"Gwynfe is a small village in Carmarthenshire with a population of just over 220. Situated in the Brecon Beacons, accessed only by narrow country lanes off the A4069, it comprises of 84 houses and farms scattered through the neighbouring countryside; within the centre, adjacent to the Community Hall, are also a collection of 14, mostly stone-built cottages and a small church; there are two chapels in the countryside.
"Gwynfe does not have a shop, school, public house, or public transport and many do not have mains water or sewerage; the people of Gwynfe have learned to develop a siege mentality. It was recognized vital that in such an area, a focal point should exist for the community, so that a physically scattered district did not also become socially scattered.
"The Village Public Hall built in 1952, which in turn was replaced in 1975 by a breeze-block-walls and asbestos-roof construction, with outside facilities, needed upgrading!!
"In 1998, Gwynfe Community Association was constituted and became a charity; it was then instrumental in successfully securing funding for replacing its old hall with a new 21st-century Millennium Hall for Gwynfe.
Gwynfe Community Association serves an important purpose; the Trustees managed the construction of the hall and as the Hall Management Committee, set about accessing fixtures & fittings, equipment & furnishings.
"We now have computer classes, yoga practice and Welsh lessons; it's "not all work", we are licensed to sell alcohol, have performing arts shows once every two months, visual arts events, and are a venue for civil marriages. We are used by the local Church, Llangadog PTA, Llangadog Athletics Club, the Graziers Association, Gun Club, Seven Day Adventist, Cantorion/Symphonica Tywi, and Gwynfe Agricultural Show for committee meetings, the Leet Court and private parties including weddings, anniversaries, christenings and funeral teas. We are also used for meetings of Carmarthenshire County Council, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and the Electoral Services. The Community Association and Hall Committee use the premises for our own meetings and events such as whist drives, New Year's Eve Parties, St David's Day parties and for the Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations. The Film Club and Darts Club meet at the hall and we have facilities for pool and indoor bowls.
"We have won many awards, including Carmarthenshire Village of the Year in 2004 and various Brecon Beacons National Park Awards".
June Madeira-Cole
your comments
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Evans Llansadwrn
Re. Brongar: The family still abide at this farm. I'm trying to follow the lead by Prof John Davies about my great-great grandfather, viz. Davies the butler and Lady Anne Williams -Drummond (Talley)... the circumstances of my grandmother's birth (Anne, who later married Joshua Evans,Bwlch-y-Gwynt, Llansadwrn)is shrouded in mystery.
The baronets of Edwinsford are extinct and naturally there is no record of this elopement if indeed it did occur. My great-great grandfather married again, my great-great grandmother dying in childbirth.
Also: was my great-great grandfather THE Evan Evans Caeo, ie the scholar? The stories I have heard about Evan Evans suggest a more controversial character, known to some of his family as Y Cadno Coch....The common names, the duality of Llansadwrn in Anglesey and Carmarthenshire etc. all add to the confusion, although of course my Evan Evans and the scholar of the same name could be related, associated as they are with Caeo.
Are the Evans family of Llansadwrn, the descendents of Ieuan ap Owain ap Gruffudd Fychan as has been suggested to me, or is that just another flight of fancy? Is it in fact Glyndwr's 3rd (and illegitimate) son who is buried in Llanwrda and not his father?
Tue Jun 2 18:14:18 2009
Jill Muir
I am interested in Anne Squires [Looks likely that my Grandmother Margaret Thomas was born in Gwynva (Gwynfe, Carmarthenshire) in 1861/2.] Wonder if there is a relationship?
My gt grandfather was John James Jones a lay preacher in Clydach Vale, Glamorgan, born Trelech. Here is some detail:-the 1861 census adds more data to our family tree as we find at Trelech, John James Jones [my gt gt grandfather] aged 2 years, the grandson of John Jones aged 52, a Cooper born Mydrim.
His wife Esther THOMAS is 57 and is born Trelech. They have two sons at home, William aged 22 born in Gwynfe, Carmar then and Henry aged 13. We later have found that they have a sister Frances who was born in 1841. I believe there are other daughters in this family not shown at home. John James Jones appears to be illegitimate.
Would appreciate some help on JJJ and his grandmother Esther THOMAS possibly of Gwynfe, Carmarthen. Many thanks
Tue May 26 15:09:01 2009
Val Hampton Wolverhampoton
My grandad Mansel Bernard Davies was born in Gwynfe in about 1863.Grandad made a family tree,and stated that, his grandfather and granny were, Thomas Rees Davies, and Jane his wife(poss: Thomas.)
The address given on the tree was, Ty-Coch Farm, Gwynfe, but, although we have visited Gwynfe many times (our daughter lives in Golden Grove, Llandeilo) we cannot find any reference to Ty-Coch, the nearest is Llangadog. Does anyone know of Thomas and Jane, or their son, John Rees Davies, grandad's father?
We would be most grateful for any info: on the Davies clan in Bethlehem (also mentioned on grandad's tree.)many thanks Val Hampton
Mon Feb 2 12:24:53 2009
Anna Brueton London
To Sue Dowle: I don't think "your" Joseph Griffiths is the one born about 1819 at Glanmeilwch Gwynfe. He appears in Gwynfe in the 1851 census, with his mother at Cappel, and at the same address, unmarried, with a servant in the 1861 census. By 1871 he had married the widowed Jane Walters of Brongar farm Llansadwrn.
It's a long time since this thread died out - I hope my message finds its target.
Wed Jan 14 17:10:25 2009
Adrian Davies of Ynysforgan, Swansea
I have many happy memories of time spent in Gwynfe as a young man 20 plus years ago. A fellow motorcyclist friend of mine introduced me to Gwynfe, 'The New Inn' in particular.
I used to enjoy my visits to see old Joss from the garage especially when he was with his friends on their regular vintage motorcycle rides. Sadly they are all now gone, along with the pubs, though I have many happy memories of those sunny days in Gwynfe.
Wed Nov 19 14:50:50 2008
J D R Thomas (of Gresford)
The comment by Neil of Evesham on the building of All Saints Church, Gwynfe is interesting. The Centenary of the present Church was celebrated by a 'Victoriana' event at Easter 1999. My late father recalled the building of the present Bryncoch house soon after 1900, while I well remember the Morgan brothers running the Cement Works at Llangadog. I recall Morgan Morgan and his 2 sisters living at Bryncoch in the 1940s and 1950s (the sisters donated a pipe organ to the Church in the mid 1950s). I recall Verdi Watkins (of Bryncoch)reading the lessons at Welsh services on Sundays (Verdi is in the photograph of the 58 Gwynfe Sunday School members taken in 1933 when the Vicar was Rev. J Davies).
Tue Aug 19 09:18:21 2008
Neil from Evesham
My Great Grandfather Morgan Morgan built the church in Gwynfe and lived at Bryn coch farm. My Grandparents inherited Bryn Coch and I had many happy times there growing up. I bring my own children to Gwynfe everytime I am in Wales and look at it as my home as it was where I lived the first years of my life. One day I will return there to retire and live out the rest of my days.
Fri Aug 15 16:14:43 2008
Owen Glyndwr Davies of Leyland. Lancs.
Owen Glyndwr Davies. I was born in Gwynfe - 1935 - at Glynllydan Farm. Went to school in the village - it is now closed, as are the three pubs - and the post office. I remember the old community centre - before I left the area in 1953. My sister Gladys lived at Glynllyda with her family (Aubry now deceased). I still go back for a visit from time to time. My brother Dyfed lives just outside Llandeilo and my sister Eirwen lives just outside Llandovery.
Mon Jun 23 15:13:15 2008
William Sloane
I lived in Gwynfe during the later part of the war and I have many happy memories of the place. I have been back a few times and it still has the same old charm it had when I was a child. Lovely place, nice people. Best regards to Mrs Davies at LLwynbain Farm.
Tue May 27 14:07:56 2008
Stephen Evans, Malta G.C.
The William Davies I mentioned was the..son of Thomas Davies, Vicar of Llangadog...would love to know where I might be able to find some records possibly Carmarthen?
Thu Mar 27 10:23:32 2008
Hugh Lewis, Devon
After the war I was sent to live with my aunt in Llandeilo and in searching the BBC site I saw Gwynfe [was the] reputed origin of my family rectors of the parish in the C19 - any info?
Mon Mar 3 11:42:30 2008
JDR Thomas, Gresford, Wrexham (Formerly of Cardiff
You're in luck! John Morgan and his family were at Nant-y-Moch at Censuses 1851, 1861, and 1871 (I don't have record for 1881). His wife was Gwenllian, and there was a daughter Gwenllian, who was not at Nant-y-moch for 1851 Census - probably as a maid at Pant-y-tyrnor, Llanddeusant, but in 1854 she married Griffith Williams of Plasnewydd (who was 1st Cousin to Sir John Williams MD GCVO - Founder of the National Library of Wales).
At the 1891 Census, William Davies, age 48, was at Nant-y-moch with wife Margaret Davies and children - Daniel age 11 (became a road contractor and Mayor of Llandovery), Gwen 9 (farmed Rhiwddu with George, a man-servant, and married Morgan Morgans Frechtan Bethlehem, in 1943 she had a severe stroke), Mary 6 (was later a nursemaid to Ivor Lewis 1895-1892 at Carnaugwynion - who became a noted surgeon on the oesophagus; Mary lived to early 1970s), Margaret 2 and Elizabeth 4 months - has descendants at Llanddeusant).
The family moved to Rhiwddu (this house is featured in the Homes Section of the Western Mail of 02 February 2008). Of Nant-y-moch itself - it was featured (with the young family living there) on the Welsh S4C 'Fffermio' Television Programme in 2004. That's a good bit of information to whet your appetite! BUT, how are you descended from William Davies? (There was a picture of him on the wall at Rhiwddu in the 1930s and into about 1943 or 1944 when Gwen having had a stroke moved with her husband Morgan Morgans - no issue, to Mount Pleasant between Llangadog and Llandovery on the A4069).
Wed Feb 6 11:04:00 2008
Stephen Evans, Malta, G.C.
My Great, Great, Great Grandfather William Davies/ born...as Andrews lived at Nant-Y-Moch farm - taking the farm over from John Morgans would love to know if anyone has any information on the farm and whether it is still standing.
Tue Feb 5 13:03:32 2008
Anne Squires
Looks likely that my Grandmother Margaret Thomas was born in Gwynva (Gwynfe, Carmarthenshire) in 1861/2. My research leads me to believe her father David was a wool manufacturer. Possibly his wife was Irish, was short and smoked a clay pipe. Margaret has an elder brother John and younger siblings also 2/3 children were born in Gwynfe. They moved locations often. Happy for anyone to relay any information at any time. She became a deaconess possibly in Maerdy later in her marriage to John Rees, had very dark, curly hair that never grew beyond her shoulders, apparently never had her photograph taken either. She never went to school yet she taught herself to read and write (English for def.) whilst she stayed home to look after her bros and sis's.
Thu Jan 17 12:00:03 2008
JDR THOMAS (of Gresford, formerly of Gwynfe)
Re the enquiry by Sue Dowle of Kent about her Gt Gt Grandfather Joseph Griffiths, born at Glanmeilwch, Gwynfe in 1819, and married Susan (nee ???, and possibly a widow). The information I can offer from my own records is that Joseph was born in 1818 (no record of baptism), and that he died on 01 April 1891 - I have no more information of where, etc. However, by the 1826 Will of his father he had £15 plus a cow in calf, and by the 1858 Will of his mother he had £100, plus a Part Annuity.
Wed Oct 17 10:46:45 2007
sue dowle from kent
Following my father's side of my family tree, I discovered that my great great grandfather married Susannah Griffiths who was daughter to Susan and Joseph Griffiths. Joseph was born at Glanmeilwch Farm about 1819 but left after 1841 census. I found him in Newington London. By this time he had married Susan and had several children. Can anyone help me fill in the whys and wheres of the missing years as Joseph's siblings appeared to remain on or around the farm. Any information is most welcome. good or bad. Thank you in advance.
Mon Oct 15 11:21:31 2007
June Madeira-Cole Gwynfe
JDR THOMAS (of Gresford, formerly Gwynfe)I do hope that Mina Henry contacts you directly. I have only lived in beautiful Gwynfe for 9 year, but enquiries to 'locals' talley with your information, because when 'a lady' paid a visit to Gwynfe recently, whom I took to be Mina Henry, she spoke to a neighbour of our Community Hall and he passed on the information to me.
Fri Jul 6 12:55:13 2007
JDR THOMAS (of Gresford, formerly Gwynfe)
Would MINA HENRY of Oklahoma, USA be a descendant of DAVID GRIFFITHS (Glanmeilwch, Gwynfe) or of his daughter MARGARET JANE JOHN (nee Griffiths)who was a missionary in China, whose descendant went on to USA. If not Glanmeilwch - where in Gwynfe did he forbears live?
Fri May 18 12:11:38 2007
June Madeira-Cole Gwynfe
Mina Henry (USA) and Gerry Wheeler (Ireland) also Norma Carlin (Staffordshire), please try the Gwynfe Community Website at www.Gwynfe.ik.com, you may find it useful.
Tue Apr 10 10:40:57 2007
Mina Henry of Oklahoma City, USA
My great grandparents GRIFFITHS came from Gwynfe. I know there is a small village there with a stone church. The old church they attended and a small cemetery is there close to where the new one is built.
In 1995 or so, I heard they had a minister and congregation that still attended services there. Can you tell me if they still have services there and the minister’s name and address or e-mail.
I am in Cardiff in May and would like to drive to the church in time for services. Can you give me any information you have or who to contact. Thank You.!
Fri Mar 23 10:51:50 2007
Gerry Wheeler, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, Ireland
It is encouraging to see what a small community can do. I am interested in Cantorion/Symphonica Tywi and want to make contact with them. What address should I use? Do they have an email?
Wed Mar 7 09:12:52 2007
June Madeira-Cole Gwynfe
Hello Norma Carlin Staffordshire - ... Why do you not click on the Gwynfe Village website, at the top right hand side of this page, just below the word Llandeilo.
Wed Dec 20 10:38:24 2006
Norma Carlin Staffordshire
Very useful information - could you tell me more about the local chapels? Is there a local history society in Gwynfe?
Regards,
Norma Carlin.
Wed Nov 29 09:02:07 2006
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