Being a proud Jacko living in Germany makes me a little bit more conscious of my roots. I was sitting at my computer thinking of Rhos when suddenly it came to me. Why was Rhos so special? We talk proudly of our famous choirs, actors and singers that came from the
village, like I.D. Hooson, Maredith Edwards, Geraint
Dodd and lately Stifyn Parry, but they weren't the
real village characters. The real people who made Rhos
special were those who stood or 'cooched' in the
miners' fashion on the Cross or on Gornel bridge and
story-told themselves into our hearts. They 'cooched'
or 'crouched' because that was how they spent the
biggest part of their days down the pit. At these two
meeting points one could always find someone they were
looking for, my father for one.
I remember my mother, Katie Jones, 'a real character', on expecting my father home from work, or maybe after he had been on a walk and having prepared his dinner, would wonder if he would be home in time before it went cold. So she would send me or my brother out to find him. There were only two places that I would make my way to and that was the Cross or Gornel bridge. Gornel bridge would be the first stop as we lived in Maesennion. He wouldn't always be at one of these places but eight times out of ten he would. When he was, I would tell him that his dinner was ready and in the oven. If I had ridden on my bike to find him, he would borrow it and ride home leaving me to make my way back on foot.
As a kid I loved sitting in Lewis the barber's shop
waiting my turn or in Sprosdens the barber at the
cross roads of Jones Street and Hall Street and
listening to fantastic stories and tales told by these
legends. They would call in to the barbers just to
chat. Then they would go off down to the Cross to
spread the news further. I think of people like Benny
'Balla' Jerris Jones, Joe 'Flu' Jones, Tommy Lloyd, Twm
Berk Morris and his wife Mrs Morris, Eddy and Nora
Phillips 'The Sun', Fanny Green, Willie Cook, Jonathan
Miles, Joe Deb, Les 'Coch' Jones and my mother Katie
Jones.
Let's not forget recent ones who lived through
the sixties and seventies in the Gornel like Brian
'Dosie' Davies, John 'Goodrick' Jones. Mike Powell,
Delly 'Ging' Jones, (still making his mark in the
village). These in my mind are examples of the type
of people that made Rhos so special. We put up plaques
or memorials to remember famous folk, well I think
Rhos should be the first village in Wales to put up a
plaque in memory of our own local heroes. I would
think one near the cross and one on the site where
Gornel Bridge used to be would do just fine. If a
collection is started, let me know and I will donate.
If I were home I would do it myself before we forget
them.
Who are your favourite Rhos characters?
your comments
Carl Evans
To John Willington and Nev Roberts. Bill Portmadoc-Jones was my grandfather. It's nice to hear people still think about him all these years after his death. He was certainly a character! Even I haven't got a copy of his books any more, so if you come across a supply, let me know.
Mon Jun 22 08:59:40 2009
Shirley Collings, Queensland, Australia
To David Pontee re the Griffith family, I am sorry I haven't been in touch to your query, but my husband had cancer last year and we were back and forth to Brisbane, but this is what I have: Margaret Jane Hall married William Eaton, they had two children William and Margaret Jane, William died about 1883 she married John James Griffiths they had 9 children Mary Amelia, James Edward, Clara Elizabeth, Catherine Eva (Katie), Ellen Maria known as Nellie Grace Sarah, Edwin John, Charles Forbes, Archibald Richard. You may be able to tell me where did John James come from? Hope this helps, Shirley.
Mon Apr 20 10:13:08 2009
Helen Jones, Banbury
I forgot to say that Elizabeth Hughes went on to marry John Thomas Hughes after her husband John Stephen Breeze was killed.
Wed Apr 8 10:33:12 2009
Helen Jones, Banbury
Hi everyone, I have just found out that my great grandfather came from Rhos, his name was John William Breeze b1868. His father was also John and his mother Elizabeth Hannah. He married a girl called Elizabeth Hughes in 1906 and was killed in WW1 on 3rd April 1915, that date was also his daughter's birthday [my grandmother] Elizabeth Hannah Breeze. Are there any Breezes left in Rhos or have they all gone now, can anyone tell me? Best wishes to all, Helen.
Wed Apr 8 10:10:00 2009
Stacey Bala
Hi Tom, You don't know me but Benny Bala was my great taid. His son, Selwyn, is my taid.
Thu Mar 12 07:34:50 2009
Nev Roberts, Shrewsbury
To John Willington, Cheltenham. John, thank you so much, I look forward to further contact. I have sent you some details via the BBC (if you do not receive them contact me again via this site). I also used the Oak, and the Colliers, with my long time mates Barry Lloyd and Allan Thomas (a carpenter) where are they now? I left Rhos in 1972 and have returned only a few times, the last time I was in the Colliers was 1991, where I managed to hook up with Barry. The sixties and seventies were great times for us youngsters and the pubs were great watering holes.The last time I saw Bill was on TV, you may recall that the factory where he worked, at Vauxhall (Ruabon), was about to close, and he gave his famous 'Karate Chop' speech to the TV interviewer, I have never forgotten it. I look forward to hearing from you, and anyone else who knew me in those far off days, regards, Nev Roberts.
Mon Mar 2 10:30:32 2009
John Willington from Cheltenham (via Ponciau)
To Nev Roberts, Shrewsbury. My wife Cathy and I went to live in Ponciau in the early '70s and we lived in what is now the chippie, opposite Bill in Bank Street. We became great friends from then until his (very sad)death. We worked / drank (Colliers and Oak) and laughed a lot together. My dad Alec was a great fan of Bill's. I travelled widely with Bill and the Glee Singers. (What a great bunch of lads). Your search for his book is over, I have a copy (unsigned) also the later Passing Thoughts, and in Welsh, Mynd a Dwad, both signed, and all in good condition. At the time of writing,I am having trouble with my email and printer. May be you could respond through this great site.
Fri Feb 27 08:25:29 2009
Graham, Rhos
Arnold Thomas with his police ID badge. He played the harmonica on the Stiwt stage once and you could have heard a pin drop.
Thu Feb 26 08:08:46 2009
Elizabeth, once from Johnstown
I have a signed copy of "Through These Windows" by Will Porthmadoc. He also wrote a personal dedication inside it for me! I would be glad to lend it to an interested reader.
Mon Jan 5 08:56:34 2009
Nev Roberts, Shrewsbury
For Christine Madsen. Thank you, I would appreciate any help in my quest for a copy of Will Portmadog's book/books.
Fri Dec 19 08:02:22 2008
Christine Madsen
For N Roberts, Shrewsbury. I leave near Mena, Bill Port Madoc's sister in law. I will try to find out if his book is still in print. I really enjoyed the copy that Mena lent me.
Mon Nov 17 08:23:22 2008
Cyril Jones, Rhos
My dad was called Dumplings. Has anyone got photos of him in the pit or with the 4th RWF which was in Rhos in the 50s/60s?
Thu Oct 9 09:59:18 2008
David Pontee, Wrexham, Wales
To Shirley Collings, Townsville, qld., Australia. I am researching the Griffiths Family which includes John James GRIFFITHS in Australia. Could you give the name of his second wife & his family? Thanking you, David.
Wed Oct 8 10:18:11 2008
Shirley Collings, Townsville, Queensland
I would like to hear from Wayne Griffiths, my great grandmother Margaret Jane Eaton, married John James Griffiths after her first husband died. I am a descendant of the first marriage, but my mother said they knew the Griffiths, as my grandmother was not born when her father was born so she grew up with the Griffiths. I have met some from around the Ipswich area, however, I am keen to know more about my step great grandfather's ancestry as I have no information on the Griffiths at all. Hope you could help me.
Mon Aug 25 19:50:44 2008
Thomas
To Catherine Allott. Hello Catherine at last I am answering your feedback from Mon Apr 30 08:08:00 2007. Did you pass the info on? and if so: what was the result?
Fri Aug 1 09:39:17 2008
Robin Jones, Rossett
Emyr Jones! My Taid, who lived in Rhos all his life, served in the army in the Second World War and fought in North Africa. He deserves hero status for what he did, in my opinion. (:
Wed Jul 9 15:07:08 2008
Bernice, originally from Acrefair
My great grandfather was David Green (born in 1876) and he was nominated by Rhos Council for a medal from the Royal Humane Society. He saved several people from drowning in the Rhos/Ponciau areas so was considered a local hero. Does anyone have any more information about the people he saved, when this happened, and which medal he was awarded?
Thu Mar 27 09:49:16 2008
Rob Jones (Butcher)
To Nev Roberts. Hi Nev yes you must have been just ahead of me. I know Tony Fields, Bobby Nevit, John Bates, Brian Cole, Alec Hopwood. All 2 years in front of me. All live still local. Nice to hear from you even if you were not the Nev I knew, you are right though they did call him Nikkin.
Wed Mar 19 09:59:55 2008
Nev Roberts, Shrewsbury
To Rob Jones (Butcher). Sorry Rob, I went to Grango 1961-1965, however, I do know there was another Nev Roberts one or two years behind me (I think his nickname was Nikkin). Also, in my year, there was a Bob (Rob) Jones and an Ian Hughes - small world. I would love to hear news of any of the old boys, Chris Prodger, Wynne Jones, Dic Dodd, Errol ? John Jarvis, Phil Bennet, Alec Hopwood. I think also Tony Field and, as you say, many more, or any contacts that could point me in the right direction.
Tue Mar 18 08:07:18 2008
Rob Jones (Butcher)
To Nev Roberts. What class were you in in Grango? I was there 63-68 with Dave Thomas, Ian Hughes (Bo Bo), Dai Pen Coch (Tom's brother) and many more.
Mon Mar 17 09:41:05 2008
Wayne Laurence Griffiths - Queensland Australia
Edward Griffiths was born in Wern, Wrexham, on the 5th December 1818, his wife Amelia Owens was born in Wern on the 13th March 1831. They married on the 27th September 1851 & travelled to Brisbane Austrailia in 1853 on the boat called Parsie. I am the sixth generation born in Australia from the Welsh Griffiths background. The family tree is complete back as far as Edward's parents John & Margaret 1779. There are plenty of characters in the Australian Griffiths clan. My father & I will be traveling to Wales for the first time & are posibly the only descendents of Edwards to do so. If anyone has more information regarding the Edward Griffiths bloodline please do not hesitate to contact me. We may be able to catch up & exchange notes or even just a cold beer or two. Kind Regards.
Wed Mar 5 10:53:05 2008
Richard Morris, Caernarfon
To N. Roberts, Shrewsbury. Try Amazon site for the book. I have just bought Ruabon Boys Grammar School (a collection of pictures) by Dennis W. Gilpin £7.99 from that site having failed everywhere else. Good luck.
Wed Feb 20 09:25:03 2008
N. Roberts, Shrewsbury
To Rhianon, Ponciau. Thank you for the information about Bill (Will) Portmadoc. How sad, I lived at 21 Cemetery Road,and Will lived next door. You are right, he was a character and used to hold me spellbound with his stories. I have been trying to obtain a copy of his book, it will be a great reminder of him and my days at Rhos. I hope you, or someone, may be able to help in me in my quest for past memories.
Tue Feb 19 09:20:24 2008
Rhianon, Ponciau
N Roberts Shewsbury, Bill Portmadoc-Jones died in the early 90s. He lived behind me in Bank St, Ponciau, he was a real character and a lovely man. His wife, Gwen, still lives there. What is it you want to know about him? I might be able to speak to his wife or daughter.
Mon Feb 18 10:29:26 2008
Catherine Norgrove (Nee) Freeman
Hi Mandy, often thought about you I know that your dad passed away 2005 as did my mum. Do you remember me? We lived opposite you.
Mon Feb 18 10:12:35 2008
Richard Morris, Caernarfon
I agree with Chris' remarks about Arnold Thomas. Arnold was my second cousin. We went to the same chapel (Seion) where he always sat next to thbe organ. He was a 'brilliant' harmonica player. Not a week went by without Arnold visiting my mother in Pentredwr. He was a character who would never hurt a fly but was a friend to all. God bless you Arnold you will sure make them smile up there in heaven.
Mon Feb 18 09:49:28 2008
N Roberts, Shrewsbury
Could anyone tell me the location (or otherwise) of Bill Portmadoc-Jones? He did publish a book in the early eighties called 'Through These Windows, A Place and its People'. Or where I might obtain a copy of the book.I attended Grango School during the early sixties and recognise many of the names mentioned in this comments page, including the Ruabon Grammar School Boys, especially those who went to Wern School.
Mon Feb 11 10:18:24 2008
Chris Williams from Rhos
Rhos lost one of its all time "heroes" last week. Arnold Thomas passed away. From being a young lad I remember Arnold coming over with his "police badge" and making everyone's day brighter. With the difficulties he had, what a star - and a great harmonica player! Condolences to his family.
Wed Jan 30 08:49:18 2008
Alan Thomas, Ponciau
To Thomas Hamburg. Enjoyed your comments on local heroes and couldn't agree more but to get planning permission to put a plaque up to them in Rhos would be like trying to mine coal at Hafod again.
Mon Jan 21 09:06:03 2008
Thomas Jones, Hamburg
To Norman and Steven Deb. Sorry I didn't get in touch with you but I haven't been on the BBC site for quite a while, I have had so much to do with building a small business up here in Hamburg. I am so happy for you both that you saw the photo of Joe. We worked together for Gittins and he was good at winding me up. He was great fun and, as said in an earlier email, I learned a lot from him about my father during their foot slogging army days in Burma. I do remember you Norman, but I must say that only for this contact maybe I would never have remembered you, I am 60 now but still kicking. I hope you are well.
Fri Nov 9 10:35:07 2007
Matthew Roberts, Colwyn Bay
Does anyone have a photograph of my uncle ex PC Maldwyn Roberts in uniform?
Wed Oct 17 12:46:28 2007
Norman Deb, New Broughton
Hi Thomas, do you remember me? I am Joe Deb's younger brother, I say younger as I am now 73. Another crouch corner was the bottom of Butcher St, next to the Blue Bell pub, my dad and his bowling pals spent hours there gossiping. Another top meeting place was the old Kings Head pub, we all called the publican MA, her son Griff was in the Royal Welch with Joe and others from Rhos. They then joined the chindits and spent 4 yrs behind enemy lines in Burma. Don't forget Wil the Moch whose mum put the pigs on the wall to see the march past of the salvation army at the end of the war. Just one more thing. Remember the epic bare knuckle fight between Joe and a man called Norman, I think. The fight lasted 7 hrs. He had insulted my sis Lilian at the Sat film show at the Pavilion. I could go on for ever, but for now tara.
Wed Sep 5 10:03:33 2007
Stephen (Joe Deb's son)
Hi Thomas, this is Stephen, Joe Deb's youngest son. Catherine Twisty told me about the web site, it was nice to see the old characters and the photo of my dad in his younger days when he was in top form. I will have a word with the family to see if we have any old photos of the local characters that we can update you with. Many thanks young Joe Deb (Stephen). Take care.
Tue Aug 28 10:46:16 2007
Len Salisbury, Acrefair
Anyone know the whereabouts of Reg Ellis who used to live in Maes Ennion? I met him in Cyprus when I was in the army, he was a fire officer or something.
Fri Aug 10 09:23:23 2007
Mandy Archer, originally Penycae
My father was Fred Archer the horse dealer. He was a great character and family man. All the Archers originate from Afoneitha and I was the youngest member who was always seen riding a horse through Rhos. Sadly, I lost my dad Jan 23 05. Most people remember my brothers Thurlus and Freddie and sister Sharon.
Tue Jun 19 15:00:56 2007
Thomas, Hanburg
Hi Catherine, how nice of you to give me your feedback. I know your family well from the days when I used to play with Allan, Graham, and Irvin in the Gornal. The father Reg was also a character of the village. Speaking of Joe Deb, have you seen his photo that I sent in? Just click on old photos and you will see him with Les Coch in a boxing pose. I had so much fun with Joe. I have been writing a book about my family and the village and Joe gave me some info concerning my father during war. My father never spoke about the war and most of the info I got came from people like Joe who new my father well. I am happy that it made a dent with you I was thinking that maybe I over stepped my mark with my thoughts but then the village has given me so many nice memories irrespective of what people say about it today. Thank you, Thomas.
Tue May 8 10:26:11 2007
Catherine Allott (TWISTY), Rhos nr Wrexham
Hi Thomas, I don't know you but I have read your letter and I think it's great. I live in Rhos, all my family are from Rhos, I work for CWBC. I do a lot with Joe Deb's son Steve. He is a local Cllr in Johnstown. I am a member of the Twisty family. I don't know if you know any of them. I am a local cllr in the village. I will pass your information on and see if this can be done. Hope to hear from you, take care, Catherine x
Mon Apr 30 08:08:00 2007
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