I was born in 1938 and brought up in Cefn Mawr, where I lived with my parents and elder brother, Leonard, in a house on Morris's steps off Well Street. Following the Second World War and 'blackout' it was exciting to see the streets lit by gaslights, a sight I had not seen before.
I remember that one lamp in Well Street was so positioned, on Morris's warehouse, that it illuminated both the street and 'our' steps which were used by many as a shortcut to or from the top of Cefn.
It was always a welcoming sight to see the lamplighter cycling along Well Street with his lighting pole/torch balanced on his shoulder. We would watch in anticipation as he stopped at each lamp and, manipulating the pole, turn the gas tap on or, if it was a globe light, pull or push the attendant wires attached to the external tap above before inserting the flame from his torch into the lamp. Once ignited, the mantles quickly became incandescent throwing light over a large area often illuminating the faces of the nightly, gathering group of coalminers sitting on their haunches at the bottom of 'our' steps, one of which was my father. The group was waiting to catch Theo's bus for the nightshift at Bersham Colliery. Sometimes we would catch the glint of shining metal, accompanied by the clanging of tin-ware as Thomas the Tinsmith, after leaving his small workshop at Rock Hill, approached the group armed with his day's labour - armfuls of tinplate water bottles and snapping boxes all tied together with string. These, he would hand to the bus driver for sale at the pithead. It is many years since I have seen either a water bottle or one of these food boxes, but I am sure that there must be examples in existence somewhere in the Cefn Mawr and surrounding areas.
With the street lamps lit and area illuminated, we would play games in the security and comforting glow from the lamps.
Lamplighter Reg
Little did I realise that many years later, when I joined Wales Gas at the Rhos and Cefn Mawr Undertaking, that I would have a close working relationship with one of these lamplighters - Reg Hayes. Reg became my mentor and taught me my gas fitting skills and finer points in the adjustment of gaslights for optimum performance. Reg, with his brother and others, maintained all the gas burning equipment in peoples homes including the street lamps of Acrefair, Bont, Cefn Mawr, Froncysyllte, Garth, Newbridge, Rhosymedre and Trevor. A huge area when one considers that all lamps needed turning on and off each night. It was whilst at Cefn Mawr that I came across an acetylene, lamplighter's torch that I salvaged.
In 1969, I left Cefn Mawr in pursuit of my career with Wales Gas, but in 1976, I visited Reg at his home in Russell Street and took the torch along as a discussion point. When he saw it, Reg immediately identified it as the torch used by him for many years. Reg based his claim to ownership on a small repair, made in copper to the burner stem; 'I remember making that repair, some 30 years ago,' Reg explained.
Seeing the potential of a good story, I persuaded Reg to let me contact Wales Gas Public Relations department, with a view to them writing a story of Reg and the torch for publication in their in-house newsletter called Nwy News. All parties agreed and I was tasked with locating a working gas lamp for Reg to light. I discovered one in the garden of Mr John Lomax, former North area distribution engineer, and Group Chairman for Wales Gas, Wrexham, who kept it in his garden in Bangor-on-Dee.
I am grateful to British Gas for allowing use of the following editorial and photograph showing Reg lighting the lamp. The editorial appeared in the March 1976 edition of Nwy News. Reg was 77 at the time:
'In those days I worked at Rhosymedre Gas Company. You did a bit of everything in a gas company then, and one of my jobs was to light the street lamps. There were three of us working in the Cefn Mawr area, which was known to be the best-lit area for miles around. It was possible to read a newspaper 20 yards away from a lamp! One day the late Sam Evans called. He had broken his torch when he fell off his bike. Sam borrowed my torch to finish his round and the next day I mended his with copper and kept it as my own.'
Seeing the torch after so many years revived many memories for Reg, who started as a 'lead boy' - getting the 12-foot lengths of main ready to be laid - early in the 1920s.
'I left the works at about 3.30pm on a winter's afternoon. I had to light 60 lamps over a distance of about four miles. By 5.30pm I would be finished. But then at 10.30pm I would go and turn them all out. You could use the torch to knock the gas tap off as well as lighting it.'
The torch works by mixing carbide crystals or powder with water in the hollow handle. A steady drip of water onto the crystals produces acetylene gas. This passes up the tube and ignites to produce a clear, steady flame.The acetylene torch superseded an oil-burning torch, which proved to be very unreliable in adverse weather conditions. Only on very wet and stormy weather would cause the acetylene flame to go out.
However, the torch soon became obsolete with the introduction of automatic mechanisms and Reg no longer had to make his rounds twice every night. He did not lose all connection with street-lamps though, for even after his transfer to Rivulet Road, Wrexham, in 1966 he maintained the few remaining gas lamps in the area. This included a lamp in Norman Road, Wrexham, run off sewer gas.
Since his retirement in 1969, Mr Hayes may no longer light gas lamps in the street, but he still has gas mantles in his home giving off a soft warm glow to remind him of his days as a lamplighter.
War
I have fond memories of my time with Reg and well remember him describing an incident that happened during the Second World War. 'Bombs were falling on Monsanto Chemicals and we were concerned at the close proximity of our gasholders' to Monsanto, when the inevitable happened. Following an explosion, a piece of shrapnel pierced our gasholder causing a major gas escape. Grabbing repair materials, I hastily climbed the gasholder ladder, and made a temporary repair, otherwise we would have lost all gas pressure.' This would have been a particularly hazardous repair because, apart from the risk of explosion from the uncontrolled gas escape, there was the added risk of being overcome by the insidious effects of carbon monoxide, which was a constituent of the manufactured gas used at the time.
Natural gas
April 1 1969 saw Wales Gas introduce natural gas to the homes of its customers for the first time. Most will remember the gas conversion programme 1969-73 when it became necessary for all gas appliances to be converted to burn North Sea - natural gas, as opposed to the manufactured gas used at the time. Having joined the Wales Gas Conversion Team my job, as Field Technician, was to devise methods for converting old or obsolete appliances to burn natural gas where no manufacturers' conversion kit was available. Naturally, my colleagues and I came across many interesting appliances in this category, but none more so than the day I was called upon to convert the last remaining gas lit lighthouse in the British Isles, located at the end of the harbour mole, Porthcawl. The Harbourmaster's brief was that the light must be visible 10 miles out at sea. Drawing on my knowledge of natural gas and skills and training on gaslights I had learnt from Reg, the conversion proved to be straightforward.
Since my retirement, I have taken up motorcycling again, after an absence of 42 years out of the saddle. Every Thursday, I meet up with chums and regularly ride from my home in Cardiff to Porthcawl for coffee on the promenade. On passing the lighthouse, I often give an affectionate nod to the light in memory of Reg. 
your comments
Chistine Madsen
For Alan Salisbury: up Bethania road there is an old lamp post made by Ham Baker company, it is very tall and has a crown like top. I assume it was gas, why was it so tall? I expect it would be late 1890s to early 1900s. I have looked up the Ham Baker site but there is nothing about that period on it.
Thu May 14 09:44:45 2009
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Gareth Davies – the chains you refer to were attached one to each side of the controlling arms of a simple on/off gas tap. Pulling down on a chain turned the gas tap to the 'on' or 'off' position. Unlike domestic household gas lights, the gas tap on street lights were turned to the full 'on' or 'off' position. In the early years, street lights were operated as above and mantles lit by the lamplighter inserting an acetylene burning torch through a hole in the base of the glass globe. In the case of a Lantern type of street light the torch was inserted through apertures in the base of the lantern - the torch burner head placed against the gas tap controlling arm which was then pushed to the 'on' position and the torch ignited the mantles. Each street light was revisited each night to turn the light off. This was achieved by pulling down the other chain or pushing up the opposing side of the tap controlling arm to the 'off' position. In later years street lights were controlled automatically by the fitment of a small, permanently lit gas pilot light and Horstman 7-day clock. The clock automatically operated the 'on' 'off' tap and gas was ignited from the pilot light. Clocks proved to be cost effective for it only required lamplighters to visit each light weekly to wind the clock and maintain the light. The only gaslight that I ever encountered that remained operational 24 hours a day was the Porthcawl lighthouse and that was because of access difficulties during stormy weather. So far as running costs and billing are concerned there is no legal requirement for street lights to be fitted with a gas meter. Gas consumption was easily calculated by noting the size and number of mantles fitted, multiplied by the number of hours the light was alight per day, multiplied by seven days a week, multiplied by the total number of gas street lights on the district.
Mon Jan 19 10:45:26 2009
Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
Alun when I was a little boy in the early 1950s I can recall Llangollen Road (from the bridge up anyway) being lit by gas lamps. I have this image in my mind of two chains hanging down from the lamp and a man with a pole pulling down one of the chains to bring up the light. I assume that the other chain was to reduce the amount of gas and therefore reduce the amount of light. Would this mean they were continually lit? The mantle was enclosed in a glass bowl if my memory's accurate. Would love to know the answer.
Thu Jan 15 10:15:54 2009
Margaret Clayton, Ilkeston, originally from Leics
My dad was a lamplighter in Leicester. His name was Joe North. Also, both of my grandads. My mum's dad was named Henry Withers. One or two of his brothers were also lamplighters as was my great grandad, William Withers. I know I am related to Sondra Withers so maybe connected to Withers in Christchuch, New Zealand. Hope so.
Wed Dec 3 08:33:53 2008
Chris M
To Alun Salisbury and my sister Marilyn Jansen, when I worked in the hardware shop on the Crane 1964-ish we used to sell gas mantles, very delicate things in little square boxes. By the toilets on the Crane opposite the Railway Inn were a row of cottages. Mrs Spencer and her daughter Mabel lived in one to do with Oliver and Olive Oldfield - could have been Mrs Oldfield's mother - also Gregory James. Anyway, they had no electric, even in 1960s and so did a lot of places in the dear Cefn, so the mantles sold well. I have to confess to one and all I used to pop them just for the hell of it. Well, I was 15/16 years of age and they made a very satisfying noise. How naughty was that! Sorry Mr Don Evans who is sadly no longer with us. He was my boss at the time.
Mon Apr 21 08:31:32 2008
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Anthony Jones – unfortunately, I have only a vague recollection of Norman Wilfred Pashen for you'll have gathered from the article that I worked at the Rhos and Cefn Mawr Undertaking of Wales Gas. It was interesting that you mentioned Norman strapping lengths of copper pipe to the cross-bar of his bicycle. This I suspect was to the end of his career for copper wasn't in general use until the early 1960s. Prior to this period Norman, like many, would almost certainly be more accustomed to transporting coils of lead pipe, looped on to one handlebar of his bike, counterbalanced with his tool bag on the other. It wouldn't be allowed these days because of Health and Safety Rules. But this was in the good old days when a bike was the main mode of transport. As I recall Wales Gas even paid a bike allowance.
Wed Apr 9 07:09:25 2008
Anthony Jones, Wrexham
My great uncle worked for the Wales Gas Board for 50 years as a fitter from 1916 to 1966. His name was Norman Wilfred Pashen and he never drove a van but went everywhere on his bicyle - even if it meant strapping lengths of copper pipe to his cross-bar. He was married to Ada who was the sister of Mrs Ellen Huxley - both cleaners at the gas offices in Salop Road till about 1966. Mrs Huxley was my grandmother - her day job was assistat cook at the National School - now St Giles when Joseph Brown was the Head there. Norman Pashen was one of those people who passed to go to Grove Park in about 19! 12/13 but could not afford the books and uniform etc, so he started his apprenticeship with the gas board. He was a very genial gentleman in the true sense of the word. I wonder if anyone remembers him - he did not have any children but I believe he had relatives in Shropshire and Canada.
Wed Apr 2 10:45:59 2008
Bill Quee from Vancouver, CANADA
The book that Alun mentions, "The Distribution of Gas," is available on eBay. Search for item number 160223183756.
Fri Mar 28 09:28:34 2008
Alun Salisbury Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones), Dukinfield, Cheshire. Hi Marilyn, I’m pleased that you enjoy the stories and I'm proud to be called a fellow villager. There is another story that perhaps you haven't yet found and read. It appears on the Llangollen page. Perhaps the BBC web team should put a link on the Cefn Mawr page, for the story is about the people of Cefn Mawr, and surrounding villages when hosting competitors for the International Musical Eisteddfod. I'm sure it will bring back memories for you.
Mon Nov 12 14:39:12 2007
Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones), Dukinfield, Cheshire
Hello Alun, I love reading your stories. Yes now you mention it, I can recall how tricky it was when lighting the mantles. I also remember the smell. I once had measles and my dad painted the mantles blue to shield them from my sore eyes. The mantles themselves looked so delicate. The street lamps were so small compared to modern ones and they had arms where lamplighters propped their ladders. I love this website and the others about our villages. I was born in Cefn but after the age of three, lived in Rhosymedre. I feel sad sometimes looking back at those days of friendliness, neighbourliness and peace compared to modern times. None of us dared to be too wayward because our school would find out and we would be shown up, our dads would find out and, if you lived in Rhosymedre, Davis the Policeman would give you a good ticking off. Bye for now fellow villager.
Mon Oct 22 16:01:19 2007
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Marilyn Jansen (Dukinfield, Cheshire). Do you remember how the gas mantle changed from a crystalline white colour to almost completely black the first time it was lit, accompanied by that unique smell as the chemicals, used during manufacture to give rigidity to the fragile gauze, burnt off? The burning-in process took only a moment or two before the mantle gradually turned incandescent and white again once the burning process was complete.Perhaps your father also made a few adjustments to the burner, primary air ring to ensure optimum performance like I used to. The secret to this was to shield your eyes from the glare of the mantle with one hand whilst you adjusted the burner air ring until there was almost no black spot left at the bottom of the mantle. If too much air was admitted it resulted in a series of rapid bangs as the burner backfired.
Mon Oct 15 09:11:46 2007
Marilyn Jansen (Dukinfield, Cheshire)
How well I remember the lamplighters. One was a young man who I used to watch when I was a small child of about four. I remember him propping his bike again the lamppost and lighting the lamp. He called me blondie which I hated. In our house the gas mantles used to burn out and I used to watch my dad replace them. We lived a Victorian kind of existence then with tin baths and all, but I had a happy childhood. I played around Chapel Street and Church Street and went to Rhosymedre Primary School. So nice to read about these people who lit our street lamps.
Wed Oct 10 15:32:21 2007
Alun Salisbury Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Jack Hart. It's difficult to identify what you have without seeing it, but from your description I suspect that it may be an earlier oil-burning, or perhaps even a mentholated spirit torch used to light the street lamps. See paragraph below from Reg Hayes' text.
"The acetylene torch superseded an oil-burning torch, which proved to be very unreliable in adverse weather conditions. Only on very wet and stormy weather would cause the acetylene flame to go out".
Wed Oct 3 08:40:56 2007
Jack Hart from Lincolnshire
I bought a lamplighter's pole today at an auction. It is not of the same type as I have just read. It is about 5ft 6ins long. The wood part is reeded with a hand grip. The top has a wire cage with two pieces of something that looks like cube sugar (but isn't) - that must have had to be lit. Can anybody give me any info on this?
Mon Oct 1 08:16:29 2007
Alun Salisbury, Cefn Mawr & Cardiff
Adee Webster Bradenton, FL USA. I'm pleased that you found our site. In the early days, the lamplighter returned and physically turned the gas off to each lamp. Later, when mechanical clocks were introduced they controlled a tap in the burner supply which turned the lamp on and off automatically. I'd be pleased to help with your technical questions so fire ahead.
Wed Jan 10 08:05:33 2007
Adee Webster, Bradenton, FL USA
An elderly friend of ours remembers gas street lamps in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. He remembers the lamplighter lighting the lamps in the evening, but wondered how the lamps were turned off in the morning. I know you're in Wales, but could you help with technical knowledge?
Tue Jan 9 08:41:20 2007
Len Salisbury, Acrefair
To Kath Jones/Roux I remember your uncle Harold (Harry) had a son named Harry and he lived in Rhosymedre just over the railway bridge on the right hand side.
Wed Jan 3 09:22:43 2007
Brian Withers from Long Island, New York
My family name is Withers, and I have a sketchy sense that my dad's family was from Wales centuries ago. They were according to family members slate miners (the men that is). It's good to see the name Withers in Wales. Are there still a lot of Withers in Wales? I'd like to search out our family's history. Thank you.
Tue Dec 19 16:20:33 2006
Kath Jones/Roux ex Cefn
Anyone remember my Uncle Harold, Reg's brother? He too was a lamplighter/gas fitter.
Mon Dec 18 10:21:54 2006
John Berry, Newport
Hello Alun. It's great to find out that you remember me, I thought I was long forgotten. I do recall the Commodore Hotel and Malcom Scott together with his helpful team however I am at an age now when names seem to escape me. Thank you for your nice remarks about my web site, it was my first attempt and I found it a pleasure to do. I have now consructed another site called: Memory Lane, gas / East Area (Wales), it is early days yet but I hope it will catch on. The site address is:- johnberryxgas.info It is also linked to the older site.
Best wishes to you.
Wed Nov 29 10:00:50 2006
Alun Salisbury Cefn Mawr & Cardiff
John Berry. I recognised your name and having accessed your web page, which I enjoyed, realise that you haven't changed a great deal from the time I remember you when gas conversion was at Pontypool. We met only once at a conference in the Commodore Hotel, Cwmbran, when I was sitting immediately in front of you.
You are correct, Turriff were the contractors but the only time I ever worked at Pontypool, and Newport was during the conversion programme. Following conversion, I relocated and settled in Cardiff working for Malcolm Scott in the Technical Services Dept, Snelling House, Bute Terrace.
Wed Nov 22 11:48:28 2006
John Berry
Great to read this page about external gas lighting, it brought back a few memories of my own. I joined Wales Gas in 1952 at Pontypool Undertaking as an Apprentice Gas Fitter and I still have my bible the "Manual of Gas fitting". I have had a gas standard (light)installed in my garden for the last 30 years and it is a wonderful garden feature I am very proud of it, it has a copper hinge top with a full glass globe and I give it a full clean up and paint every 2 years. I did, regretfully, remove the burner and pilot tube to convert it to electricity. I was employed at Pontypool as Installations Officer when the Natural Gas Conversion team arrived in the area, the main contractor was Turrif?. I recall that the conversion work produced many problems and I was often greatful to the Wales Gas team of field technicians. I now wonder if Alun Salisbury worked in Pontypool and Newport?? www.jberryxgas.co.uk
Mon Nov 13 08:18:28 2006
Terry Sharpe from Rhosymedre
What memories. I just found this site, and the one from Rhosymedre. Before moving to Chapel Street Rhosymedre I lived with my Nain and Taid in Mount Pleasant on the Rock. My grandparents names were Glyn and Bronwyn Davies and next door lived my aunty Blod and uncle Tom Davies. Tom worked as a carpenter in Monsanto and my Taid worked in the effluent treatment plant. I am too young to remember gas-light, i'm afraid but I have fond memories of people in Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area.
Wed Oct 4 08:42:32 2006
Leicester Withers from New Zealand
Sondra Withers may have a family link in Christchurch, New Zealand. Two of my great-grandfather's brothers (Joseph & William Withers) were lamplighters in Leicester during the 1870s/1880s.
Mon Jul 31 09:34:11 2006
Alun Salisbury, Cefn Mawr & Cardiff
Firoze Patel. During the early years of gas street lighting the technique employed was to turn the gas control tap to the 'ON' position and insert the acetylene torch to a position near the mantle(s). Later, an automated version with a permanent, gas pilot light was located adjacent to the mantle(s) with the main gas controlled by a seven-day Horstman, mechanical clock. The clock On/Off times could be adjusted, dependent on the time of year and usage.
The mantles used at the time were made from a white, pre-formed gauze type material attached to a round ceramic castellated ring, with corresponding castellations on the inverted ceramic burner to which the mantle attached. Once the gas was lit the gauze became incandescent and remained particularly fragile thereafter. The burner system was partially aerated and operating on the same principle to that found on a Bunsen burner.
Although gas street lighting has been superseded by electricity, it remains the fuel of choice at the royal parks, for Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and most of the Royal Parks have gas lamps.
Fri Jul 21 14:14:12 2006
Firoze Patel
I would love to know more about the lighting techniquies used by Reg as it would help me in developing more sound and duarble gas mantles.
Thu Jul 20 09:16:25 2006
Alun Salisbury Cefn Mawr & Card
Pat Hill. I'm sorry but I don't remember your brother Syd for I commenced my employment with Wales Gas in 1963, which I suspect is at least a decade after the time you refer to.
The old gas lamps were replaced with electric lighting in the early 1950s which began in Well St, with the first lamp fitted on the corner of the Hollybush pub and the second was by the clinic next to Tabernacle Chapel.
Like me you also have happy memories of Park Road, Rhosymedre. Check out the Rhosymedre web page where I've written a few words about the village.
Wed Jun 7 13:10:59 2006
Pat Hill (nee Jones)
Alun do you remember my brother Syd Jones who used to work for the Gas Board and who used to help out lamplighting when they were short staffed? I remember going with my brother to light the lamps. I remember especially walking down Park Road in Rhosymedre.
Mon Jun 5 09:35:44 2006
Sondra withers from Leicester
So pleased to read about the craft of lamplighting! I'm researching my family history and it seems that several of my Withers forebears were lamplighters in Leicester from at least the 1850's. More info on this lost trade would be much appreciated.
Tue Apr 18 09:41:04 2006
Kenneth Lawson, Pudsey, West Yorkshire.
I am at present reviewing cricket in the Bradford Cricket League in West Yorkshire and in the records for the years 1909 and 1910 there was a team playing cricket in this league called Bradford City Lamp Lighters.
Wed Mar 29 14:16:02 2006
pip hughes cefn mawr
i worked for den the chippie (great man) in the spud house in 1963-64 still in school with brian cranshaw (joe) peter valentine (rab) brian valentine (noddy) pete thelwell (thelly) and keith roberts (ned). we would start work after school every night peel 5 or 6 tubs of spuds go home for tea and back up about 7.30 to bring spuds down to the chippie. during the winter it was freezing in the spud house. we would make fire in old grate to heat water up to dip our hands in to keep them warm. you had to wheel tubs down hill to chippie with an old bin trolley there was a knack in doing it. but nobody told noddy. most of the spuds ended up by the holly bush. den would pay us by the tub. plus fish chips and a bottle of pop every night. most nights we would be cutting paper in back room of chippie: den, bill and evelyn. great people a joy to work for. if only we could turn back the clock p.s. great mates. can any of the lads add some more? thanks
Sun Mar 26 16:41:55 2006
Linda Palmer ne Jones
Cousin of Kathleen and Trevor. I knew Reg Hayes as Uncle Reg too! I knew that he worked for the gas board, but didn't know about the lamp lighting. Thank you for such an interesting and informative article!
Tue Feb 14 12:26:17 2006
Kath Jones/Roux USA
Hello Thelly, Yes I remember you when you used to drink in the Mill and I also remember when you went back to Ireland because you were smitten by the red head of your dreams. I always liked her and hope you are still together. My Dad (Cliff) also thought she was a person who was honest in her thoughts and feelings. I have one daughter who is now 23, and we were both in the Mill last July, as my Mam died in June, but I wanted to show Rachael where I used to have conversations with people who didn't care what you did for a living or how rich or poor anyone-one was. The only thing I ever remember was one of Donny's daughters sitting at the the same table with me and Ceris(Salmon) and smiling and the big boil on her face squirted into Ceris' glass of lager.
Mon Jan 30 10:16:03 2006
peter thelwell from cefn mawr
Last time i saw you, we were drinking in the mill,i still live close by the duke of wellington,working in chirk on the canals,i have a family with 3 kids, one is 24, another 22 and lastly one of 21 years. dont think i had any kids when i last saw you, married a paddy called noeleen. am i right thinking you moved to america?
pete
Thu Dec 1 22:08:16 2005
People of Cefn Mawr
Anyone interested in sharing memories of Dick's Shop, Jessons Bus, Dens Chippie, Williams the baker or Morrises shop. Anyone that had to shop in Gracies for their Sunday school trip to Rhyl on Theo's or Jesson's Busses would be in my age group. Wellies were also purchased from the Morris shop when snow fell and the eldest child in the family needed a larger size, which meant it felt like Christmas for everyone else because wearing the larger size of welly meant we were able to wear two pairs of socks for warmth in the wellies. It felt like a gift from heaven.
Fri Nov 11 08:06:40 2005
Peter Glynn (Denbigh)
Alun, some very interesting memories, well presented. Thanks for telling us about Reg.
Sat Aug 20 12:50:41 2005
Mary Fisher from Leeds, Yorkshire
I was born in 1939 and the gas lights in our Victorian, cobbled street weren't lit during the war (blackout rules). After the war I did see the lamplighter for a short time then, presumably, the process became automated.
Thank you for a very interesting article, found by accident while searching for lead burning!
Sat Jul 30 11:54:11 2005
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
Janet, you've reminded me about Cefn Primary school - very fond memories. I was there in the mid/late sixties, and even then I remember the rumour that the building had been condemned some 32 years earlier due to subsidence - remember the iron rod wall ties? By the way, when did the school yard wall come down? Do you remember the old school canteen?
Tue Jul 26 13:09:09 2005
Janet Jones (nee Leighton) originally from Cefn
To Kathleen Jones: I lived on Cae Gwilym Lane and used to go to school with and play with you, Kathleen Evans and Paula Austin. I think you came from quite a large family lke me (I am one of nine children). I too can vaguely remember the old street lamps. I remember the walk to school each day along the zig zag path up to the school, the playground and wall which separated the girls' side from the boys and who could forget the freezing cold toilets that you had to cross the yard to get to. I recently visited my mum and walked past where the school used be, past the now non-existent three posts and up to Cefn. What a sad sight it has become, gone are all the Cefn Mawr land-marks, Gracie's store, Den's Chippy, Williams the Baker and Morris' store. No more village carnivals and Saturday matinees at the Palace cinima. Like most people of Cefn though I have good childhood memories of the place. Boy I could reminisce for ever...
Wed Jul 20 15:00:46 2005
James Clinton Howell, from South Carolina, USA
I've been attempting to research specific information on lamplighters' torches for a few hours, and your web page pleased me greatly. The narrative, history, and information are all EXACTLY what I've been looking for! Thank you so much!
Thu Jun 16 20:55:21 2005
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff & Cefn Mawr
The torch is manufactured from brass. Its overall length (not including pole) is 56cm (22”). It consists of a cylindrical base, burner tube, and burner head. The base is 5cm (2") diameter x 20cm (8") long and divided into two equal parts, which screw together. The lower part contains the carbide crystals and screws into the upper part. The lower part is also tapered at its base to 2.5cm (1”) which has a 3/4” BSP thread to accept the pole. The upper part is the water container and fitted with an external, knurled filling stopper and a knurled, adjustable, water screw. The burner tube, 30cm (12”) x 6mm (1/4”) connects the water container to the burner and exits centrally from the top container. The burner head is at the end of the burner tube 7cm (2 3/4") long x 15mm (1/2”) diameter and tapered to accept the burner tube. The pole I have is not original but I believe the following dimensions are typical of those used: 60cm (5ft) long x 25mm (1”) diameter. If you study the photograph of Reg you will see the torch. I did submit detailed photographs of the torch with the original text. If the editorial team still have these on file I would be quite happy for you to have a copy.
Tue Jun 14 16:08:06 2005
Tony McGtath Navan Ireland
I am an artist I am currantly painting a picture of a lamp lighter. Could u please give me any info on the lamplighter's torch or polemy? Hope to hear from u.
Mon Jun 13 13:57:09 2005
Jane Owen, Flint, (Now in New Zealand)
Hi to Kathleen, I remember Charlie Snot, he had a little icecrem van. It was a funny shape van too. I can remember my friend Carol Griffiths going to buy a ice cream from him. Charlie Snot used to wear a Bowler hat. Others used to come around 7.30pm and throw badges out of the ice cream van. A gang of us would go for long walks to the daffie bank (daffodil) (I have a letter in your views). There was a river at the back of our house in Hael Abon no 61. We would go swimming and also light a fire, then we would go home and have egg butties and if I was lucky my aunty would let me lick the dish that the egg had been in. I used to go to Cefn infants. I was known as Jane Evans then. I left Cefn when I was just over 10. I enjoyed reading your letters Kathleen. Bye. Monday May 23 2005.
Mon May 23 12:39:51 2005
Peter Lawrene, Cowyn Bay (originally from Cefn).
To Kathleen, I read with interest your memories of the shops in Cefn, especially Jones' shop at the top of Heol-Graigfab which belonged to my Grandmother, and subsequently my parents. Perhaps you could tell what period you are talking about.
Sun May 8 13:13:54 2005
Stan Smith from Lincoln
I have fond memories of Cefn Mawr. I was called up for national service in 1958, at Oswestry. One of the lads at the camp was courting a girl from Cefn, we used to go there drinking. We got very pally with a Mr and Mrs Reece. After drinking we would go back to their house and have a fish and chip supper. They both worked at the cinema there. They really made us welcome. I have since found out from my hobby as a radio ham that the projectionist was a Mr Richard Newton. The radio ham who lives in Boston, Lincs is Richard's nephew. I believe Mr Newton still lives in Cefn. The chap who was courting the girl there married her, but the marriage failed. I think they had 3 children. I was working in Scotland and I saw this chap, we recognised each other. I did go back to Cefn some years ago, I paid a visit to the girl and she told me he had passed away. I remember one night having to walk back to Oswestry missed the transport. We took a short cut over the railway viaduct. I still visit Oswestry have friends from London living in an old officers house on the old camp,
very fond memories of Cefn Mawr and Oswestry.
Sat May 7 19:36:03 2005
Kathleen Jones from Cefn-Mawr
Aunty Menna's shop with all the sweets in the jar, Williams the Baker, whose shop had the most delicious fresh cream cakes. Unfortunately for a lot of the people I went to Cefn school with, their parents could not afford the luxury. Jones' shop at the top of Heol-Graigfab holds a lot of my early childhood memories. I remember my Grandad Reeves taking me and my best freind Kathleen Evans back to school after lunch (school dinner time) and buying us a "lolly ice". When I grew up in Cefn they were always called ice lollies. Does any-one remember Charlie snot? He had the tastiest and cheapest ice-cream, but no-one seemed to be perturbed by the fact that he always had grungy looking fingernails. Most of the people I knew in Cefn did not have a lot of money to squander on things like ice-cream. Having plenty to eat, clean clothes, and parents who chose to let us lead our own life, but supported us in every decision we made is a life lesson I will never forget. I am sure there are people from Cefn that find it hard to believe that Clifon was a compassionate person, but Edna is a true Lady, in every sense of the word, and I wish I could have been just like her.
Sun May 1 10:55:46 2005
Alun Salisbury Cardiff & Cefn Mawr
In response to Steve Myers question. You will find the following books particularly helpful:
1. THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAS, FOURTH EDITION BY WALTER HOLE Published by BENN BROTHERS, Ltd, 8 Bouverie Street, London, E.C.4. The book is dated 1921. CHAPTER XXX Public Lighting-Low Pressure System. This chapter provides a comprehensive description of the construction and workings of Public Gas Lighting. I finally unearthed the book in a former colleague’s loft.
2. A MANUAL OF GAS FITTING BY R. N. LE FEVRE. Published by WALTER KING LTD. 11 Bolt Court, Fleet Street, London, E.C.4 This book is dated 1954. Chapter XXXVII LIGHTING. The chapter provides comprehensive instructions on the adjustment of both internal and external gas lighting systems. This book was the gas fitters ’bible’ and is my own personnel copy.
I would suggest you try your local Library, failing which I am prepared for the web team to forward my contact details to you.
Fri Apr 29 18:54:22 2005
Alun Salisbury Cardiff & Cefn Mawr
If you don’t mind I’ll forego the spam sandwiches but like the idea of visiting the museum once again and calling at Gwalia stores to examine the ‘tommy box’.
Over the years’ I’ve made several visits to your museum and been impressed with the buildings and exhibits depicting Welsh Life. I don’t recall however, every seeing a gas street lamp. Is this something I’ve missed or are there plans to have these installed?
During my gas conversion days’ I conducted a survey of the gas street lamps in the Georgetown area of Merthyr Tydfil e.g. Miners Row, Quarry Row and Smelters Cottages etc. In my view, a gas lamp positioned to the rear of the museums terraced cottages, originally from Merthyr Tydfil, would be a most appropriate setting.
Mon Apr 25 17:32:24 2005
Kathleen Jones
i AM THE BROTHER OF TREVOR JONES AND UNCLE REG WAS MARRIED TO MY AUNTY SALLY WHO WAS THE SISTER OF MY GRAN DORIS. I AM THE DAUGHTER OF CLIFTON AND EDNA JONES, WHO LIVED IN HEOL-CEFNYDD, AND I TOO REMEMBER THE GAS LAMPS BEING LIT IN "THE SQUARE" AND REMEMBER THE GENTLEMEN, BUT UNFORTUNATELY DON'T REMEMBER THEIR NAMES. I DO HOWEVER REMEMBER AUNTY MENNA'S SHOP, WILLIAMS THE BAKERS, CRANE CHAPEL, AND THE WHITE FLAKY POWDER THAT USED TO FALL ON US WHEN MY SISTERS CHRISTINE, PAMELA AND I USED TO WALK ALONG BY THE BLACK FENCE ON THE WAY TO THE SCOUT HUT IN ACREFAIR ON OR NEAR BETHANIA ROAD (DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT NAME BUT I THINK I AM NOT TOO FAR)TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS FOR THE GIRL SCOUTS, WHICH WERE HELD IN THE "SCOUT HUT"
Mon Apr 25 07:23:48 2005
Trevor Jones, Colchester (originally from Cefn).
I knew Reg Hayes as "Uncle Reg" that's because he was married to my Gran's sister, Sally. They lived in a old Cottage/House in Russell Street which overlooked Monsanto. I could never understand how they used to manage with the the almost constant stink of chemicals which made your chest itch and eyes sore. I do remember being fascinated at all the gas lamps and the "tick tock" of all the clocks they had around the house.
Fri Apr 22 17:47:58 2005
Steve Myers from Saddleworth
Could you give some ideas as to how to find actual details of the old gas street lamp construction and workings please?
Sun Apr 17 21:29:50 2005
Juli Paschalis, Cardiff (now); orignally from Card
When you next visit Gwalia stores in the Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans, ask to be shown the 'tommy box' used by coalminers in the Ogmore district, from which the store was moved to its present site. You may also like to visit the site this coming May when we consider life on the Home Front during the 40s; the Bevin Boys, the Land Girls, the postmistress evaucated to the Crymmych are will all have their tales to tell, their memories to share. Give Porthcawl a miss that month and enjoy a spam sandwich with your flask of coffee in our grounds; pick up a tip or two about austerity gardening or how to make the most of what may be found in the hedges...
Thank you for sharing your memories with us surfers.
Fri Apr 15 18:18:48 2005
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Alun Salisbury recalls growing up in Cefn Mawr and meeting lamplighter Reg Hayes...