6^thJanuary – Goytrey Bachelors Tea

The enterprising bachelors of Saron Baptist Chapel gave an excellent tea on Monday evening week.

Mr David Morgan, The Wern; Mr Con. Pritchard Ty Rhuewan; Mr H. Humphries, Penystair; and Mr W. Evans, Coalbrook presided at the tables, which they had very tastefully decorated with evergreens and flowers.

After tea a very interesting programme was given by the Sunday School scholars and friends.

The choir under the leadership of Mr Morgan in their selections, “The Saviours Birth  and “Christmas Bells” gave evidence of a patient practice and careful training; Miss A.E. Carpenter accompanied.

The singing of the Mamhilad Male Voice Party conducted by Mr Ernest Evans was a pleasant item.

Miss Edith Grence and party in dialogue “New Brooms Sweep Clean” elected loud applause.

Miss M. Brown played accompaniment to the quartet, and Miss Carpenter solos.

The Chairman, the Rev. G.G. Cole, needless to say by his witty and appropriate remarks contributed much to the enjoyment of the meeting.

On Sunday last through the generosity of Mr Pyman of Goytrey House, who doubled the Anniversary collections, each scholar was presented with a suitable prize, and this was in addition to the usual trip given in the summer.

Great praise is also due to Mr John Evans who although ill at the time came out to take his place in the chair, and to Mrs Minnie Evans and Mrs Maggie Jones for their solos.

3^rdFebruary  – The Liability of Country Tenants to keep their Hedges Pruned
An Interesting Case

Alfred Williams, Josiah Lewis, Henry Crump, William Jenkins and James Rowlands, were summoned to show cause why they should not be ordered to prune certain hedges on the highway at Goytre.

Mr T. Watkins, solicitor prosecuted on behalf of the Pontypool Rural District Council.

Jenkins, Rowlands, and [afterwards] Lewis, appeared in court, whilst Crump was represented by his son; Alfred Williams being the only one not represented.

Mr Watkins read section 65 of the Highways Act, respecting the cutting, pruning and plashing of hedges and empowering the local authority to prosecute.

In September last, the Rural District Council received a petition from the inhabitants of Goytrey [and strange to say, most of the defendants signed it] calling attention to the bad state of the roads and hedges.

Defendants were served with notices on the 5^th of November to prune their hedges. Subsequently question was called to attention at the Parish Council. Nothing could be done to the roads until those hedges were cut. No wind or sun could get into them.

Rowlands, an old man of remarkable assertiveness, who, throughout the case provoked amusement by his persistent interruptions and expressions of opinion, boldly asked for the cases to be heard separately. His request was acceded to, his case was heard first.

Mr Robert Derrett, surveyor to the Pontypool Rural District Council, produced the petition signed by the inhabitants, and read the part relating to the fences, which were described as dangerous. Rowlands name was among the signatures. Witness handed the roadmen certain documents, copies of which were produced, this was on the 5^th of November, the Rural District Council had also received a requisition from the Parish Council.

Defendant – When were you over that way mister Rowland
Witness – Thursday

Where did you see this hedge you are complaining about? – On the road
What road? – The witness described the road

What sort of hedge was it? – You have cut a portion of it
What day of the year do you plead? – From the 30^th September to the 31^st March

Did you ever see a man plash a hedge in September? – Many trees are planted in October.
Rowlands, Not one sir – You have brought me here today on a thing that is just beginning.  Christmas is the time for plashing a hedge.

Witness – It’s the orders of the Council.

The chairman told Rowlands he had had the whole of December, and the whole of January, two months, to do what was required of the hedge, he [the Chairman] knew as much about hedges as the defendant did.

Defendant said he always did the hedges between January and April.  In April he preferred to do them. There was 85 yards done already, and he had about as much again, which he would do in 3 days if the weather was fine.

The Chairman advised him to do this.

Defendant: I am quite willing, what about my expenses Sir? I can’t come down here without my expenses, [laughter]

The Chairman: You have not done what you had notice in November to do. The Council had full power to summon you. They had a perfect right and you are here because you neglected to do your duty, and no one can pay you for neglecting to do your duty.

Defendant: Begging you pardon, the time is not expired until next March. There is a piece there by the house that will shade the house and the Rectory. Am I to do that or not?  I do not know why I have been brought here today and lose time. If you had summoned me in April I should have done it.

The Chairman: I don’t summon you. You get it done as soon as you can. The law states you must get it done before 31^st March. We have only to make an order.

Defendant: It’s too early to be done.

The Chairman: The order is that you are to do it in ten days or the Council will do the work and charge you with the costs.

Defendant: It can’t be done in ten days; I am short of stakes, [laughter]

Mr Watkins also asked that defendant should pay costs, but the Chairman said as this was the first case of this kind, the Bench did not think it advisable to order the costs to be paid.

The next case taken was that of Jenkins, who did not dispute his liability.  He said he did the greater part of the hedge last year. He was leaving the farm on 2^nd February, and expressed the opinion his landlord could claim damages of him if he pruned the hedge at this stage, besides, the trees were very good shelter for the house in rough weather.

The Chairman: If we make the order you will be safe from your landlord then?

Mr Derrett said the trees in question were 150 yards away, and were not a shelter to the house.
It’s nothing like a hundred yards sir.

The Bench granted the order applied for.

The third case, Josiah Williams was heard next.  Williams said that any reasonable man would know it was not the time to trim the hedges now.

The Chairman – I had my trees done for the convenience of the County Council, although I was not obliged to do so as they are ornamental.

Defendant – I did 157 perches last winter.

An order was made in this case, defendant at this time expressing his annoyance at being compelled to come there and lose time over such an affair.

Crumps son pleaded that the road was to bad for a man to work on that side of the hedge next to the road – else his father would have done it.

Col. Hair – It is to be hoped you will have finer weather – similar order made.

An order was made in the remaining case, that of Alfred Williams.

24^th February  – Bulldog Set on a Policeman

Timothy Curren was charged with stealing apples, value 1s, the property of David Thomas at Goytrey on 11^th August 1895.

P.c. Davies said that on Sunday  he saw the defendant go into Mr Thomas’s orchard and fill his pockets with apples.

There was a boy on the road watching with a big bulldog. Witness started to go for the defendant when he set the bulldog at him and kept him at bay. Every time witness tried to advance he set the dog at him.

He then unloaded his pocket of apples and went off. Witness took the apples to Mr Thomas. Defendant absconded afterwards and only recently returned to the district.

David Thomas said that on the day in question P.c. Davies had brought some apples to him, the value of which was 1s. A fine of 5s was imposed.

Defendant – in answer to the magistrate said that he had been in Ireland since the time the offence was committed.

7^th April  – Sad Drowning Fatality at Chain Bridge

A very sad case of drowning occurred at the Chain Bridge near Pontypool on Thursday.

It appears that a little girl, Gertrude Prosser, aged 10 years, with her little brother, a year older, children of the collector of the bridge tolls, were picking primroses at the top of a steep bank of the river above the bridge, called the Rock Pool, when suddenly the little girl slipped, and rolled down the bank and into the Pool which is about 15 foot deep.

The little brother, who of course was very much frightened, ran down to the toll house and told his mother.  A water bailiff called Parker, who happened to be near, immediately ran to a place where a boat is kept higher up the river, and he, with the assistance of General Gillespie of Brynderwen eventually got the body out of the water

after it had been immersed about an hour and a half.

The funeral took place at Bettws Newydd Church on Easter Monday. Deep sympathy is felt for Mrs Prosser, whose husband has only lately died.

1901 census –  Chainbridge

Mary Elizabeth Prosser widow, 39, caretaker born in Clun Shropshire. Living with her are her children, James, 14, Arthur John, 10, and eight year old Frederick.

19^th May 1899 – Theft of Coal

John Davies was charged with stealing 1s worth of coal at Goytrey on the 4^th May.  Defendant pleaded guilty. Arthur Pugh, waggoner, in the employ of Rosser & Payne, said he was taking coal to Nantyderry and left the coal [1cwt] under a hedge where requested by the purchaser, in a sack.

Witness identified the sack produced as the one containing the coal.  He asked the prisoner the following day if he had seen anything of the coal, and he said he had not – Margaret Evans, Gwilym Evans and P.c. Davies also gave evidence.

Defendant said he found the coal where it had been placed by the first witness, and took it, not knowing whom it belonged to, but the constable said that at first defendant denied any knowledge of the coal.

This was his first offence and a fine of 10s was imposed.

30^th June 1899 – No Dog License

Mary Edgar was charged with having a dog without a license at Goytrey on the 19th June.

Defendant pleaded guilty but said that she now had a license.

P.c. Davies said that he found a dog on defendant’s premises and she told him she had been refused exemption, as she not had sufficient cattle or land. – Fined 5s.

4^th August – Maintenance of Father

Edwin Edgar was charged with not maintaining his father. Mr Davies, relieving officer said that the defendant’s father was chargeable to the Pontypool Union.

Defendant was a farmer and held about 20 acres of land at Goytrey.  Defendant said he had offered to pay 1s per week, but he found that he could not pay.

An order of 1s per week was made.

Parish of Goytrey

Marfell & Poole Have been instructed to offer for sale by public auction at the Three Salmons Hotel, Usk On Monday the 21^st day of August 1899 At 3 o’clock in the afternoon,

FREEHOLD FARM & LANDS Known as YEW TREE COTTAGE FARM Situate in the parish of Goytrey adjoining the road leading from Monkswood to Penperllenny and containing an area of 36a 0r 2p or thereabouts And now in the occupation of Mr George Stinchcombe as yearly tenant.

Also all that COTTAGE and GARDEN Adjoining the above farm and containing upwards of one acre and now in the occupation of Mr William Summers

The property is pleasantly situated with a southern aspect and commands good views of the surrounding country.

It adjoins a good road and is situate about 3 miles from Usk, 4 from Pontypool and 7 from Abergavenny.

Auctioneers:Trostrey Court Usk:
Solicitors: Gustard & Waddington

13^th October Usk & Goytrey Properties

Marfell & Poole Will offer for sale by public auction on Monday 16^th August 1899 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon at the Three Salmons Hotel, Usk

Lot 11:
All that Cottage and Garden and piece of Meadow Land known as ELM TREES in the parish of Goytrey, nos. 312 & 313 on the ordinance survey of that parish

The whole containing 1acre 1r  29p

The whole in the occupation of Mr Evan Morgan at a low yearly rental of £6 6s

This property is situate on the main road from Llanover Village to Pontypool, being about 1 mile from the former and within easy access to Nantyderry Station.
Auctioneer: Trostrey Court, Usk

29^th September 1899 – Extension

An extension of one hour was granted for the Carpenters Arms, Penpwellenny on the 28^th inst., on the occasion of a ploughing match dinner to be held at the Goytrey Farmers Club.

27^th October 1899 – Poor Rate

Mary Ann Williams, Goytrey was summoned for non-payment of 3s 3d poor rate due to the overseers of Goytrey.

She said she had never paid taxes, only the rent and that she never had notice to pay the rates.  Mr E.W. Gwatkin said defendant was duly rated.

The property, a cottage at Glan-y-nant had changed hands and the present owner had refused to pay the rates.

She was given a month to pay, and willingly consented

August 5^th – Motor-Cyclists Injuries

Charles Shepherdson, 22, Twyn Cecil, Goytre, was admitted to Pontypool and District Hospital on Sunday, suffering from shock, abrasions and cuts.
Whilst riding a motor-cycle he came into a collision with a car.

August 5^th – Williams-James, pretty Goytre wedding at Goytre

The marriage was solemnised at Saron Church Goytre on Monday of Mr R J Williams, eldest son of Mr & Mrs J Williams, High Cottage, Goytre and Miss Irene Elizabeth James of Elm Tree Cottage, Goytre. The Rev. C Aubry Rees was the officiating minister, Mrs R Prosser present at the organ.

The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr A James, wore an ankle length dress of pale blue satin with a black picture hat and carried a bouquet of pink carnations and maidenhair fern.

She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss E M Williams, sister of the bridegroom, who wore an ankle length dress of lemon crepe-de-chine, with a white picture hat and Miss Eva Pardoe, cousin of the bride, who also wore an ankle length dress indicated, both carried a bouquet of chrysanthemums and maidenhair fern.

Little Misses Sylvia Jones and Molly James, the flower girls, wore dresses in blue silk and carried flower baskets of blue scabious.

The best man was Mr J Williams, brother of the groom.

After the ceremony a reception at the parental home of the bride was attended by some 50 guests. There were a number of valuable presents including one from the Sunday school of which the bride had been superintendent for some time.

August 19^th – In Pontypool Hospital

William Morris aged 7, of Ash Cottage, Goytre was on Wednesday evening admitted to Pontypool hospital suffering from abrasions to the head, right arm and left leg. His condition is reported as satisfactory.
He was knocked down by a motor car.

September 9^th – Mrs H Jenkins aged 93 (in obituaries)

September 9^th – Goytre Couple

Mr & Mrs Thomas Morgan of Pwllmeyric Goytre celebrated their Golden wedding on Sunday having been married at Goytre Church on September 4^th 1882.

Mr Morgan is in his 80^th year and his wife a year or so older. Both are in splendid health and are spending a week at Barry with friends to celebrate.

Mr Morgan had been a market gardener at Goytre for many years. As a young man he spent a short time in Canada and has worked for short periods on the coal stage at Pontypool Road and Viponds top pit, Varteg.

Both Mr & Mrs Morgan are old members of Saron Baptist Church.

Of the family of 5 children 3 survive, Mr David Morgan, Maesteg, Mrs R Mount of Basingstoke and Mr Wm Morgan, Pontypool.

September 16^th – Goytre Farm Withdrawn

At the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny, on Tuesday, M/s J. Straker and Son & Chadwick F.A.I., offered for sale by auction the freehold residential property and modern farmery Ty’r Ewen, Goytre.

The owner – occupier is Mr J Lewis and the property which includes land and orcharding of over 14 acres was withdrawn at £1,350.

September 23^rd – Tale of a Horse, Singular Case at Pontypool County Court

A strange story in connection with a transaction in the sale of a horse was related at Pontypool County Court on Wednesday before his Honour Judge L C Thomas, when Edward Henry Charles of Goytre claimed £5 from Henry Taylor of Manor Road, Abersychan.

Mr WLV Harding (from the office of Mr WJ Everett, Pontypool) appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Isca Bowen (of Messrs AE Bowen & Son, Pontypool) for the defendant.

Charles said he paid £5 for a horse from John Hancock, an underground labourer of Cwmffrwdore, who gave him a receipt, stating that the horse had been sold on behalf of Taylor. Soon after the sale he met Mr Taylor at Pontypool fair.

He then told him he had not given Hancock permission to sell the horse. A few days later Taylor came to his farm and said he was going to take the horse away.

The phoned for the police and Taylor left before the constable came.

On 27^th July he met defendant at Pontynewynydd and he again said he was coming for the horse. He asked Taylor to see Hancock and get the purchase money from him and the transaction would be completed.

The defendant was that Hancock had had no authority to sell the animal.

Anybody’s Job
It was stated that Taylor told William Gwatkin the licensee of the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Pontypool at the time, that if he got a buyer for the horse he could have anything beyond £5 for himself. Hancock was present at the time and considered he was included in the selling arrangement.

Hancock said he had offered £5 to Taylor and he had it in court to pay him.

The Judge: It was a golden opportunity.

Reviewing the evidence his honour said Taylor made if perfectly clear that he was willing to take £5 for the horse. Hancock overheard the conversation and apparently considered he was included in the offer. In selling it honestly for he gave a receipt on behalf of Taylor.

His Honour said he was drawn to the conclusion that when the conversation took place Hancock was entitled to think that, provided he got this money which Mr Taylor wanted he was entitled to sell the horse.

The proper course for him to take was to give judgement for plaintiff and to leave Hancock to hand over the £5.

September 30^th – To Let or for sale

One cottage on main road Goytre to Nantyderry. Modern conveniences:-

Apply W Jackson, Goytre, Pontypool.

October 7^th – Goytre Chapel Ed

The church, built in 1807 has been re-roofed and the interior painted and decorated. A new window also has been placed in the Chapel to the memory of the late Mr John Wilks who was a deacon in the church for over 60 years.

At the re-opening service the special speaker was the Rev. D L Jenkins, Bargoed and there was a large and appreciative audience, including a number of the direct descendants of good and true men who were the founders of the sanctuary.

At the evening meeting addresses were delivered by the Rev. Eli Symmons, Mr D James, Green Court, Llanover, Mr Pritchard, New Inn, Mr W Stinchcombe. Mr John Wilks, Little Mill, presided at the organ.

October 14^th

Mr Stanley Williams and Mr & Mrs James, Pentre Farm, Goytre, wish to thank all kind friends for sympathy during their recent bereavement and for their floral tributes.

October 14^th – Wedding

The wedding took place on Monday of Goytre postman Mr Wilfred Spencer and Miss Mary Jane Dobbs, the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Richard Dobbs, Gable Cottage, Goytre.

At 8 o’clock numerous relatives and friends had assembled at Goytre Church to witness the ceremony, which was solemnised by the rector, the Rev. HCP Belcher, M.A.

The bride, who looked charming was attended by her sister, Miss Elsie Dobbs and was given away by her eldest brother, Mr Alfred Dobbs, in the unavoidable absence of her father.

Another brother, Mr Evan Dobbs, carried out the duties of best man.

The wedding party were subsequently entertained at the bride’s home.

The bridegroom, needless to say is well known in the district, for which he has been postman for 5 years.

He is the youngest son of Mrs Spencer, Ventnor, Isle of Wight.

The happy couple later left for Ventnor where the honeymoon will be spent.

Mr & Mrs Spencer will reside at Pontypool.

October 14^th – Mr Enoch Waters (in obituaries)