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Rhosymedre memories

Alun Salisbury

Last updated: 26 May 2009

Alun Salisbury recalls aspects of life in Rhosymedre in the 1940s - 60s. Plus, other people share memories below.


The war years
Like many, my mother worked at Monsanto as part of the war effort and continued there long after the war had ended. Father on the other hand worked shifts at Bersham Colliery and I believe was a member of the Territorial Army, so I saw little of them as a small child. As a result, I spent a great deal of my childhood with my 'aunty' Phillips who was a widow with no children. She lived in a small cottage off Church Street, Rhosymedre.

It was during 1943 that I recall the first of many visits to her home, and although aware of the war at this time, I had little reality of the difficult and dangerous times that we lived in, for it was only a few years earlier that the first German bombs had fallen in the locality. This raid had taken place in the early hours of August 28 1940. On this night German aircraft targeted Monsanto Chemicals and other local industries, with bombs falling in the surrounding area, principally, Tower Hill, Tref y Nant, Acrefair with one unexploded bomb falling in Parry's field, whilst another exploded near the reservoir with a third falling on the stable block of Dodd's farm, which was destroyed during the explosion. Fortunately, no horses were injured for it was a fine night and they were out in the fields.

Although only two years of age at the time, I clearly remember the mournful wail of sirens, which warned of the impending approach of enemy aircraft, as my mother struggled to carry me in her arms to the sanctuary of the cellar of Mrs Ellis, a neighbour who lived in Bank Buildings, opposite our home in Well Street, Cefn Mawr.

With fewer enemy air attacks and less RAF planes in the area, I can't recall seeing an aircraft as a small child. All this was to change for on Sunday September 5 1943, I heard the drone of engines and looked up to see a twin engine aircraft flying very low between Mount Pleasant and houses at the top of Morris' steps, Well Street, where I lived. The plane was flying in the direction of Rhosymedre and I learned later that it had crashed there falling into the park trees, near to the stream and Eagles Public House. Some days later 'aunty' took me to see the wreckage. The scene that met our eyes was that of complete devastation and a very sad sight, for there was wreckage, broken trees and branches everywhere.

Later we learned that the aeroplane was an RAF Airspeed Oxford and bore registration letters: T-AFU. As I recall, it was painted in war time camouflage but with a yellow underbelly. Unfortunately, both the Australian and Polish pilots on board were killed.

I looked forward to staying with 'aunty', for after collecting me from home we'd walk to her cottage in Rhosymedre. In those days, we had to walk everywhere, so naturally the initial journey was along Well Street and past the various shops and business premises, the last of which was a small shop on the left hand side owned by Lilly Butterton and Hyfrydle Chapel opposite Theo Roberts' garage on the right. Reaching Mitchell's the Builders was the sign that we had reached the outskirts of Rhosymedre. Sometimes, we'd walk along Rock Road before turning into Church Street, but occasionally we'd continue on the main road passing the Post Office on the left before finally reaching the Co-operative Society in High Street with its various department shops.

The Co-operative
Occasionally we'd call at the grocery department, and I recall, on entering through those big doors that you were immediately confronted by that magnificent mahogany counter and shelves neatly stacked with produce, and behind, willing assistants ready to serve you, providing, of course, you had money and the necessary food coupons.

Whilst in the shop a favourite spot of mine was to stand by the cold meat section and watch Arthur Hughes or was it Arthur Roberts? Whoever it was had dark wavy hair and wore horn rimmed spectacles. I would watch spellbound as he rapidly turned the handle of the slicing machine causing the platform to whizz backwards and forwards neatly slicing the bacon, catching each slice by hand before carefully placing each rasher onto greaseproof paper. On each visit, I watched with bated breath, half expecting him to slice his fingers off and felt almost disappointed when he didn't. But the most impressive and flamboyant display was reserved for a butter order, for it was not served in pre-packed 1/2lb packs, but from a huge slab. With butter pats in hand he'd scoop up a quantity of butter before carefully placing it onto the scales, making final adjustments to the weight. Once satisfied, it was transferred to the marble-top counter, where, with butter pats in hand, he quickly, with a lot of arm and hand movements, began slapping, patting and turning and have it shaped into a perfect bar for wrapping, which he dutifully carried out in a blink of an eye. I always remained mesmerised by this performance.

The Beehive
Leaving the Co-op, we'd turn left by the Plough public house into Park Road, aware now that the air was filled with spicy aromas, including that of fresh bread and cakes, for next door to the Plough was my favourite shop - the Beehive, owned by Mr Davies. Entering from a bright, sunlit day you were immediately plunged into the dark depths of the shop, taking care not to trip on the rickety floorboards. On the left hand side were the baking ovens with Albert Daniels from Newbridge, the head baker, in attendance and on the right hand side a bewildering array of freshly baked bread and cakes, for 'aunty' had brought me here for my favourite treat. This was always a Gingerbread Man which, on leaving, I gleefully tucked into. Mmmm.

Happier times
Alun playing the harmonium Prior to the aeroplane crash there had been happier times when visiting the park, for we often used to collect firewood, bluebell flowers and watch the numerous red coloured squirrels that abounded there at the time. Following these adventures, I looked forward to returning to her cottage for I was able to practice playing the Harmonium she had, but it was always a struggle, for the foot operated bellows were leaky and in great need of repair. On other occasions, I played games with friends who lived nearby; Shirley Jones, Jennifer Biggs and her cousins, and others whose names I can't now recall.

In later years, and following the death of 'aunty', I took music lessons in order to play the Harmonium which she had bequeathed me. The tutor was an auburn haired lady who lived in Chapel Street. Regrettably, music wasn't my forte and I gave up the lessons.

During the summer months 'aunty' used to take all us children to the Co-operative fête which was held on Church Field. This was always exciting for the Co-operative gave free milk, buns and sweets to the children. To reach the field we had to walk up Church Street, continue over the railway bridge and pass Herbert Carden's, the undertaker, before turning right at the Church School and along the dirt road to the field ahead. Located on this road was a large wooden hut, which I believe was the Church Hut, but used by the Co-operative as a sports changing room.

Herbert Carden, of course, was one of the main Funeral Directors in the area, who I often saw outside his premises and workshop. But the lasting memory I have of him was when conducting a funeral, for he was always smartly turned out in his top hat and tails and often walked in front of the hearse.

Rock Road and entrance to the quarry was another favourite destination which we often made. For I believe this was one of the quarries where the stone support pillars were hewn for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and of course, local housing. In later years, when I lived for a short time on Rock Road, I remember the quarry being used as a dump for old and worn out motor vehicles. I suspect they're still there, but now under tons of rubble and industrial waste.

At about this time, when working as a gas fitter at Cefn Mawr, I recall an 'amusing' incident that occurred when collecting Reg Hayes from a job address in Chapel Street. Returning to the old Ford 5 cwt works gas van I found the battery flat and therefore unable to start the engine. Fortunately, the van had a manual starting facility i.e. a starting handle that could be used from the front of the van to engage the engine. This was a regular occurrence and I was well acquainted with the procedure. Engaging the starting handle in the engine pulley I gave the usual vigorous swing, and the engine fired up, but to my horror reverse gear was engaged and the van proceeded to accelerate backwards down the street. To compound the issue, poor Reg, who couldn't drive, was sitting in the passenger seat with an equal look of horror on his face. Thankfully, the steering wheel was aligned in the straight ahead position so I set off in hot pursuit and was able, at lightning speed, to catch up and open the driver's door and leap into the van and bring it to a halt with only inches to spare from one of the garden walls. Both Reg and I laughed with that nervous excitement that always follows such a near incident. I drove straight back to the gas yard where we both enjoyed a cup of tea to settle our nerves and time to recover.

Prefab bungalows
Rock Road, Rhosymedre, showing the prefab homes where Llys-y-Craig is today. Photo courtesy Arthur and Barabara Humphries. With the war over and a desperate need for new housing, 1947 brought the erection of the new, prefabricated, detached bungalows on Rock Road, and 13 Plas Graig, now known as Llys-y-Craig, was allocated to my mother's cousin, Katie Stephens (DCM's daughter). Now this was exciting, for my mother and I were invited to visit her new home.

The bungalow had an entrance hallway leading to a living room and two bedrooms and bathroom. There was also a kitchen, but access to this was via the living room or side entrance door. There were also gardens to the front and rear and an outside shed for garden tools, bicycles and storage of coal.

On inspection, I was amazed by all the luxurious fittings within the bungalow, which included electric lighting and power points, a fitted kitchen with utensil and broom cupboards and a food cabinet. The kitchen also contained a gas cooker, wash boiler and refrigerator with ice making compartment. Having never seen a refrigerator, I had no idea of its function until Katie provided the explanation. This was simply amazing, for it was a wonderful feeling to touch a pint of milk that was really cold, and at the height of summer.

Heating and hot water was via a solid fuel back boiler, installed in the living room to which a rudimentary, natural convection warm air system allowed heated air from a shroud surrounding the flue pipe to circulate through ceiling grilles to the two bedrooms.

The bathroom was another area of great excitement, for it contained a white, cast iron bath with heated towel rail above, a hand basin and inside toilet pan with hinged seat and low-level flushing cistern and an airing cupboard with hot water cylinder. Amazingly, the bath, hand basin, kitchen sink unit and wash boiler, were all fitted with taps with hot and cold running water and drain plugs for each. Compared to our home on Morris' steps, this really was luxurious, just like a Hollywood film set, for I suspect, our home was typical of many homes in the village, for we had no electricity, only gas lighting and our food was stored in a dark, vermin infested, walk-in pantry. Our other 'refinements' included a gas ring and single, cold water tap, brown stone sink and a dark outside toilet with no window or lighting, which was a shame, for as was customary, there was always plenty of newspaper to read! The seating arrangement was wooden boards shaped to form a seat, whilst the flushing system was via a high-level cistern, activated by a pull chain, but strangely, we had an inside coal place! This was located under our stairs, which was also home to our tin bath which my father, as a coal miner, used and my brother and I shared once a week if we were lucky, for there was a lot of palaver in boiling kettles of water on the open fire and filling the integral boiler in the old black lead grate and not forgetting the chore of mother having to physically empty the bath.

During our visit Katie must have spotted that envious look on my face, for it wasn't long before she invited mother to bring me along for my very first hot bath. This really was a memorable occasion because for the first time, and now at the age of nine, I had the privacy of a bathroom and bath that I didn't have to share with my brother. I was also able to have hot water up to my armpits, and a place to rest the carbolic soap instead of having to search for it in the murky water of our tin bath. And equally memorable, you simply removed the drain plug to empty it.

It would be another five years before we were to enjoy such luxury housing when my parents were allocated a council house in Coronation Street, Cefn Mawr. They were also the first to take up residency when we moved into house number 4.

St John's Ambulance Brigade
TAs on parade Sometime after the war, I joined the St John's Ambulance Brigade, for both mother and brother Leonard were already members. Meetings were held weekly in a room above the Ambulance Garage which was set back off Park Road and adjacent to the Unemployment Office. Here, we practised resuscitation methods and the bandaging of broken limbs etc.

These were great times, for in addition to the weekly meetings, each year we would attend annual camp in Dyserth, near Rhyl. The accommodation was at a Merseyside Holiday Camp for children. Bob Jones (Bob Ireland) and Elijah Hughes, both security men at Monsanto, supervised us at the camp. As I recall, Jack Evans was the regular ambulance driver at this time.

During Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod week we'd help man the St John's Ambulance tent, where, dressed in our uniform of grey shirt and trousers, and black beret, we'd patrol the Eisteddfod grounds armed with our white shoulder bag containing triangular bandages and plasters etc. always hoping, of course, that no one would call upon us to demonstrate our new found skills of immobilising broken limbs with the aid of branches cut from local trees and hedges etc.

Little did I realise that later in life I would have the opportunity to put these skills to use, for when called up for compulsory National Service in 1958, the military, on learning that I had been in the St John's Ambulance Brigade, enlisted me into the Royal Army Medical Corp. I was stationed in Osnabruck, Germany.

Waterloo Colliery
As young boys my friend, Neil Franks, and I used to visit Saunders garage on Park Road and site of the old Waterloo Colliery, for here, surrounded by a very rudimentary fence, were two pit shafts, and, with no surrounding wall, allowed easy access to the very edge of the shafts. For fun, we used to lob a house brick down into the depths of a shaft and wait. Following several seconds of silence the brick would eventually make contact with the shaft side and ricochet from side to side until it finally hit pit bottom. I've no idea how deep the shafts were, but being so close to the edge, we never realised the danger we were in.

Not far away was another 'mine shaft', it was located on the Cefn Mawr side of the railway line close to the signal box and amongst all the colliery waste. Only the last 3ft of 'shaft' was visible, this being of dressed sandstone blocks, but the 'shaft' had been 'sealed' with old wooden sleepers of sorts. We used to jump down onto the sleepers which made a hollow sound when we landed on them. Was this another pit shaft? If so, how deep was it? And has it ever been properly filled in? Could it have been part of the Waterloo Colliery or was it Plas Kynaston Colliery 1860-5 or one of the other old and forgotten Cefn pits? Similar to the one that suddenly swallowed up the garden of the house alongside Cefn Bank in Crane Street many years ago.

Davies the Policeman
In later years, as a young man, I took an interest in Horology and discovered that Davies the Policeman, who was now retired and lived next door to the Beehive, was an expert with the repair of grandfather clocks, so I made his acquaintance and spent many a happy hour with him in his home and workshop. Amongst his many skills, it was here that he taught me the technique of soldering, which I was to capitalise on later in life when working as a gas fitter.

In his police officer days, Davies was the old fashioned type of bobby, for he dealt swiftly with erring youngsters. He was also a very good diplomat, for during the many visits I made to his workshop he never mentioned the time he had dispensed the 'appropriate' punishment to my friend, John Hodgekinson and I, when he caught us playing in the back of one of Theo Roberts' enclosed vans. We weren't up to mischief but we shouldn't have been there. The punishment was a swift boot up the backside. It did no harm and I harboured no malice, but I never, ever forgot it. It was just utmost respect for the man and his position, but lesson learned, we never played in the vans again.


your comments

Marilyn Jansen, Dukinfield
I had occasion very recently to visit Rhosymedre to attend a funeral. I was sad to see that the character of the small village was compromised by the addition of ugly modern flats. Whilst I appreciate people need homes, it's a great pity the powers that be didn't consider re-development. This would have maintained the integrity of this once lovely little village, where I played as a child.
Tue May 26 08:29:19 2009

Sylvia Colley, Rhosymedre
I remember Alan Salisbury as a young boy, although I knew his brother, Leonard, better as we were about the same age (I was born in 1933). I also remember the plane crash Alan, I had a piece of a window from it and had a ring made from it but lost it when it became too small for my finger. I know Mike Roberts has done a lot of research on it. I am one of the Bithells – mentioned by Terry Owens – who lived in the stone houses in Chapel Street. We were a family of seven, parents Lily and Albert and five children, Sylvia (that’s me, I’m the eldest), Muriel, Albert, Eileen and Frank. Our parents bought 32 Chapel Street about 1945 from Mr & Mrs Jack Pugh (she was Herbert Cardens sister). Mr & Mrs Littlehales lived there before us with their daughters Audrey and Leslie. They moved to Heol Abon at the bottom of Cefn. I married Winston Colley and had four sons and a daughter, I still live in Rhosymedre. I also remember Tommy Owens (Terry’s dad) and his horse Jock. My Grandmother and my mum and dad were very fond of him. I remember his great sense of humour, he was very funny, Terry. During the war years we lived in Browns Lane (Top of The Rock, we called it) at the very top of Cefn. Our house was even higher than Cae Coch and right above Monsato. There was a mother and two daughters (evacuees from Liverpool), who stayed with us for a while. Muriel, Albert and I used to run down to Bottom of The Rock, past an air raid shelter, down Mount Pleasant and down Morris’ steps, as Alan called them (but we called them Salisbury steps) to my Grandparents house at 6 Well Street.
Fri May 15 10:44:08 2009

Christine Madsen
When I was a child in the 50s we lived in Plas Isaf. One day I was out playing in the 1st Avenue, as we called it, a lady who I thought was called Mrs Topin called me over to her house. She asked me to tell Michael (Lee, whose Dad was Fred Lee, my Dad knew his family as "the Lee's of the big house" they were from Ruabon) his dinner was ready. Mrs Lee had died, you see. I dutifully went and told Michael that Mrs Topin said his dinner was ready and Michael said: 'Mrs who?@ Mrs Topin, I repeated. It seems that their nickname was 'Top Inn'. I was told off by Michael and also by Mrs "Top Inn"! I wonder to this day what the Top Inn had to do with them amd where it was.
Fri May 15 10:40:27 2009

Nick, Webteam
Hi, just to let you know that issues regarding the possible relocation of Cefn Druids and the building of a new supermarket is being discussed in the Wrexham site.
Thu Apr 30 12:56:39 2009

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
To Al - you are quite correct about the pensioners and their choice of supermarkets but let us all get this clear. The issue is Rhosymedre Rocks and their use not putting a Tesco in Cefn Mawr. I accept they are probably linked but I ask you to consider the pensioners when I talk about the traffic congestion on match days on Rock Road...a road full of pensioners' flats. I can see someone getting hurt to be honest.
To Christine: I remember the rocks as a quarry. When this operation finished it was partly filled up with "landfill". I remember sitting there watching the lorries. Sometimes builders' rubble, sometimes general rubbish...it was filled up with all sorts and I think for that reason it should be left undisturbed. As for the Church Field - Cefn Utd currently play there. The lads who look after the field do a tremendous job. They have put up changing rooms and a small club-house. I certainly don't want to tread on their toes. They are doing an excellent job for the community as it is.
Wed Apr 29 08:36:11 2009

Al, Rhosymedre
There's been quite a debate about my comments on the "Druids playing at the rock" on this page and elsewhere...mostly by dog owners. Firstly: unless we actually know a particular dog, how do we know they won't bite? It's OK Terry saying there is no bad dog only owner, but even if they just bark, it's a very frightening experience for anyone. Secondly, I totally agree with your comments about the increase in traffic in Rhosymedre...I live here too. What I do disagree with is the fact this group is trying to deny us choice. Most of Rhosymedre is made up of pensioners who don't have access to on-line shopping, or can't travel to a supermarket of their choice, to have a Tesco in our area would make life for the majority of our older generation a lot easier...where is the debate about the church field and bringing our community together again? I thought this is what this group was trying to do? Have they given any thought to using the church field as a community/family venue at all? We'll see.
Tue Apr 28 10:04:55 2009

Christine Madsen
In answer to Terry Sharpe's comment - he is quite right in saying that the ground may be unsuitable. I do wonder what it is filled in with. When I was a child it was just an empty quarry but later on it had old cars etc in it, is it stable for a start? I care greatly about Rhosymedre, my family lived there in Chapel St in the late 1800s. I was born in Chapel St but (and it is a big but) would this be good for Rhosymedre? Would it bring any money to the district as a spin off? Lastly, I am sure Terry and most other thoughtful dog owners like myself care about other people, dogs and our environment but alas there are lots that do not give a damn. My puppy (then) Iolo was savaged by an English bull terrier who was off the lead and whose owner did not give a damn. Terry, you like I, respect other people and care for our dogs. Sad to say many people in the area do not.
Mon Apr 27 09:05:18 2009

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
With regard to making the "Rocks" a village green or a football ground I have expressed my concerns at the meeting. Basically, it is not suitable for either purpose. It is not user friendly for a Village Green and if Cefn Druids decided to move there it would cause traffic chaos on match days. I also feel the ground should be left undisturbed as the old quarry was filled up with all sorts of landfill. I actually use it 4-5 times a week to walk the dog and yes I do let him off the lead, remembering that there are no bad dogs...just bad owners. I was wondering why they never applied for Monsanto's old pitch down by the Aqueduct or the old Cefn Albion pitch - remember that?
Wed Apr 22 07:57:25 2009

Trevor Jones from Australia
Hi Al. Rhosymedre has some wonderful memories for me, and the school, Herbert Carden and the Quarry played a big part in my youth. I started school in Rhosymedre infants in 1944 and after finishing there moved on to Acrefair secondary modern until i was 15, at that juncture I went to work for Ethelstons in Cefn and then moving on to Pen y Bont brickworks before joining the Welsh Guards for three years. After that I got hitched and decided to come out to Australia and joined the Australian Airforce and completed 25 years and retired a W/off and had a house built on my daughter's property in Toowoomba and I am very happy in retirement, a long way from our little village of Rhosymedre Al. I was contemplating all the great memories all the boys of my age had in the quarry. There was one place in the quarry I remember, it was called cozy corner and it was the rock face in the quarry where all the guys proved themselves in climbing to the top. At the far end of the quarry was an old steam roller that was left there after the quarry closed. Also not far from the steam roller was a little hut that I think a Mr Daied who lived on Rock Road used to sit in from time to time, as if he was the caretaker of the quarry. Anyway Al I agree with you that it would be a great spot for the Druids to take over now that it has been land filled and grassed. I think the church field that we used to use for the Rhosymedre Colts among other venues. Yes Al, Rhosymede has some wonderful memories for me from the gas lamp lighter who used to Church Street to light up the lamps every night and douse them in the morning to all the lads getting together and playing soccer on the top off Church Street until it got dark. Rhosymedre will allways be in my blood and although I am getting on now in years I hope to be back. All the very best to all Rhosymedre people.
Mon Apr 20 10:48:30 2009

Chistine Madsen
The new site for the Druids in Rhosymedre was used as a football pitch in the 1970s, my husband played football for the 'top house' and they often played there, no one moaned then. I walk my dog on Coed Richard now and then but never on that part because people let their dogs loose on there with little regard for other dog walkers or children. As Al says we made good use of the Church field years ago, when I was a child in the old Rhosymedre school the Church field was used for our sports day.
Wed Apr 15 10:20:23 2009

Al from Rhosymedre
What's all this rubbish about the rock being the "only bit of green in Rhosymedre"? What about the church field? That is far more suitable for a village green, as for being accessible for the older generation, from where? I obviously don't know my own village very well. The rock is used mostly, and always has been by dog walkers. The amount of people who have had dogs come at them barking is unacceptable, you may say they won't bite but we don't know that. It is also not safe for our youngsters to play alone. And what about the older ones who use the rocks on scrambler bikes? The church field is far safer for the young ones to play, it's partly fenced in, there are toilets already there (when open) there are two small parks, golfers already use it and it really is accessible for the elderly and mums with prams. Over the years we have had some good fun days on the field, if these people are serious about preserving our village, and not just trying to stop Druids playing at the rock and Tesco's going ahead, then why not help bring back these fun times for our children? Carnivals/fun days/sport tournaments...the list is endless, but again, these are the very people who NOW stop our children playing near our homes, so maybe the church field would be a little too close to home for them...
Tue Apr 14 10:33:15 2009

Ian McLaren, Australia
To Gillian Hughes. Your kind thoughts at this time are much appreciated. Mam was from South Wales and moved to Rhosymedre when she and Dad got married just over sixty years ago. They lived in Brook Street after getting married and in the years that followed Mam didn't move far from Brook Street and saw the changes that took place in Rhosymedre over the years.
Mon Apr 6 09:36:37 2009

Gillian Hughes (nee Morris), Rhosymedre
To Ian McLaren, Australia: Ian, please accept my sincere condolences on the recent loss of your mum, she was a lovely person. My mum Elaine Morris used to work with her in Cefn Mawr school canteen many years ago, she told me how kind your mum was with her.
Wed Apr 1 08:45:00 2009

Julie Bell, Chester-le-Street
Hi, my great-great-great grandfather was Ismael Richards from Rhosymedre. He left Wales for Spennymoor, Co Durham, in the mid 1850s. His family remianed in Rhosymedre. His mother married a Jones and her maiden name was Ann Williams. All the family were bakers and David Richards was a shoemaker.
Mon Mar 16 09:01:29 2009

Bryan Jones, Vancouver
Hi Gillian Hughes, I worked with your dad Fred for years in the welding shop at Monsanto. It is so sad to hear it is closing down. I remember you used to work in the chemist shop in Johnstown. My mother was in the nursing home in Rhosymedre at the same time as Elaine's mother. My sister also lives close to me but her daughter [my niece] still lives above the crane in Cefn Mawr.
Mon Mar 2 10:48:44 2009

Gillian Hughes (nee Morris) Rhosymedre
To Bryan Jones, Canada: hello again, I talked to my dad last night and he told me that if you are the Bryan Jones we think you are then he used to be good friends with you when you were both about 19/20 years old. Dad said that he used to keep his bike at your mum's house while he went to meet his girlfriend Elaine (my mum)...are you the same Bryan? Can't wait to find out! :-)
Tue Feb 24 08:28:26 2009

Gillian Hughes (nee Morris), Rhosymedre
To Bryan Jones, Canada: I may have this totally wrong but I'm sure you used to work with my dad, Fred Morris, in Monsanto, as it was called then...it's just that I seem to recall my dad talking about a Bryan Jones who emigrated to Canada many years ago. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Mon Feb 23 08:49:15 2009

Bryan Jones, Canada
Hi Chris Ladkin, I am sorry to hear about Arthur he was such a fun person to work with. I can still picture him sitting in the lounge of the pub that we lodged at while working in Yorkshire and flicking his fag ash about three feet in the air to land in an ash tray on the floor. This may not sound funny but you had to be there to enjoy his humour. We had lots of fun there but we also worked hard. We worked seven days a week from half past eight in the morning until half past eight at night which did not leave much drinking time by the time we got back to the digs and washed up, but we always managed to get a couple of pints down.
Wed Feb 4 10:51:12 2009

Ursula Richards (Rhosymedre)
Hi Gareth Davis. The reason I asked if it was you who brought my mam home, she had booked a taxi the driver had said that he had been in contact with me via this site. He also asked after my brother. It's strange isn't it!
Tue Feb 3 10:25:08 2009

MARILYN JANSEN (DUKINFIELD)
Gareth Davies - I remember that lantern catching fire. It was sitting on top of the piano and Tilly's music sheets caught fire too. Wasn't that also the year the shepherds' cauldron swung loose from the ceiling when Michael Highfield was being the angel Gabriel? It knocked him over. I played Mary that year and had to sing and was picking up artificial flowers when it all happened. You're right - health and safety hazards all of it. Wouldn't happen today.
Mon Jan 26 08:51:01 2009

Chris Ladkin (nee Cowsill) ex Llan
Hi Diane Williams (nee Powell) Thanks for your email. I remember you grandparents very well, Aunty Else and Uncle Frank. In fact, I can still see Aunty Else sitting in her armchair holding court. They lived in the prefabs. A for you John, the last time I saw him was at my Dad's funeral 5 years ago. He was the same old John, telling me that he always thought that my brother Phil should have been a minister, and my Dad Arthur should have been a terrorist. Well, quite a few pints were drunk at the wake! I also can remember seeing your Mam. I think it might have been at my Aunty Daisey's house in Coronation Street, Cefn. Hope your Mam is keeping well. My Mam was thrilled when I told her about our email.
Mon Jan 26 08:30:16 2009

Diane Williams nee Powell
To Chris Ladkin nee Cowsil. Hi Chris, yes you are related to Ramsey Powell. He is my brother, your father Arthur is first cousin to my mother, Sue Powell nee Roberts. Your grandmother and mine were sisters and lived in Jubilee Cottages, Abernant. Nat Robets the chipshop in Rhosymedre is my mother's brother, he is now living in the nursing home by the old bridge on the lower road bottom of Cefn. We moved to south Wales in 1957 and still live in Port Talbot. There are still some of the family in Acrefair: my uncle John and two cousins in Vron and Llangollen, Terence and Larry Davies. I will tell my mother you are on the site. Best wishes, Diane Williams.
Wed Jan 21 09:13:14 2009

Terry Heyward, Plas Isaf Rhosymedre now Acrefair
To Gareth Davies ex Acrefair (where now?). I was at Rhosymedre school. I suppose I left in 1960 to go to Acrefair Sec Mod. Do you remember the cast iron fire in the rooms fuelled by the coke stored near the play yard. Was it Tily Pointen Mr Griffiths and Mr Thomas all teachers? And the wooden panels that divided the rooms, all pulled back at Xmas for the party. And all walking past Ursulas for dinner at the canteen on the football field. Who else was in my class?
Mon Jan 19 09:13:27 2009

Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
Hi Ursula. Wasn't me who took your mam home (I was in Berlin) and I must have taken you back to Plas Kynaston Hall to collect your bike. Mention of the Church Institute reminds me of the performance of the Christmas story that we children from the school put on Christmas 1955/56. I was the narrator, Gary Roberts was the Angel Gabriel and we learnt Mary's Boy Child. I can still remember the words. I have no idea who else was in the cast and what parts they played. I can only remember Gary's part because he had a paraffin storm lantern which was covered in red paper to act as the shepherds' fire (where was risk assessment in those days) which I backed into, knocked over, and it caught fire. Drama back-stage before the show went on!
Tue Jan 13 10:01:54 2009

Ursula Richards, nee Jones
Hi Gareth, was it you that brought my mam home today? She said your name was Derek, I think she heard you wrong. Yes I do remember to pay my dad's money (oddfellows), but I thought I went down on my pushbike, gosh I don't remember the sports car ride. Also school dinners (terrible) in the canteen. Where by did you live in the village?
Wed Jan 7 12:34:08 2009

Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
Hi Ursula. Actually I can remember you being born. With your family living so close to the school I'd have seen you with your mother on many occasions - we used to have walk passed your house every day to the Church Institute which served as our dining hall. The only other occasion I can remember is when you were in your early teens, I had a two-seater sports car and you pursuaded me to take you for a ride in it - I think you used my being ex-Rhosymedre School to twist my arm. I seem to recall it was after you'd been to pay to your Dad's subscription for the Oddfellows at Plas Kynaston Hall. It would have been around 1968/69. All the very best to you and yours for 2009.
Mon Jan 5 11:54:09 2009

Ursula Richards, ex Rhosymedre
Hi there Chris Madsen, yes I asked my mam. She does remember your uncle but not very well, her mind is not very good at this present time. Terry & myself went for xmas dinner to her house, she was full of cold, she has passed it on to us. All the best for 2009, have a good one. Also hello Gareth Davis, I've noticed my name was mentioned in your write up. You were in school with my brother, would I know you? Chris is 8 years older than me so maybe not. All the best to you & family for 2009.
Wed Dec 31 09:38:57 2008

Chistine Madsen
For Ursula Richards nee Jones, please can you ask your Mum if she can remember my dad's uncle John Morris? My dad referred to him as uncle Jay. Can she tell me about his family please and is he the John Morris who played the organ in the old Tabernacle in Well St, Cefn?
Fri Dec 19 08:02:57 2008

Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
Hi John - you set me a challenge when you mentioned some of the ex-pupils of Rhosymedre School. I left in 1958 and I can't remember who was in the same class as me apart from Christopher Jones (Ursula's brother), Neil Machin, Michael Highfield and my cousin Pat Hughes. Gary Roberts and my cousin Michael Hughes (top of Acrefair) were ahead of me, and your brother Richard, Maldwyn Evans, Michael Anthony Davies and Angela Eardley a year behind. Nat Roberts the Chip came from Abernant (Acrefair) and his wife was called Rosa. Rosa was a Meredith before she married and she had a sister Olive who married Jack Bentley the solicitor. My aunty Bet used to say that every time you asked Nat how Rosa was he say: 'Like an angel - always harping' or 'like a diamond - hard'. He's a great character and I remember his smile when he served you and it was great to learn he's still with us. Ursula - you mention Hilda Kilfoyle - she lived in Acrefair near St Paul's Church and had two children, Margaret and Geoffrey (His Honour Judge Geoffrey Kilfoyle). Mrs Kilfoyle had a beautiful contralto voice and was a teacher of home-bound children. I can always remember Mrs Kilfoyle telling us kids that she'd met the sailor on the Senior Services fag packet!
Thu Dec 18 08:54:39 2008

Christine Madsen
For Marilyn, as our dad was one of 13 living children, you should have counted them! I wonder who can boast of the biggest family of living children in our area?
Mon Dec 1 08:14:05 2008

Chris Madsen nee Jones ex 43 Plas Isaf
I lived near your Nain and Taid, I will ask my mum who is 83 what she remembers of them.
Fri Nov 28 15:10:44 2008

Mrs M Jansen (Dukinfield, Cheshire)
To Chris Williams - So nice to read your article mentioned your nan Myra Stretch. I knew her and her children well. Kathleen was more my age. I have been in her house many times as a child, playing with Kathleen or Janet. Once, when I visited my mother (Sue Jones) I saw Kathleen - hadn't seen her for years. Haven't seen your nan for years either. I always remember her dressed beautifully every Sunday, wearing a lovely hat too. All your aunties and uncles were well dressed, especially on a Sunday. Your nan and grandad Eric did well to raise such a family. If ever we couldn't sleep we counted Stretch's instead of sheep.Remember me to your nan, bless her. My name is Marilyn.
Tue Nov 25 11:55:24 2008

Suzanne Cummings, Widnes
My great grandparents, Edwin and Julia Holt, also resided at Brookside, Rhosymedre into the 1940s. They had four sons and a daughter, two sons (Charles and Leonard) were killed in France during WW1. My grandfather was Edwin (Ted) who was later a policeman in Barnsley, S. Yorkshire, and married Emily (Cissie) and had a daughter Barbara who is my mother. Does anyone have any memories or photos of the Holt family or the house Brookside? Thanks.
Mon Nov 24 10:16:30 2008

Giles Evans, Oswestry
I've just been reading thro' the comments posted here - absolutely fascinating! My parents, Margaret and David Evans, lived in Cefn most of their lives on Plaskynastion Lane. My Taid, Emlyn Evans and Gran, Ceiridwyn owned a shop in Well St Cefn for many years before moving to live in Trevor. My Taid was a well known tenor in his day and I'm searching for information/stories about him on this. My Grandad, Redvers Evans, was the manager of the Co-op in Rhosymedre for many years. He and his wife Maggie lived in Plas Isaf and then Chapel St. Sadly none are with us any more but any information / recollections would be most appreciated as I delve back into my family tree.
Fri Nov 14 13:44:40 2008

Chris Ladkin (nee Cowsill)
To Ramsey Powell, I think we may be related, 'Uncle' Nat was my dad's cousin. Your family may remember my late Dad Arthur Cowsil. It would be good if you could update me on the family who moved South.
Mon Nov 10 08:59:06 2008

Chris Madsen
For Chris Williams. I was brought up in 43 Plas Isaf (it was 19 before other houses were built). I have spent many hours in your Nan's house. I used to play out with Janet. I know all your family. My Uncle Reg and Aunty Vera lived next door to your Nan, the other side was Mrs Garrett, mother of Pauline who married Percy Roberts. Their children were Christine (who married Malcolm) and Peter and Philip. I see Peter now and then but have not seen Philip for years. Janet and I are the same age but she is 13 days OLDER than I am. I rib her son Andrew about that and Janet herself.
Mon Nov 3 09:05:31 2008

Chris Williams from Acrefair
To All, I have enjoyed reading all the old memories of Rhosymedre. I lived in the point's Park Road, Rhosymedre, with my parents and brother and sisters. It's lovely reading and remembering your roots. I am writing this article with the help of my Nana, Myra Stretch, formerly of 31 Plas Isaf. My Nan is still alive and kicking at the ripe old age of 95 & is living in Rhosymedre. Her husband Eric passed away in 1973 aged 60 but never forgotten. It was nice showing nan the picture of Eric in 1950 outside the Plough with the dart team. After chatting with Nan, the first thing she recalls was the number of the house changing from 31 to 55 Plas Isaf because the council built 24 new houses which is where she brought up 9 children in a 3 bedroom house, to me it sounds more like the Waltons: Jean, Sybil, Ann, Adrian, Kathleen, Janet, Philip, Eileen, and Michael. My nana's memory is so good she remembers all the residents in the middle avenue. 21 Mrs Mayers, 22 Mrs Roberts, 23 Mrs Blaze, 24 Mrs Kempster, 25 Mrs Lloyd, 26 Mrs Lloyd, 27 Mrs James, 28 Mrs Bithel, 29 Mrs Gough, 30 Mrs Garrat, 31 Mrs Stretch, 32 Mrs Jones, 33 Mr Bowen, 34 Mrs Holt, 35 Mrs Hughes, 36 Mrs Pearling. She said her friendships built with residents have lasted all her life.
Mon Oct 27 09:23:36 2008

Ramsey Powell from Port Talbot
Nat is my uncle and is now 95 years old. Sadly, his wife, Rosa, died a while back. He now resides in an old people's home and he would welcome any visitors for a chat.
Sat Sep 27 09:41:57 2008

Jade Davies
My great great grandfather was the captain of St John Ambulance. His name was Jim Lewis.
Mon Sep 22 08:11:53 2008

Chris Madsen nee Jones ex 43 Plas Isaf
To Sheila Lockley, let's have your memories please!
Mon Sep 8 09:00:16 2008

Susan Gordon Jones (Whitehead) ex Cefn SW France
To Richard Morris: I have passed on your good wishes to Rhona via her niece who is a life-long friend of mine who sometimes visits this site - so you may hear more! She was taken out to lunch on the day.
Fri Jul 25 12:50:40 2008

Mark Jones
Caroline Williams, nee Jones/Rogers-Zakynthos, loved hearing your story about my taid, Frank.
Fri Jul 25 08:06:20 2008

Jane Williams - Rhos
To Caroline Williams, Zakynthos. My daughter is the box office clerk in the Stiwt in Broad St, Rhos, & if you would like to send your address & e-mail details to Vicky Wiiliams c/o the Stiwt she will forward them to me & I will be in touch.
Tue Jul 22 14:28:31 2008

Richard Morris (Caernarfon)
Alwyn Price - yes Don was blonde haired and worked in the Grocery department. He was also a football league referee and a great person, alas no longer with us.Susan Gordon Jones - If you are in contact with Rhonna please pass on my regards to her and my congratulations on her special birthday (hope many more to follow).
Tue Jul 22 10:00:50 2008

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
For Alwyn Price, Don Bond was from Llangollen. He was a man of apparently many talents being a fooball referee, local councillor and how I in particular remember him as a crown green bowler. He sadly died about three years ago now.
Tue Jul 22 08:35:13 2008

Jane Williams - Rhos
To Caroline Williams, Zakynthos. How lovely to hear from you. I remember your wedding in the Prims very well indeed, when Lesley, Marion & myself were your bridesmaids. I also have fond memories of your mam. I also remember Boxer the cat. I have been married for 34 years next month. (hasn't that gone quickly) & now have 3 grandchildren. Sadly both my mum & my dad have died as has Alice Davies. I would dearly love to write to you or get in touch somehow. There must be some way of passing an address or phone number safely. I will try to find out. What is life like in Greece? Keep watching this space.
Tue Jul 22 08:17:00 2008

Alwyn Price
Richard Morris (Caernarfon). I also worked at the Coop somewhat earlier than you, as did both my sisters. My elder sister, Phyllis, was Fred Bates' secretary and Wilma worked in the warehouse with Fred Cheers. My main reason for contact is Don Bond, as I think I worked with him on my return from National Service in 1953. Was he blond and from Llangollen?
Mon Jul 21 09:33:21 2008

Caroline Williams, nee Jones/Rogers-Zakynthos
To Phyllis Garrett, I remember your dad Frank very well & Gwen. He taught me to swim in the river. In the summer lots of us kids & GROWN UPS would go over the wall across from the Eagles pub down to the river. We would take a bottle of water and some butties - no bathing costumes just knickers & vests & a towel. I remember Frank diving into the river and hitting his head on a rock but he was as strong as a bull wiped the blood off his face and dived in again. We would go and call for Frank to see if he was coming down to the river. You always felt safer if he was there. This would have been about 1948-50. I remember his wife dying and him getting married again. I grew up at 30 Church St across the way from Herbert Cardens from 1940 to 1959. Then I got married and our houses were knocked down and we were moved to Plas Madoc.
To Jane Williams, Rhos. Hello Jane, only just seen your listing. Your lovely dad, Tom, made my beautiful wedding cake. Your mum, Margary Alice & Cyril Davies {Davies the police man's son} & Eirwen did the wedding food, Aunty Minnie, Gwenda's mum, made our dresses. Most of Church Street came to the wedding. It was a true Rhosymedre wedding. I have lived in Greece for many years and lost touch with your mum & dad. The last time I saw you was the week before you got married. Is it 30 years ago? Can you contact me? I don't think I can put my telephone number or email address here but I would love to catch up with you.
Mon Jul 21 08:51:41 2008

Susan Gordon Jones (Whitehead) ex Cefn now SW Fran
To Dick Morris: I can tell you that Rhona Roberts is still alive and well and living in Rhosymedre and is celebrating a special birthday on 24 July.
Mon Jul 21 08:47:17 2008

RICHARD (DICK) MORRIS - Caernarfon
Only just come across this site and find it very interesting. I am from the Rhos and when I left Ruabon Grammar school in 1958 I got a job a junior clerk at the Co-op in Rhosymedre. I was in the general office (Fred Bate was the boss) and really enjoyed my 5 years there. Had many fish and chip lunches from Natts (and they are still around my waist) I would like to know of anyone from the Co-op (1958 - 1962) who are still around. Names I remember are Margaret Roberts from Chirk (her father was the painter at the Co-op and she worked in the shoe department). Diane Kempster (a very nice girl). Don Bond from the grocery (alas no longer with us). My uncle, Stan Morris, was the manager of the gents outfitters. Rhona Roberts and Fred Taylor and Mary Davies were the other members of our office. 50 years on I still have many many happy memories of Rhosymedre.
Thu Jul 17 13:17:58 2008

Chris Madsen
I remember Nat the chippy having a very old alsatian, it used to sit at the end of the lane going to Queen's Square. It was about 21 years old or so Nat used to tell us children
Wed Jul 16 08:56:10 2008

Marilyn, Dukinfield, Cheshire
Does anyone remember Nat the Chippy's dog Val turning on him and biting his neck? She was subsequently destroyed. She used to lie under the counter and us kids often stroked her. Some say some hot fat must have splashed her for her to turn on Nat like she did.
Mon Jul 14 08:32:10 2008

Ursula [ex Rhosymedre]
Hello John Evans, I have passed your message on to Jamie, about Nat. Yes, it would be nice to meet up. Also, I think my mam would look forward in seeing you. Had Cerys heard they have opened a Laura Ashley shop in Wrexham today? Is she still working for them?
Fri Jul 11 09:34:15 2008

John Evans, Newtown
To Ursula: glad to hear you're slimming as you mature - what's your secret? Last time I came to Rhosymedre, I noticed that there was a lot of work going on at Nat's old house. When Jamie takes the photos down, please ask him to remember me to Nat - a truly big hearted lovely man. He would never pass any of us kids by without some kind word or other. Richard is enjoying retirement in Penmachno, but Anne Marie is still working. Must try and meet up next time I'm around.
Thu Jul 3 08:23:15 2008

Chris Madsen nee Jones ex 43 Plas Isaf
Hi Terry (vee) Heyward, Sylvia Lane and I were yours and Ian Davies' first audience! We used to stand by your gates while sat on your front steps and played your guitars, you were both so good even as young teenagers, you are both excellent now (along with my dear cousin Ken Mathews) wish I was that age again and know what I know now as they say, it's so very true!
Fri Jun 27 15:30:30 2008

John Evans, Newtown
Mike Strong: I have a very clear memory of you and my brother Richard, messing around with your reel to reel tape recorder (very impressive in those days!) putting sound effects on to a track of your dad's Mario Lanza record of the drinking song - about 1962, I think.
Fri Jun 27 15:29:17 2008

Ursula Richards (Jones)
For Terry (vee) Haywood. The Chris Jones you are asking about he's my brother not seen him in 20 years or more. Mike Strong was right he was in the police but he's retired a few years ago so I've been told. Terry you do know me I'm married to Terry Richards [Cefn].
John Evans. I've just been catching up on all the write ups as we have been on holiday, just like to say I must be one of the lucky ones that is still slim, I was tubby as you know when I was younger so I am glad it has worked out that way. Hope you are all well also Richard & Ann Marie. Also we have noticed Nat the (chippy) house has been mentioned, well my step son Jamie & family bought it 2 years ago. Nat is wanting to see the photos of the house as it is today so they are going down to show him.
Fri Jun 27 11:59:28 2008

Ian McLaren, Downunder
Hi Terry and Mike, living at number thirteen we had the sound of the Delawares through our walls quite often. Practice was not always in Terry's mam and dad's wash house either. All the best to everybody out there.
Wed Jun 25 16:53:12 2008

Mike Strong, Kinmel Bay
Hi Terry, hope you are keeping well and still singing. Remember when we used to practice with the band called the DELAWARES in the wash house of Terry Owens house at number 12? Those were the days, full of hope for the future of our little group. Ian Mclaren moved to Australia and Chris Jones became a policeman based in Shrewsbury. You will have to let me know if you are singing up here again so we can meet for a catch up.
Tue Jun 24 09:07:44 2008

Terry [Vee] Heyward
To Mike Strong. Just been looking at all the comments and it brings back to my memory Rhosymedre names. Ian Mclaren never new where he went. Crist Jones, Mike Lee, and many more. The change of address numbers were interesting, as ours was 15 then changed to 39. More confusing was that the new 15 was another HEYWARD so they got a lot of our letters [but always sent the bills on to us].
Mon Jun 23 09:38:19 2008

Chris Madsen
Nat the chippy took the chippy over when my uncle Sonny (John Richard Jones) died. I have been told the the Machin family who lived by the chippy owned the premises when Nat (what a lovely man) had it. I do not know if Uncle Sonny owned the premises or rented it as did Nat. I used to think the counter was so very high. I must have been very small when I first went there. Nat used to give us "fish bits" - batter really, but we loved it.
Wed Jun 18 09:01:08 2008

John Evans, Newtown, Powys
To Chris Ladkin: I well remember Nat's chip shop in High Street. When a very small child I lived in Chapel Street and the long path to Nat's house ran in front of our terrace. Because of the length of the path and the fact that it had a large (at least to me) iron gate I thought that it must have been a very grand house. In fact, I think it was the end of a terrace leading into Queen's Square. Nat's wife, I think, was called Rose or Rosa and I remember that they kept a large alsatian-type dog. I also have vague memories of the day that Nat's old chip cooker (which might have been heated with coal) was replaced with a state of the art gas, or oil burner - he was very proud of it. Whatever it was, his chips and mushy peas were always great. You could buy a bag of chips for 3d or 6d, or if you didn't have money you could always try him for a free bag of fish bits. Saturday lunch times were always the busiest with queues out on to the street. When I was a little older I would help prepare the chips by loading them into the peeling machine in return for a couple of bob, and I even graduated to serving on the pop stall! Very happy times and both Nat and his wife were lovely people.
Wed Jun 18 08:48:28 2008

Chris Ladkin nee Cowsill
My uncle Nat used to have the chip shop in Rhosymedre many years ago.
Mon Jun 16 09:22:37 2008

John Evans, Newtown
To Ursula and Sheila: I think there are quite a few of us who are not thin any more - she's in good company!To Chris: Hi to you too. I have very happy childhood memories of you and John and Sylvia Lane. Dilys Davies seems to ring a bell. I think she lived in Chruch Street too.
Wed Jun 11 08:59:33 2008

Chris Madsen
Hi Sheila Lockley, nice to see you on Tuesday. Let's have your memories on Rhosymedre! To Ursula, would I have known Dilys Davies do you think? More infomation about her off your Mum please. To John (my old friend Duncan!) just a hi, hope you are well.
Wed Jun 4 09:31:45 2008

Ursula Richards
Hi Chris Madsen; I've finally remembered to ask my mam. Randal, she says, was a local person, but not sure about Hilda Kilfoyle. She does remember her. Where we lived in Church Terr., she said the person we rented our house off was Dil Davis - she is related to Randal, might be a sister to Randal?
Also John Evans; our Sheilor Lockley wishes for me to say she is not thin any more! She fell and got her leg broken down a rabbit hole up the Garth mountain a few years ago, so just passing on the message.
Jane Williams; you have a good memory as I don't remember having a photo taken. My mam has another photo somewhere of just the two of us on the same day. We didn't realise who you married - that's canny. Take care.
Tue Jun 3 08:17:50 2008

Jane Williams, Rhos
To Trevor Jones (Aus), just thinking about the people you mentioned. Eirwen & Raymond Williams were my father's cousins. Their mother was my grandmother's sister. You also mentioned John & Doris Williams. John's name was in fact Joe & he was my grandfather, & of course Doris was my grandmother. She was one of the Taylors who used to live in the Green Houses.
Ursula, I remember that photograph being taken. It brought back many happy memories of Rhosymedre & of when we were children without a care in the world. There are a lot of faces on that photo I have not seen for many years. It is strange to think that I was sitting next to Angela Hannaby who is my husband's cousin.
Tue May 27 09:17:06 2008

Chris Madsen
For Ursula, thank your mum for that info on Aunty Polly. I now know her given name was Mary, Polly is a pet name for Mary it seems, does your Mum know where Randal was from? Does she also know how Hilda Kilfoyle nee Johnson was related to us? I know she was my dad's cousin but there again I do not know if was through Morris side or Jones. I feel it may have been my Morris side but that is a guess.
Tue May 27 09:04:50 2008

Chris Madsen
Thank you Ursula, thank your Mum too. I thought maybe Polly was the relative because my Dad always said my Aunty Polly and not my uncle Randall first so now I know that Polly must have been a Morris. I know there was not a Polly on the Jones side. Brilliant, what a great site. Big kiss for your Mam. x
Tue May 27 08:52:20 2008

Ursula Richards
For John Evans: Yes, I am pleased with the photo in how its turned out. Yes, it does bring back a few memories of our youth. Yes, my mam at the moment is recovering after a big operation. When you next get in contact with auntie Bettie she will tell you.
Also, for Chris Madson: My mam does remember Pollie & Randall. Their surname was Davis. She thinks Pollie was related to your dad. They also had a son. His name was William but not sure of the daughter's name. Hope that's helped you a bit.
Fri May 23 08:05:49 2008

Chris Madsen
For Ursula, lovely picture, nice to see old friends. Will you ask your Mum if she knows anything about Polly and Randall who used to live in your row by the church? One of them was related to my Dad but I don't know which one. They had a daughter, alas no name. She used to live in Acrefair, one of them was a Morris or a Jones.
Thu May 22 09:24:33 2008

John Evans, Newtown
Ursula: great picture of Rhosymedre eisteddfod. All those forgotten names and faces came flooding back. Hope you and your Mam are keeping well.
Wed May 21 09:06:50 2008

Chris Madsen
For Trevor Australia, Gwenda is my cousin, uncle Sonny (John Richard) was my dad's brother and Anne next door to them is also my cousin. Uncle Fred was her dad. She now lives in Abergele. Gwenda lives in Acrefair. I spent hours at Gwenda's house when I was small watching aunty Minnie sew. Mrs Jack Hughes used to there a lot too, she was a good friend to aunty Minnie. Mrs Jack Hughes' granddaughter Phyllis is a good friend of my Mum and I. She lives opposite me. Happy days those were.
Thu May 15 08:17:10 2008

Gillian Hughes (nee Morris), Rhosymedre
To Jane Williams - Rhos: I remember Seymore's shop - just about! It was on High Street I was very young but I remember a lady called Mary working there. I remember being fascinated by the machine which sliced the ham etc! I have actually met Mary a couple of years ago when I was with my Mum. She still has the rosy cheeks I remember she had all those years ago. I don't remember Hetty's shop but my parents certainly do (Fred and Elaine Morris). When I was about 2 years old my dad brought home a black and white kitten from Hetty's home on Halloween. My dad said Hetty's cat had had kittens and he brought one home to surprise my mum and I. I have such wonderful childhood memories, growing up in Rhosymedre was wonderful.
Mon May 12 08:46:09 2008

Trevor Jones (Australia)
Hi Ursula. I see that your family used to live in Church Terrace. My family used to live in number 7 with Mr and Mrs Jack Hughes living in Number 6. I think Irene Evans lived in number 4 or 5. Gwenda Jones whose father "Sonny" Jones used to have the fish and chip shop on the High Street in Rhosymedre. They used to live at the top of the lane next to the field. As a young boy we used to play on the rocks and we were all members of Gweda's gang, and when I was older I used to play soccer on top of Church Street until it got that dark you could not see the ball. Some of the guys I used to hang around with were Jimmy Owens, David Jones who used to live in those days on Rock Road on the corner of Chapel Street, Michael Roberts, Theo Roberts's son, who was a big pal of mine, Trevor and Neil Lloyd who used to live at the top of Church Street, and Raymond Williams who lived at the top of the yard and had a sister whose name was Ierwen. He taught me to box. I would like a bob for the number of times I have climed over that park wall to collect firewood, all the time dreading a meeting with Davies the bobby. Ursula do you remember any of those people, perhaps you remember Anne Jones who lived next door to Gwenda, or Caroline and Megan Jones who lived down the yard next door to John and Doris Williams? If my memory serves me right, I think they had an alsation dog named Prince who used to chase the postman every chance he got. Well, Ursula it was great contacting someone from Church Terrace, all the very best to you and your family, hope to hear from you soon. Trevor Jones.
Mon May 12 08:38:19 2008

Nick, Web Team
Calling our [older] faithful contributors! We're involved in a local history project and looking for you, our regulars to share memories of local life during WWII. Find out more about the project which coincides with a play being staged here and based on memories of locals and Liverpool evacuees who came to live in North Wales. And please share stories and recollections via Memoryshare. Bye for now [Hwyl am y tro].
Thu May 8 08:36:39 2008

Ursula (nee) Jones, Rhosymedre
Hi Jane Williams, Great to see you have found this great site. I do remember you living down the [yard], as it was called. I have come across a photo of us all at Rhosymedre infants. We are dressed as Welsh girls with our dolls. It's St David's Day all our age group, also slighty older ones. I'm still trying to work it out how to download photos.Yes, also I do remember(Hettie's) shop. I was sent there all the time for vinegar. I could not say it correct I called it 'vincar'. I might surprise us all and download the photo soon.
Fri May 2 09:01:58 2008

Leonard Salisbury
To Chris Madsen in picture 16 of the wedding the vicar is the Reverend Baden Powell, the best man I can't help and the other man is Bob (Ireland) Jones.
Fri May 2 08:41:24 2008

Jane Williams, Rhos
I have enjoyed reading all the old memories of Rhosymedre, but I find it strange that no-one has mentioned Hettie's shop on the bottom of Church Street at the back of the dole. It used to stink of paraffin & I can see her son Ken in his hairnet. I used to live in Church St until I was five & then I moved to Rhos. My grandparents also lived in Church St across the way from Cardens & the lane. They were Joe & Doris Williams but she was always known by her maiden name, Doris Taylor. My father worked in the Beehive & the Coop bakery as a baker. His name was Tom Williams but again he was known as Tom Taylor. My grandparents moved to the prefabs about 1959. I also rememmber well the teachers in school ie Mrs Jones, Mrs Evans, Mrs Pointon, Mr Thomas & Mr Griffiths. My husband's uncle & aunt lived in Chapel St. They were Cliff & Betty Hannaby & their children Angela & Paul. My father was a big friend of Cyril, who was PC Davies' son, a friendship which lasted all of his life. Anyone remember Seymore's shop?
Thu May 1 09:11:54 2008

John Evans, Newtown
To Gareth Davies: I realised my confusion immediately after I had sent the message! There were a number of kids who came to Rhosymedre school from Acrefair - I remember Gary Williams, yourself, Stephen Ashford, Angela and Barbara Hurdley and you could probably add a lot more. I also well remember your aunty Jane, dishing out the mashed potatotes and semolina in the canteen. My brother, by the way, is enjoying retirement up in Penmachno. He delights in not having the internet, but I will pass on your regards to him. Best wishes to you.
Tue Apr 29 14:17:52 2008

Peter Gwilliam, Llangollen
Can anybody help me? I have a Rhosymedre cup 1911 football medal. Any information regarding the match or teams played would be a big help. I am from Rhosymedre, my mother was Beryl Furmston and my father is Arthur Gwilliam.
Tue Apr 29 08:54:35 2008

Peter Owens, Whitchurch, Shropshire
To Ian McLaren from OZ. Ian, it's been a long time, we last spoke in 1961, before we moved to Threapwood, Cheshire. It seemed such a long way away, but today it's nothing, as you know from your travels. The memories of other people's contributions remind of the times we had all those years ago, the red wall, the rocks, the park and so many more.The last time I heard of you was via Mr Thomas, one of our teachers. I was at a friends wedding in the mid '70s, he was one of the speakers. I recognised him instantly from behind, his mannerisms had not changed, though he did get us mixed up. He thought I was the clever one, but I put him right. It would be good to hear from you.
Mon Apr 28 15:23:11 2008

Gareth Davies ex Rhosymedre School
Hi John, yes you're partially right - I was a friend of your brother Richard, and was in touch with him a couple of years ago, but no I didn't live in Rhosymedre, my home was the top of Acrefair just below the Hampden Arms. My aunty Jane (nee Hughes) Williams was an assistant cook in the school canteen (Church Hut). I think that you are mixing me up with Michael Highfield who lived opposite the Anchor which was kept by my great Uncle Ted and Aunty Polly (Mary Anne) Carden.
Mon Apr 28 09:53:17 2008

Ursula Richards ex Rhosymedre
Hi Chris Madsen, yes we remember Peter's mam, but we only new her as (Mrs Garret). I am not sure if she is related to the Garrets of Rhosymedre! Peter still lives in Rhosymedre. Well, sorry I can't help you any more.
Fri Apr 25 09:25:34 2008

Chris Madsen
For Ursula, I was talking to Val Thomas the other day and she remembers a lady living next door to Aunty Minnie who had a son, Peter, but we could not remember her name. Can you remember?
Mon Apr 21 08:28:10 2008

Ursula Richards (nee Jones)
Hi Irene Simpson, Auckland. I have got out some old photos of my mam. Yes, it's her with you in her arms or its her double. I have read the people's names to her, she remembers all of them I was in school with your aunt Mavis daughter Babara. My mam has lost most of her sight so not sure if she will see the print out that I've done. Also, for Trever Jones: our family also lived at Church Terr., no 2. My mam & dad Sid & Dilys Jones, brother Chris. We moved to Plas Iasf no76 in the '60s. Mam is back living in houses that are built on aunt Minnies & Sonnies garden. Also, just 2 doors away would have been Herbit Carden's garden. Them was good times.
Tue Apr 15 08:57:11 2008

Diane Powell,Acrefair
In answer to Chris Madsen's query about Nellie Bithell's wedding. The Vicar is the Revd. Baden Powell (no relation to me) but he married my parents and I have a photograph. I'll ask my Aunty Rhona if she has any idea about the best man. Baden Powell went from Rhosymedre to be Vicar in Chirk and then on to Harwarden.
Tue Apr 15 08:52:31 2008

John Evans, Newtown
To Chris Madsen: The photo of the marriage of Nellie is exactly the same one as I have. Unfortunately I have no idea who the best man is. Any idea why my Mam was bridesmaid? The photo of the St David's group is very intersting, but I think it might be about 1961. I have another phot of me on Terry Heyward's bike, which looks remarkably of the same time. To Irene Simson: the lady holding you at the coronation party looks to me like Dilys Jones (nee Joseph) who lived in Church Terrace (Ursula Jones's mam). To Gareth Davies: I remember you well as a friend of my brother Richard. I think you lived in High Street and your house backed on to the bowling green.
Mon Apr 14 10:10:16 2008

Irene Simpson, Auckland, NZ
Many thanks for providing more names to faces Gareth. I got a lovely phone call this week out of the blue from my 2nd cousin Bryn Jones who had seen the photos I'm in and my comments. We hadn't spoken for about 40 years, so thank you Webmaster. Bryn advises me it is him standing behind my cousin Maldwyn Evans - I didn't realise this. I've also discovered it is my mam holding me in the picture, Elsie Duffield, so I will ask the Webmaster to update the caption and add the names we have now got.
Fri Apr 11 08:26:06 2008

Chris M
For Gareth Davies, you were in school with my sister Marilyn. Dilys Williams as you know her was our neighbour in Rhosymedre and was a Francis by marriage and is on my family tree (that's another story ) Peter is older than me, then Colin more or less my age. OK, if you must know 59! and Keith, a very youthful looking Francis or is my eye sight failing, Melba and Theresa are cousins of my dear friend Ricky Vaughn. They had reletives in Plas Isaf, old coloured houses, when we lived there, 1950/69. I knew man of the house to be Ted, related to Fred Lee, known as from the big house Ruabon. He lived next door to us, a lovely chap. His wife died of T.B. Michael, his son, moved to Spain with his wife, Bridget, a hairdresser in Ruabon and I believe Mr Lee died there. Mrs Lee is buried in Trefnant Cemetery Acrefair, aged 43.
Fri Apr 11 08:07:15 2008

Chris
For Irene Simson New Zealand ,Please look at Rhosymedre Photos and you will see Harry Holgate, myself and my sister Marilyn Jansen nee Jones.
Fri Apr 11 08:05:11 2008

Gareth Davies, ex Rhosymedre School
To Irene Simpson. In picture 3 of the Coronation Party the young lad standing next Maldwyn Evans is Geoff Morris and the boy on the left with the hat is Peter Francis. In picture 1 the lady kneeling down on the left is Peter's mother - was her name Dilys? Her mother was always known to me as Mrs Bobby Williams who lived in Lancaster Terrace. Acrefair. The young girl in the centre (picture 2) with the great big smile, I think, is her sister Anne and on the left it looks like the twins Melba and Theresa Roberts. I'm ashamed to say that this is my age group but can't identify any of the others. Hope this helps.
Thu Apr 10 08:27:21 2008

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones) Dukinfield, Cheshire
Hi again Irene Simpson - returned from our holiday a couple of days ago. Would have liked to contact you but our ship moved all over, from Australia to Tasmania then Dunedin, the Fijords and Christchurch, Tauranga and Auckland where we flew home. We spent some days at sea between ports. New Zealand is beautful. We liked Christchurch in particular and went punting on the river Avon. I saw some lovely animals too, in Hobart Tasmania. I stroked a koala and a wombat, I saw the Tasmanian devils (cute) and a kookaburra. Wonderful weather too for your autumn. Keep well. Hope Maureen and Peter are well.
Thu Apr 10 08:13:13 2008

John Evan
To Chris: that would be really interesting. I may have a similar photo, but have failed to identify any other people in it. Any more details would be greatly appreciated.
Fri Apr 4 12:46:44 2008

Chris Madsen
For John "Duncan" Evans, I have found a picture of my aunty Nellie's wedding and your mum is her bridesmaid. I will get my son to put it on the site. I don't know who the vicar is but I expect someone will tell us.
Wed Apr 2 10:19:17 2008

Irene Simpson, Auckland, NZ
To Marilyn Jansen: And yes, Maureen & Michael Peterson are my cousins from Michigan, USA, and I remember them living with nain & taid Holgate for a while. Maureen had the first "teenage" doll I had ever seen, eg it had a bust! Probably one of the first Barbie dolls. My cousin Thelma still has that doll (along with my very groovy purple leather coat). Thelma is auntie Maureen's daughter (in Paignton) and has visited auntie Mary (Michael & Maureen's mam) in USA several times. Perhaps Thelma can let you know how Michael & Maureen are faring as I've sent her this link.
Tue Mar 18 08:21:12 2008

Irene Simpson, Auckland, NZ
To Marilyn Jansen, Dukinfield - hi Marilyn, I lived with my nain & taid Holgate at 35 Plas Isaf for a while after mam (Elsie Duffield) died & dad, Les, did a runner. I eventually got adopted by Elsie's sister, Irene, who lived in Leek, Staffs, but I used to spend all my school hols at nain & taid's. I remember Eileen Stretch used to come calling for me at nain's & apparently she still called looking for me when I went back home! Maureen is my aunt and she lives in Paignton, Devon. My widowed aunt Hazel, who was married to Ronnie Holgate, still lives in taid's house. Drop me an email if you would like to catch up while you are in Auckland - the webteam have my address.
Tue Mar 11 09:29:28 2008

Marilyn Jansen, Dukinfield
Hi Irene Simpson of Auckland. I used to know an Eileen Duffield who was related to the Holgates, she was younger than me and all us kids used to visit her at her granny's in Plas Isaf. I also knew Maureen Holgate, who was she to you? By the way I shall be in New Zealand in a couple of weeks, going on a cruise around part of Oz and then around New Zealand, flying back to the UK from Auckland.
Mon Mar 10 09:29:50 2008

Irene Simpson, Auckland, NZ
Does anyone remember my mam Elsie Duffield (nee Holgate) of Plas Isaf who died when she was 28? She was married to Les Duffield from England.
Fri Mar 7 09:01:40 2008

Rosemary Woodhouse (Price) Aberaeron
To Mike Strong, Kinmel Bay. Many thanks for replying to my dad's comments, you really made his day. He is the grand young age of 86. Was there a shop in the area belonging to Hugh Parry? I believe it was a shoe repair shop. I believe they were related to my dad on his mum's side.
Thu Mar 6 09:21:48 2008

Rosemary Woodhouse (Price)
To Mike Strong. Kinmel Bay. Thank you for replying to my dad's comment regarding your dad Eric. My dad is 88 years young, and it gave him great pleasure to here from you, and read about so much of his younger days on this great site.
Wed Feb 27 09:48:14 2008

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones) Dukinfield, Cheshire
Here's one for you all. Does anyone remember the carnivals we used to have around 1st May each year? We chose a May queen and she was crowned in a field on the Wynnstay Estate. There were other activities on the day, including a maypole around which people danced holding on to the ribbons which formed a nice colourful pattern on the pole as they danced. There were themed floats on lorries too. I and Wendy Meyers were on one called 'Lavender and Lace', all crinoline dresses etc. One year the May Queen was crowned and Carad the Garth walked across the field carrying a bunch of something. He presented a bunch of stalks to the poor embarrassed May Queen, as the heads of the flowers had all fallen off. This was good old fashioned village entertainment which seems to have died around the villages now.
Fri Feb 22 10:31:43 2008

Mike Strong, Kinmel Bay
To Ellis Price, unfortunately my dad Eric died 35 years ago but I seem to remember him telling us about seeing a UFO when I was a child but that memory was tucked away at the back of my mind. I used to love going on trips with my dad when he was driving the coaches to Rhyl and Llandudno and many other places including football matches, it all seemed so exciting when you were a kid. Hope you are keeping well.
Wed Feb 20 09:29:42 2008

Ellis Price, London
Reading through all the comments has brought back fond memories back to me. I remember Tommy Owens who knew my father well. I recall that he asked me to assemble a grand father clock he had acquired as a surprise for his wife, I was successful, but when he took it home it was too tall for his house, so he took it to auction in Llangollen. I remember the action of the clock was Adam offering Eve an apple. If anything else comes to mind I will forward it on.
Mon Feb 18 10:04:29 2008

Ellis Price, London
To Chris Madsen (Jones) Plas Isaf. The notable family mentioned was Mr Percy Lloyd-Jones. My father did odd jobs for him. The family later moved to Marford near Chester.
Mon Feb 18 10:03:45 2008

Ellis Price, London
Was Eric Strong the driver who used to take miners to Llay Main Colliery? If he is still alive he will recall seeing a UFO as he was seeing someone off at the bustop near Mitchells shop around 1947. Our neighbour Mrs Ethel Jones had also observed the object while awaiting a bus at Johnstown at that time. Does anybody recall any reference to that?
Mon Feb 18 10:03:17 2008

Terry Owens, Brook St
To Trevor Jones. Sorry Trevor but I can't help you very much with the Lansleys. After they left Brook St they went to Plas Isaf. All I remember is that Arthur worked in the tax office in Wrexham. The last time I saw you was a few years ago.
Wed Feb 6 08:49:07 2008

Trevor Jones, Australia
Hi Clare Kempster, I used to live in Church Terrace in a house that backed onto the school, but I expect that they are long gone by now. I remember your dad Mike Kempster as I used to attend first aid classes upstairs in the building that used to house the ambulance just of the main road next to the labour exchange. I used to see Mike from time to time as my dad was in St John's as well, his name was Gwillym Ivor Jones or (G.I) to everybody that knew him.
Mon Feb 4 09:38:23 2008

Terry Owens Brook St
For John Evans, I remember your Mam and Dad very well. Your Dad was an ambulance driver, he was a very tall man, well built, he looked well in his uniform. Your Mam was on the small side compared with your Dad. Was it you or your brother who had red hair? I knew that you lived by Jim Nicholls' the butcher. Ted Griffiths was his apprentice (a bit later on ) when Mr Nicholls moved to the High St. Ted took over the business, he has now retired. Did you know that at one time there was a bake house next door to to Mr Nicholls? It was run by the Butler family, one of the family who lives in Newbridge,named Alan, told me that at Christmas people used to bring their chickens to be baked in the big ovens there. I think I am right that you lived in the row of red bricked houses and Joyce and Den Love also lived in the same row. I also remember Mr and Mrs Holgate and their sons Tony, Ron and Harry and their daughters Mavis and Mary. They lived over the railway bridge from where you lived in a row of stone houses in the same row as Den and Jack "Border" and Tommy South. On the other side in the stone houses that are still there lived Mr and Mrs Fifmstone, Mr and Mrs Liittlehales, Mr and Mrs Bithell, Mr and Mrs Mathews and sons Allan, Melvyn and Kenneth. My brother did go around with Jock as you mentioned and as Jock got old he replaced him with a van. There were a lot of sad faces in Rhosymedre when they knew as they loved seeing Jock on the round.
Mon Feb 4 09:33:47 2008

Carol Turner, Acrefair
Does anyone remember anything about the Holloways who lived in Queens Square, Rhosymedre? She was my great grandmother who married one of the Holts, which became a large family. My grandmother was Violet Holt, who married one of the Meyers, John from Acrefair.
Fri Feb 1 07:57:02 2008

Chris Madsen, nee Jones
For Heather, please do tell Anne I often think about her and wonder where she ended up. Tell her I lived next to Sylvia Lane then she will know who I am, thank you.
Wed Jan 23 16:38:21 2008

Heather from Wrexham
To Chris Madsen (nee Jones). Ann Williams (nee Watkin) is a friend of mine and I told her about the site that you mentioned her in. She does not have a PC but if you would like me to pass a message on to her I will do.
Tue Jan 22 08:15:42 2008

Clare Kempster
Les, just a question as you said that you were in the St John's. My Dad used to be with them to for many years - Mike Kempster. I believe that he loved it and was very proud to be part of it. If I remember, Dad telling me that's where he learnt to drive too as Dave Thompson taught him to drive.
Tue Jan 22 08:09:52 2008

Trevor Jones, Australia
To Terry Owens and anyone who can help in tracing the Lansleys who used to live in Brook Street. My daughter Heather is doing a lot on the family tree and we would be very grateful for any information. Well, Terry it has been quite a few years since last we met, but I was a very big friend of your brothers. I used to come to your house in Brook Street and Jimmy and I would go round to the Eagles bus stop and catch the Crosville bus to Wrexham, but our first stop before the football was always the Horse and Jockey for a meat pie and a few lagers. Always enjoyed the match a lot better after a tipple or two. I was reading about what you thought was the biggest bonfire in Rhosymedre. I always thought that the one we used to build about 4 months before on the rocks on top of Chapel Street, we used to cut trees down from everywhere. I used to go with Neil lloyd and Trevor and we would raid Mitchells the carpenters and, of course, Herbert Carden the undertaker for wood chippings and we would drive them crazy. I was very interested that you could name all the people who lived in Brook Street and that you may know a little about the Lansleys. I also had another reletive on the right hand side after leaving Brook Street heading for the bridge, the first house on the right was Mr and Mrs Mathews. Mrs Mathews was my grandmother's sister, and my grandmother lived for a time in Chapel Street before moving into those prefabs they built on Rock road. Her name was Hannah Lansley and Peter. Her husband used to visit the Lansleys in Brook Street I think. Terry, do you remember how fanatic Jimmy was about football and whenever we had a chance all the lads would get together and we would play soccer on top of Church Street until it got too dark to see the ball, and the curate in the vicarage was always happy to see us finish as we where forever hopping over his wall to retrieve the ball?
Mon Jan 21 09:47:27 2008

Dave LUKE Jones, Llanymynach
I have so many happy memories of growing up in plas isaf Rhosymedre. My pals were Ian Davies Pete Roberts Melvyn Jones John Lane my school memories of Acrefair school are happy ones except for the instant justice of Mr Carless and his size nine. Long summer holidays with so many things to do either football on churchfield or building dens in Wynnstay park and swimming in the river.
Message to Marilyn, do you remember we used to do swinging dodgy as per Norman Vaughan? I am so glad to find this site and see names from my youth
Mon Jan 21 09:09:18 2008

Chris Madsen, Plas Isaf
To Marilyn. It is our Anne on the canteen photo. She lives in Abergele now as does Christine Krechman (no idea how it is spelt but you all know who I mean), Raymond and June's daughter .
Mon Jan 21 08:09:59 2008

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones) Dukinfield, Cheshire
How lovely to read your bit on Brook Street and Church Street Terry Owens. I remember going to school along Brook Street when the brook had flooded. We used to wade in our wellies with water up to our knees. Yes, I walked past the old dairy and up the hill past Herbert Carden's and down to school. Some days we'd stand on the bridge and wait for a train to cover us with smoke and ash. I knew Christine and Peter Roberts well. I only remember Phillip as a new baby back then. Sylvia Powell used to live near them, she was sister to Haydn and Glenys if you remember. After Mr Griffiths moved from the big old house, a family of Catholics had one side, (it was turned into semis then). They had five children and I remember visiting when a young girl because I liked babies. My sister Chris tells me you remember a big house near the points. So do I, I also remember the farm where the 'newer Plas Isaf' was built. Do you remember the old baker's on Park Road near the Plough? Lovely smells from there of freshly baked bread, I loved going in with my mother. They delivered bread too and left it on the window ledges, where it remained. No thieves in our villages. I well remember Butler's sweet shop on Chapel Street, I went there as a small child when sweets were on ration, I used to go with a tiny ration ticket from Mum's book and a couple of pennies to buy sweets. I sometimes lost the ration ticket, or one or both coins. Loved Jock, your horse, used to have dark patch on his rump. My dad would tell me to feed him apples so he would drop some manure for the garden. Lovely stories about our past, so sad the villages are not the same now.
Fri Jan 18 07:38:08 2008

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones) Dukinfield, Cheshire
John Evans: Rhosymedre Church Hall photo with your cousins Bunty and Sheila. Well, the girl in the very forefront looks like my cousin Anne Jones, Daughter of Fred and Lillian. Didn't notice that until quite recently. She lives in Colwyn Bay now if I'm not mistaken, haven't seen her for years. I knew your cousins and some of the other people you mention.
Fri Jan 18 07:35:10 2008

Phyllis Garrett, Plas Isaf
Hi Marilyn, I can remember our David, Malcolm, Kevin and Nigel getting up to all sorts of trouble when they were younger, eg making a fire in the front room behind a chair playing cowboys. I remember Elaine getting ready for danceing on a Friday night up the Cefn.
Thu Jan 17 11:19:45 2008

Marilyn Jansen, Dukinfield, Cheshire
Hello Phyllis Garrett, I knew Elaine very well. We often stood and talked when catching the bus to Wrexham, both in our late teens and dressed to the nines. I vaguely remember Pat and Bobby but Elaine was my age and we were in school together too. Yes I can remember Gwen, and your Dad Frank quite well. Gwen was a good mother as far as I remember, she loved all the children. One day one of the smaller children had locked himself in the house and Gwen was outside buying ice cream. A gathering of neighbours including me and some friends stood and watched Gwen as she coaxed him with the promise of a banana to push the keys through the letter box, where she was able to gain entry. Nice to see your name on the site Phyllis.
Mon Jan 14 09:03:45 2008

John Evans, Newtown
To Terry Owens: Great to hear your reminiscences of Brook St. I too was born in Chapel St, but further down at number 17, near where Jim Nicholls had his original butcher's shop before moving to High St. We later moved to 19 Plas Isaf. I think everyone in Rhosymedre would remember Jock with affection as he pulled your dad's cart around the village. He was kept in the field on Rock Road, where we used to go sledging. I can remember also when poor old Jock was replaced by a van, which I think was when your brother Trevor had the round?
Fri Jan 11 13:42:35 2008

Terry Owens, Brook St
My father was well knownas a greengrocer who did his rounds with a horse (Jock) and cart. He was also a scrap metal merchant and a horse dealer. He was not, however, a rag and bone man as previously mentioned. My dad was a very good business man who could neither read nor write, my mother, Christina, did all the paper work for the business. She worked very hard in those days with the home, the business and looking after us four boys, Tommy, Trevor, Jimmy and myself. I was born in 1941 in Chapel St in a cottage opposite the chapel. We moved to Brookside Villa in Brook St when I was about six, the house was once a public house. I can recall most of the people that lived in Brook St at that time, starting from the Church St end on the right hand side was Mr and Mrs Trevor Owens and their sons Trevor and Terry (no relation). Mr Jack Morris. Mr and Mrs Bill Mclaren, we used to call them aunt and uncle, and their sons Bill, John and Ian. Mr and Mrs Percy Kempster and their daughters Diane and Janet. Now into the square as I knew it, Mr and Mrs Jones and their son Elwyn, they also had one or two daughters. Mrs Evans. Mr and Mrs Percy Roberts and their sons Peter, Phillip and daughter Christine. Mr and Mrs Morris and their daughter Norma. Mr Fred Morris and son Fred. Mrs Mclaren. Mrs Adams and son Bill. Mr and Mrs Jack Sloane and daughters Mary and Edna also son John. Mr and Mrs Hughes and son Donald. Our house. Top of Brook St was the police house with Mr Davies the policeman, next door to him was Mr Griffiths, the head master of Rhosymedre school, the buiding is still standing and is divided into flats. Coming back up the left side Mr and Mrs George and their daughter. Mrs Valentine. Mr and Mrs Joe Penk and and Mrs Berry and sons Gilbert and Cyril, they also had two daughters one of whom was named Estelle. An empty space then where we had the biggest bonfire in Rhosymedre. Mr and Mrs Frank Garrett and sons Graham, little Bobby and daughters Elaine and Pat. Gwennie Fardo. Mr and Mrs Evans and their sons Roy, Jacky, Ken, Wynn and daughters Renee, Jean and Glenys. The next house I do not know, only that he was known as the ganger because he worked on the railways. The old dairy was empty and derelict, we used to play there. At the top of the street was an empty building with an old air raid shelter at the back, next door to that was Alf Tan Lan, he was always known as this so I do not know his surname. Mr and Mrs Lansley, son Arthur and daughters Margaret and Isobelle. I have lots more to say on Brook St. Now just one little memory to start in Church St, opposite Mr Carden the undertaker was Carol Jones who lived in a stone cottage with no door or windows on the Church St side except a little wire mesh covered window which you could not see in or out of. The house door was reached by going down a red brick yard to the back of the house, not visible off the road. More of Church St later. Hope I have caused no offence to anyone if I have made mistakes.
Fri Jan 11 10:23:42 2008

Phyllis Garrett
It's great to hear everybody's comments on Plas Isaf, keep them coming. Would be glad to hear anything of my family, Frank Garrett, Gwen Garrett, Irene Lewis, Jack Lewis.
Mon Jan 7 10:32:39 2008

Clare
Does anyone remember my dad, Ronnie? He lived in Rhosymedre when he was quite young. His mum passed away when he was quite young, I think her name was Iris. She had sisters Millie and Betty. I see Betty now and again, she lives in Trevor now I think.
Mon Jan 7 10:27:11 2008

Kelly, Flintshire
Chris - When you say Pat do you mean Stella? We knew her as Pattie also. I will have to take a look at the war memorial. Thanks for the comments, they are really useful!
Mon Jan 7 10:20:58 2008

Chris Madsen
to Kelly Flintshire, I remember the Williams Family. Mrs Williams always spoke Welsh to us children going to school dressed in costume on St David's day. Keith was an altar boy in St John's for years, Olga was a member of the Mothers' Union when I was treasurer, Pat lived by me in Bodlyn, Plas Madoc, and before that in Glaslyn. They are a well known and respected family in the area.
Fri Jan 4 09:30:06 2008

Chris Madsen
To Kelly Flint, on reflection Pat told me that her father carved the war memorial in Cefn Mawr.
Fri Jan 4 09:28:43 2008

Kelly, Flintshire
Does anyone remember the Williams family that lived at 40 Church Street, Rhosymedre? Mary, (nee Jones) and her husband Thomas lived there from the early 1900s and had about 11 children - Anne, Martha, Hugh, Olwen, Rhoda, David, Olga, Sidney, Edward, Gilbert and Stella. Thomas was a stonemason who died in 1940 and Mary died in 1976. Any info, no matter how small, or photos would be of great help.
Thu Jan 3 09:44:13 2008

Chris Madsen nee Jones
I have noticed that some of the graves in Rhosymedre Church yard are a lot older than the church. Was there a church before the present one? Also my great grandfather came from Cefn Bychan. I know he lived in Newbridge but are they the same place or was Newbridge called that earlier?
Mon Dec 31 09:24:53 2007

Chris Madsen
For Ken Mathews, Rhosymedre. Have you got a picture of your mam's parents and also do you know the names of our Morris or Jones great grandparents? Does anyone know where 15 Rock Rd was? What was the christian name of the Jones that lived in 3 Chapel St, Newbridge, in the 1920s? I know I am asking a lot but they are my family and I would love to know if anyone can help please.
Mon Dec 31 09:07:18 2007

Irene Simpson, Auckland, NZ
To Chris Madsen: Great auntie Elsie the cobbler used to ring me at ungodly hours here in NZ like 3am and when I sleepily answered the phone, she would say "sorry love, I didn't realise you were napping, I'll call you back in half an hour"! It was difficult getting through to her the time differences between our 2 hemispheres. I still miss those calls.
Thu Dec 27 08:08:30 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones) Plas Isaf
Mrs Jones the Cobbler was also a relation of Tim and Lorrine Wheat who kept the Top House (Jolly Masons). She was in her 90s when she passed away.
Mon Dec 24 09:09:47 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones) Plas Isaf
To Irene Simpson, I remember the Holgates very well. I am still in touch with Mavis if you would like me to mention you.
Thu Dec 20 08:39:41 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
For John Evans. Our house was the original 19 Plas Isaf and then they built the "new" Plas Isaf and we became 43.
To Ian in Oz. I recall very little about Brook St, only the square and red wall, the cottage that Melvyn Jones lived in, Queens Square and Christine and the terrace where Valerie and Brenda Hughes live. Also, didn't the other Terry Owens live in a cottage in what was later the Eagles car park (off Brook St not Park Rd) the windows of which were very low down and in 1900 my dad's sister lost control of her bike and smashed through one of the windows and died. She was 16.
Tue Dec 18 08:22:53 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones) Plas Isaf
In Rhosymedre photos number 12 the lady kneeling down in front row is Mrs Dilys Francis with most likely Keith, in the middle with dark hair. Holding a child is Mrs Joyce Davies and Ian I would think. They lived in 40 Plas Isaf and Mrs Francis lived at 41. The lady on extreme right of picture is Mrs Francis's sister Anne, I think. In photo 13 the boy on the right looks like Peter Francis and the child with matching waistcoat must be Colin.
Tue Dec 18 08:20:14 2007

John Evans, Newtown
To Ian McLaren: We moved in to number 19 Plas Isaf at about the same time. It was just after Christmas and very cold and wet. I think we were the first family to move into the houses which were fronting Brook Street and we had been lighting fires for weeks before in order to 'air the house', the meaning of which as a five year old I hadn't the faintest idea. We borrowed 'Davies the Coal's' lorry to do the removals. I remember sitting on the open back of the lorry playing a toy banjo which I'd had for Christmas, and driving my dad mad with the awful noise. Prior to this we had lived at 17 Chapel Street, a two up and two down terraced house, with only electricity downstairs. I can remember vividly the day the man from the council came to inform my mam that we had a brand new council house, she was over the moon. It had three bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate W.C. AND electricity upsatirs as well as down stairs! What luxury!
Mon Dec 17 14:06:52 2007

Ian McLaren, Down Under
Hi everyone who contributes to this site. Re the pub at Number 18 Brook Street. Up until I was seven we lived at number 20 Brook Street. My Dad always reckoned that it was an old mill. Our house was down a yard from Brook Street and the front of the house faced the park and we had access to Park Road from our front yard. I recall that until I was about eight or nine my dad's sister lived in number 18 Brook Street which was the last house before "The Square", behind the now famous red wall. I cannot remember who lived in number 19. The two houses could have well have been a pub at one time but no one ever mentioned it. We moved to Plas Isaf in December 1957. Dad borrowed the wagon that he used to drive for Charlie Corwen. On the same day the Owens family who used to live on the corner of Brook Street and Church Street also moved to Plas Isaf using the wagon that Dad had borrowed. Not only was it a cold day but it was pouring down as well.
Mon Dec 17 08:26:56 2007

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones) Dukinfield, Cheshire
Just want to write about Davies the Policeman. At the age of around 3, he used to pick me up (because I screamed in fright whenever I saw him), and carry me around Rhosymedre on his shoulders. I soon calmed down from this lofty perch. When we were around 10 years old my friend Pat Lane and I were playing in the Wynnstay Park, when we got fed up and decided to go home, we headed for the park wall, right opposite our houses (semis, we lived next-door to each other). Pat climbed up the wall, I waited at the bottom. She sat on the top and swung her legs over then screamed in fright as someone grabbed her legs and pulled her down. It was Davies the Policeman! He was waiting for a bus, the bus stop was just there. He then shouted to me to come over the wall and then he told us off (we were apparently trespassing, as all us kids did) and that if he caught us again he would tell our dads, well, that was enough needless to say. We did go there again but checked first that he was not around before climbing down from the wall.
Fri Dec 14 17:01:01 2007

Nick, Web Team
Thanks to Irene Simpson, nee Holgate, New Zealand, for sending in a great photo from a Coronation street party. Take a look.
Fri Dec 14 12:22:59 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Mike and Garry, I am still very young, well that is unless I look in the mirror and see my Nain looking back at me!
Wed Dec 12 14:05:14 2007

Garry Williams
We are all the same Mike, young at heart old in body lol...
Wed Dec 12 08:46:18 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones) Plas Isaf
To Ian all the way in Oz, Tommy Owens' house was a semi as you so rightly say. Terry said that when the neighbours moved his dad bought it, but previous to them being made semi detached they were one, so Mr Owens actually restored them to their original state to when it was the Brookside Inn. When the Owens family lived there it was called Brookside Villa. I have sent Terry a Christmas card and asked him to tell us all of what he remembers of Brook St so let's all hope he complies. Do you remember my sister Marilyn? She remembers your family well. She writes on this site too. Her surname is Jansen now. We have both married people with Danish surnames - how strange is that?
Mon Dec 10 08:36:16 2007

John Evans, Newtown, Powys
There seemed to be a swing over the brook for years. It was a favourite place to play for us lads in the mid sixties. There was another John Evans, who we always knew as Johnny. He had a particularly impressive way of hanging by one hand from the rope in a Tarzan-like pose. I seem to remember falling off many times and I think several of us received broken arms/legs in addition to wet feet!
Mike Strong: Good to hear from you. I understand from my brother Richard that you've met up. Do you remember the plays we used to write and perform in your outhouse? It always seemed to involve us wearing false beards made of cotton wool and firing our cap guns.
Ian McLaren: You are a mine of information! I remember pushing Steven around in his wheel chair one summer holiday - we walked miles with him. Sadly he died aged 11. I didn't realise David had also passed away. I heard from Paul via Friends Reunited a couple of years back. I think he now lives in Yorkshire.
Fri Dec 7 14:58:38 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Ian Mclaren, Terry Owens has told me this morning that his house was indeed the Brookside Inn at one time. He mentioned you and your family. He knows such a lot about the old Brook St. I shall pick his brains some more when I see him again and, of course, share it with everyone.
For Marilyn, the big house that you remember in Brook St was opposite the Points almost (info from Terry Owens). It belonged to a notable Rhosymedre family. I had no pen or paper with me and I have forgotten the name of them.
Fri Dec 7 13:25:40 2007

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones), Dukinfield, Cheshire
I always thought that the rope swing over the brook in the park was mine, and my friends. We didn't see anyone else use it. How amusing to think that so many of us children in the 50s/60s used that. We often went home with wet socks because if you didn't swing back to the bank (which was high) you were left dangling over the brook. A large branch was often used to prod you back to the bank. I often wear a huge smile when reading all these comments, what fun we all had. You are my sister's age Mike Strong and I remember you well as a child. Dark haired and usually quiet. Glad you are settled and happy.
Fri Dec 7 10:07:05 2007

Mike Strong, Kinmel Bay
Hi Gary, I would have to get a lift to get over the park wall now, and the belly would get in the way when I swung, weren't those the good days when we never had a care in the world? Good fun, wish I was fit enough to do it again.
Thu Dec 6 08:35:09 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
The Peelings left Rhosymedre years ago, they moved to Vicarage Fields. Mr Peeling sadly died, not sure about Mrs Peeling. We used to see her coming from church as we were going in for our service but have not seen her for a while. No idea what happened to Richard, will ask John Lane when next I see him, he may know.
Wed Dec 5 17:00:40 2007

Christine Madsen, Rhosymedre
To Garry, if you and Mike are putting the rope up over the brook I bags the first go!
Wed Dec 5 16:32:51 2007

Garry Williams, Cae Gwilym Lane
Re Mike Strong, never mind the camp Mike, let's get the big rope swing over the brook across the park wall from the Eagles up and running again.
Wed Dec 5 07:55:47 2007

Marilyn Jansen (nee Jones), Dukinfield, Cheshire
Does anyone out there remember Maureen and Michael Peterson? They were American kids related to the Holgates (1st Avenue old Plas Isaf). Wonder if any relative of the Holgates can enlighten me as to how they are now. I remember Maureen Holgate too. Anyway the Petersons stayed in Plas Isaf for their school summer hols and Michael got a newsround job and used to throw the papers at the front door (American style) instead of pushing them through the letter box, UK style. They were both blond haired. I also wonder how Richard Peeling is getting along. His dad used to work in the offices in Monsanto. Nice bloke. Anyone out there know the Peelings?
Mon Dec 3 10:03:41 2007

Ian McLaren - Down Under
I now find Rhosymedre memories on the Bluebell page. Things that I can remember. Tina Jones had three brothers, David, Paul and Stephen. Unfortunately Stephen died in the early 1960s. He spent the latter part of his life in a wheelchair. Stephen wouldn't have been much older than 11 or 12 at the time he died. David died much more recently, sometime last year I think. I am not sure where Paul is living but I think that he made his way to London in the late sixties. Until Tommy Owens' son Trevor and family moved to Wrexham, around 1961-62, I was friendly with Trevor's son Peter. I remember visiting their house and Tommy's house often. They were semi detached and I don't recall any mention of the houses being a pub at any time. Trevor and his family lived in the house on the left as you look from Brook Street towards the park. In reply to Chris, my brother Bill still lives in the district. I shall make enquiries as to where Hetty and Ken might be buried. It's amazing the things that you can find out from 13,000 miles away.
Sun Dec 2 16:28:19 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
Amendment for Sandra, I meant are you Tommo's sister!
Wed Nov 28 16:56:04 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones). Plas Isaf
Mum remembers 1959/60-ish Canon Rowlands plus parishioners singing Christmas carols under 1st Avenue St. light on Plas Isaf estate. She invited them in for mince pies and sherry. Life with the Lyons was on the wireless on the light programme. Mrs Joyce Love was singing with them, snow was falling and she says it seemed magical at that time.
Wed Nov 28 09:33:25 2007

Chris, Rhosymedre
To sandra, are you Tommo's brother? Tina has lost two brothers but I do not know which ones. I worked with your Pat, hope you are well, Christine.
Wed Nov 28 09:28:02 2007

Ursula Richards (ex Rhosymedre)
Hi Chris, asked my mam who made the costumes, some made by auntie Minnie plus others in the village. I will try and get in touch with Gwenda, she might know more.
Mon Nov 26 09:14:33 2007

Sandra Lovell nee Thomas
I see Billy often as he lives in Rhos and I am in Pen-y-Cae now after marrying a Pen-y-Cae lad. We Thomases lived in Llangollen Terrace. Anyone know where Paul Jones went - he lived next door to us with his brother David Stephen and sister Tina. Hi Nigel, I see you sometimes as I pass going to my mum but in the car so don't get to say hi to you. How is Stephen?
Mon Nov 26 08:54:47 2007

Chris Madsen
To Ursula, I bet aunty Minnie made the outfits for the Rhosymedre 11 photo.
Mon Nov 19 08:32:35 2007

Ursula Richards ex Rhosymedre
Hi Chris Madsen. Just explained the costumes in the photo my mam, it's THE RHOSYMEDRE BLUE & WHITE JAZZ BAND she used to be in. Also, she remembers all the people mentioned, plus others. I've found an old photo of her 2nd from left looks like her a bit, it could be late 1940s-early 1950s. She is going to get back to me with more info. Lesley & myself were not even thought of then not even a twinkle in our mam's eyes. Yes, hair turned out fine after.
Fri Nov 16 08:14:10 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Ursula, Nigel's brother Brian is going to look at Rhosymedre 11 hopefully, Nigel will ask him as he himself is not on the internet.
Wed Nov 14 10:24:08 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Ursula, saw Nigel today. He will ask Leslie if it is her as he still sees her and he will ask his brother Brian to have a look at Rhosymedre 11.
Wed Nov 14 08:14:44 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Ursula, one of the girls in the photo (Rhosymedre 11) does look like Leslie Jones. I saw Stephen Jones with Nigel Beasley the other week so when I see Nigel again I will ask him to ask Stephen to look at it. I see Nigel often, lovely lad. Hope your hair turned out nice!
Mon Nov 12 09:22:11 2007

Ursula Richards (nee Jones)
Hi Chris, Thanks for replying. Yes, I like you, would have loved to be back there. I tried no end of times to get back to Plas Isaf but no luck, we ended up buying the house we are in just over the bridge from Plas Isaf. Yes, my mam's eyes the same, it's years since I've seen Marilyn - where is she living? Yes, the site is very handy for getting in touch with all the people we lost touch with.
Fri Nov 9 08:35:17 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
Hi Ursula, do not recognize anyone on photo but will ask our Marilyn to have a look, my Mum's eyes are not too good now but I will get her to have a look too when she comes up, love this site, wish I was back in Rhosymedre!
Wed Nov 7 16:50:59 2007

Ursula Richards (Jones), Rhosymedre
Hi Chris Madsen, could you go into Rhosymedre Photos site click on to No 11 photo. Do you recognise any faces? I think I might maybe know two faces, but not sure of the year. It's sent in by Derek Evens - not sure I know him. Good luck!
Wed Nov 7 08:13:55 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Ian, thanks for info on vicar. I am 58, but don't tell everyone else! He must have been new to the parish when he baptized me. How is your brother Billy? I have not heard anything about him for years. I see Melvyn Jones, Ian Davies and John Lane sometimes. I saw Melody Jones from the Plough the other day, she looks fine but has to use a walking aid now, well although we are all still spring chickens we need a little help here and there.
Mon Nov 5 11:07:45 2007

Ian McLaren - Down Under
To Chris Madsen. The Rev Elwyn Jones did have two sons, the elder was John Elwyn and as mentioned on the Cefn site the younger son was Steven. Rev. Jones arrived in Rhosymedre from Penycae in 1961.
Tue Oct 30 09:34:48 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
A few things I liked from my childhood: running through the autumn leaves and hearing them crunch, making snowmen in my garden, seeing the living room glowing in the fire light when coming home from school, jack frost patterns on windows, codliver oil and malt (yes, I really loved the stuff), listening to the Salvation Army playing carols near our house, post on Christmas day, left over Sunday dinner fried up for supper whilst watching Sunday Night at the London Paladium, dripping on toast and suger butties. Things I didn't like: syrup of figs, my liberty bodice, at least mine went over my head, my poor sister had loads of rubber buttons to fasten, chilblains, wellies that smacked the back of your legs when running and socks that always fell down, oh and my knickers with a pocket in them!
Thu Oct 25 14:05:28 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
One summer holiday (weren't they always hot and long or so it seemed) Anne Watkin, Chapel St, Sylvia Lane and I, we lived next door to each other, decided to walk to Mr Thomas our teacher's house in Rhos. Anne had Marlene Wright's (Tan y Graig) baby with her in her big coach built pram (lovely prams then). Anyway, off we went - not even sure where. Our Mr Thomas lived, as luck would have it, he was coming out of his house and so took us all in where Mrs Thomas gave us pop and fruit cake and the baby had milk. We then had to walk home - by now the poor baby was crying for her food - our small legs were aching and we were shattered. Poor Marlene must have been out of her mind with worry (sorry Marlene), my mum and dad had looked everywhere for us as had Mr and Mrs Lane. I had my bottom smacked that night I can tell you! Mr Thomas was the nicest teacher I think I ever had. Two other favourites of mine in Madoc as it was then were Mrs Mabel Jones (Arthur)and Mrs Griffiths who taught us craft.
Thu Oct 18 14:31:55 2007

Chris Madsen nee Jones, Plas Isaf
Does anyone remember Valerie and Brenda Hughes who lived in the end stone (I think they were stone) cottages after Plas Issa house? I used to go there to play with Brenda, she had a big rocking horse which I loved to ride on. She called her grandparents nin and pop so they must have been English. They appeared to live there too, at least if not they were constant visitors. Brenda was a nice girl, I remember she used to kiss her sister goodbye when we left for school as well as her mum, at that time my sister and I used to fall out as siblings do so I thought Brenda was lovely for doing that. I have no recollection of them leaving the area but they must have gone around the time the "new" Plas Isaf was built I expect.
Fri Oct 12 11:19:08 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
To Ian Maclaren, one of our school plays was the Elves and the Shoemaker. I was the shoe maker's wife, John Lane was the shoemaker and you were one of the elves. Mrs Poynton had a plate of jammy dodgers for John to put out for the elves which he did. We went off stage and the elves came on, you were next to say your lines but all was quiet because you had crammed jammy dodgers in your mouth and could not speak. All the mums and dads were laughing along with the rest of the class. Hope you are enjoying life in Australia. I have family out there as most people in this country seem to have, they live in Horsley, New South Wales.
Wed Oct 10 15:06:10 2007

Chris Madsen, Acrefair
To Sue Panton, I worked on the switchboard when Daphne retired. I used to work in the telephone exchange in Wrexham but fancied a change. Ceris worked alongside me. I have seen Ceris since as her niece married my brother in law and we met in my in laws' house. I used to live in Plas Isaf, Rhosymedre. Nice to hear from you again.
Tue Oct 9 10:52:31 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
I have a book which was presented to me by the vicar of Rhosymedre church who at that time was vicar Rowlands. The book was the first of many that I received for good attendance at Sunday school. On the inside it says - Vicar DH Rowlands, superintendent Mrs C Wiillams and hon. Secretary Mrs R Roberts, it is dated 1955. The vicar later became canon and we children were proud of the fact, the vicar was a loving gentle man who walked around the village in his cassock. We children would fling our arms around him when we saw him. His wife was a typical vicar's wife, she would open our church fete wearing a big hat and I thought she looked like the Queen Mother! They lived in the old vicarage, a lovely big stone house with a walled garden, my aunt Nel used to clean for them. I remember that they had a lovely tiled entrance hall. We had lovely Christmas parties, sometimes we would have fish and chips from Nat the chippy. We would watch silent films of Charley Chaplin and then play party games always making sure vicar joined in. I think he rather enjoyed spin the plate! We had at least 4 Sunday school teachers, the first was Betty Buffy who we called aunty Betty, she had a lovely speaking voice. We also had lovely trips, mostly to Rhyl which seemed a posher place then. To think that Rhona Roberts is still giving her service to the church is a wonderful achievement, well done Rhona!
Mon Oct 8 15:23:31 2007

Sue Panton (Jones of Cefn)
Christine: Yes I did work both on the switchboard and in the print room (as did my sister Muriel) in the days when it was the old plug in cables. I remember Jim Price, little Stan and Paul in one of the offices as did Malcom Jones (son of Jonty) who gave me a lift to work some days in his bubble car! Christine where did you live in those days? We had a lot of laughs.
Mon Oct 8 10:12:13 2007

Chris, Acrefair
Thank you Trefor, I had thought of Cefn being the big ridge but my in my limited Welsh the Fron and the Rhos puzzled me. I hope someone with more knowledge than you and I may tell us more.
Mon Oct 8 09:52:01 2007

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
To Chris Madsen, yes my sister Susan did work in Air Products, as did Walter and my dad Jack the painter. She sometimes contributes to the Cefn Mawr pages, you will see her as Susan Panton Sleaford.
Mon Oct 8 09:46:14 2007

Trevor Jones, Colchester (formerly Cefn)
To Chris, Acrefair. I strongly suspect that you go to "the Cefn" because the English translation for the Welsh word "cefn" is "ridge" - Cefn-Mawr = Big Ridge. Therefore it is grammatically correct to say "the Cefn" (albeit a mix of two languages). By the way, I'm not 100% sure because sometimes there is a twist to seemingly simple things that only the "old timers" from Cefn would be able to see.
Thu Oct 4 11:12:03 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
Hi Marilyn, was Walter a Jones? Did he go go to the Salvation Army? They were musical there, I think they were Jones. I used to work with his sister in the 1960s in Air Products, her name was Susan. I was on the switchboard and she worked in another office and did a lot of photo copying as I remember, big machines in those days, the fax machine was the size of a small settee!
Tue Oct 2 10:36:35 2007

Chris, Acrefair
Why do we go "the" Cefn but not "the" Rhosymedre, "the" Rhos but not "the" Penycae and "the" Fron but not "the" Chirk?
Tue Oct 2 10:17:50 2007

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
To Marilyn Jansen, Walter and Ivor Jones that you spoke of in the Maelor Youth Choir are my brothers. They both still live in Cefn Mawr.
Mon Oct 1 15:31:47 2007

Marilyn Jansen, Dukinfield, Cheshire
Hi Tony Valentine. I knew a todder Valentine in the 60s. He was in the Maelor Youth Choir and so was I. Jansen is my married name. Anyway I remember he had a good tenor voice and a bubbly character. He made us all laugh. He had startling blue eyes and black hair. Does anyone remember the choir with Lloyd Edwards who was our conductor? What has become of Glyn Vaughan Jones I wonder? Does anyone remember him? Wendy Meyers was also a member but for a short period. I also remember Walter and his brother but not their surnames. We sometimes used to go to the Bluebell after practice.
Mon Oct 1 09:03:28 2007

Chris Madsen (Jones), Plas Isaf
Ti Alun, my dad was in the St John Ambulance along with his brother, Bob (Ireland). My dad was Steve. He used to go out on the ambulance with "little" Dick driving. They delivered two babies at different times to the same lady on the Green Corner!
Wed Sep 19 09:12:44 2007

Gill Strong, Kinmel Bay
Hi Chris, lovely to hear from you, we have been up here for nearly 10 years now. I have been keeping up with the alterations in Ebenezer chapel as I was baptised there many years ago. It looks very modern now I only hope people will support it as it looks great. We don't get down that way since my mum died almost three years ago and Kim moved from there. I am sure the BBC will give you my email address so we can catch up, love Gill and Mike.
Wed Sep 19 09:11:39 2007

Chris Madsen
Hi Mike and Jill Strong, hope you are happy by the sea, one of these days we will come and see you! Ken and I send our love to you both.
Fri Sep 14 11:35:25 2007

Christine Dukes
My grandfather was involved in the tiling behind the altar at the Church in Rhosymedre and indeed my grandparents are buried there. I am pleased that the proposed alterations will not affect the altar and am supportive of what is being proposed.
Thu Sep 6 13:03:35 2007

Muriel nee Mccarthy from Eastbourne
I spent a year in Rhosymedre with my mother, sister and brother in 1943/1944. We stayed with my Aunt Daisy to escape the bombing in London, where we lived. Aunt Daisy lived at No. 50 Chapel Street in a row of perhaps six small houses backing striaght on to the Chapel next door. My sister and I went to the local school, which was just one large room in the road next to Chapel Street. Coming from such a large school in London we found it very different but nice. We used to play in the quarry at the top of the road and also, much to my now worry, along the railway line until someone reported us to my mother. I well remember the Coop shop. We also used to play in some grounds nearby by climbing over a brick wall and playing in the woods. I never knew what sort of a place it was. Several years ago my sister and I visited Rhosymedre and could not believe how small the quarry was or how very small the school was. At the time of this visit I believe it was a football club and the houses in Chapel Street were no longer there. I was rather sorry I went back and much preferred to remember is as it was when I was a child. I loved living in Rhosymedre in 1943/44 because it was so very different from my normal life in London.
Mon Aug 20 13:00:38 2007

Alun Salisbury, Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Rob Holt - I'm afraid not Rob. I tried to leave a message for you on the Trefor page, but it didn't appear. If you want to know more about your great great grandfather please contact me.
Thu Aug 9 10:38:10 2007

Rob Holt
Alun, do you know of the Isaac family, maybe Raymond or Beryl?
Wed Aug 8 13:30:07 2007

Mike Strong, Kinmel Bay
Richard Evans I thought I would let you know I am still alive and kicking (only just) and living in Kinmel Bay. It is nice to know I am still remembered by the old lads from Rhosymedre. How do you fancy building another camp in the quarry?
Fri Jul 20 16:17:30 2007

Gillian Hughes (nee Morris) Rhosymedre
To Martin Gwilliam: I know your taid Arthur very well, in fact he made me a lovely doll's house when I was a little girl, I was thrilled to bits with it! I used to be pals with your Dad, Andrew, when we were little and my parents Elaine & Fred Morris used to be friends with your taid Arthur and nain Beryl. I remember your Dad promising to marry me when we grew up! I bet he'd cringe if you reminded him about it! :-) We had such a happy childhood and I have such wonderful memories.
Fri Jun 29 08:58:52 2007

Len Salisbury, Acrefair
Martin, your taid and great grandfather Harry lived in the last red bricked house on Cae Gwilym Lane before Coronation Street was built alongside the pathway that leads from the ring. I knew his brothers well.
Thu Jun 21 08:36:23 2007

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
Martin, I not only know your grandfather Arthur, but also his father Harry. I played many a game of bowls with your great grandfather.
Thu Jun 14 14:46:59 2007

Martin Gwilliam, Rhosymedre
My taid has lived in Rhosymedre most of his life. His name is Arthur Gwilliam. I'd be pleased to hear from people who know him.
Tue Jun 12 08:46:24 2007

Valerie Roberts, Stockport
Thank you to Charles Alwyn Price for taking the trouble to ask if my sister and I stayed in Acrefair. Not to my knowledge but we were only 8 and 6 years old when we stayed with our Aunty Hetty, we went to the school for a brief period at the church during 1960 and used to play with Christine, Ramon and June's daughter. We are doing a family tree and need to tie up a few loose ends and would dearly like to know where our aunty has ended up if anyone can help us please.
Fri May 25 15:09:58 2007

Charles Alwyn Price
Could I ask Valerie Roberts of Stockport if she also stayed with family in Maes Madoc, Acrefair ?
Tue May 22 10:02:19 2007

Robert Thomson, Glace Bay, N.S. Can.
How and when did the St John's amb. get its name?
Mon May 21 11:21:22 2007

Sue Dennett - East Sussex
I would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to comment on Mable Jones (nee Arthur) who I was trying to contact. I was able to find her and this morning I had a long letter from her. Thanks again - I would never have found her without your help!
Tue May 15 11:19:45 2007

Valerie Roberts, Stockport
As young children my sister Rowena and I stayed with our great aunty in the shop known as Hetty's Shop and I wondered if anyone can tell us where she and her son, Kenneth, are buried.
Fri Apr 27 08:14:57 2007

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
Mabel Jones used to teach me Music at Ysgol Madoc, Acrefair. The Music Room was Room 1, I think, and there was a piano in the corner. Looking back it was a bit like St Trinians. Mrs Jones sitting at the piano in her black gown and the class singing away merrily. One top tip I took from her that I will never forget. "You must always sing with your mouth shaped like an O" she used to say. "Not like these so called pop Stars...rubbish!" Yes, good times.
Mon Apr 23 09:33:12 2007

Linda Hall (Jones)
I too have some very good memories of Raymond Arthur teaching us in Cefn Schoolin about 1970. He was a brilliant music teacher and we learnt every hymn imaginable and we also composed a new song for Wrexham Football club I think it was called 'Up the Robins'... Along with Mrs Kath Brown (who was married to Reg Brown, brother of Tilly Poyton) we had some good singing sessions in Cefn School. Mabel Jones did also teach music in Acrefair Secondary Modern, but as said previously not sure where she lives now. She did live at one time in her mother's bungalow on Park Road, Rhosymedre, and Janet Arthur (Claybrook) lived next door in the new bunglow that was built but Janet now lives in Trevor.
Fri Apr 20 11:51:10 2007

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
Yes Gareth, I well remember Raymond Arthur, one of my former teachers at Cefn Mawr Junior School. He was the only one capable of conducting a Choir and playing the piano at the same time!
Wed Apr 18 11:51:01 2007

Gareth Davies, ex-Acrefair
To Sue Dennett. I remember Mabel Jones (Arthur) very well. Mabel used to take the contralto solo parts in the Gilbert and Sullivan productions of the Cefn Mawr Operatic Society when I was a member in the late 1960s. Her brother Raymond Arthur, who died some years ago, was a teacher, as was Mabel, in Cefn Junior School. Raymond was organist in Llangollen Parish Church, Monsanto Social Club and a friend of mine. We had some wonderful "experiences" with Ernie Ethelstone and Gerry "Sticks". Raymond's daughter Janet married Ian Claybrook from Llangollen and you may find their telephone number in the directory. Janet should be able to give you much more up-to-date information about Mabel who is still alive as far as I'm aware and still living in Pentre.
Wed Apr 18 08:25:44 2007

Derek Evans, Johnstown.
To Sue Dennett.If you could contact I have a little bit of info. which might be of interest to you.
Mon Apr 16 10:14:24 2007

Sandra Lovell (nee Thomas)
Hi Ursula, nice to hear from you. Yes, it's me, right one - Val sister. How are you keeping? I started smoking younger than you, packed up a few times and started again. It's nice to read about some of the people from Rhosymedre. I sometimes see Billy McLaren as he lives in Rhos so I knew where Ian was. Alan Roberts is in Rhos to so see him now and again. If you want to write to me there still a lot of the people from Rhosymedre I'd like to know what happend to them. By the way, anyone know where Jean and Joyce Edwards the twins from First Ave. went to live?
Mon Apr 2 09:23:39 2007

Ursula Richards (nee Jones)
Hi Sandra Lovell (nee Thomas). Yes, great to hear off you. It's Val's sister, isn't it? Yes, I do rememeber the swing over the brook very well. I let go, fell into the brook, got a good soaking. My brother made me lie in sun to dry off as our mam would have killed us as it was out of bounds!Also, the blue bell bank that was miles away. That photo of the Chapel - I was only 2 or 3 years old. I do recall we got up to a lot of trouble in them days. Guess what? I am giving up smoking & Terry did 2 years ago July. I started smoking when I was 15 years old so I've done well. Keep in touch.
Wed Mar 28 08:23:56 2007

Sue Dennett - Sussex
Does anyone know Mabel Jones of Pentre? I think that her parents were Llew and Nance Arthur of Rhosymedre. They were old friends of Raymond Cooke - my father. Any help would be much appreciated.
Mon Mar 26 09:45:53 2007

Sandra Lovell (Thomas, Rhosymedre)
Hi to all, it was nice reading about Rhosymedre and all the crowd - a lot of places I remember on the photo of the kids in '56 '57. I don't think it was Nigel Beesley as he younger than me so it his brother Brian. Does anyone remember jumping the park wall by the Plough along the path there? We had a swing from a tree going over a brook and coming home with bluebells and daffs. Ursula, nice to see you on here. I am going to my mum's tomorrow. I am taking the picture of the 1956-57. She tell me who they are I can see there a few of her kids on it. Hope to here from any of you soon. Sandra (Thomas), Llangollen Terrace.
Mon Mar 26 08:40:45 2007

Richard Evans, Penmachno
Hello Ursula. It's nice to hear from you. Wish your mum a very happy birthday from me and Anne Marie. Tell her to keep drinking the water. It's clearly more effective than beer. I'm sorry to hear of Uncle Sid passing away. I hadn't heard. In fact I've lost touch completely with Rhosymedre. This is why this website is so good. The village seems to have changed so much, judging from what I've seen on the few occasions I've passed through, and it's good to remember what it used to be like. Anne Marie's mother is the only one of our parents still alive. She is 83, smokes like a chimney, gets no exercise and eats the wrong sort of food. She still lives in Uttoxeter and we try to see her as often as we can. We live in Penmachno near Betws Y Coed and both work in the school at Abergele. Keep in touch.
Tue Mar 20 10:06:50 2007

Ursula Richards, Rhosymedre
Hellow Richard Evans(Penmachno). Well, how are you & family?My mum is firing loads of questions at me to find out about your family. She is asking a lot about Ann Marie, my mum is 86years old to day, still drinking loads of water, & me AH!Ah! Did you know uncle Sid passed away four years ago next month. I asked my mam about you & Chris going out Xmas morning getting drunk - she can't remember it. Mind you, she can remember everything I did wrong when I was younger!
Mon Mar 19 08:28:47 2007

Richard Evans, Penmachno
To Ursula Richards and David Edwards. Hello Ursula. Say hello to your mam from me. One memory I have of her was when your brother Christopher dropped by the morning of Christmas Eve and dragged me out for a pint at the Top House. We stayed there until closing time. Christopher was drinking whisky. When I returned home I had to lie on the sofa to recover, but Aunty Dil came round and had a go at me for getting Chris drunk. Hello David. I remember distictly the first time I met you. Mike Strong and I were already living at Plas Isaf by then. I think you had just moved in. You were up a tree behind one of the houses that was still being built. Mike and I started talking to you and after that the three of us spent a lot of time in the school holidays together. Is Mike Strong still around? I also remember my mother telling me that one of your sisters had settled in Boscastle in Cornwall. Is she still there? Since my parents passed away I don't tend to visit Rhosymedre, but this website brings back so many happy memories.
Mon Mar 12 14:40:28 2007

Ursula Richards, Rhosymedre
Hi to David Edwards, Long time no see. Yes, you are correct about Chris at Hafod. I had forgot about him going there before him going to the police. You must be the same age as him. Your sisters & me got up to some tricks when we where younger. I do remember my dad in your house with your dad & Jean & Joyce, myself. Got bored so we decided to do something about it. There was empty milk bottles by front door so we decided to let a dolls pram roll down your path to hit the bottles, missed them went straight threw the glass in door. Boy did we do some grovelling but it was good fun in them days. Where are your sisters now? Are they still in the area? Since I've found these sites of the areas I was suprised the amount of people that's emigrated. It's great to catch up on people & see what everyone is doing these days. Hello to Richard & John Evans. My mam wishes to be remembered to you both.
Mon Mar 12 08:26:08 2007

Linda Hall
Hello Ian - the picture that you are looking at at Chatham's quarry is of Gillian's dad's uncle, my mum has a copy of this book and we have looked at this picture many times. The picture is of Bert who was my taid (Norman and Gillian's taid - Fred). From what my mum has told me, Bert was very tall about 6' 6" and towered over everyone who knew him. He lived next door to your gran Alice with his mother and brother Fred, he never married and died relatively young. I hope that this clears up any confusion.
Wed Mar 7 12:00:51 2007

Ian McLaren - Australia
To Gillian Hughes. Following my last message. If you go to the BBC Wales Cefn Mawr site there is a link to Ifor Edwards book. Your Grandfather is in photo number 10, middle row, second from the left. The photo numbers are on the top left side of the narrative.
Tue Mar 6 14:33:10 2007

Gillian Hughes (Nee Morris), Rhosymedre
To Ian McLaren, Australia: My parents and I used to live next door to your grandmother Alice in New Terrace, Brook Street. My Mum has often told me what a lovely woman your grandmother was and how she used to go and visit her for a chat and a cup of tea. My parents, Elaine and Fred, send their best wishes to you.
Mon Mar 5 09:10:07 2007

David Edwards from Chirk
To Ursula Richards, Ian McLaren, Richard & John Evans. I've been reading with interest all of your comments since becoming aware of this website by Andrew Jones. We moved to No 16 in March 1957, most of the other houses in the avenue at the time were still being built apart from those opposite. Isobel, Margaret and Arthur Langsley lived at No 2. Christopher Jones started an electrical engineering apprenticeship like I did at Hafod colliery, but soon afterwards left to join the Police Force. More memories to follow!
Mon Mar 5 09:09:41 2007

Linda Hall
Ursula Richards - Yes I do remember who you mean now. I remember the twins although they were a bit older than me. They weren't identical though were they - I think 1 had reddish hair and the other had very dark hair. I don't know if you do remember me Ursula - I am a bit younger than Terry Sharpe. My mum is Norma Jones (nee Morris) and most probably you will remember my nain and taid Barbara and Norman who lived in New Terrace, Brook Street, where the red wall was that everyone was talking about sometime ago. My mum now lives in the flats opposite the old Eagles (now Park View nursing home) next door to Graham, Terry's dad.
Fri Mar 2 13:51:43 2007

Ursula Richards (nee Jones), Rhosymedre
Hi to Ian Mclaren(Australia). For Linda Hall, I can tell you both the names of David Edwards' twin sisters. They are Jean & Joyce. I went to school with them. I'm not sure if I know you Linda, your name rings a bell. My elder brother is Chris Jones. Ian, you would remember him - not seen him for 18 years. Perhaps you might help me. Does anybody remember Isobel Lansley. I have not seen her since Rhosymedre Church school.
Fri Mar 2 08:43:48 2007

Ian McLaren - Australia
To Linda Hall - I was browsing this site yet again and I saw that you asked Terry who was Big Trev? Big Trev was Trevor Edwards, he had a son David and twin daughters whose names escape me.
Wed Feb 28 10:26:45 2007

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
To John Edwards:-Hello John, I will tell my Gran that you have contacted me. She will be thrilled to bits. My Mam, Wendy, always used to go on about the Tower and Greta has 3 pictures on her wall. Two are of the Aqueduct and one of the Tower.
Wed Feb 28 07:54:09 2007

Linda Hall, Acrefair
Gwynneth - I have spoken to my mum and she doesn't have any photos of the people you have mentioned. They are a different family to my mums, she is on the Hughes side and you are asking about your relatives from the Evans family. She does have a very good photo of my nain Barbara and her sister Louisa who was Shiela (Hesketh), Francis (Kempster) and Kathleen (Roberts) mum. I'm sure that many readers will remember the above.
Fri Feb 23 11:08:32 2007

Gwynneth Pritchard, Rhosymedre.
To Linda Hall. Would you ask your mother Norma would she happen to have any old photographs of our old aunties or uncles, eg. Alice, Sarannah, Mary etc. Thank you.
Mon Feb 19 16:48:41 2007

John, Little Sutton
To Terry Sharpe, just found this site on the web. My father was Alfred Edwards, Greta's brother, so I guess we are related. I have many memories of playing at Waterloo Tower and the woods around.
Mon Feb 12 14:27:59 2007

Sue Dennett
I am researching my family history and wonder if anyone can help me. My grandparents were William and Gertrude Cooke. They lived in Rock Road, Rhosymedre and in the late 1920s/early 30s William was a teacher at Rhosymedre school. In 1927 their son Raymond, my father, married his first wife Dora Franks at the parish church. Dora was the daughter of Mrs Rowlands who lived in Auckland House Acrefair. I have very little information and no photographs of my grandparents and know hardly anything about my father's life at that time. Does anyone know anything about any of them? - or have any photos? I would be so grateful for any help at all!
Mon Feb 5 08:32:51 2007

David Wright
To Geraint Roberts. Geraint it's good to hear from you, yes they were good days at St John Ambulance, I think during our time and Steven Jones time it was the most successful period for the division, today it does not live up to the past, in our time and Stevens a lot of effort was put in to promote the brigade within our community, but today you rarley hear of St John work being carried out within our local communities, we can look back with a lot of pride and honestly say we did serve our communities in the true traditions of St John Ambulance. Thank you for your comments can I just say it was a privilege to be part of your training.
Tue Jan 9 14:38:12 2007

John Evans, Newtown, Powys
To Tony Vaughan: Tommy Owen's horse was definitely named Jock, a big brown horse who pulled the cart, often with a bag of oats tied round his neck. Jock's field was used by us kids in the sixties for sledging down, in the days when we used to have snow! We also used the path up to Cae Coch, because there were lights all the way up it, which was a nice gesture of the Council to illuminate our run! It did, however, make it very tricky for the pedestrians, as the icy surface was so treacherous. But I can't remember anyone ever complaining.
Tue Jan 9 13:45:37 2007

Tony Vaughan, Oswestry
Re: Tommy Owens' horse called Jock. Was this the horse kept in the field on the right coming down from Cae Coch behind the prefabs on Rock Road in the 60s? I've always known this as "Jock's Field". P.S Hello to Andrew "Potty" Jones.
Tue Jan 9 08:42:19 2007

Richard Evans, Penmachno
To Andrew Jones. How are you? What memories this site stirs up! I'm John's brother. I think I still have the cine film you refer to, but I haven't seen it for years and I don't know what condition it's in. I'll dig it out and pass it on to John, who says it can be copied onto a DVD and put on the web. Regards to Dai Potty.
Fri Dec 22 10:56:30 2006

Kev Garrett
Trevor Jones; Sorry, can't say I remember your name but the Garretts have lived in Plas Isaf since 1950s. The Doolans are still in Cefn Mawr but Jackie and Ken have passed away.
Tue Dec 19 08:04:50 2006

Tina Rogers
Does anyone remember my mum? Caroline Jones? (Later Rogers) She's been reading all the messages and would love to get in touch with anyone who remembers her from Rhosymedre. Not sure which house she lived in on Church St. She lived with her adopted mam and dad, and had an Uncle John who died quite young. Her real dad was called Teddy Jones, her mum was Susanna, and she had sisters called Megan, Dorothy and Mary and a brother called John. Please write to her via this site, she would be so made up if anyone knows and remembers her!
Mon Dec 18 10:24:35 2006

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr
I notice you mentioned Nevyn Hughes John, it's a pity he died quite youngish.
Mon Dec 18 10:05:09 2006

John Evans, Newtown, Powys
To Terry Sharpe: Thanks for filling in some of the names in the football team. The only one I remember from this list is Nevyn, who I think was Nevyn Hughes who played central defender and lived in Bro Gwilym. I can't place the other names you mention - perhaps there was a later team which continued to play after I left the village in 1970. The names I can remember are David Jones ("strat") in goal, Paul Jones (Des) full back, Alan Rowlands ("Adgie"), Hayden Roberts, Charlie Blain (very fast on the wing), all from Acrefair, me, centre forward), David Jones ("Potty")inside left and Christopher Jones ("Chrissy"). That's still not a full team. Can anybody else help?
Thu Dec 14 13:20:27 2006

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
To Alun Salisbury - Bad news I'm afraid Alun. My Gran was married by then and attended a VE party in Llay.
Thu Dec 14 08:26:34 2006

William Russell Jones, Cefn Mawr.
Thanks Terry, I was speaking to your Dad, Graham, about this Saturday.
Tue Dec 12 14:05:52 2006

John Evans, Newtown, Powys
To Andrew Jones: You must be David's youngest brother! Please give my best wishes to him - we were best mates and both football mad. It was my brother, Richard, who took the cine film, which he probably has still got somewhere. I'll have to ask him. Good to hear from you.
Tue Dec 12 14:02:55 2006

Andrew Jones, Rhosymedre
To John Evans, I've just come across this site and you have asked about my brother David. He still lives in Hereford. John was it you or Richard that used to film the football match on the church field? Then we all used to come round and watch it at your house. Would you still happen to have the old reels of film?
Tue Dec 12 08:19:03 2006

Martin Griffett, Kingston (Rhosymedre until 1969)
To Terry: Yes, of course - Christopher NOT Nicholas! But wasn't there a Nicholas somewhere? Seem to remember "knickerless Nicholas" for some wierd reason!!!
Mon Dec 11 10:15:02 2006

Terry Sharpe,Rhosymedre
To William Jones-My Gran is married to William (Bill) Gabriel for Newbridge. He is 80 now and happily living with Greta in Tipton, W.Midlands. During the war he was in the Navy operating Motor Torpedo Boats. Where are you from? Bill is suffering a bit at the moment and his memory isn't too good but my gran is a bright a button as they say.
Mon Dec 11 10:14:45 2006

Martin Griffett, Kingston (Rhosymedre until 1969)
All the talk about football has brought memories of watching both Rhosymedre and Cefn Albion (still going as Cefn Druids with their own web site, just Google them). I even remember going to away games on a double decker bus, although the only team I remember is Summerhill.
Mon Dec 11 10:14:23 2006

Terry Sharpe,Rhosymedre
To John Evans - I take a great pride in my memory of years gone by but it is sadly lacking when it comes to your question on footie on the church field but I will give it a go. The names I remember are Nevyn, Scuss, Mel, Vivien, Rubber-Bum and of course Potty. I was made to run the line one Sunday morning and I didn't fully understand the offside rule, for a Sunday the language was colourful shall we say.
Mon Dec 11 10:13:57 2006

Martin Griffett, Kingston (Rhosymedre until 1969)
To Ian: I too remember balancing on the red wall with its curved top. We used to play in the houses behind when they'd become derelict. I remember walking on the rafters of the bedroom floor being able to see the rooms below. Parents would have a fit these days!
Mon Dec 11 10:13:19 2006

William Russell Jones
To Terry Sharpe, it seems as if you are yet another Gabriel relation! I am putting them all together as I am doing a family tree. You speak of Greta Gabriel your grandmother, who was she married to?
Fri Dec 8 11:27:35 2006

Geraint Roberts
Alun, Just to echo the sentiments of others - this site has been quite incredible in terms of its reach. My mother Beryl and her brother and sister Ken and Rhona Hughes have really enjoyed the very many memories prompted by the site. When I first found it I printed out all of the pages and mailed them from Massachusetts in the US where I now live. She in turn alerted her friends and so on. In the 70's when I was in my teenage years my group of friends included John George, Terry Sharpe, Terry Jones, Martin Griffett and Paul Salisbury. We are all now back in various types of contact via this site. Quite a triumph given that we are scattered all over the place. To David Wright, it's great to hear from you and like Terry I have incredibly fond memories of St John's under your leadership. You were a great youth leader whom we all respected. Terry may have a better memory than me but I would have also thought it was Kenneth Lacy who fell out of the Landrover. I wonder what he is doing these days? Yes, I remember well our victory in South Wales and then the excitement of competing in the National finals in London. That was quite a tough one if I remember with one of the scenes being someone who had taken LSD or some other drug. I think we mis-diagnosed it if my memory serves me well.
Thu Dec 7 09:34:01 2006

John Evans, Newtown, Powys
To Terry Sharpe, I have very fond memories of the football matches on the Church Field. Dai was an excellent footballer and the last I heard of him was as a player for Hereford United. Does anybody know anything more? We used to spend the summer evenings playing football on the field, until it got too dark to see the ball. It felt like the kids from the whole village of all ages were playing. Then we'd be running home, extremely tired and hot and often muddy, which often resulted in a row from our Mams. Later on we became more organised, thanks to Dennis Love who became the manager of 'Rhosymedre', and we played in the Wrexham and District Church League from 1967-70, even winning the Fair Play Trophy one year! I remember the difficulties we had trying to get the Church Field into shape for playing the first serious game on the pitch for years. We even resorted to scythes and our Dad's lawn mowers to cut the grass. I think we made it into the Wrexham Leader and as a result we managed to get it cut properly, just in time for the first match. It was a real village effort, with Dennis and Graham Jones training us, and a group of mums who organised some fund raising and the half time cups of tea. We even had a trip to London out of it to see Wales play England at Wembley. For a time we used Herbert Cardin's old house as a changing room. Are there any more ex-team mates out there? To help you fill in your earlier list of people living in Plas Isaf, I seem to remember that the people who lived in the bungalows opposite the avenue were Mr and Mrs Elkes in the left hand one, and Mrs and Mrs Arthur in the right hand one. Mabel Arthur, or Mrs Jones, as I knew her, taught me English at Acrefair Central School.
Wed Dec 6 13:43:02 2006

David Wright
To Terry Sharpe. Terry you could be right about the name it's many moons ago, your recollection of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and your comment about Joyce Love are again full of memories, Mr& Mrs Kempster, Bryn and Cybil who I still speak to, all of us gave up such a lot of our time to look after the general public on the Eisteddfod field. Yes I do remember both you and Geraint trying out your own way home at Dynyn and how close we came to calling in help. Good to hear from you.
Wed Dec 6 13:35:56 2006

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre.
To John Evans - God I amaze myself at remembering Auntie Nellie. So were you the same age as Die Potty. Because I was a few years younger, all I remember is that David was a good footballer who used to play on Rhosymedre Church Field. His younger brother Andrew and me used to go and watch. To Alun Salisbury - I will print this out and ask my Gran when I see her over Christmas, so you will have to be patient. As I have already said before Alun your article has caused an outpouring of memories and emotions even you could not have comprehended. My sisters are talking about it, I have bumped into the older generations in Rhosymedre and got them taking about it. One was Rhona Roberts nee Wright. She is now the clerk for Cefn-Mawr yet she worked at the Co-op in Rhosymedre for many a year and was fascinated by the article.
Wed Dec 6 09:46:44 2006

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
To David Wright - Hello David, this is uncanny because, through this article, I found out that John George was coming over from America to see his mam and dad. We have just been out for a beer and were talking about the St John's and about you. Yes Dynyn was mentioned. We were talking about the time Geraint and I got lost and you were about to call in the rescue helicopter. David, I think we all learnt so much from our time at St Johns and look back with fond memories. The only thing John and I would differ on is that we think it was Russell Lee, not Kenneth Lacey, that fell out of the Land Rover?
Wed Dec 6 09:44:13 2006

Linda Hall (Jones)
Ian - I do remember you vaguely, and I do remember your grandmother (Auntie Alice) living next door to uncle Fred Morris. My nain was very friendly with her. We also used to play on the red wall outside the houses, using it as a train etc. until we fell off. I used to play with Linda Bithell who lived in Church Street, next door to where Terry lives now, and also with Kim and Julie Roberts who still live in the area, we used to go up to the rocks and wouldn't come home for ages and get filthy dirty. Does anyone remember Kim's mum Maggie (Jones), she was a lovely person who used to make lovely treacle toffee when we had bonfire night. Terry - my mum was asking who Big Trev was who lived at No. 16.
Tue Dec 5 10:28:57 2006

David Wright. St John Ambulance, Rhosymedre
John George, Geraint Roberts, Terry Sharpe. I have just picked up this website, I was speaking to Andrew Jones, Steven Jones's brother, and he told me my name has been brought up in conversation, it's nice to know you remember the past so fondly. I think the group that we had at St John in Rhosymedre were exceptional young men, who were always keen to learn, do you remember the first aid team that went to South Wales to the City Hall in Cardiff for the first time after winninig the County competitions? John George, Geraint Roberts, John Jones, Peter Davies, and Kenneth Lacey was the sub if my memory serves me right, John Jones is now a paramedic with the Ambulance Service, I remember we came last in the competition in 1973 and Mr George said to me we will never win this competition down here, 74 we finished 2nd or 3rd, and I said to John, John if you're good enough you will win it, and what happened in 75? Yes Cefn Mawr Cadet Division broke the mould and became the first cadet team from North Wales to win the trophy, good times and an exceptionaly dedicated group of young men. Terry Sharpe you were a scamp. Outdoor Persuits at Dynyn in Mid Wales were excellent, a dozen or so cadets packed into one landrover and all the kit packed in the other does anyone remember Kenneth Lacey falling out of the short wheelbase landrover in the bottom field after fetching fresh milk? I hope you are all keeping well, oh and I am still teaching first aid.
Tue Dec 5 09:24:43 2006

Alun Salisbury, Cefn Mawr and Cardiff
To Terry Sharpe – Little did I realise when I wrote the story just how many people across the world it would unite. It gives me great pleasure therefore to read the daily comments that appear on the page and pleased that your Gran had so much pleasure from it. Seeing that your Gran is from Newbridge I wonder whether she is able to throw any light on a VE party that I attended in 1945! The party was held at the junction of Cae Gwilym Road and Newbridge Road and adjacent to the old Welsh Baptist Chapel (see Cefn Mawr page Picture Postcards, #24). At the time, due to petrol shortages, traffic was almost non-existent so the fact that we blocked off the road under the railway bridge was irrelevant. It was a beautiful day and our mothers arranged tables, benches, and real food appeared which was a great surprise following the austere war years. We had a great party and although I can remember the day, I cannot remember who else was present and how a boy from Well Street in Cefn Mawr came to be invited to the party. Any help your Gran can give would be appreciated. I see that Paul, my son has taken my advice and finally contributed to the page. I just hope that you guys continue to stay in touch with each other. PS. There is also a story that I wrote that appears on the Llangollen page under Memories. This article covers the hosting of Eisteddfod competitors by the people of Cefn Mawr and surrounding villages. If you print out this page for your Gran, you may have to stay more than one night at Tipton!
Tue Dec 5 09:18:20 2006

John Evans
Terry, I am 'Aunty Nellie's' youngest son! I remember you as a little boy, probably a good 8 to 10 years younger than me. You lived next door to David Jones ('Dai Potty'), Lesley and Stephen. I have vivid memories of Annie Maria, first when she lived in the 'Big House' in Chapel St - I lived in no 17 - and then later in Plas Isaf. I have these clear memories of her voice, or that of her sister Rachel, shouting at each other. Gareth Davies also remembers them here on the Rhosymedre site and also on the Acrefair pages. To Linda Jones - Tommy Owens and his greengrocer's cart was a familiar sight on the streets of Rhosymedre and Cefn in the 50s and 60s. Do you remember his horse, Jock? To Ian Maclaren: I hope you received the photos I sent you, perhaps other will be interested.
Mon Dec 4 14:44:36 2006

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
Martin, They were Jacqueline, Christopher, Isobel and Jeremy. Sadly their mum and dad have passed away but I think Christoper and Jeremy still live there.
Mon Dec 4 13:34:00 2006

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
Linda-Yes I remember. There was also an air-raid shelter which we used to use as a camp. I also remember John living across the road too. I lived at No;1 Chapel Street with Cliff and Betty Hannaby next door with their kids, Paul and Angela. Do you remember them?
Mon Dec 4 10:36:57 2006

Ian McLaren from Oz
To Linda Jones. My grandmother lived in the house next to Fred Morris, at the end of the terrace. The address was New Terrace, Brook Street. The red wall was a great place to play. Many a balancing act along the top of the wall finished on the road, on one side, or the weeds on the other. My grandmother died in 1966 and the house remained empty until they were demolished. Your nain and taid were known to us as Auntie Barbara and Uncle Norman. In the nineteen fifties Brook Street was its own little community. How many people remember going to Morris's to buy nails, by the pound? The nails were to knock together the "trollies" we used to ride down the Church Street bridge. Wheels and axles came off old prams found thrown away on the rocks.
Mon Dec 4 10:11:15 2006

Roger Willmott, Glynceiriog
We own and work in the chapel next to ted the butchers, would appreciate any info on chapel. Recently had people viewing teling us that it was built by Thomas Thomas and was one of his first chapels. Look forward to hearing your comments.
Mon Dec 4 09:43:35 2006

Martin Griffett, Kingston (Rhosymedre until 1969)
Terry & Ian. I remember the Lansleys at No. 2. Their daughter Isabelle was friendly with my auntie Anne. They were probably in their late teens or early twenties(?) when Terry & I were about 7 or 8. Terry - the kids in No. 10 were Jacqueline and Nicholas (I think).
Fri Dec 1 13:43:51 2006

Terry Sharpe, Rhosymedre
Thanks for filling in the gaps Ian. Mrs Cook lived by us in Chapel Street in the 60s, but I cannot for the life of me remember the Lansleys. Paul, well fancy your dad being Alun!I never twigged. I will send you my e-mail address and pass it on to John and Geraint. Sorry I have lost Martin's but I know John has it. I will be in touch.
Thu Nov 30 08:44:39 2006

Linda Hall (Jones)
Terry - talking to my mum last night about this and she tells me that where the conker trees were (now bungalows) was Tommy Owens who used to be the local rag and bone man. After that was where my nain and taid lived (Barbara and Norman Morris and Fred Morris next door) in the red brick houses and Mrs Adams lived in the one on the site. Some houses went down the side, but these were knocked down and we used to play on the site when we were kids collecting the plaster to use as chalk. Can you also remember the old houses where John George's mum and dad lived before the flats where your dad and my mum now live where built, we used to play there also on the waste ground...but before that when I was very small I can remember going to John's house and playing on a swing in the alleyway between the houses.
Wed Nov 29 15:24:26 2006

Ian McLaren from Oz
Terry, In number 12 lived Trevor and Ellen Owens, their sons Trevor and Terry lived with them until they were married. Anna Maria's surname was Cook. The Strongs in number 14 were Eric and Flora. Their two sons were Malcolm and Mike. The Lansleys lived in number 2.
Tue Nov 28 08:07:54 2006

Terry Sharpe,Rhosymedre
To John Evans,
John, are you related to "Aunty Nellie"? I am sorry but I cannot place you, I will have to ask my dad, Graham. I have very fond memories of living in No:8 Plas Isaf. See if you can fill in the gaps from this stab at the cul-de-sac - God knows why everyone called it the avenue!
No:1-Dickie Reed
No:2-Can't remember
No:3-Dennis and Joyce Love
No:4-Peter and Ermgard Gorse
No:5-Bert,Mair and Martin Griffett
No:6-Arthur and Celia Kempster
No:7-Mr and Mrs Stevens
No:8-Us
No:9-Howard,Phylis,David,Lesley,Steven and Andrew Jones.
No:10-Harold,Jean and the Kids,
No:11-Fred (Island) and Lilian Jones?
No:12-Can't remember
No:13-The McLarens
No:14-Mike Strong
No:15-Elwyn and Rachael Prince,and Anna Maria?
No:16-Big Trev
No:17-Maelor and Muriel Barlow
Can you remember who lived in the bungalows by the conker trees?
Mon Nov 27 09:50:45 2006

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