"For me Harlech and the surrounding countryside is a wonderful and magical place. I spent most of my childhood holidays there with my Nain and Taid. My Taid, Griffith Roberts, was a renowed tailor and bandmaster of the silver band for many many years.
I remember, as a child, following the band at the annual carnival. Long before I was born my Aunt Eirlys was carnival queen and my mother Barbara was Britannia. I believe this was at the first ever carnival. I have memories of hot sunny days with picnics on the beautiful beach, playing in the rock pools and jumping down the sand dunes; the magnificent castle and the zigzag path with the "witches cave"; tea in the Plas, walking up the Clech (probably spelt wrongly) when the sheep were coming down at full speed to go to the market; scrumping damsons from the laundry; picking mushrooms from the golf course; sliding down the "child made" slide on the rocks.... I could go on and on.
I live in Switzerland now and haven't been back for a few years, but visit the website very often. I hope to revisit soon to see all the things that made up my childhood and younger years, although I just have to close my eyes and I can see it all so clearly."
your comments
Sandra McKenzie, Midlands
My grandparents, John and Ida Williams (deceased) owned Castle View in Harlech, where they brought up my mother Betty and her sisters Edna, Joyce and Madge and my uncle. My mother was carnival queen when was 15 or 16 years old. I have the photohraph of her crowning. I spent most of my youth wearing my panties out on Bongreig sliding down the rocks with my sisters and cousins John, Eric, James and Alan. We had many happy hours and I still return every year as my mother is buried in with her parents in the graveyard behind castle view. Now myself and my daughters and grandson return yearly for holidays in Harlech and we have now made our memories. A little piece of heaven on earth for us.
Mon Mar 3 12:38:36 2008
Rhona and Anne Jones, Scotland
My sisters and I spent every holiday in Harlech when we were children. Our father was Gwilym Jones of Cynlas, Harlech, and we found your site whilst browsing for memories of wonderful holidays. We were delighted to see Karen Thomas's name as she was a second cousin of ours. We have long since lost touch with anyone in Harlech but we recognised most of the wonderful places people have written about. Particularly the Castle Cafe which our aunties had.
Fri Feb 8 11:18:55 2008
Rhian Wyn Jones
I am a Harlech girl at heart but moved to Newcastle upon tyne 4 years ago and have lived here ever since,miss Harlech lots it such a lovely place,it's Home it's where my family are but I moved away 4 years ago to train as a Nurse and have since Qualified and Work in Newcastle upon tyne as a nurse. Go to Harlech as often as I can. The most lovely place in the world. Will return one day.
Mon Oct 8 10:23:57 2007
Sulwyn Williams Royton Lanc's
Hi Jennifer Dunley. I was over in Harlech and happened to meet Cyril John Williams,Harlech born and bred, but has lived many a year in Birmingham,Megan Edwards,Barry & Jennifers mum is his sister.We got talking about the old days playing in Harlech Band and you'r uncle Merfyn's name was mentioned,Cyril said he see's him every week on the bowling green,so Uncle Merfyn is active and living life to the full. he also told me they have both had a tea mug done with the picture of the old Harlech Band on it,with you'r Taid standing proud in the middle.H! arlech is still as lovely as ever. I just love sitting on the Rocks,just me and my childhood thoughts.They will never ever leave me.
Mon Sep 10 09:42:40 2007
Charles Taylor, Billings Montana, USA
My mother fell in love with Harlech Castle many years ago; as a boy I watched her draw out Harlech's design and it became a place of near myth to me. I grew up and found a truly beautiful English girl to fall in love with. We spent a weekend in Harlech and for me, it was a totally magical experience. It was our Camelot; standing in torrential rain and howling winds jast added to the experience! The countryside is so beautful and the people are some of the friendliest I've ever encountered. I can only hope that the village retains its uniqueness and magical charm for another 800 years.
Mon Sep 3 10:35:27 2007
Gwen and John -- Harlech
Hi, i moved here a few years ago from Liverpool, love the area. i'm a keen walker and spend a lot of time looking at the beautiful views. I have made many friends and have always been made to feel welcome. It's about time we had a cobbler in the village, with the amount of shoes i get through (thanks Darren). Take care all, here's hoping for a good summer.
Mon May 21 09:47:02 2007
Vasilis Spyrou from Patra, Greece
I came to Harlech 4 years ago. It was a day trip starting from Liverpool, past Llanrwst, and finally reaching Harlech and the imposing castle. I still remember this day for the most beautiful, peaceful, magical place i have ever been! It was the first time i felt really calm watching the superb view from the castle. I remember a big restaurant with nice food there called Flash or sth like that(i think it was a souvenir shop too). One day, i'd like to go again to Harlech! Greetings from Greece, and sorry for my English!
Thu May 3 09:25:55 2007
