your comments
Celia, southampton
my grandpa was DR Peace of Brynhyfrydd Pinged Hill until1949,I spent time with them during ww2 ,evacuated from London and also on holidays from boarding school ( Aberystwyth)
Fri Jun 12 11:41:37 2009
Lyns - Kidwelly
I love Kidwelly because its my home, and I have so many good memories there! Playing mob in the castle at night was always brilliant fun, and reading back on these posts looks like that has been going on long before my childhood!
These days however its recently been front page news in the Star, as if its something new! Anyway, I also remember Angies cafe and used to go there often as a child for the (lush) ice cream, swimming in the Tin Works (which I still do occasionally, well paddle), long walks with my dog down the quay and river walk, the list is endless!
All my family live in Kidwelly, and I have no plans to move away either. Carnival Day is also something I have participated in since I was a child, I think it's a lovely tradition and I love it, it's just a shame more people don't make the effort to dress up!
Thu Jun 11 16:08:08 2009
Doug Taylor London SW
I was evcuated to Kidwelly from Haselrigge Road School in Clapham, South West London and lived with Mr and Mrs Charles in Bridge Street with my sister for about four years. I have happy memories of exploring the castle which, in those days, didn't cost anything to go in.
Mon Nov 24 12:55:43 2008
Sheila Whatling, Kidwelly
My husband and I moved to this neck of the woods a year ago to the 17th century canal cottages Parc y Llong just over the Kidwelly bypass and simply love the area.
The people are friendly and I love nothing more than a jog around the castle and the estuary of a morning...
Wed Nov 19 15:08:04 2008
Rhian Morris, Cardiff
Found this site by accident. Great reading the comments. To Hilary: my Mum was a Conniff (Sylvia)and it was lovely to read your memories about my Nana (The late Joan Conniff)and my Aunts and Uncle (Gary Conniff). It would be lovely to hear any more stories you may have.
Wed Aug 27 16:20:34 2008
Lesley Cairns. Kidwelly.
I am writing a history of the events of Castle School.Via the School Log books 1889-1940. Does anyone have any old photo's ect that they would be willing to share with me
Mon Jul 28 15:41:33 2008
Kidwelly Kid
A message to Joan in Kent: I remember Frederick Menghetti, he was my Sunday School Teacher in Trinity Chapel. He used to live in New Street. The chapel is still going and is one of the strongest in the town. Many people there will remember him.
Wed Jun 11 13:39:18 2008
Becky of Pembrokeshire
We are thinking of moving home to a house near to Kidwelly. Any information on your lovely town would be much appreciated. My husband and I have a teenage disabled son who lives with us and we are hoping to find out more information on local shops, doctors surgery and any clubs for disabled young adults nearby. Also if anyone has had experience with children's occupational therapist and if there is much help available for people with special needs. Many thanks.
Tue May 27 14:33:13 2008
Joan from Kent
I've never been to Kidwelly but it must be lovely because an ancestor (Frederick Menghetti) chose to live there. As a child in the late 19th/early 20th century, Frederick was sent from his impoverished family in central London to live on a local farm. He later went to Canada but returned to Kidwelly to marry a local girl and spent the rest of his 96 years there. I wonder if anyone remembers him?
Tue May 6 09:27:25 2008
Della Lines-Zechmann (Morris)
Kidwelly holds a very special place in my heart. I was brought up there, on Pinged Hill next door to my grandparents. We used to go to Park Stephens for the day and then mum would call us from the garden for tea, we used to take the dog for her walk round the block we called it, down the hill, up Lady St, Monkford St, Alstred St then back home.
Up the Castle we would hide - up to no good - our local was the river walk. Those were the days. The best was scrumping Mr Goffs (the fishermans pub) apples by going in through the church and over the wall. I think there were pears there too.
Mum used to walk us through the town every Sunday morning to Sunday school, with arrowroot sticks from Gareth the Chemist for fresh breath.
I have been away now 20 years and still go to the que for blackberries as I did with Daci, and remember picking mushrooms there too and on the Pembey Flats. There is not just one place I can talk about - it was all a magical place to grow up, and I am glad I was part of it. Lots of Love to you all.
Tue Apr 22 09:13:44 2008
Ifor Davies from Ontario Canada
A nostalgia trip. Back to Kidwelly again. Visited often since first arrival as an evacuee to stay with relatives in Kidwelly early 1940. Known as Davy Willie the Boxes son's son - figure that out? At that time seemed related to half the residents: lived on Lady Street and in Railway House. Great times, great people, great fun. Keep it that way! Ifor
Mon Mar 3 11:46:15 2008
Hilary Thomas Australia
Thanks Dennis, yes lets all pray for a peaceful New Year, wherever us all ex Kidwelly-ites are, too much heartache in this sad world, lets all wish for a Happy New Year.
Mon Dec 31 11:16:17 2007
Dennis Hughes, Kidwelly.
To all the people around the world who have lived in Kidwelly or have links with Kidwelly have a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Thu Dec 27 11:04:49 2007
Debra Al Hassa of Saudi Arabia
I have spent the past 13 years in the Gulf and did not realise just how beautiful Wales was. I loved and have visited all the castles in Wales and remember the drive from Swansea with my parents as a child usually on a Bank Holiday day out with sandwiches and flasks of tea (dodging the rain). The village of Kidwelly is quaint and has a quirky charm. My highlight was fish and chips on the way home. Now that is what I miss living in Saudi Arabia. I am planning to show my Saudi Husband the beauty of Wales and visit all of Wales beautiful castles this summer. Oh I do feel homesick.
Tue Dec 4 10:15:13 2007
Dan in Basrah, Iraq
Found this site of home. Cheered me up no end. Presently live there and love it to bits. Rest of my family have moved...My mother-in-law was an evacuee up in Llansaint and is one of the few to return, back to see her adoptive family. Can't wait to return home to cool, crisp, mornings, looking out over the river, castle and church, rather than dusty sandy places.
Tue Nov 27 17:11:15 2007
Beth Yearsley Auckland New Zealand
I try and return as often as I can and feel spoilt being able to stay with family in Kidwelly. I wish you would build some quality apartments in the area. I was born in Gorseinon, lived in Llanelli, and my heart is in Wales. Why? Because of the people.
I work at Auckland international Airport - meet people from all over the world, but the Welsh are so warm and homely and laugh at themselves and of course the WONDERFUL singing Cor Meibion - just fantastic.
Tue Nov 20 14:22:56 2007
Hilary Thomas Australia
Hi all, let's keep these comments alive. No postings since August!! Kidwelly is worth more, must be heaps of those who have great memories of Kidwelly, I love reading them, how many remember my grandfather's barber shop, the castle, the church, the fair, the bridge,the street parades, all still there. I'm a million miles away, I'd love to hear more.
Mon Oct 15 11:22:54 2007
trevor baker australia
I was an evacuee. I lived with Mr and Mrs Gravell of Priory Street. My sister Barbara lived with a Mrs Charles. It was a wonderful childhood - I will never forget it.
Thu Aug 23 15:31:48 2007
Hilary Thomas (Jones ) Australia
Yes, Pat Evans, I notice you are living in Australia, yes all the Conniffs in Kidwelly are my cousins, Sandra is the eldest, I used to have such fun with them in the holidays, Kidwelly was the best place, my brother and I used to stand on the bridge and throw half pennies into the water, trying to skim them over the surface, until my grandmother caught us, and lectured us in the art of saving, kids eh!good times good memories. Kidwelly a wonderful place.
Thu Aug 9 10:13:50 2007
Pat Pilkington (Evans) Australia
I was born in Pembrey, but my father, Idwal, was born in Llandefaelog. His good friend, Arthur Ladd and family, lived in Ger-y-Castell and as a child, we were in and passing through Kidwelly often. It's been 44 years since we left Wales to live in Watford (I was 13 years old) and 17 years since coming to Australia.
Reading throughthe other comments, I recognised the surname "Conniff" - I was at Burry Port Secondary Modern 1961-63 and remember a Sandra Conniff......any relation I wonder? Wales......a country always in your heart if it is your birthplace.
Tue Jun 12 16:11:43 2007
Barbara Hughes(Pinged hill Stores),from Kidwelly
I lived and regularly returned to Kidwelly for 35 years. It is in my blood and in my heart. 'Playing out' on the road across the fields from the castle with all the other kids. Making 'dens' in the bushes while the boys played jumping in the river by Ger-y- castell. Huge fairs that lined the streets all the way down to the park, though over the years they diminished. The wrestling, roller skating,the cinema ( all short lived) and the carnivals. The centres of social life, of course the rugby and working mens clubs. The castle as a place of adventure where you ! could imagin all sorts of stories, with the dungeons and towers. The Castle dances with live music were magical. The community spirit !!! I live up north now. I love Kidwelly for being a wonderful, secureplace to have my youth and for the happy memories I have from there.
Fri Apr 13 12:16:59 2007
Marilyn from Llanelli
Brought up in Kidwelly, now live in Llanelli (not too far away). A different world back then - walking (along the railway!) to the Bertwn every day in the summer holidays - we never thought of the danger then.
Youth club on Friday nights, and chips in Bretons afterwards (a rissole as well if we could afford it!!).
Carnival dances in the castle, please don't let it be raining or it would be in the Town Hall which wasn't the same. Not a lot to do but just so many happy memories and good friends.
Mon Mar 19 15:27:16 2007
Chloe Mansel, Kidwelly
I've lived in Kidwelly for 18 years now and it's great!
Don't get me wrong, there are lots of different people living here now but it's still a lovely town!
Just wish that my Auntie Angie's shop was still there, the ice cream was lush!
Big shout out to everybody!
Wed Feb 14 08:46:02 2007
Dennis (Mace) Hughes from Kidwelly
Growing up in the fifties, playing down the 'Realm', swimming in the River Gwendraeth and Tin Works Pond. Sneaking into the castle and being chased by Harry the castle manager. Then the Swinging Sixties, busy pubs, sing songs and generally having fun. Buying your first illegal bottle of cider from the Pheonix off licience then making your way to the Castle Dance, if the weather was bad it was back to the Town Hall, where the floor moved when we danced. Going to the flicks, roller skating and dances at the Charlton. Catching the Eynon's double decker bus to Llanelli. Having the privilege to be a firefighter then Officer in Charge of Kidwelly Fire Station. Recently the lighting of the Castle and Church in the evening a joy to see. Long live the Black Cat. I love my home town Kidwelly for all of my fond memories.
Tue Jan 30 08:49:05 2007
J. Benz from U.S.A.
I was born in Llansaint..(lived in Kidwelly also) and as the saying goes...can take the girl out of Wales,but not Wales out of the girl. Love the peacefulness of the castle, although as a child it was more of a playground to me. Enjoy the sing-songs in the pubs, also the many panoramic views. Nice place to relax, but close enough to the "hussle and bussle" (Swansea, Tenby, Cardiff) if you want to do that also.
Tue Jan 9 08:59:32 2007
Roger Mansel, Vancouver
Kidwelly - Ah! The memories. . .
Growing up in the 50’s on Station Road, opposite the “Board School”. Lots of children playing “pigeons fly”, L.O.N.D.O.N spells London and touch, the girls playing bottle with an empty shoe polish tin and everyone playing “hide and seek” and “knicky-knocker” when the nights started to get dark early.
Every year was the summer bus trip to Tenby or Saundersfoot. As soon as we arrived at our destination, mothers and children made a beeline for the beach and all the fathers disappeared only to magically appear an hour or two later to supervise the beach games and swimming. We would walk along the railway line to the Bertwn and Auntie Winnie would get water from the stream and make a fire to boil the kettle for tea. The hot tea and soggy tomato sandwiches were wonderful.
Mon Dec 11 09:20:40 2006
Hilary Thomas nee Jones, Australia
Kidwelly, what treasured memories. I lived in Swansea, but spent nearly all my summer holidays with my grandparents, who lived just out of town at Haul Fryn. They bred Papillon dogs, and my grandfather was the local barber, they also sold the Sunday papers in his shop and in the early days I would come to Kidwelly and help my Nana in the shop.
I have the best memories of Kidwelly, I still have relatives there, my cousin Joan Conniff,and her daughters, and I believe her son Samuel. I remember her with great affection. I remember standing at her back wall and watching the fair when it came to town, the music the lights were mezmerising.
My brother Chris and I used to play in the castle, and yes it had a magic that only one who spent time there could know.
My brother Bobby worked on the farms there while living with my grandparents. I emigrated to Australia in 1966. My grandparents and my mother are buried in St Mary's church.
Kidwelly, it was a major part of my life, I will always remember it, it is as vivid to me now as it was then. I loved it then and I love it still. Best regards Hilary.
Mon Dec 4 11:01:47 2006
Jason 'Chip' Gower from Kidwelly
Kidwelly doesn't have much to do but the people who live there make up for it. I've lived there for 18 year and have no plan on leaving just yet. I have a group of great friends but slowly we are departing. One has gone to the navy, one has passed away, one is under the thumb and one is always working. But the best thing is about Kidwelly it is easy to make more friends because everyone knows each other.
Wed Nov 1 14:41:27 2006
Edd Baker , Llanwenog
I have strong family connection's with Kidwelly, my Father was born at Llanon and brought up in Kidwelly. His brothers still live in the area. As a child I spent many holiday's with nan and grandad. Cockling on the flats,flooking in the river, (fishing with your feet) and playing around the wreck of the Paul on Cefn Sedan, happy days. Breton's chip shop,Perego's, Antoniasie's, too many memories to list.
Fri Sep 22 08:44:33 2006
J C Mills Kidwelly -Pembery
My father was born in kidwelly my grandmother and aunts were laid to rest in the Church. I remember the carnivals the sight and sound remains with me to this day. My grandmothers neighbours in Station Road killing a pig it will long remain in my memory. My own children remember going to Kidwelly castle every year on holiday. They always complained about going there yet they have done the very same with their own children.
Mon Jun 26 13:58:51 2006
Connor Howells from Kidwelly
attended the kidwelly junior 7's tournament and represented kidwelly under 10's. i scored in the final to beat llanelli wanderers. i love living in kidwelly with my friends.
Mon May 22 10:23:18 2006
Richard Cole - Birmingham
I remember Kidwelly when we would spend our summer holidays down there. All my cousins, my mother came from Kidwelly, then moved up to Birmingham.
When I go back I step back in time, when we were younger I said I wanted to live in Kidwelly, but it never happened, what a shame.
Fri May 12 08:53:21 2006
Karen from Kidwelly
I love Kidwelly, what a beautiful place - come and see for yourself! Years ago I remember Angie's for home made italian ice cream and frothy coffee and old fashioned sweets in jars but sadly it's now an indian takeaway (though the curry's good). Long walks with my dog down past the old brickworks and across the railway and through the old coalyard and then digging up old glass bottles by the canal. It's still a beautiful, friendly and historic town and we should all be proud of it.
Fri Jan 20 12:07:35 2006
Michael Prynn, Birmingham
My fondest memories are for "the old days" of the 50's and 60's, when, as a boy, at about 8 o.clock on Christmas eve, I would walk through the town with my mother from my Grandfathers house in Ferry Rd to my Aunt and Uncles house in Lady St. My mother seemed to know everyone we passed and would stop for a chat. The first thing people would say on seeing us was "when did you come down ?" and the next was "when are you going back?". From every pub we passed, The boot, The (chem?)Fisherman, the White Lion, The Bell and The Nelson, Christmas carols rang out. I remember "Uzzy" the barber in his wooden shed up by the castle and Bretons fish and chips after the pictures ! Alas, I knew things had changed in the 70's when passing "The Fish" it was "Brown girl in the ring" that rang out rather than "Hark the herald angels sing". .... Happy days....
Wed Jan 18 13:39:31 2006
Peter Griffiths - Loughborough
I have travelled the world & seen many sites but my most cherished memories are as a young boy playing in the grounds of Kidwelly Castle & watching the Gwendraeth Valley Rugby Champions play at Parc Stephens. 1952 > 1973
My town !
Sat Dec 3 20:51:12 2005
John McElvogue - Sydney
Mary Palmer's Sunday roast
Tue Nov 8 01:31:16 2005
June , Kidwelly
Dearest Kidwelly surgery! What a lovely place to be, all the friendly doctors :-)
Sun Oct 9 00:18:00 2005
Fred Bishop, Morden Surrey
Thank you for taking me to Kidwelly it's the place that is dear to my heart. I was there as an evacuee and met my wife there and we celebrate 58 years of marriage. Good luck Kidwelly.
Mon Sep 26 19:13:57 2005
Jonny - Kidwelly
The chip shop is a must.
Fri Aug 12 20:38:35 2005
Rachel Evans
I love it as its home!
But watching the sun rise on a misty autumn morning from Llansaint hill will stay with me, wherever I am in the world. I was lucky to see this every morning whilst growning up, and nothing else compares to this.
Mon Aug 8 23:21:19 2005
Kid-elly from Kidwelly
Big up the Kidwelly posse!!!
Sat Jul 9 21:48:45 2005
Zoe - Llanelli
It has to be the castle - it's an unbelievable vision to see. If your in the area you must go and visit it.
Fri Jul 8 16:30:03 2005
][This comments form is now closed
