your uncle John, and have known him, and your uncle Nat, for many years. I also remember your father, and have a photograph of the two of us with the Monsanto Football team, taken in the late 1940s. They must have been very short of players for them to have selected me, but can't vouch for your Dad! I will give John a print of it for him to pass it on to you.
Mon Feb 12 12:17:06 2007

David Rowlands from Kent
David Hart, I enjoyed your article on Acrefair Bridge, I have spent some time collecting photos and researching the Afon Eithia Tramway, which ran from Trevor canal basin to the Afon Eithia Coal pits in Penycae in the early 1800's. The line ran on the level passed Acrefair cemetery and on the Crane in Cefn where another tramway ran along King Street to Acrefair and then followed the line of the railway past Air Products and the Delpth to Penycae. I have some good photos of Trevor Station in the 20's, Acrefair station and a pannier tank engine shunting in Air Products' yard and the brick yard near the cemetery.
Thu Feb 8 12:54:41 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
Peter Brew, Cornwall. Hello Peter. Thanks for writing to ask if I knew your father. I most certainly did, and remember him from the time I was a small, office boy at Monsanto. Part of my job was to carry consignment notes to Acrefair Station from Monsanto, and very often would "scrounge" a lift with your father. One time he asked if I wanted a lift back to the factory, and told me to jump on the back of the trailer. I did as I was told, and he proceeded to take me to RUABON station, laughing all of the way there. My boss wasn't too pleased when I eventually got back! Your father was still at Acrefair when I joined the railway, and we had plenty of laughs together. I think we were all sorry to see him leaving when you moved to Truro.
Wed Feb 7 08:22:08 2007

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Tony Vaughan. Tony. Give my regards to your Mum please. Regarding Griffiths Stores. The lift you mentioned served two shops, one on High Street and the other on Crane Street. Orders would be shouted down from the top shop, and the goods would come up on the lift. It worked the other way round if you were in the bottom shop! As I remember, there was a lovely smell in both shops, no doubt from the bags of seeds and feed that were stored there. I can't remember the name of the last Station master at Acrefair Station. I left there about 1955, so it was after my time. The Bridge was known as The Prince of Wales bridge, and was changed from a wooden one to the present iron one in the early 50s.
Mon Feb 5 15:38:17 2007

Peter BREW, St Day, Cornwall.
Hello David, I wonder if you remember my dad, George Brew, who was a driver at Acrefair? The station was booming in those days - plenty of freight to collect and deliver. We lived in Trevor, and sometimes he would take me with him to see the last train through. I think the Stationmaster was a Mr Rosbotham. Enjoyed the film, thank you, Peter Brew.
Mon Feb 5 15:13:08 2007

Ramsey Powell, Port Talbot
I lived at Brickfield Terrace up until 1957 when my mother/father moved to Port Talbot. My mother being Sue and my father Jeff (Monsanto). My uncle Nat had a fish and chip shop in Rhosymedre. My uncle John Roberts still lives at Cae Bedw, and my gGrand parents lived in Abernant Terrace.
Wed Jan 24 08:22:55 2007

Tony Vaughan
For Mr Hart. Yes, my Dad was John who passed away in 1996, but Mam is still in Rhosymedre and wishes to be remembered to you. As regards to my nan and taid keeping chickens, I can remember him taking me to Griffiths stores (opposite the bakery on High street) to buy chicken feed and being fascinated by the lift/pulley that used to fetch the feed from the cellar and taid telling me that they used to keep a little man down there all day and pull him up the lift at night. Would you happen to know who the last station master was at Acrefair station and also why Francis's bridge was called so as we only knew it as the 'Iron Bridge'. Many thanks.
Wed Jan 10 08:04:20 2007

David Hart. Cefn/Acrefair
For Tony Vaughan. Yes Tony, I do remember your Grandfather, very well. We were neighbours for many years when I lived in No.12 and my wife in No.13! I knew all of your family, and, if your father was John, I was actually best man at your parents' wedding, and remember when they went out to Australia. Cae Coch was a lovely place to live, where all the neighbours were friendly with each other, and the youngsters played together quite happily. One thought that comes to mind, is the fact that your Grandparents kept chickens, which would sometimes stray into our garden. The result would be one lucky member of our house would have a fresh egg for tea. The hen didn't know she had layed in the wrong patch!
Tue Jan 9 08:40:56 2007

Tony Vaughan
Thanks for the photos of Acrefair Station as it was when it was actually in use. We moved into No 13 Cae Coch in 1967 just as the lines were being ripped up. I was 6 years old at the time and the old station became my childhood playground. Did you know my taid Bert Vaughan who lived at No 14 Cae Coch? He also worked on the railway. I can remember my dad taking him to work at Gobowen signal box until he retired in about 1972.
Mon Jan 8 10:21:47 2007

Stuart Jones, Lanzarote
To David Graham Jones, Epsom, Surrey. Hello David, I'm now living in Lanzarote, I would be delighted to hear from you, my email address is logged with the BBC website. Regards Stuart
Thu Jan 4 11:22:58 2007

Bryan Davies (Beatle) Ruabon
Here i am in Holland in my brother in laws house and he shows me this web site - it makes good reading and brings back memories of standing under Acrefair bridge forty plus years ago waiting to go to Cefn for a night out. Good to read Dave Hart re frogs and for my wedding snaps thirty five years ago and best regards to my old workmate Haydn and family in Canada. Rosemary and myself have come over to hear The Westlands Mannenkoor male voice 150 voices audience 2200 excellent concert did not ask me to join in
Tue Oct 24 08:27:20 2006

David Hart. Acrefair/Cefn
For Alan Griffiths and Des Turner. Thanks for your comments about the short film. It is nice to hear from you both, and to know that you are still around! To Roy Samuels. Hello Roy. Thanks for the offer re. nicknames. I had the loan of the book that Colin wrote, so I am OK now. As you say, it brings back memories of days gone by, and of the characters that were amongst us. To David Graham Jones, Epsom. David, glad you enjoyed the film. I remember your mother and father very well, especially your father. He re-plastered our kitchen walls when we lived in Ael Y Bryn, next door to the RAFA Club in High Street. It was a treat to see such a good craftsman at work, as he made it look so easy. Another time he repaired a broken coping stone on Zion Chapel roof, and living across the road, I was able to see him working off a very tall ladder, making an excellent job of it. Later on I worked with him when he left the plastering work behind, and started in Monsanto. Yes I do remember the Coalman by the station. His son Ivor carried on with the business for a number of years, and still lives in the house leading up to the old coalyard.
Wed Oct 11 09:23:08 2006

David Graham Jones, Epsom
Thanks for your film. I lived near the old laundry on King Street on the border of Acrefair and Cefn next to Humphreys the Builder. My dad, Gwyn Jones, was a plasterer and worked for Humphreys for many years. I was born in 1950 and used to go on the train from Acrefair Station to Ruabon Grammar School, more often than not jumping off the train and scooting down the bank at Ruabon to avoid paying! Do you remember the coalman who lved at the bottom of the hill up to the 'posh' entrance to the station? He seemed to continue operating for years after most people had stopped using coal fires. I now live in leafy Surrey but appreciate any reminders of home.
Mon Oct 9 10:17:30 2006

roy samuels
Hello David, been reading through the cefn site and noticed Don Jones article on cefn nicknames, colin mentioned this book a few years ago if you wish i will contact him to see if any more information is available. i remember all those nicknames and it was like reading about ghosts. please let me know if you want to go further. kind regards roy samuels ex browns lane
Mon Oct 9 08:31:25 2006

Des Turner - Acrefair.
For David Hart; Really enjoyed your excellent film David, just wanted it to go on for longer! It was great to be able show my kids how that part of the village used to look, when I was a lad !
Wed Sep 20 07:47:57 2006

Alan Griffiths, now Macclesfield, but Acrefair fir
David - it was great to see that film - as good as my memory of the Bridge. I have really enjoyed reading all the wonderful warm words so many people have written over the past months; congratulations on such sensitive writing. To David - yes of course I remember you (you asked Norma)teaching me the ropes at Monsanto Warehouse when I worked with you during a student summer. Ken Thomas visits me quite often as his daughter lives up the road from us - he gives me a good bit of news!
Thu Sep 7 08:57:23 2006

Kay Hyde, Ty Coch, Cae Coch Lane
It's great to see this old film, why on earth did they demolish the old functioning railway system? What fools. I wonder if anyone has old photos of the houses on Browns Lane as we are finding old walls of houses and am so curious to see how it all was. I know the place has such history that I find so interesting yet can't picture it. Also photos of Zion street, do any exist? Thanks Kay
Mon Aug 14 09:46:07 2006

David Hart
For Roy Samuels, Chirk/Cefn. Hello Roy. Glad you liked my contribution re. Frogs. They were only part of my "growing up", and I remember you living on Browns Lane, and playing around Zion Chapel. As kids, during the blackout in the war, we would frighten the life out of each other, playing at Ghosts. Really scary if we had just seen a horror film at the Palace or the Old Hall!
Thu Aug 10 07:41:33 2006

David Hart Acrefair/Cefn
For Haydn Morris, Calgary. Hello Haydn and family. Thanks for your comments about the short film. It's good to know that it gives some pleasure to ex pats., and helps remind them of home. I remember your Mother and Father very well, especially your Dad. We spent many happy hours together as members of the Fron Choir, and "socialising" in the Aqueduct Pub after practice. You could always rely on a lot of banter between him and his old pal, "TIDDLER". He also visited our house in Cae Coch a few times, to chat with my Dad about the Merchant Navy. I can still picture him in his British Rail/GWR uniform. I think we must have had the same tailor, because both uniforms were the same size, even though I was more rotund than your Dad. The measuring for my uniform was done by the local Inspector, with a piece of knotted string. How he remembered which knot was which I never found out, but I found it awkward walking ! Keep in touch
Thu Aug 10 07:41:01 2006

Haydn Morris, Calgary
Hi, David. My wife just found this page and showed me the film. I am Noel Morris' son from the Fron, now living in Calgary with my Canadian wife and two daughters. The railway was particularly interesting, as I used to spend time with my Dad on Ruabon and Chirk station. Thank you very much for your time and effort on these pages. It really is appreciated.
Mon Aug 7 16:49:55 2006

Roy Samuels, Chirk ex Cefn
Hello David just found your photo on net and your amusing story about the frogs. Well David being local myself the pics brought fond memories of the Cefn, especially the plwmp area. As you may recall I lived in Browns Lane and played in the Zion a lot please keep up the good work as I remember the area all too well.
Thu Aug 3 10:24:11 2006

Len Salisbury Acrefair
To David Hart I remember the window cleaner it was Malcolm Davies's father Tommy Bont who used to live in High Street Cefn next door to Den Chippy.
Mon Jul 24 09:07:44 2006

David Hart. Cefn/Acrefair
To Alun Salisbury. Thanks for your comments. I well remember the window cleaner. He would also sweep chimneys in the days before vaccuum sweeps. For Don Jones (Delph). Nice to hear from you again. I too, used to walk to the Grammar School, usually with Ivor Parry, but avoided the frogs. As we lived in Cae Coch, we could walk over Coed Richard and by-pass the 'amphibians'. The path from Coed Richard would cross the fields where Plas Madoc now stands, and join the main road close to where the main entrance is. Regarding the moustache. It has been with me since 1950 and hasn't got much bigger! Glad you think it suits me. Best wishes.
Mon Jul 17 10:10:11 2006

Alun Salisbury, Cefn Mawr and Cardiff
David Hart. Congratulations on such a lovely film. Prior to taking over a Cefn Chronicle round from my brother, as a young boy I used to make a few pennies each week by helping Davies the window cleaner. I recall what seemed like a never-ending task when cleaning windows at terraced houses alongside Llangollen Road. Winter months were the worst for with cold hands I constantly had to dip the chamois leather into the bucket of near-freezing water. Brrrr.
Fri Jul 14 09:52:11 2006

Don Jones (Delph), Gainsborough
For David Hart. Hello Dai. This article brought back yet more memories. I can well remember walking from Cefn to Ruabon Grammar School along that road and the number of frogs, when they were migrating, was a sight to hardly be believed. How long have you had the moustache by the way? I must say that it suits you. Best wishes.
Thu Jul 13 10:02:30 2006

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