your comments
David Jones, Manchester
Came across this site by accident really but I have discovered that I'm directly related to Bill 'Will Mochyn' Jones from the Rhos. He was either my grandad or great grandad. I'm the son of 'Bill the Glass' from Pen-y-cae, who sadly isn't with us any more and I would love to learn more about my 'Mochyn' history.
Fri Jun 19 08:32:14 2009
Marianne Humphreys, Lancashire
How wonderful to find this website. I have been to Rhos a couple of times trying to trace my ancestors - but without success. Are any of the following people members of your family? Meredith Humphreys married Hannah Jones and had Robert Montrovile, my grandfather. He came to Skelmersdale in the 1880s to work in the mines but often returned to visit family in Rhos. I remember visiting Johnstown in the early 1960s. Robert had 3 sisters. Ann m Wm Morris Susannah Morris 1875 and Hezekiah 1878 were the issue. She remarried Robert Blower and had Sarah Ann 1882, Mary Elizabeth 1887 and Jemima 1890. Caroline Humphreys m Edward Edwards and had James 1877 and George 1880. The other sister Louisa I can't find anything. When Robert died in 1945 John, Joe and Robert Jones came to his funeral. I would be thrilled if anyone recognised any of the above names and could add to my tree.
Tue Apr 21 11:40:29 2009
Des Jones from Pentre
To Ann Crane, yes Ann I must be the Desmond you refer to (can't think of any others!) but I did not live on Fennant Road but on the main road just above Pentrebychan on the way to Johnstown. I think you may remember my wife Jean Margaret who was Brynmor Jones's daughter. By the way Wil if you read this I can remember sitting on the ill fated roof giving it a paint with Brynmor and Lemual but that's another story altogether!
Mon Apr 20 10:39:54 2009
Wil, Wrexham
For Anne Crane, Australia. Just a few comments on your two recent entries. I went to Ruabon G.S. with Jimmy Walker, a sad loss to the community and much too soon. His shop in Market Street is still going but as a branch of a chain.I used to, very occasionally, help your Uncle Wal, (Cadwalader), if my boss, Jos. Roberts, Swan Street, didn't have much on Friday afternoons. Nice chap, straight, very hard worker. I remember, for the transport buffs reading this, that he had just about the only Morris-Commercial lorry in Rhos. Kept it in North Road, Ponciau just along the road from what is now the Trawler chip shop. Your cousin, Dennis, is the person mentioned as buying Brynmor Jones' house in Walkers Lane Ponciau in my entry dated Mon. Jan. 26th 2009. No further comment. Geraint is still doing road surfaces. I have a grandson in Perth who just stopped off there on a "round-the-world" trip, he's been there for three years now and, after two and a half years "bumming around", bar work, fruit-picking etc. has got a job in the profession for which he was educated at university in U.K.
Wed Apr 15 10:14:19 2009
Lisa Haynes, Somerset
To Jean Jones, Chirk. If you'd like to get in touch with me or my mother re our mutual relations the web team has my email address. Thanks for all your help!
Tue Apr 14 10:46:06 2009
Anne Crane, Australia
Previously Griffiths from Pentrebychan. My dad was Irfon Griffiths the builder. He grew up in Ponciau at the local shop and his dad my Taid was the local milkman. My cousins were Dennis Jones and Geraint Jones. Dennis and Geraint's dad was Uncle Wal the local coalman. So nice to read about others. Is Desmond the one who used to live on Fennant Rd?
Tue Apr 14 10:10:43 2009
Anne Crane, Australia
I worked with Jimmy Walker for many years in the chemist in Rhos and before that in Rowlands the chemist again with Jim. I know he and his wife Sally both died but am unsure about the rest of his family as I have been living in Australia for over 30 years, but I have fond memories of Jim and Sally.
Tue Apr 14 10:09:52 2009
Lynda Boydell, Maesteg, South Wales
Hi, can anyone help me? I am trying to find information on my husband's great grandparents and any ancestors or living relatives. G grandparents were Edward and Hannah Griffiths, they lived 1 Greenfields Terrace, Johnstown. They passed away 1906/1907, he was a senior deacon in Christ Church. I believe that was in High St, Johnstown. They had two sons Joseph Edward and John, and a daughter Kate. I believe Joseph had 3 daughters, Kate, Nora and Gwennie. Kate and Nora never married but Gwennie became Mrs Mc'cormick and had a son called Peter. I would be most grateful if anyone can give me any information. Many thanks.
Wed Apr 8 10:42:42 2009
Helen Banbury
Hello, I wrote on here before but I got a name wrong. My grandmother's parents were John Stephen Breeze and Elisabeth Sarah Hughes, John was killed in action in 1915 and Elizabeth Sarah went on to marry John Thomas Hughes in 1917. Is there anyone out there who is descended from them please?
Mon Apr 6 09:47:28 2009
John Jones (Sophie) Market Drayton
Hello Janet Johnstown. I was born 1950, and lived near the Wheelwright, but I left Penycae in 1970, so I only remember Ernie Pring being landlord about 1955 to 1967. If you go on to the Penycae site and ask Raymond Griffiths he will be able to give you more info.
Mon Mar 30 08:49:39 2009
Lisa Haynes, Somerset
To Jean, Pentre, Chirk. Thanks for your message! Wonderful to hear from you - my mother is Sandra - daughter of Cyril Jones (son of Edward). Thank you for all the information on Nain Shop Chips - it's so wonderful to meet a relative on here.
Mon Mar 2 10:11:36 2009
Desmond Jones,Pentre
To Gwen Davies, California. Many thanks for your kind offer of help re the Welsh Imperial Singers and yes I would like details of the website that you refer to.
Thu Feb 26 08:10:39 2009
Desmond Jones, Pentre
To David Griffiths, thanks for your interest and I would be very grateful if you can help me to find out where I can get a recording of the Welsh Imperial Singers.
Thu Feb 26 08:10:23 2009
Jean Jones, Pentre, Chirk
To Lisa Haynes, Somerset. Lisa, we must be related! Who are your parents? I am Brynmor's daughter, and therefore a grand-daughter of Mary Ann. Nain shop chips was born 8 December 1881 in Rhos and died 31 March 1975 in Dobshill Hospital, Hawarden, Deeside, Clwyd. She was married 3 times, and widowed 3 times. Her first husband was Robert Ellis Jones, with whom she had her two sons, Edward William and Brynmor. Her second husband was Owen Lloyd, and third was John Smith. She was one of many children. I can remember only some of their names. Martha, Sarah, Benjamin, Ellis. My mother was Winifred (Freda).
Thu Feb 26 08:09:57 2009
Graham Phillips, Rhos
For Llinos Wyn Jones. As I recall, Graham Tunnah was a TV repairman who had a shop in Market St in the '60s where the monumental mason is now. I believe Graham died over 25 years ago and, if my memory serves, he lived in Hall St.
Wed Feb 25 08:22:01 2009
Helen Banbury
Hi everyone. Please help, does anyone rembember my grandmother, Elizabeth Hannah Breeze? She was born in Rhos in about 1907. Her mother was called Elizabeth Hannah too. She married Robert William Jones and went to live in Ruthin.
Mon Feb 16 08:17:30 2009
Gwen Davies, California
To Desmond Jones, Chirk. My grandfather was the conductor of the Welsh Imperial Singers and there is a page that has two recordings of them on their website. If you are interested I can find it for you.
Thu Feb 12 09:57:04 2009
Arnold of Mansfield
To Sarah Penycae. Re: The Anchor Penycae, I remember it well actually had a drink there - probably I was under age. It was right at the side of Pentre bridge, the Rec was about 300yds down stream. Incidentally, there was another pub about 50yds towards Pentre hill. I think it was called the Red Lion but this was before my time.
Tue Feb 10 13:42:47 2009
Janet, Johnstown
My grandmother, Hannah Pritchard, kept the Wheelwright in Penycae many many years ago. Does anyone have any information about past landlords, dates etc., as I am tracing my family history and would be very interested to find out when she would have been landlady there?
Mon Feb 2 09:01:56 2009
Lisa Haynes
For Will, Wrexham. Thanks for letting me know all the information. Has helped a lot! Yes, my mother tells me the lady you speak of is definitely my great Aunt.
Fri Jan 30 09:40:07 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
For Lisa Haynes, Somerset. Your relative Brynmor Jones (Brynmor Bob-y-Lwmp) was, after being a coal merchant, transport manager at Dennis Ruabon Hafod Tileries and the owner of 3 or 4 lorries carrying quarry tiles all over UK from Dennis's. Nice enough man, very business-like, didn't suffer fools gladly. I worked for a small local haulier, a friend of Bryn's, sub-contracting from him. My recollection is of delivering tiles to all kinds of military installations, barracks, married quarters, tank garages etc. in Salisbury Plain area and Aldershot. I made a bid on his house in Walkers Lane when he moved to the bungalow adjacent to Legacy Service Station but was gazumped. Just as well because the roof of the garage collapsed on top of half a dozen cars for the new owner. Bryn moved to Pentre, nr. Whitehurst after selling the Service Station but lost his wife tragically and, I think, moved back to the Rhos area. I remember his brother with the milk-round only because of his hard-working daughter who married a workmate of mine. At one time she kept the Colliers Arms in Chapel Street, Ponciau, opposite the end of Walkers Lane as well as doing the milk round. I would think that "Bob-y-Lwmp" was some sort of family nickname which may jog a few memories for some locals. Hope this helps a little, Wil.
Mon Jan 26 09:08:32 2009
Sarah from Penycae
Does anyone remember the Anchor Inn in Penycae? It's now known as the Rec.
Mon Jan 26 09:07:21 2009
Pat, Wrexham
Hi Alan Thomas from Ponciau. I am Denis Owens' daughter. If possible I would love to have a class photo of you all in 1959 please.
Wed Jan 21 09:11:23 2009
Lisa Haynes, Somerset
My great great grandmother was called Mary Ann Jones - she owned the fish and chip shop in Ponciau and was known to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren as "Nain Shop Chips". Someone in the family told me she was a very successful businesswoman in the early 1900s. She had at least two sons - one called Brynmor - he at one time owned Legacy Service Station on Vinegar Hill and the other my great grandfather Edward (a milkman/publican in the area). I'd really like to know more about her as my mother and I are working on the family tree and it's believed that she married several times so she is a little hard to trace in the records. Does anyone have any information about her or her immediate family?
Tue Jan 20 11:04:08 2009
David Griffiths
Thanks for your message, 'Anon'. Sorry about that. No, I had not forgotten Uncle Bob (Robert John) in my message of March 9th, 2007. The notes I prepared before I typed the entry - & which I still have - include him. I must have slipped up when copying them out. I also have Uncle Bob & his family listed in my my personal copy of my Family Tree. By the way, Robert John was not Joseph & Eliza's sibling, he was their son. His siblings are the brothers & sisters listed in his generation. My research has also taken me 2 or 3 generations before Joseph. This has not been easy, since his father's name, Abel, was spelt in various ways in different censuses. It was also complicated by Griffiths, in at least 1 entry, being spelt 'Griffithes'!
Fri Jan 16 09:26:05 2009
Anon
To David Griffiths - Joseph & Eliza Griffiths also had another sibling, Robert John (Uncle Bob) or have you forgotten?
Thu Jan 15 10:35:31 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
For Llinos Wyn Jones, In the late 1950s there was a Tunnah family living in the terrace of houses by Georgie Powell's coal yard in Hall Street, Rhos. I bought a Triumph Herald from one of the sons, Graham, who would now be in his late 70s if still with us.
Mon Dec 22 08:42:44 2008
Llinos Wyn Jones, Colwyn Bay
Does anyone have any information on the Tunnah family from Rhos? My grandmother was named Annie Tunnah and she was married to William Richards. I am trying to trace the family tree of Annie, any information would be welcome. Thank you.
Nick, Web Team: replies Hi Llinos, the name Tunnah is referred to a couple of times in the film we made with the late Gordon Griffiths about miners in Rhos in the 1920s.
Mon Dec 15 08:23:43 2008
David Griffiths, Chesterfield
To Desmond Jones, Chirk. Many thanks for your message, Desmond. For a variety of reasons I have not been able to respond before now, so my apologies. I will contact the lady who sent me the material about the Welsh Imperial Singers after the Christmas rush & ask if I can release some details to you. Meanwhile, if you have time to trawl through this list of messages, you may well come across her name & can follow it up yourself. Regards, David G.
Mon Dec 15 08:15:40 2008
Desmond Jones, Chirk
To David Griffiths, Chesterfield. My father Wilfrid Jones was a bass baritone soloist with the Imperial singers in 1929-30s and I would dearly like to know the source of the CDs that you referred to in your blog of 2007.
Mon Nov 10 08:55:46 2008
Carol Pritchard, was Roberts
Lived in Rhos then Gardden Road til I was 18 then got married, moved away to Gwersyllt then after 5 years came back to live in Maesteg, Penycae, for 5 years then moved back to Wrexham. My father/mother were from the Llewenenion area where my nain/taid lived. I went to Rhos infants/juniors, Wern juniors then on to Grango. Has anybody got any photos or any information please?
Tue Oct 14 10:34:45 2008
Elspeth Clark Matthews USA
Great site. I grew up in Rhos & remember Glenys, Idwal & was a friend of Gwyneth, who lived in on Pant Hill. Idwal married Mary. I think she was from Yorkshire, they moved to a cottage that Wil La used to live in on Stryt Las, opposite now Cae Daniel.
Sun Sep 28 10:37:52 2008
Peter Jones (Noble)
I'm Peter Jones (Noble) son of Bob (Robert). Would like to hear a bit more about my famliy. My father died in 1973. I was 10 at the time. There was Ronnie, Peter, Eric, Bessi, Blodwen, Sues. Hope someone can help.
Sat Sep 27 10:14:15 2008
Chris Madsen
For Wil. Thanks Wil, I have been told Glena was married to someone with the surname Page, does this ring a bell at all? I believe she married twice, her sister was Gwyneth, but who she married I have no idea or if they had children.
Mon Sep 8 09:30:15 2008
Chris Madsen
For Wil, Wrexham, my Uncle Wil, Pant Hill, had another daughter, Gwyneth, and a son, Idwal. I am 60 in March so they were older than I am. I have a photo of Uncle Wil taken outside his holiday home. Do not know where it was. That is all I know of him really. I do recall he had very bad eyesight. My dad, Steve, was his brother, one of 13 children (living that is). Uncle Wil was the eldest boy. Thank you for answering me. I used to work in Rhos telephone exchange in the 1960s, by the way. I could very happily live in Rhos!
Mon Sep 8 08:59:58 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Hi Chris Madsen, once more. Now we're getting somewhere. Wil Pant lived in a cottage OFF Pant Hill, Glenna lived in a cottage up some steps, ON the hill with a small yard at the front next to the dirt track road previously mentioned. She was my age. Both Glenna and her younger sister, whose name I can't recall, were postladies and delivered letters in the Rhos, Penycae, Johnstown areas for many years. The younger sister and her husband, plus at least two sons, built a large bungalow on the other side of the dirt track road and still live there. Glenna married and lived in the family home, extended to include all the cottages, but I think both sisters have passed on, certainly the younger one has.
P.S. It's Roberts LANE, and its only half a lane now as most of one side was demolished some years ago for traffic purposes.
Tue Sep 2 09:21:22 2008
Chris Madsen
For Wil, thank you for your reply. I did not know my uncle was known as Wil Pant but as everyone has nicknames in this area I should have known! I think the "Rhona" you mentioned was his daughter Glena. I did not know her but knew of her. I used to go there as a child, sitting on the cross bar of my dad's bike from Rhosymedre, up Plas Bennion etc. Hardly any traffic in those days of course so I was very safe. My dad sometimes brought coal back on the cross bar too when times were hard as they often were then, happy days though.
Mon Sep 1 09:51:02 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Hello Chris Madsen. Testing my memory now. I knew him as Wil Pant when I delivered (colliers?) coal there as a teenager in the middle 1940s. I don't remember ever seeing his wife. His daughter, Rhona?, won a beauty contest at Rhos Drill Hall dance one Saturday night, but I lost touch with the "gang" on joining the forces for 5 yrs. I think she married one of the band of local (Penycae) musicians that played for the dances, but some years after the dances had stopped. If I'm right her husband is a long-serving member of Wrexham CB Council for an area local to Rhos. I'd rather not specifically identify him in case I'm mistaken.
Thu Aug 28 07:05:48 2008
Chris Madsen
For Wil Wrexham, I think there were 3 cottages but yes you are right. Do you know anything about the family or even just your memories of them in general?
Wed Aug 27 09:02:13 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Hello again, Chris Madsen. Did your uncle, William Jones, live in one of two small cottages up a short unmade track, at the top of, and just off Pant Hill, Rhos?
Mon Aug 25 18:53:26 2008
Lindsay, Cheshire
I am trying to trace any members of the Bennett family who lived in Ponciau and Rhosllanerchrugog. I think they were a family of coal miners. One ancestor that I have some information on is Edward Bennett who died in 1918. I think that he had a large family and there may still be some Bennetts living in the area.
Tue Aug 12 14:01:36 2008
Dawson from Llangollen
The 1835 map and Achau booklet list a Doli DAWSON as the mother of D. Dawson deceased. Has anyone any information about either person please? Also why should say David Jones of Church Street be known as David Jones (Dawson) on the gravestone?
Thu Aug 7 17:02:25 2008
Mark Bala
I've lived in Rhos all my life. My second name is Hughes but people call me Mark Bala due to my dad being called John Bala. Am part of a big family from Rhos, Hughes, Darlington, Jeal, Williams, Wright to mention a few. Love the people of Rhos too. I've been to Ireland, Iraq and Hellmand province Afghanistan. I'm in the army in Cyprus at the mo but whenever I can get home I always love getting home to Rhos!
Mon Jul 28 10:28:29 2008
Chris Madsen
Please, lovely Rhos people, can you help me trace my cousin's daughter, Ann Jones. She would be about 60 now, her sister, Jackie, recently died, bless her. She was a Roberts who lived in Roberts St, Rhos. She was in her 50s. I read that much in Wrexham Leader. Ann's parents were Idwal and Mary Jones, of Afon Eitha, both dead now. Her grandfather, my Uncle, was William Jones. Lived on Pant Hill, thank you. I know someone will answer. You are all so nice in Rhos.
Mon Jun 23 08:31:49 2008
Des Lloyd, Rhos
Hywel Rees of Brentwood
I remember your Nain and Taid very well. I used to visit them very often with my father-Idwal Lloyd. We lived in Butcher Street, also known as "Penrhos" at the time. My father sadly passed away in 1999 and he often used to mention your father and how he moved to London to work in the Legal Profession. I think they were friends whenthey were young. I can just about remember coming to stay in your house in London for the weekend with my father and younger brother Stuart. It would have been in the early 1960s and I seem to recall that my father came to repair your car or maybe do some job or other at your home, him being a skilled handyman. Do you remember that weekend, Hywel? Best wishes and I hope you find these memories interesting.
Wed Jun 11 13:45:48 2008
Lynn
Thank you Wil. Tried this one but she isn't buried there either. A brick wall, for now...!
Mon Jun 2 10:14:47 2008
Raymond Griffiths
John Wynne, If you read my blog to John Griffiths, Monday 9th March, you will see the areas of Esclusham above and Esclusham below explained. The Esclushams covered lots of villages above and below Offas Dyke, the definite area of death may prove difficult without a name of a hamlet, village or farm. I hope this little bit of information will cheer you on.
Mon Jun 2 09:47:18 2008
John Wynne, Cheshire
Given some of the genealogy entries on this page, I wonder if anyone can help me with a "brick wall" I have come up against in my ancestry in Ponciau and Aberderfyn. My great great great grandfather was William WYNNE (c1792-1839), an engineer who lived and died in Aberderfyn. I have a copy of John Platt's handrawn map of Rhos in 1835, which shows that William had a steam-driven winch on a couple of pits on Ponciau Banks. He also appears to have owned a field in the centre of Rhos (Cae Wil Wynne), which includes what today is Plas-yn-Rhos and the Rhos Library. When William died in 1839, he was recorded in Wrexham Parish Register as having lived in Esclusham Below, wherever that might be today. Any information would be most enthusiastically welcomed.
Thu May 29 08:51:35 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Lynn Evans, Doncaster. Try:- Clerk to the Parish Council, Parish Council Office, Peter Street, Rhos, Wrexham. I needed to find some info. myself and they have burial details on microfiche now. Wil.
Wed May 28 08:39:36 2008
Lynn Evans
Raymond Griffiths. Thank you for your help but it's the burial I am searching for not the death, I got that! People interested in Minera and surrounding area should try Minera History website, it's brill!
Mon Apr 21 09:42:58 2008
Phil Edwards, Llay
Just trying to find out about my family who originate from Pen y Cae. My great taid was Charles Herbert Edwards who, I believe, ran a taxi service there many years ago. His son Tom was my taid (Tom Taer Nant).
Mon Apr 21 08:34:26 2008
Raymond Griffiths
David Griffiths, Chesterfield. Hello David, sorry I have not replied on the issue of John Griffiths of Australia for some time. I have spent many hours searching for what appears to be his family in the Wern, Minera, Esclusham district census during 1841, 1851 and 1861 on Ancestry.co.uk. I am unable to find any trace of this family other than at Tydden Dedwydd in the census of 1851 as I previously told you. Maybe the whole family up and went to Australia in 1853 not just the son. I do not have sufficient information to look at the births, marriages and deaths of this family, however I will keep searching when time permits.
All the very best to John Griffiths and his family, maybe I will be able to meet him in 2009 when he arrives in Rhos from Australia.
Tue Apr 15 08:36:47 2008
Raymond Griffiths
Lynn Evans, Doncaster. I have conducted a search on ancestry.co.uk and have come up with two possible entries for the death of your great aunt, Mary Jane Jones.
1st. entry:- Died October 1/4 1939.
Age 73 years.
Ref. Wrexham 11b 852
2nd. entry:- Died October 1/4 1938
Age 76 years.
Ref. Wrexham 11b 336
Using these entry references you should be able to cross reference with the records held at either the A N Palmer Centre, Wrexham Museum, Regent Street or Ruthin records office, The Old Prison, Ruthin.
If you have sufficient detail of your great aunt's death + or - a couple of years then the Wrexham Registry Office should be able to help, they are located at.
Ty Dewi Sant,
Rhosddu Road,
Wrexham,
LL11 INF
Tel. 01978 292 027
The staff at this office re very helpful and for a fee of £7.00 you will be able to have a death certificate giving all the details that you may require when you are able to do a cemetery search in Rhos.
I hope this information is of some use to you.
Wed Apr 9 07:13:26 2008
Lynn Evans, Doncaster
Raymond Griffiths, Thank you for your assistance. I shall wait and see if you find out anything further. Does anyone have any contact details for the cemetery?
Mon Apr 7 09:30:18 2008
Raymond Griffiths
Lynn Evans, Doncaster. Sorry I misled you Lynn, the cemetery in Rhos is still in use. It is the church of St John that has closed for reasons of no funding being available to restore the roof. The parish council of Rhos are now responsible for the maintainance of the cemetery.I have not been resident in the nearby village of Penycae for the last 39 years, so I'm out of touch with the names of people on the local councils, however I will try to make enquiries as to the name of someone that may be able to be of assistance with your quest. I will get back to you on this site as soon as I have a result.
Wed Apr 2 10:03:54 2008
Nicholas Jones (Hughes
My nain's family operated the level crossing in Ponciau on Fennant Road. Their surname was Hughes, but were nicknamed "Y Lein" (for obvious reasons) or "Bishops". The latter nickname even appears in brackets after Hughes on old Electoral Registers that I've consulted! Is anybody aware of any photos in existence of the old level crossing?
Mon Mar 31 14:30:10 2008
Lynn Evans, Doncaster
Raymond Griffiths, thank you for your help. It seems that the A.N. Palmer centre and the record office at Ruthin only have the registers for burials up to 1920. Are there any registers beyond that date or was 1920 the date of the last burial? Also is it the church that's now closed or the burial ground? Hope someone can help again!
Fri Mar 28 16:29:52 2008
Raymond Griffiths
Lynn Evans, Doncaster. From the date of your great aunt's death in 1939 to present, I think I may be correct in saying that all burials in the parish of Rhosllannerchrhugog have been conducted in the central cemetery located off Church street down Cemetery Road.This was the original burial ground of the parish church of St John, sadly now closed. Good luck with your rsearch, if you require further directions or assistence please reply.
Fri Mar 28 09:29:16 2008
Lynn Evans, Doncaster
My great aunt, Mary Jane Jones, a spinster, lived in a bungalow called Ty Newydd off Queen Street, Ponciau. She died in 1939. Would she have been able to be buried in the local church/chapel at that time (she was possibly a Wesleyan) or is there a local cemetery? Many thanks.
Tue Mar 25 10:36:13 2008
Chris
I was born in Rhosymedre but love Rhos, worked in telephone exchange there and "courted" a young man from Stryt Las whose dad was a miner in the Hafod. If I go to Wrexham with my son and he says shall we go through Rhos I jump at the chance. Rhos seems to be in my blood, maybe it is in years gone by, I would live there given half a chance. Alas hubby from Liverpool and can't see what I see in Rhos, in short I am jealous of you all who live there!
Tue Mar 25 10:09:32 2008
Big Steve, Vinegar Hill
I will always remember Raymond Roberts R.I.P. from Ponciau. Always up to no good but would never hurt a fly. One night he drank a pint of ashtray fag ends just for a bet. Gone but not forgotten.
Tue Mar 18 08:07:53 2008
David Griffiths, Chesterfield
Raymond Griffiths: thank you so much. That will probably be a very great help. I will let John Griffiths know what you are doing, & am sure he will appreciate it as well. He is not on the internet, but his son is, & I am encouraging them to go on this website. If you are interested in the details he has sent me by airmail, I am sure we can find a way of passing them on. Thanks again.
Mon Mar 17 10:13:18 2008
Raymond Griffiths
David Griffiths, I am working on the detail you require via ancestry.co.uk. Up to now the census records for Denbighshire, Wern Minera 1851. I have found a family as described residing at a farm by the name of Tyddyn Dedwydd, Wern Minera, this is the area I described to you previously. I will get back to you again when I have had time to check the census record from 1841 to 1871 for this area. If you feel may will be of use please reply.
Thu Mar 13 09:10:30 2008
David Griffiths
Raymond Griffiths: Many thanks for your message on March 3rd. I will pass the information on to John Griffiths in Australia. (By airmail, unfortunately!) The details I have received from John seem to indicate that Edward & his siblings were born in Esclusham, & baptised with Werne, apart from Richard, who is recorded as being baptised in Rhosllanerchrugog. Is it possible, Raymond, that this Wern is the one in Rhos? I would appreciate your thoughts, please.
Mon Mar 10 09:25:05 2008
Chris Madsen
The name Jackos goes back to the civil war and the Jacobites who the Rhos people were loyal to.
Tue Mar 4 09:10:31 2008
Raymond Griffiths
David Griffiths. In reference to your request for information on the family roots of John Griffiths of Austrailia. The baptisms in Wern were probably in Wern Esclusham above. The ancient townships of Esclusham above and Esclusham below refered to the areas of old Wrexham above and below Offa's Dyke. Two years after the building and consecration of the then new parish chuch of Esclusham Holy Trinity in the village of Bersham in 1877, it was decided to combine the greater part of both Esclushams above and below into one parish of Esclusham. The area of the present day Wern can be located near the lead mines museum in Minera, I think Wern still has an operational tin tabernacle church, built about 1860. The parish church of Holy Trinity can be located near to Bersham waterfall, it is hidden by trees. More information relating to this area can be found on the following web pages:
www.denbighshire.gov.uk
GENUKI:Esclusham
GENUKI:Wrexham townships of Minera and Esclusham above
The strange thing about your blog is that my great grand father was an Edward Griffiths but he married a Caroline Gibbons, they had children including Margaret and Richard. But this family came from Welshpool and Port Madoc before settling in Ruabon in about 1850. I hope this information can set John Griffiths on the right track to discover his family roots. Good luck.
Mon Mar 3 09:23:50 2008
Marilyn Jansen, Dukinfield
Can anyone in the Rhos tell me why people there are called Jackos? When I was young and lived in Rhosymedre, I remember hearing someone saying, 'don't go to Rhos, it's full of Jackos. I know they have their own type of Welsh, my uncle William Jones and his son Idwal lived in Afoneitha and so we used to go there sometimes as small children. I cannot remember Rhos at all unfortunately but I read this site and realise how fond people seem to be of this village. It is important I think to retain the Welsh language in all its forms and dialects and equally important to keep the integrity of Welsh villages like Rhos who have their own dialect. I find this fascinating. Keep the stories coming you Jackos.
Mon Mar 3 08:34:14 2008
David Griffiths
I have recently received a letter, as the result of some rather bizarre phone calls, from John Griffiths in Australia, whose great-grandfather, Edward (son of John Griffiths & Margaret Evans) migrated from Wrexham to Moreton Bay, Australia, in 1853.John is not on the internet, but it appears Edward was from Rhos (Baptised in 1818). All his siblings - Thomas, Richard, Margaret, Charles, Jogn, David, Sarah, Joseph, Charlotte & James, are recorded as being baptised (or perhaps born?) in the Wern, & there are references to Esclusham in that period. John is very keen to trace direct descendents of the siblings, &, if there are any around, visit Rhos to meet them in 2009. I would love to hear from anyone who might be able to shed light on all of this, & tell you the strange story of how all this happened.
Mon Feb 18 10:50:52 2008
Raymond Griffiths
To Richard (Dick) Morris, Caenarfon. Sorry, no I did not go to Rhos school. I did however go to Grango school from 1952 to 1956. My home at that time was in Penycae and I went to Grango school the same time as Owen Willams (Dicko), he lived in School Street before moving to Plasbennion.
Tue Feb 5 09:07:07 2008
Richard (Dick) Morris, Caernarfon
Raymond Griffiths. Did you go to Rhos School? I have a feeling I should know you. I used to live in 45 School Street and my mother used to be the cook in Rhos School.
Mon Feb 4 09:32:18 2008
Clare
To Raymond, yes Ronnie was Peter's son, also there was Eric and quite a few more.
Thu Jan 31 14:05:56 2008
Raymond Griffiths
Clare, I remember a Ronnie Noble (Jones) living in Penycae, was he any relation to Peter as mentioned in your comment? The only other Noble family I can recall was Joe Noble living in lower Stryt Issa, Penycae, opposite the Wheelwrights Arms pub. I can not be certain but I think his wife's maiden name was Jones. He ran a taxi service from here in the 40s before moving to Church Street garage, Rhos next to the Black Lion (he seems to like living near the pub). His house and small garage in Stryt Issa has since been demolished and the site is now under development for new housing. He had two daughters, Annette and Tessa, they were both in school the same time as I was in the ealy '50s. I hope this may be of some interest to you.
Tue Jan 29 09:01:42 2008
Chris Madsen
To Raymond, Audrey was still in the Rhos exchange when I was there in 1966-9. Also, Enid Dixon, Elsie Gleed, a girl called Hanwen, maybe Griffiths - not sure after all this time and a Joan too. Forget who else now - old age!
Mon Jan 28 08:35:51 2008
Raymond Griffiths
To Chris Madsen. Do you remember Audrey Roberts from Penycae working at Rhos telephone exchange? I went to junior school with her elder brother, Michael, in the late '40s and early '50s. Audrey would have been in the exchange about 1960ish.
Thu Jan 24 09:16:22 2008
Davies
To David Davies. If I say that Jack was my father you will know who I am. Hope you and your family are keeping well.
Tue Jan 22 08:15:23 2008
Alan Thomas, Ponciau
Sad to think that Ponciau School will be demolished this year. What a great building with so much history and past characters. I do have a class photo of around 1959 if anyone wants a copy. Ian Ellis, David (ED) Evans, Olwen Barnabas, Denis Owens (sadly deceased) etc.
Mon Jan 21 09:05:36 2008
Chris Madsen
Thank you Raymond. Will get my son to take me to churchyard that you mention. Will let you know the outcome. I was from Rhosymedre but spent a lot of my time in Rhos as a young lady, working in telephone exchange, going to the pictures and Hafod social club to the dances. Good old days. Did a fair bit of courting up there too but not telling about that!
Mon Jan 21 08:10:56 2008
Gill Selley
Ieuan, I think you where in my class in Ponciau school. My maiden name was Clarke. I remember the Chinese laundry as my nain lived in Princess Road.
Fri Jan 18 07:33:41 2008
David Griffiths, Chesterfield
Hi Kath, sorry to be so long in replying since you left your message in August. Off-line for several months! Lots to catch up with. (Presume you are Maggie & Frank's Kath!) Do feel free to email - webteam have my address.
Tue Jan 15 08:01:06 2008
Raymond Griffiths
To Chris Madsen. The nearest cemetery to your family on Pant Hill would be at St John's parish church located in Church Street, Rhos. Church Street is the next named street after Pant Hill in the direction of Rhos village, just about 5 mins walk from Pant Hill. Saint John's parish church has now sadly closed but the cemetery is still in use and is accessible from the new gate on Stryt Las road or from the old entrance on Cemetery Road. Hope this information is of use to you.
Mon Jan 7 11:45:53 2008
Clare
Hi just wandering if anyone remembered Peter Noble (Jones)? He was my great grandfather.
Mon Jan 7 10:28:38 2008
Chris Madsen
If one lived on Pant Hill, as my uncle lived, where would be the nearest church yard or cemetery as my mum does not think they went too far at his funeral?
Fri Jan 4 09:27:35 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
DAFYDD (DAVE) EDWARDS. 64 AND 66 Hall Street are a pair of houses on the Rhos side of, and next to, Capel Bychan (Bethlehem). I recollect that to the "mountain" side of the chapel there was a terrace of, perhaps, ten houses, probably including no.74. A school chum of mine, Bennie (Jones?) lived in one and in later years a family I am close to were moved from there to Afoneitha to allow demolition of the whole terrace. Happy New Year folks! Wil.
Mon Dec 31 09:10:37 2007
David Davies
Just found this site 12 months too late unfortunatley but the Socks family you are speaking about would be my uncle Jack, Ned, Stan, Dai [my dad] and Lucy. All passed away now. All four brothers worked in Bersham.
Thu Dec 27 08:20:17 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
Peter S from N-I-W Try PENYGROES, there are two, one in Gwynedd (formerly Caernarfonshire), North Wales, and one in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. Best of luck and Happy Xmas, Wil.
Mon Dec 24 09:41:07 2007
PeterS from N-l-W
Does the place name Penyogarois have any connection with Pen-y-Cae? My mother's grandfather came from Penyogarois and we are researching the family history.
Fri Dec 14 11:02:58 2007
Popeye from Rhos
Hi Richard Morris. Was speaking to Barry Powell the other day. Told him you were asking after Trefor Dodd. Barry asked if you would get in touch with him.
Fri Dec 14 08:28:40 2007
Dafydd (Dave) Edwards
My Taid (Edward Charles Edwards) was born at 74 Hall Street Rhos in 1898. I see the Sun Inn referred to as 91 Hall Street. There is a house I believe is 64. Where would 74 be? Any ideas?
Mon Dec 10 08:21:43 2007
Ruabon
Karen Evans, Johnstown: Hi, does anyone remeber my dad Albert Morris? He died 20-Feb-1994, he lived Pen-y-Wern, Rhos. I'm interested if anyone has any photos of him, thanks.
Wed Nov 15 13:04:11 2006
My old mate and I worked with him, he never had a lot of photos taken of him but he was a good mate, top fishing man.
Mon Dec 10 07:48:23 2007
Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
I am the niece of William and Lizzie Jones who lived on Pant hill, their son was named Idwal and married a Mary, they lived in Afon Eitha. I was saddened to see their daughter Jackie Roberts of Roberts st Rhos had passed away. I was not known by her but I knew of her and remember her sister Anne from the 50s and 60s. I wonder if Anne remembers me?
Wed Dec 5 16:58:45 2007
John Stephen Jones-Ponciau
I have just discovered the site and was immediately struck by a wave of nostalgia. I was a pupil of Ponciau school until 1961 and have fond memories of Stephen Jones who was a great source of inspiration to me. I attended Grango between 1961-1965 and was friendly with Robert (Bobby) Andrews and Stephen Phillips. Memories flood back to the classes of the formidable Miss Taylor who taught English and had her own unique way of putting her views across to her pupils. I have in my possession a Ponciau School class photograph circa 1957-58 and amazingly can still recall all my classmates' names! I shall keep on reading with great interest.
Mon Nov 5 08:18:48 2007
Cassie Jones from London
Hi, I hope someone could help me. I am looking for the names of my GG Grandmother sister. My G gran's name was Maggie Williams (nee Jones), her husband's name was Joe Williams - she was born in Rhos. I understand she had two sisters, one that went abroad just before WW2 but she also had another sister still living in the Rhos. I am looking for their names. could anybody help please, "fingers crossed".
Mon Oct 29 08:59:10 2007
Joe Pemberton from Ponciau
Ponciau School is being knocked down next year. Do you have any memories or photos that the school could use for a display?
Thu Oct 25 08:46:57 2007
Lee Sharpe formerly Rhos
Hi Rob Hopwood, yes it has been a while. Hope you're OK and looking after yourself. Sorry it's taken a while to get back but haven't been on this site for a while. All the best.
Tue Sep 11 08:27:00 2007
Brian Marshall, Wrexham
Hi everyone, does anyone remember the Sealion pub run by Elen (foreigner) she was my mother's grandparent. The Sealion family have lived in Rhos many years.
Wed Sep 5 10:21:28 2007
Sharon Arbour, Maryland
I just found my cousin's birthplace was Rhos. He was Oswald Williams, son of Llewelyn Williams. Are there any of the family still in Rhos today? Oswald was born 1909, his father was born abt 1868 they moved to Johnstown, Pa. in 1911.
Thu Aug 30 08:25:19 2007
Lyn Jones, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey
Hi Hywel. That was a surprise to see your message and a pleasant suprise to find this site as I was just browsing around. Yes I can well remember coming down from Ormskirk to visit all the family; Uncle JT and Aunty Myfanwy, Aunty Blod, Uncle Ben and Aunty Mary Ann. Have sent this site on for Dad to see. He's 92 now and remains very well.
Mon Aug 20 12:18:13 2007
Kath Walker, Wrexham
Hi David it's Kathleen your cousin. Saw your comments. How are you and your family? Would love to hear from you.
Wed Aug 15 14:34:26 2007
Catherine Cartwright, Atlanta
As a 4th generation American (out of Wales), may I ask a stupid question? How does one pronounce Rhosllannerchrugog? Or even Rhos? I'm sure my grandfather knew, but he died when I was a child.
Thu Aug 9 09:46:15 2007
Bob (St Asaph)
Brilliant site. Would love to know more about the Rhos. My Taid was from the Rhos but passed away many years ago, Bob Roberts (Bob Marrie or Marry not sure) My mother is Joan Roberts born 1940.
Thu Aug 2 08:24:54 2007
Chris Jarvis, Johnstown
What a great site, I have enjoyed every word. My auntie Rose and uncle Eddie (Jarvis) used to run the Nags Head in Rhos and I used to go for dinner there every school day, from Grango, so I met a lot of the local characters. One of them mentioned several times on the site is Wak Edwards. He used to sing at every opportunity, but when he wasn't singing he had his pipe in his mouth, the pipe had worn a nice groove in his teeth over the years so it sat there comfortably even when he was chatting.
Mon Jul 30 08:42:49 2007
Gavin Darlington, Rhos
To Rose, I am part of the BALA family from Rhos. Kevin Mathews from Rhyl is part of my family, also Mair and Harold. Please feel free to get in touch.
Wed Jul 18 08:47:24 2007
Liz Darlington, Pen-Y-Cae
To answer to Rose Haskill (Matthews), U.S.A. Yes, I do know Kevin Matthews from Rhyl. He is also my cousin. His mother Mair (Bala) and my father Benny (Bala) were brother and sister.
Wed Jul 18 08:46:24 2007
Sharon from Dagenham
Hi Amy I remember your nan and grandad would you please get in contact. Many thanks
Tue Jul 3 09:53:58 2007
Amy Hughes, Rhosllanerchrugog
WOW so many memories, I enjoyed reading them all. Well I'm only 17 but I have lived in Rhos all my life and most of my family lived in Rhos and stil do. My great grandfather Bob Lloyd lived in Rhos, he had four children with Harriet-Anne (Phillip, John, Eleanor and Anne) but sadly my great grandmother died (Harriet-Anne) and my great grandfather married again to May. I don't know whether anyone would remember them? My grandmother is Eleanor Williams, she used to be a Lloyd but married Emyr Williams and she still lives in Rhos, well she lived in Rhos 1st and then moved to Pen-y-Cae but came back to Rhos and hasn't left here since. My grandmother had 5 children with Emyr (Christopher, Karen, Alison (my mum), Paul and Joanne). I live in Bryn-y-Brain (Glanrafon). I heard that years and years ago it used to be the old Pant brick works, didn't it? But now there are houses built over it and that's where I live now. I can't believe how much Rhos has changed, from what I have read and what my nain and mum have told me. If anyone remembers my family, it would be nice to hear from you. Rhos is the best and I'm proud to say that I'm a jacko!
Wed Jun 27 09:55:52 2007
Richard (Dick) Morris
Thanks Kevin (Hughes) for the info re Trevor Dodd.
Mon Jun 18 08:54:26 2007
Wil, Penycae.
DAVID GRIFFITHS, Chesterfield. Sorry to be the bearer of sad news but Jim Walker passed away some years ago, I was at Ruabon Grammar at the same time as him. Although his widow kept the shop for some time after his passing, it is now one of two branches in Rhos of the same large group of chemists.
JOHN RAYMOND GRIFFITHS, in reply to your entry on another site, I am David Schleising's eldest brother.
Thu Jun 14 08:34:57 2007
Rob Hopwood, Gwynfryn
Msg to Lee Sharp: Hi Lee, how you doing? Haven't seen you for years. To everyone else I'm Jack Hopwood's lad and grandson of Alf Hopwood, Alec's brother. Moved out of Rhos about 5 years ago. Shame to hear about all the pubs closing.
Fri Jun 1 08:26:00 2007
David Griffiths from Chesterfield
Thanks to your comment page, I have just received CD copies of recordings of the Welsh Imperial Singers, recorded about 1930, in which my uncle, Watkin Edwards of School Street, Rhos, was a tenor soloist. The package also included copies of programmes of the choir, also from the '30s. Very many thanks. I am still living in hope that someone might reply to my enquiries about Jim Walker, who was a Chemist in Rhos for many years. I think he was related to my nain, Eliza Griffiths (nee Walker) who lived on Gardden Road. I never really got to know her side of the family, & would love to make contact with any surviving relatives.
Thu May 17 15:35:51 2007
David Evans from Croydon
Born in Rhos in 1940. Father was Dai Tainant. Mother was Margret Ann, nee Parry. Grandfather [taid] Thellwall Parry. Most of my family worked at Hafod. We moved as a family to Tainant from Rhos in 1951 then on to Ruabon. I attended Ruabon Grammar School as so did my brother Dennis and my sister Eileen. I served some time at Denis brickworks and then on to Hafod colliery up to joining the Welsh Guards in 1958/59. Sadly some of my mining friends are passed away. Grahame Large is one. Sorely missed. I lost contact with my old friends from the Hafod. Barry Irvine, Brian Hallett, Peter Bounce [Ruabon], David Dobbins. Who remembers sneaking into the Stiwt cinema without paying, into the front stalls through the fire doors in the corridor down from the pay booth? And what about Gilbert and Sullivan operettas produced at the Stiwt. Great times! I saw Fred Davies, brother of Joe, giving a demonstration at the Stiwt billiards hall and many times I missed being sprayed tobacco juice [twist] in the reading room by ex miners who couldn't stop chewing even whilst reading indoors. I would love to hear from anyone with memories during the 1945s to 1958s, especialy old friends from the Hafod.
Mon May 14 09:22:40 2007
Kevin Hughes, Rhos
For Richard (Dick) Morris, March 12, re Trefor Dodd. I can confirm that he is alive and well, lives in Neath, SW, at the moment. Hope that helps.
Fri May 11 08:02:44 2007
David Griffiths from Chesterfield
Message for Sue Muncey from Wrexham:Thanks Sue for responding so quickly! It was interesting to hear about your taid. Uncle Watkin was quite a personality & loved to talk about the Welsh Imperial Singers. (Actually,he just loved to talk!)I would appreciate some details about the book & the cassette, please. I'll them put a search on Ebay. Many thanks, David Griffiths
Thu May 10 15:34:59 2007
Claire Hopwood, Inverurie, Scotland
It was lovely to read such fond memories of my Taid posted by John Raymond Griffiths on May 1st. I am his grandaughter (Ruth's elder sister). I have such happy childhood memories of times with my Taid. He would walk with us for miles, picking berries along the way and taking them back for my nain and neighbours to bake their pies. My Nain would think we had gone missing! He was also known well in the Hafod Club....where he liked to stop off for a pint and a sing song with some of his mates. Though he would tell us he had stopped to get his 'medicine'. He was well known and liked within the local community. In school holidays I can remember going into Rhos to do some shopping, this would be for anyone who needed things picked up. As we wandered along the street, you would hear a continous sound of people greeting him or him them, always with a cheery smile and a wave. He was always willing to help anyone out. He would sit for hours and tell us stories, some he would make up and some would be of his days in the army. I would love to hear any more stories from anyone who remembers him.Thanks
Wed May 9 16:07:49 2007
John Raymond Griffiths
To Ruth Jones. Hi there Ruth, I remember Alec Hopwood working at Gesford colliery. He suffered a very bad accident as the result of a roof fall and was very lucky to have survived. For a long time Alec was in a facial frame and his injuries were terrible, but Alec had strong character and pulled through this ordeal. At this time Alec was living in Afon Eitha esate close to his work mate Jim Butler whose two sons Eddie and Ken both worked at Gresford. Alec spent his some of his leisure time in the local pub, the Wheelwrights Arms, and was friendly with my dad, Dick Griffiths of Bryn Eitha, Penycae. Sadly this pub is now boarded up and it will probably never open again. I was always curious to know if Alec was a relative of the Hopwoods of Plas Benion, I never got to ask him this question. When we were on the day shift at Gresford we would have to stand outside of the Wheel Wrights Arms at 05:10am to wait for the bus to take us to work, the bus was owned by Pendry Thomas of Osborne Street, Rhos, and was usually drven by a local Penycae lad, John Valentine of Stryt Issa. These were fine times to grow up in and with work mates like Alec and Jim Butler life was that much easier when a community effort was around. Communities then were a lot closer and neighbours more ready to help those in need. It ws a fine time to have grown up in and to begin my working life with people like Alec Hopwood. I do remember him well.
Tue May 1 09:56:37 2007
Sue Muncey from Wrexham
To David Griffiths from Chesterfield, my Taid was a member of The Welsh Imperial Singers (Ulam Hughes). I have a book and a music cassette of them.
Mon Apr 30 08:19:12 2007
Gary Hopwood
Mssg to Ruth Jones: My family have lived in Rhos for years. Uncle Alec was my father Uncle (John Hopwood). Alec used to breed Doberman Pinchers.
Fri Apr 20 07:54:42 2007
Rose Haskill (Matthews), U.S.A.
Does anyone know of Kevin Matthews of Rhuddlan? He is my cousin. My mother, Winnifred Dunham (Matthews) of Rhyl, north Wales, passed on last month. Anyone who might have known her please feel free to email me, thank you.
Mon Mar 26 09:44:40 2007
Richard (Dick) Morris
I lived in School Street, Rhos, 1943-52 when my grandmother died and we moved to live with my grandfather in Bank Street, Ponciau. My mother was a cook at Rhos School. I left Ruabon G Sch 1858 and worked in the Co-op Office at Rhosymedre till 1962 when I left the area. My mates were David Lloyd, Gareth Richards, Barry Powell and Trefor Dodd. I know that David is now sadly gone, Gareth is not in to good a health, and Barry sings with Rhos Male Voice Choir - but I would like to know (if anyone can help) what happened to Trefor Dodd.
Mon Mar 12 08:33:04 2007
David Griffiths, Chesterfield
My Auntie Flo (daughter of Joseph & Eliza Griffiths, & sibling to Mary, Sally, Blodwen, Maggie, Abel & Jack) married Watkin ('Wak') Edwards in her later years. Wak was a tenor & was very proud of being a member of the Welsh Imperial Singers. I would love to know more about this choir, & about Wak, if anyone can help me, please.
Fri Mar 9 09:08:02 2007
Diana (nee Roberts)
I have just found out today that my great, great grandfather Thomas Owen was the innkeeper of the Talbot Inn at 136 Brook Street, Rhos in 1871. He was also a butcher it seems. If anyone has any old photos of the pub before it became a private house, I would love to see them.
Tue Feb 20 10:57:30 2007
Catherine Cartwright, Atlanta
I've always known that my great-grandfather immigrated to Western Pennsylvania from Wales (1880), but I have just found out he was from Rhosllannerchrugog. He was a coalminer, and from what I've found out, so was his father, and his father before him. My great-grandfather was William Cartwright, his father and brother were named John Cartwright. I look forward to visiting some day.
Tue Feb 13 13:24:52 2007
Sian form Ponciau
TO MYFANWY FROM CANADA - Do you have a brother called Roger? I think my parents where friends.
Mon Feb 12 11:55:59 2007
Rowley from Rhos
Having lived in rhos for the last 26 years i can see how much the village has changed. Pubs are quiet or closed. The best pub is the sun which has been taken over by the rugby lads (all top lads). Different faces everywhere but some characters still around, miss the old days sharpy, gary, steven, mouse, raymond r.i.p. Gary bill, donkey, jacko 4 ever.
Mon Feb 12 11:19:54 2007
JOG from Cheshire
Just found this site... my grandfather Richard Arthur Jones looked after the Pavillion picture house in the years after WWI.
He used to stand in front of the screen reading the words out aloud for the silent films. My mum remembers older people (non readers) asking children if they could read and then paying for them to sit next to them to read what was on the screen. The Pavillion also had plays performed there. She was often asked to take part in such plays as "Maria and the Red Barn murders" when she was a young girl. I have happy memories of seeing Erol Flynn in Robin Hood (in the forties) and playing sword fight games all the way home. It cost sixpence in the front (fleapit and wooden seats) and ninepence in the back where the seats were softer. Happy days.
Fri Feb 9 11:11:01 2007
Laura
Jacko Barmy Army all the way!
Fri Feb 2 08:51:45 2007
Mark Cooke, Caldecotte Arms, Milton Keynes
I had the pleasure of running the Sun Inn, 99 Hall St, for about six months. In fact my son Michael was born in that time. Many a night Samantha and Michael would be sung to sleep in the early hours as the men from the Rhos Choir would drink below. Its a shame that the pubs are turning into houses but in fairness there's no trade any more. I hope that seven years on the people like Carol, Bully, Gerant are all alive and well. Thank you all for a brief but enjoyable six months. Mark.
Wed Jan 24 09:44:22 2007
Kieron from Rhos
I remember when everyboby used to know everybody in Rhos and I think that because all the pubs are shutting down people keep themselves to themselves.
Thu Jan 4 14:27:11 2007
Lee Sharpe, Cefn Mawr
Hi can anybody help me I am seeking any stories about my taid Tommy Sharpe in his footballer days when he played for Rhos chums or when he worked down Bersham Collery, any information would be grateful.
Thu Jan 4 10:19:32 2007
Lee Sharpe, Cefn Mawr
Moved out of Rhos 10 years ago, how much Rhos has changed in that decade. One way streets, all the old pubs gone but never forgotten, all the old faces Rowley, Steven & Garry Hughes even Mark Weeks has settled down ha ha miss the old days, standing by the old Co-op in all weathers.
Wed Jan 3 09:45:35 2007
RibbyRibz, Gresford
They say you can see naked nuns dancing on a full moon in Rhosllanerchrugog. They supposedly come out of the reservoir. I lived there for 47 years and I've never seen any nuns - not naked ones, anyway.
Tue Dec 19 08:22:02 2006
David Griffiths from Chesterfield
Does anyone remember Jim Walker who used to run the Chemist's shop in Rhos, & if so, are any of his family still in Rhos today? I think he was related to my Nain, Eliza Griffiths, (nee Walker) who lived on Gardden Road. I would love to hear from you & appreciate any contact.
Tue Dec 19 08:03:33 2006
Gareth Buffey, Rhos
A note to all the past players of Rhos Rugby Club. We have now taken over the Sun Inn in Rhos which is now our base. It has all the old photos on the walls etc. Anyone wishing to call into the Sun or to get in touch via e-mail please do so.
Thu Dec 7 09:07:14 2006
Kam Hung.Toronto.Canada
Wow it's great to hear from some old friends - J Elwyn Thomas and David Roberts...do we have lots to talk about. Please contact me. Anybody in Rhos who can remember me please send messages...we can ALL share memories and trivia with each other. I used to go to Rhos Controlled School between 1959-1964...know any kids that were there during those golden ages? Please contact me and let's all share some stories together.
Tue Dec 5 09:13:44 2006
Owen
Does anyone in Canada have a parent or grandparent (female) who worked in Dehavillands during the war working on parachutes who had a friend called Nancy Owen? They lived around the Wrexham Area but moved to Canada after the War.
Mon Dec 4 10:16:03 2006
Davies
Does anyone have any memories of the "Socks Family" from Maes Einion especially "Jackie Jane"? Three brothers and a sister did the carnival in Ponciau. Many years ago the sister was the king, one brother was the queen, and the other two were ladies in waiting. By the way they all had false teeth and took them out!
Fri Dec 1 09:00:48 2006
Claire, Washago, Canada
Tell more about the astronaut Dafydd (Dave) Rhys Williams, about his chilhood - please and thank you!
Wed Nov 22 08:26:36 2006
Ruth Jones from Wrexham
Hi. This is a great site. Does anybody remember my Taid Alec Hopwood? Living in Johnson Street. He could sometimes be found at Hafod Club having a sing song. Really miss the fascinating stories he had to tell. It would be interesting to hear any stories you may have. Thanks
Mon Nov 20 10:24:05 2006
Karen Evans, Johnstown
Hi does anyone remeber my dad Albert Morris? He died 20-Feb-1994, he lived Pen-y-Wern, Rhos. I'm interested if anyone has any photos of him, thanks.
Wed Nov 15 13:04:11 2006
Sharon, Dagenham
I am looking to find anyone who knew my father's family he is Richard Wynn Jones and his mother was married to Joe Williams. I know his mother had a brother called Joe Jones and I think they lived in Erw Gerrig, would anyone remember this family? I belive they were related to the Dodd family not sure how. I think my father has a sister in law called Helen Williams I wonder if she is still living in Rhos. Any information would be much appreciated.
Fri Oct 27 17:03:48 2006
Thomas Jones Hamburg
To answer David Grifiths from Chesterfield, the name of the other cinema in Rhos was the Pavilion and use to stand where the Hafod Miners Club is today. I used to watch Dan Dare, The Cisco Kid, The Lone Ranger and many other films there. It was also known to us kids as the flea pit. The screen was so full of repaired holes due to the audience throwing whatever they had in their hands whenever the film broke down. When you went in with the lights on, you could see the repairs that had been done to it. It was an old tin sheeting building but the frontage and the foyer was built from bricks. The Pavilion was for the kids and the Stiwt was for the older ones, where the Pavilion showed action films the Stiwt would show musicals or the old classics like the African Queen. Interesting also is that both cinemas would show sometimes three films a week. One would show on Monday and Tuesday then the next would be on Wednesday and Thursday and the top film of the week would show on Friday and Saturday. Great times.
Wed Oct 25 07:49:19 2006
Dafydd, London
I'm trying to find out some information on Sarah Ann Jones who used to live in Bro Awel, Peter Street in the 1930s and 40s. She was married to David Jones who died I believe between 1938-48 and there was a daughter called Sarah Catherine. In the obituary to my great grandmother, Sarah Phillips, in the Rhos Herald in 1943 it states that Mrs David Jones was a daughter of Sarah Phillips. I think that this has to be an error but I'd like to find out how the Joneses fit in to my family. Can anyone help?
Tue Oct 24 12:19:00 2006
Dafydd, London
Powell Family
I'm looking for information on the descendants of John and Sarah Powell. They had five children, three of whom were living in Rhos at the time of the 1901 census. Their daughter Sarah was my great grandmother and she married William Phillips. Sarah's eldest brother John had two sons John who was 21 in 1901 and David who was 1901.
Sarah's youngest sister was Susannah. She married Edward Parry and according to the 1901 census she had six children: Elizabeth Sarah, Enoch, John Powell, Robert, Eliza and Edward David. Can any one help?
Tue Oct 24 11:50:14 2006
Gary Hughes -CA11 1998
I love Rhos wiv all my heart, I love market street cos every1 knows my name. I used to take part in theatre in the Stiwt. God bless Rhos.
Mon Oct 16 17:21:50 2006
David Hughes Australia
Mark, My sister Carole tells me that the whole family were known as Swell. Dan and Ada lived in Johnstown, I think, and had three children as I recall, they were Lorna, Noel and a younger daughter whose name escapes me. Families lose touch at the passing of the years, but it's great to have memories.
Wed Oct 4 08:42:54 2006
Mark Williams
To David Hughes of Victoria, Australia.
My uncle (through marriage to my mother's sister) was Danny Swell, very strange seeing that nickname as it is the only other time I have seen it. Both Danny and Ada are now deceased however many family members are still living locally.
Mon Oct 2 10:53:25 2006
Bill Rear, Conwy
Lots of interesting recollections. I taught at Ysgol y Grango from 1977 until 1987. I would love to hear from former pupils and teachers (via the Internet). Who knows. Perhaps there are some who don't bear a grudge!
Fri Sep 29 08:45:28 2006
Ieuan, Rhosllannerchrugog
Especially for Kam Hung, I was born in 1950 but I have a memory of the Chinese Laundry in Princess Rd. Do you know that the local duo Twm Mile and Morien Phillips recorded a Welsh song called Laundry Willi Chonee which is still played on Radio Cymru occasionally. Twm, who used to have a clothes shop in High St died a long time ago, but Morian is still alive and living in Bangor. I am Rhos born and bred and still live here. It's not what it used to be but what is. If anyone wants more information contact me.
Mon Sep 11 14:38:48 2006
Cindy (Pritchard) Anderson - S
Wow! Memories! My grandparents were "Fresh off the boat" back in the 1920s from Rhos! My grandmother, Sarah Jane (Williams) Pritchard, married my grandfather, John Pritchard, shortly after they arrived in Canada, and then they came to America - Detroit! My gram (known to her friends as Sally) passed away in 1999, and my grampa passed in 1962, before I was born. He was a member of the famed Rhos male choir...I have an actual album of them somewhere in my collection! When I was 14 (summer, 1977), my gram took me back "to the old country" to visit and to meet her brother, William, and her sisters, Ruth and Miriam (wife of her oldest brother, Tom - deceased). She had at least one other sister, who had passed 2 weeks before we got there, Elizabeth (Lizzie). I have some very fond memories of that trip, so long ago. The Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Betws-y-Coed, Mt. Snowdon...I loved it all! I happened upon your site by accident, or maybe it was just fate, to remind me of my family! Thanks!
Wed Sep 6 16:15:58 2006
Kevin Matthews bala rhuddlan
My mother left rhos in 1938 to live in Rhyl. My brother was born in Rhos 1945 the family lived in 54 johnes st. I spent all my school holidays in Rhos from 1956 to 1969 and loved the village. My family name in rhos is hughes{bala}
Tue Aug 29 11:04:56 2006
Hywel Rhys Williams - Brentwood Essex
My father, William Williams, sadly passed on last year aged 83 years old. He was born in Rhos (Mountain Street) and lived at 66 High Street, Rhos (now demolished). His father was Benjamin (Ben) Williams (Hafod) and his mother Mary Ann. My father left Rhos in the early 1950s to take up a position in the Law Society - Lancaster Gate. He had qualified as a solicitor in Cyril Jones of Wrexham. My mother was Enid Williams (Jones) and came from Johnstown. Sadly, she passed away in 2001.
When I was a young lad (1960s) I used to come home to Rhos to see my Nain and Taid. I loved Rhos very much. We used to go for long walks everywhere, but the best was catching the Crosville or Tommy Wrights bus on Saturdays to watch 'the Wrexham' play. I'm still a fan of Wrexham these days! I love the area very much and the characters I used to meet with my Nain and Taid. A few months before my mother died in 2001 they both celebrated 50 years together, and we had a lovely party at the Stiwt. The 'Rhos' will always have a special part in my life.
Thu Aug 24 11:14:21 2006
Joan Gallagher (nee Leighton) Canada
Hi! Mavis, I'm probably a generation before you. I have been searching family history, and wonder if you have any connections to William, Mary, and Stephen Leighton one of their sons? The whole family left Co. Sligo in Ireland, in the 1800s for the UK. My husband was born in Wrexham, to Bernard Patrick Gallagher, and Ellen (Nellie) nee Dawson, daughter of John, and Mary Dawson, Pierces Sq. Any related Dawson's or Gallagher's around? Would like to hear from you for help in expanding our family tree.Thank you J.G.
Tue Aug 8 08:45:30 2006
martin howarth-hynes
my great grand-father died in the Gresford mining disaster in 1934 ARTHUR HAMLINGTON. i am told there was a street named after him. has anyone any knowledge of this if so please send me any information. i write on behalf of my mum whose dad was arthur's son who moved to chadderton, england.
I am told my great grandad was doing a shift in the mine that day for someone else and really should not have been there. his wife pined away for him and she was often found wondering the streets with a lamp in her hand looking for him.
Tue Aug 8 08:35:46 2006
J Elwyn Thomas Rhos
To Kam Hung; Great to see your message hope we can renew our contact soon.
Mon Aug 7 08:41:33 2006
Jerence Jarvis Rhos/Cefn Mawr
Does anybody remember 4bt army cadets in Rhos in 1954 to 1959 and does anyone have any photos of the lads and the annual camps that we attended? If so please reply.
Fri Aug 4 11:46:22 2006
Mavis (Leighton)
Hi Jayne can't say I remember the name, is Jeffreys your married name? Glad someone else remembers the red rocks, lots of childhood memories there for me.
Thu Aug 3 10:01:39 2006
BRUNO, RHOS
i remember going to the stiwt when i was a kid watching the three stooges (great stuff). great that they have done it up being an ex miner, if only they could do more with it like a cinema again. a lot of the characters are sadly dying off and staying home now unfortunately, just like most of the pubs i used to frequent. great memories of the eagles, the bulls head the nags head the talbot. sadly the rhos of old is disappearing. the days when you went to the cross on saturday morning for local gossip has gone, all that said i cant see me living anywhere else (once a jacko always a jacko). ps.could anyone send any info about the battle in the 10th century that happened here thanks.
Mon Jul 24 09:15:19 2006
David Roberts from Rhos
To Kam Hung (Toronto) have memories of you but I was very young, I lived in Poplar Ave, my brother is John, I am the same age as Mary Jones, Phil's sister, with whom I grew up. I remember you and other boys coming to our house for birthday parties, but I remember being very reluctant to come to yours and your mother trying to persuade me to go, but I stayed at home and missed the fun. I still live in Rhos and see Phillip very often.
Wed Jul 12 10:01:41 2006
Valerie Davies (Dodd), Gwers
My dad's family are all from Rhos, sadly he is no longer with us, his mother and father lived right across the road from the Stiwt, what a lovely building.
Mon Jul 10 09:42:39 2006
Anonymous, Pen-y-Cae
What is wrong with everyone? Do people not see the real Rhos? Nostalgia is great but it doesn't change the fact that the area is in severe trouble and desperately needs regeneration. The attitudes of the local kids needs changing - where's the ambition? The Stiwt is great for events but the pride has gone from the area.
Mon Jun 19 10:47:04 2006
janet edwards colwyn bay
does anyone recall the jones family who built and lived in bryn heulog in the 1930'S BELIEVED TO BE IN THE PONIAU BANKS AREA they were related to my father would love to know the family history
Tue May 30 07:06:52 2006
Jen Llywelyn, Ceredigion
I'm researching (for a PhD) the life of one George M Ll Davies, a Welshman, pacifist and peace-maker. He was involved in the re-vamping of Ponciau Banc in Rhos in 1932, and loved Rhos. I would love to meet anyone who remembers him, or the re-vamping, or the international students who came to Rhos to help. George loved Rhos, and in his papers there are piles of press cuttings that he kept about the works there. If anyone has any memories, letters, photos, etc etc, please could they get in touch? I've learned Welsh so can communicate in Welsh or English - but I've heard that Rhos has it's own 'language', so please be gentle with me!
Fri May 26 15:50:54 2006
Kam Hung,Toronto, Canada
Lived in Rhos between 1959-1964 before leaving for Liverpool and now Canada. Have very fond memories of Rhos...but how is your memory of the only Chinese family that lived there and had a laundry at Princes Road. Our good neighbour was the Jones family...Philip and Mary were the kids I grew up with. I went to Rhos Controlled School where Mr Charlton was the headmaster and my best friends were Peter Rogers and Keith Jones who lived in some shack of a farm over in the Garden Road area.
Loved going to the Milk Bar...and I also lived at 3 Maelor Cottages for some time. Saw lots of films at the Stiwt, climbed a lot of trees especially the ones at the library and played alot of conkers. Lots of memories...thanks Rhos..
If anybody knows an Elwyn Thomas from Afoneitha tell him to try and contact me.
Anyone who can still remember this humble little Chinese kid that was raised in Rhos during the early sixties...give me a shout and share some memories !!!!
Mon May 8 10:48:54 2006
Derek Evans, Johnstown.
To F. Powkes, regarding the address, there seems to be quite new houses where No. 5 was at that time.
The Registrar's office would have been either Wrexham or Ruabon at that time, but all the records are kept at present at Ty Dewi Sant, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham. You will find most of the records on UK BMD under the county of Denbighshire.
Tue Apr 25 15:10:19 2006
fran powkes
Could anyone tell me if 5 The High Street, Rhos is still there? My Grandparents were living there in 1913.
Also, if I may, where would the local Registrar's office be at that time 1913 does anyone know.
Mon Apr 24 09:16:15 2006
Derek Evans
Does anyone recall the names Bertha & John Parry from Baptist Street, Rhos?
Tue Apr 18 09:38:13 2006
Jayne Gort Jeffreys
Hi Mavis (nee Leighton). I remember the red rocks. We'd play house there making living rooms and kitchens in all the nooks and crannies. I didn't hang around in Selwyn's shop door but I remember all the 'big ones' who did. Selwyn is great. I did a paper round for him when I was 12. I think I remember you too Mavis.
Tue Apr 18 09:10:51 2006
myfanwy jones williams, Canada
I was born in the Ponciau,lived next to Ponciau school on school lane, I was a registerd nurse at the MAELOR. Moved to Canada in 1965. Have great memories of the Stiwt. Remember John Fred very well. Return every year and visit the Rhos.
Fri Mar 3 00:00:09 2006
JACKO (RHOS)
I live in Rhos and have done all my life i am 21 years of age and I can truly say I wouldn't want to like anywhere else! Just a shame they are turning all the pubs into houses! LEAVE UM OPEN!
Tue Feb 28 19:40:04 2006
sharon mitchell from wrexham
i lived in rhos all my life up until 5 years ago. i was brought up in maes y gornel and was the first year to stay in grango, as you had to go ruabon at one time. my father still lives in ponciau but i find that when you go through the village there are a lot of strangers. you used to know everybody at one time.
Mon Feb 27 16:40:38 2006
Colin Griffiths from Jersey
Hello! My father, Herbert, was born in 1921 and lived in Bryn Awyl, Park Rd, Ponciau, with his mother Margaret Griffiths. She was unmarried and showed enormous strength in bringing up her son alone. His father, I am led to believe, came from South Wales and his surname was Mitchel. I assume he was working in Rhos. He emigrated to South Africa instead of getting married! If anyone can shed a little more light on any of this I would be very grateful.
Tue Feb 21 09:31:28 2006
David Griffiths from Chesterfield
I love Rhos to bits. My father was born there, and we had a smashing little prefab in Ffordd Dewi in the 1960s. I had some great holidays there when I was a kid, during which the high spots of my social life were watching films at the Stiwt and that strange little cinema whose name I
can't remember, and visiting the Milk Bar. The man in my Auntie Flo's life, Watkin Edwards, kept me entertained with anecdotes about the Welsh Imperial Singers.
OK, it may not be the cultural centre of the universe any more, but it has produced politicians, actors, musicians, academics and church ministers. It has a culture all of its own, and despite its economic problems today, it's a great place.
Tue Feb 14 16:08:11 2006
Mike Mitchell. Brighton
Very interested in your messages from people of Pen-y-Cae. I was a Liverpool evacuee there in 1939 and stayed with the Edwards family next door to Mr John Owen Jones, who I was told had "lots of money" I then moved to Ponciau where I could see the fires from the brickworks, the chimneys of which had steel sheets covering them to conceal the fires from German bombers. Is the brickworks still there? Any memories of the above and Liverpool evacuees would be much appreciated.
Thu Nov 3 15:42:37 2005
We're not updating this page but we still want your stories so get in touch or go to Memoryshare.
Today this has reopened as a venue for the performing arts and hosts music, theatre and comedy in both English and Welsh. Rhos is also known among Welsh speakers for its distinctive dialect, using words like nene (that one) which are not heard anywhere else in Wales. Rhos was put on the map by a famous local, 
