Ruabon

Last updated: 22 June 2009

Gwyn shares memories of the village of Ruabon.

your comments

Angela K, California
I remember well visiting Ruabon in the summer 1958, staying with my auntie Joyce, her husband, H. de Wit, and cousins Ian and Andrew, attending school for the last month of the school year. I was the 10-year old Canadienne who organized the girls on the playground to gain access to the loo at school. The boys, I learned, had for years prevented the girls from reaching the lavatories during recesses. Noting the extraordinarily long needles on the campus' pine trees, and the very short pants worn by the boys, the solution was obvious. We were quite successful. I gained a reputation as a hellion from the Wild West with the community. I remember the picture house, Saturdays, and, of course, the colliers lined up at H.'s chip shop window at lunchtime, covered in coal dust.
Mon Jun 22 08:58:51 2009

Royston Morris
I have so many memories of Ruabon. The Mammy Daddy tree by the brook opposite New Hall, anyone could climb it. Sledging on Stoney Hill, playing football on the "back field" with Mr Roberts the policeman and the likes of Phil(Crad) Jones, Merlin Hughes, Ken Hughes, Geoff (Jack) Jones, Stan Morton, Peter (Peanut) Hughes, Dai(Coal), Colin the milk, does anyone else remember playing there? I have fond memories of Ruabon council primary school where I captained the Ceiriog team in 1955 which was blue, the other teams where Mabon - yellow, Dyfed - red. Joe Evans taught standard 3, Iorweth Griffiths was headmaster, we enjoyed really good sports days, we enjoyed playing football at break times in the school yard, and it seemed so big then. I remember fondly the August bank holiday fetes in the park and the wonderful floats parading through the village, hundreds of people from miles around attended. I remember the old doctor’s waiting room in Dr Jack’s old house it was at the bottom of a dark and dingy passageway, what a difference when Dr John built Candy Lodge and the new surgery. No appointments then just turn up and sit for ages waiting your turn.
Fri Jun 19 08:31:03 2009

Gwyn Morris, Ruabon
Just a point of interest for all those who asked about old photographs of Ruabon, there is a fantastic book called Remembering Ruabon written by T W Pritchard (published by Bridge Books ISBN 1-872424-90-2). It has lots of interesting details about Ruabon and loads and loads of old photographs of people and places in the village, well worth buying.
Fri Jun 12 16:54:03 2009

Gwyn Morris, Ruabon
Wow when I stared asking about Ruabon I didn't realise what a response we would get. Hi Ian (de witt) often wondered what happened to you, nice to hear from you.So many new memories mentioned, the little tin shop by the bridge was owned by Sal and Joe Edwards, a tiny place that seemed to sell more things than woollies. Dicey 9 cats, god there's a memory, the times we rapped his door and ran away, we thought it was fun at the time, I bet he didn't.Nice to know Father Hardwicke is still going strong, he was a really nice man and ran a good youth club.The Park was always an attraction, especially in the summer when we used to have great carnivals, and of course Ruabon St Mary's played there before the by pass cut the ground away.The Lester Hough you mention didn't work at the railway station, he went to Acrefair School and even as a young boy was a fantastic piano player. David Barcley Jones, I used to spend hours in his shed watching him do scientific experiments, very clever lad was David.Perhaps we should think about a reunion in the Wynnstay Hotel, but on second thoughts perhaps there are too may skeletons in the cupboard lol.Please keep in touch everyone, the memories are wonderful, so many things get forgotten in time.
Fri Jun 12 16:07:31 2009

Carol Gordon in Birmingham
I was up in Ruabon only last week, looking for clues to my family history, and I'm delighted to have found this site! I'm descended from Charlie Nicholas (Nickliss?). I don't know much about him other than he'd worked up at Wynnstay, and was also at Otely in Ellesmere around 1906. I think he was a groom.
Tue Jun 9 08:34:57 2009

Davies, Lincoln
I wasn't born in Ruabon either, but my ancestors were: on the census it is spelt Davis and John Davis (1833) married Mary Davis (1839). Mary Davies' parents were Joseph and May Blackwell from Denbighshire - (note the e gets dropped?). If the info is correct it goes back to 1789 Richard Davies father of Charles Edward James and John - no wife on census. If anyone can connect to the Welsh side of my family that would be great.
Mon Jun 8 12:16:45 2009

Colin Hughes, Workington, Cumbria
Just come across this site whilst searching Ruabon for memories and boy did I find some! We lived in North Avenue in my early years, dad, mam, brother Paul and then moved to New Hall Road when my sister Karen came along. We went to the Old school (St Marys), head teacher was Henry Leslie Brown with his dog Bootsie the bulldog sitting in on some lessons. I remember spending long hot summer holidays playing on the Rec. and in the park up at the lake by Lindesfarne calling at the bath house for a drink of the best tasting fresh water ever after getting a cup from old Jack. The column was also a popular place to play as well, the lightning conductor from off the top was in our back garden for many years after my brother decided it was better suited with us! Remember the picture house well. My mam used to drop me and my brother off there whilst she played bingo in the adjoining ante room. Fond memories of the cafe run by Harry De Wit, his favourite saying was "drink or out, it's not a ruddy railway station". Then there was the tin shop and Ronnie Breeze's shop. New Hall View or Long Row as we knew it was on my paper round and was a scary place for a young lad on a cold, dark winter's morning I can tell you.
Thu May 28 08:17:35 2009

Chistine Madsen
Only just found this site! Father Hardwicke is still fit and well. He now lives in Llandaff, Cardiff, still going to his operas, his maternal grandfather was the 5th Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Father keeps himself very busy as always, he still says mass, he has many many friends, wonderful man, I love him very much. Ian, I remember you and John Thelwell. I was John Lane's neighbour at one time and you were pals. Gwyn and John Morris were in my class at school (that makes us 21, honestly!). I remember the cafe well too. Sylvia Lane and I spend many happy hours with my dog up by the column. My dog joined the hunt once when it passed by whilst we were up there. I did not know how to get him back so we had to just sit there until he came back on his own, he was shattered! Happy days.
Mon May 18 10:04:52 2009

Terry Roberts, Acrefair
Ruabon was the best place to live when I was a young lad. I was born in the cottage hospital. Who remembers daddy Lloyd's shop, [penny fags], Xmas party at the Polish camps, sledging on Blakes field, fishing at woolies pool down the lane, cafe in Church Street, & a chip shop, search light by the gate to Blakes farm, swimming at hill sixty, climbing the column, [four eagles at the base], entering the ice house, hours & hours playing in the park. Many more memories...
Wed May 13 08:27:31 2009

Keith Gribbin, Stoke on Trent
De Witts cafe takes me back - used to deliver bread about 1960 for Champion bakeries from Stoke on Trent. I would have been about 17 then. It was my last call before my journey home. Cup of tea and a sausage sarnie, listen to the jukebox, two young girls worked there, one was named Kay and I think she lived on the estate opposite, and I think the other girl was named Margaret. I wonder what happened to them.
Mon Apr 27 08:48:08 2009

Kevin Williams - Helensburgh, Scotland
OMG, the memories are flooding back. My nain and taid had the last house on New Hall Road, before the new estate was built. I lived in Albert Grove, spent many a happy hour fishing up at twin ponds. Getting soaking wet at Tineragy, going for picnics up at Hill 60. The slang in Jack's wood. I well remember the green tin shed shop by the bridge. Leaning over the bridge, over the station platform with the steam/smoke billowing all over. The den running from the conker field to vicarage fields. Climbing into the park by the sub station in Tan y Lan and the steps from Park Street to by the legion. The Wynnville cafe, Breezes shop, Long Row and father Hardwicke, he was a true gentleman, and I wasn't even Catholic. Many happy hours spent in the Duke. Over 30 yrs since I left to join the Royal Navy, come back from time to time to visit mam, dad.
Tue Apr 14 11:16:58 2009

Marty Grundy in Ohio, USA
I wasn't born in Ruabon, but my ancestors were. They were 17th century Quakers. Anyone know anything about Richard and Ann Davies "of Rhieddallt" (the spelling might be off) and their two sons, David Davies and John Davies? The unmarried young sons emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1713, where they found wives and prospered.
Tue Apr 14 10:27:58 2009

Julie Williams (now Dean)
Lived at 12 New Hall View, 1973 was 10 then. Anyone remember me or lived there during that time? I had 1 sister, Donna, and 3 brothers Jimmy, Robert and baby Andrew. Please let me know if you remember me.
Mon Apr 6 11:13:16 2009

Paul Roberts ex Albert Grove, now Newcastle
Born Pont Adam, 1945, then Albert Grove. I'm still in touch with Arthur (Stan) Morton of New Hall View and recently met up with Ronnie Jones again after 35 years. I remember the Wynnville Cafe and Breeze's shop, as well as the Snooker Club (connection Albert Roberts who used to mend our bikes and the yot shop we had to be dragged away from). Sad about the bypass, tore the guts out of the place. Always remember those long summers in the park, the bath house, the Roman Dam and Hill 60. Anyone remember Lady Wynn coming to shop in the village with her Morris Minor?
Mon Apr 6 10:18:35 2009

Norman Meyers, Ruabon
Hi everyone, I'm new to this game just learning the internet. I know a few names out there: Martin Evans, Ian de Witt, know Andy better, the Morris boys lived across the road from me. Wil, Ruabon station was the junction for Barmouth. The legion was mentioned, I was the steward there, 1973. Nobody has mentioned the little tin shop by the bridge selling sweets.
Mon Mar 9 09:32:41 2009

Andrew Jones
I remember well the cafe in Log Street as a milk bar and playing pinball in there. I lived in Mount House on Church Street from 1962 to 1985 which is now sadly derelict but I'd love to know more about the old place.
Mon Mar 9 09:29:21 2009

Tim Hough
Hi - Ian De Wit. My dad used to live in Ruabon (until he was about 13, I think - so probably until around 1963, son of Charlotte & John Hough). Would he be the same Lester Hough mentioned in your text about working at the station? Just curious! Cheers, Tim Hough.
Tue Feb 10 09:18:39 2009

John Edwards, Wrexham
All my childhood memories started flooding back reading some of these letters. I was born in 1955. I lived in Church St with my gran, Annie Edwards. It's nice to hear from you (George) Martin Evans. Nobody has mentioned the sweet shop in Church Street or Dicey 99 opposite the shop, apparently that's the number of cats he had in his house. How about Mr Pugh's coffee shop opposite the toy shop? Does anyone remember the furniture shop called Hilton Bowens?
Tue Jan 20 09:37:09 2009

Jayne Quince, Derby
Thank you for this information Martin. I don't suppose you have any photos of the house do you? I believe my dad's eldest sister was born there too. I wonder if your mum is a relative. My grandfather had an older brother named Edward. I know he was married to Mary ?? and they had a daughter Harriet. I am not aware of any other children of this marriage but that doesn't mean there weren't any! I believe Harriet was born in around 1899 (this information is from the 1901 Census). Edward was born around 1880. Given the family's attachment to Long Row it seems possible that there is a link here. I wonder if your mum might remember any of them. Thanks again!
Mon Jan 5 10:01:31 2009

Iain de Wit, now living on Anglesey
Mum and dad bought the Wynneville Cafe around 1957, it was a fish and chip shop, general store and cafe. I recall that they stopped the fish and chip shop - it was too much for them. Let's put in a few names that it would be good to hear from (spelling may be rubbish). Norbert Czora champion scrambler in the conker field around 1962. Catherine Gyryck - forgive the spelling - excellent dancer around 1957. I have picture of her and others to prove it. David (prof) Barclay Jones now he was going somewhere, I believe cancer research or something in that field. Anyone remember the 'Gang' who met on Stoney Hill, the maps and David applying a lotion - will it still identify us today? Speaking of Stoney Hill, how are the memories of 1963 - am I right and did we start sledging on Stoney Hill and then after a week or so transfer to the hill behind Vicarage Fields? Who was involved - Bluto - can't remember real name. I think a guy called Andre Whitluck had the sledge we would all 'die' for. Then there was Gwynn and John Morris - John was last living in Hightown, Wrexham. Back to Vicarage Fields, the Midland Bank manager had 2 daughters, what happened to them? WH Smith in Ruabon was at one time run by Malcolm Owen - where are you dear sir? I remember Dr John's daughter on a walk, nice girl as was the daughter of Jack Groves who taught History at Ruabon Grammar School for Boys - a nicer gentleman you could not hope to meet. Yep, there is a character called Ian Vaughan Roberts, last known to be living in Marchwiel, whose father was the other Roberts at the GP Surgery (now a vets) in Ruabon. Are there still 64 steps to the top of the tower? Back to the station, I am sure Lester Hough worked there. John Thelwell is now in Powys, still with the church. Hello Gwyn Morris, how is John and Royston? We had our differences as kids, but that is a long time past. There was a lovely young lady who went to Methodist church in Wrexham whose dad was involved with the Hafod Clay (Terracota) - shame it went by the wayside. The cinema was wonderful, John used to walk round with chain. He later was involved with the bell ringing at St Mary's. There are lots of other memories.
Mon Jan 5 09:35:42 2009

Martin Evans, Rijswijk Holland
To Jayne Quince Derby. Having been born in Ruabon at 50 New Hall View (1953) I checked with my mother Brenda Evans who is now 82. She moved into the house in 1929, left 1958, her father was Edward Hughes (Ruabon), mother Annie Hughes/Vaughn (Bottel). She had a brother who is now deceased, Billy. Her father had from his first marriage 6 children: 3 girls Amy, Jenny and Harriet, 3 boys Tommy, Johnny and Teddy, she had no contact with them. I don't know if this info will be any use to you. I have been living in Holland since 1974. I speak to my mother quite regularly. If she has any more info I'll send it on.
Fri Jan 2 10:41:47 2009

Jem Cumbria
I remember buying Barret sweet cigarettes to collect the 1970 UFO cards at the Breezes shop. Mrs Breeze would open them to see if it was one I did not have. I can remember an old man called old Tom lived right at top next to the big red wall. The church was behind this, and he would go to the pub up Ruabon most nights. We moved to Plas Madoc just before it was all demolished as it was really run down. The railway sleepers are still there that were at the back of our row of houses. We climbed them and crossed the railway to get to the claypit. I went to Ruabon Infants then Acrefair Junior School about 1971. Remember Mrs Hardy anyone? Then back to Ruabon Comprehensive in '73, left in '76. Can't believe the lower school is now a housing estate. How was that allowed to happen? Thank God I got some photos when it was derelict before its demolition.
Thu Oct 2 08:02:55 2008

Jayne Quince in Derby
Well Gwyn, that cleared up a little query for me because my Dad told me that the family all lived on Long Row but I couldn't find any info about it! So thanks for that. I wonder if anyone out there remembers any of my relatives. They must have been quite well known in the area given that they all seem to have lived on the same street for many years. I know that they were mining families and it would be interesting to know which mine they might have worked. My great grandfather was known as 'Tommy Llangollen' apparently. Grandad and his twin both served in WW1. I understand grandad was in the KSLI and served in the Dardanelles but I am not sure about Enoch. I do believe though that Enoch had some burn scars on his face following an injury during the war. Enoch was married to Ethel nee Davies and I believe they had children. I would love to hear from anyone who might be a relative. I would also be very interested to see any photos of Ruabon, particularly of Long Row, if anyone has any they would be willing to share.
Wed Aug 27 09:38:12 2008

Gwyn Morris
I remember New Hall View Jayne, although we called it Long Row. My great grandfather lodged there just before his death in 1912. Ron Breeze had a small shop at the bottom of Long Row and the Cafe was just opposite it. It's all so different now.
Wed Aug 6 10:32:26 2008

Gwyn
Andrea you remember Ruabon as it was in the 'good old days'. I usd to work in one of the butchers you mentioned, W. R. Fletchers by the zebra crossing. I used to work every morning before school, every evening after school, doing deliveries etc, all day on a Saturday and I used to be able to chose a joint of meat and was paid 10s (50p) for all my labours, and my mam used to take 9 bob of that and give me a shilling back.
Wed Aug 6 10:09:18 2008

Jayne Quince in Derby
I am researching my family tree and have strong links to Ruabon. My grandfather Robert (Bob) Hughes was born in Pentre Broughton in 1890. He and my Nan lived at 50 New Hall View after their marriage in Wrexham in 1913. Most of grandad's family seem to have lived in this road at some stage. His twin brother Enoch Hughes lived at number 9 in 1939 and his sister Hannah Powell nee Hughes lived at 22 in 1916. There were several older brothers and another sister Ellen, the youngest brother was Hugh. My grandparents moved to Oswestry around the time of WW1 but the rest of the family remained in Ruabon. Their mother Elizabeth died at 9 New Hall View in January 1939.
Wed Jul 9 11:02:02 2008

Andrea
I am a bit of a later generation of Ruabon I think...but I remember Dr Glyn and Dr John also...and the post office being opposite the *roundhouse/The old Vaults* also I remember the Co Op where the chemist and veg shop is now situated, and the wool shop (where the *Traceys Nail/Beauty Shop* is now (before it was the electric shop), there used to be 2 or 3 butchers in the village, and a toy shop, kids' clothes shop, antique shop (where my brother took something up to to have it valued belonging to my mum and dad when he was a kid!). Tweed and Taylors are now replaced with little modern houses...and the old Legion (where I had my first real drink) is now also replaced with houses. I love remembering Ruabon as it used to be...keep them coming please! Thank you, Andrea Jones.
Mon May 19 09:18:58 2008

Gwyn
My god Wil, now the memories are really flooding back, I remember going to Dr Jacks and sitting in his dingy waiting room, scared to death, and staring in the window of Robert's toy shop for ages. I don't know where all the Ruabonites have gone, perhaps they have emigrated to Rhos. When did you live in Ruabon Wil?
Wed Apr 2 11:37:27 2008

Wil, Wrexham
I remember Raymond G******** bringing 2 trailer loads of pallets from Johnstown to Penybont. Next morning, on his way to Manchester, he was surprised to get stuck under the bridge at Ruabon, he didn't know there is 15ft.3ins clearance one side and only 14ft.6ins. the other. Father Hardwicke, one of the very few real "Christians" in this world. Was the Catholic church so desperate for money that they HAD to sell off the land with his "church" on it? How about Fr.Mac.? Blessed his car when it broke down on Panorama, but had to "blast" it before it would go. Remember the cinema but never visited it. Magistrates Court above tho cop shop where Kendrick J.P. would nod off and wake up shouting "Guilty"! true. Dr Jack and son, Dr John, plus Dr Glyn and others, the "Parish" offices, the bike shop, old Post Office when Penycae was "nr. Ruabon", the Legion for a Sunday drink, the Nant on Saturdays. Ruabon(?) Water Co. offices on Church St., confirmation by Bishop Bartlett at Ruabon church, the original Grammar school by the church, no, I didn't attend that, I attended the one which has recently been vandalised in the name of modernisation. "Nin" Williams's in Tanyllan with a huge grandfather clock just inside the back door, W.H. Smith's paper shop and, of course, Ruabon station ("junction for Machynlleth"), great when coming home on leave, less so when going back. All this about Ruabon, and I lived in Drefechan! Come on, Ruabonites, there must be loads of memories out there. Share them here, you'll enjoy it!
Mon Mar 31 11:07:13 2008

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