Author Archives: Viv Rosser

Merrrick, Mrs Martha – 1938

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15th April 1938

The family of the late Martha Merrick, Goytrey, Pontypool wishes to thank relative’s friends and neighbours for expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in their recent bereavement.

Octogenarians Fatal Fall
Friday 15th April

Widow of former school master of Little Mill reformatory.

Myocardial degeneration accelerated by a fracture of the right thigh accidentally caused by a fall was the cause of the death of an aged widow stated Dr. J.F. Blain at an inquest at Pontypool on Friday afternoon.

Mr D J Treasure district coroner sat without a jury to inquire into the circumstances of the death of Mrs Martha Merrick, the widow of Mr Charles Merrick a former school master of Little Mill reformatory which was closed under the economy axe.

Mrs Dorothy May Merrick, wife of Mr Charles William Merrick and music teacher of Feltham Cottage, Newtown Goytrey stated that Mrs Martha Merrick lived with her husband and that about 2.30 pm on Monday the 22nd she accompanied her mother in law to another part of the house. They were returning when witness left Mrs Merrick to close the scullery door which led to the garden, then looking round she saw her mother in law falling and rushed to catch her, witness grasped her wrist but she fell onto her right side. Mr Merrick heard the fall and at once went to his mother’s assistance.  Together they raised her and put her in a chair in the kitchen, Mr Merrick went for Nurse Price who came at once and telephoned Dr Blain. Mrs Merrick was put to bed and on Dr Blains arrival he ordered her to be removed to Pontypool and District Hospital where she died at 6.30am on the 6th.

For the past three years my mother in law has been in a delicate state of health physically and mentally and I had to watch her day and night, she was 82 years of age.  Charles Merrick gave corroborative evidence and Dr J F Blain gave cause of death as stated in accordance. The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The Funeral
The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the coffin having rested in the church overnight.
The Rev.d Luther Evans who has been doing duty for the Rector of Goytrey, the Rev.d T J Richards in consequence of his serious accident, officiated.

Mrs Merrick was the seventh daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Ivor Wilks, a family very well known and respected, not only in Goytrey but also in the county generally.  She married Mr Charles Merrick who was a schoolmaster at Little Mill Reformatory for 30 years. It is some 31 years since Mr Merrick died.

She was a staunch churchwoman and in her younger days was a member for years of the Monkswood Church Choir with other members of her family. Her only son Mr Charles William Merrick of Newtown Goytrey, organist at Goytrey Church, survives her.

The family Mourners were Mr and Mrs Charles William Merrick, son and daughter in law: Miss Rachel Wilks, sister; Mr John Wilks, Little Mill and Mrs Agnes and Frances Wilks; Messrs Ernest and William Jackson, Goytrey and Abergavenny; Harry Wilks, Cardiff; Mr David Wilks, Merthyr; and nephews and neices.

Many friends of the family assembled at the church to pay their last tributes of respect and there were a number of beautiful tributes.

The Bearers were Messrs: R J Cecil and Alfred Rosser and Harry Owen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harvey, Mrs R. – 1938

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22nd April 1938

The Late Mrs R. Harvey

The funeral of esteemed native of Goytrey. 

Widespread sympathy was manifested on Sunday at the funeral of Mrs Lena Coromel Gladys Harvey, wife of Mr Rowland Harvey, butcher, Pantygoffrey Farm, Lanvair Kilgeddin, who died on 13th April at Pontypool and district Hospital following an operation.

There is one daughter, Sybil aged 3.  Mrs Harvey who died after a brief illness was the eldest daughter of Mrs and Mrs O. Court, Goytrey.

The service was held at the house, Goytrey parish Church, and cemetery, the Rev. Luther Evans officiating.  Mr Evans presided at the organ and the hymn, ‘God moves in mysterious ways’ was sung.  It was a very large attendance of the general public including representatives of Pontypool Toc H of which the bereaved husband is a member.  There were over forty private cars.

Amongst the mourners were Messrs R. Harvey, husband; O. Court, father; R. Harvey, father in law; R G E Harvey and Bert Lewis, brother in law; F. Court, Aberdare; Jack Rosser; H. James; Jenkin Rosser; Ivor Court; James Knipe; Tom Court; Frank Poulsom; uncles.  Uncle Joe, Uncle Will and many other relatives from Chepstow, Walsall, Pontnewynydd, Essex, etc.

The bearers were; Messrs E. Jones [the Factory], W Spencer [Pystil], John Jones, [Kiln Farm], E. Haines, W. Banner [Caerleon], J. Lewis, [Goytrey].

Floral tributes were sent by: Loving husband and Sybil; Dad, Mam, Lou and Linda; Mother and father, Pontnewynydd; Aunty Matty; Uncle Fred and Marie; Uncle Jenkin, Lizzie and cousins; Aunt Elsie and cousins Joan and Harry; Uncle Ivor; Aunt Elsie and Vera; Uncle Jack and Aunt Laura; Aunt Lil, uncle Joe and family; Uncle Will aunt Clara and family; Aunt Neville, uncle Jim and cousins; Uncle Tom, Edith and cousins; Annie, Len and children, Essex; Cousins, Alf, Bertha, Nancy, Tom and Betty; Arthur, uncle Frank and cousins, Pontnewynydd; Jeff and Gwen; Muriel and Bert; Aunt Dora and uncle Harry; All at Risca; Mr & Mrs John Payton; Harry, T. Hughes and Mrs Samson; Mothers Union, Nantyderry; Toc H branch, Pontypool; Matron, Nantyderry House; Mr & Mrs Haynes; All at Post Office, Nantyderry; Mr & Mrs Wick Thomas, Goytrey; Mr & Mrs J. Baker and Joan; Mrs Prosser and Eunice; Mr Harry Morgan, Pontnewynydd; Mr & Mrs Weeks, Pontnewynydd; Mr & Mrs Dankneither?; Mr J. Lewis, Hilda and Tom; Mr & Mrs Cyril Brown; T. Weaver, Lanvair; Mr & Mrs Stinchcombe, Chapel; To Sibyl’s mummy from Kenneth; Mr & Mrs D. Williams and family, The Nook; Lucy and Tom; Mr & Mrs Staff Griffiths, Reg and Ronny; D.M. & L. Knight; Mrs Hutchinson; Mr & Mrs Albert Alexander; Mrs A. Jenkins; Mrs B. Bishop; Mrs Brain; Mrs Haresfield; Mrs W. Jones, Newtown; Nurse Price; Mr & Mrs P. Edwards; Mr & Mrs Garland; Mr & Mrs Vimpany and family; Miss Thomas, Hendre; Mr & Mrs Lewis; Hilda and Mr Dredge; Mr & Mrs Stone and Glen, Griffithstown; Mrs Davies and Mrs T. Jones, Abergwellan; Mr & Mrs Gwatkin, Parc Bach; Mr & Mrs Haynes, White House; Mr & Mrs Whitney; Mr & Mrs Jeremiah; Mr & Mrs Mills; Miss J.M. Evans, Mamhilad; Mr & Mrs Joe Webb, Goytrey; Gertie and Elsie Mathews; Mr Jones and family, Elm Tree, Goytrey; Mr & Mrs T.L. Evans, Cilfeigan, Usk;

Eastern Valley Co-operative Society were the undertakers.

Whatley, Mr C. R. – 1946

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January 25th

Mr C R Whatley – Goytrey

The funeral took place at Saron Chapel Goytrey on Saturday of Mr C R Whatley, who died the previous Tuesday at Pontypool hospital after a short illness.

Mr Whatley was well known in Pontypool, he was manager of M/s Hipps Pontypool shop. He leaves a widow, Mrs Esme Whatley and baby daughter.

The Rev. C A Rees officiated at the house and graveside.

Mourners: Wife; Mother and Father; Joyce and Herbert Whatley; Mam and Dad Williams; Gwyn and Jack; Uncle George.

Amongst others present were representatives of M/s Hipps and Pontypool Military band.

Bearers: M/s Truman; H Griffiths; J Davies and T Roberts.

Flowers: Wife and baby Christine; Mam and Dad; Joyce and Herbert; Mam and Dad; Gwyn and Jack, cousins; Tegwen; Uncle George, Aunt Nell and family; neighbours of Jubilee Terrace; M/s Hipps Ltd., Manager and staff Lower George Street Pontypool; Pontypool Military Band; members of Pontypool Comrades Club.

M/s E J Ware and Sons were the undertakers.

Morris, Miss Gertrude – 1901

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Goytre

Funeral of the late Miss Gertrude Morris

On Wednesday last the remains of the late Miss Gertrude Morris, daughter of Mr Evan Morris, of Goytre were interred at St Peter’s Church. A large number attended the funeral ceremony, and a number of wreaths were sent by the Misses Evans, and Mr & Mrs Williams, Nantyderry House; Miss A Byrde; The Girls Friendly Society; the Teachers and Scholars of the British; The Great Western Staff at Nantyderry Station; per Mr Sawyer &c; Miss Morris, who was highly respected was only 15.

Harding, Mr John – 1941

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Death of another Goytrey Nonagenarian

The death occurred on Saturday at his home in Nantyderry of Mr John Harding, deceased who was 93 years of age had lived in Goytrey for many years and was well known as a gardener.
He is survived by three sons and three daughters: Mrs Jack Rosser, Goytre; Mrs Davies, Blackwood; Miss Harding, Nantyderry; Messrs Harry Harding, Station Master Abergavenny; Richard Harding, Nantyderry; and Sam Harding who is abroad.
The funeral, held at Goytrey Parish Church on Thursday afternoon, was conducted by by Canon Morgan, rector.

Charles, Mr W. H. – 1941

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January 10th 1941

Death of Goytrey Farmer in his 93rd year:

Mr William Henry Charles, of Parc-y-brain Farm Goytrey, who died on Monday morning, would have been 93 to-day (Friday).
Born at Home Farm, Pontrhydyrun, he farmed at Hill Farm, Glascoed, before going to Parc-y-brain, which has been in the family for many years.
Mr Charles was an ex-member and chairman of Pontypool RDC and served on the old Pontypool Board of Guardians for many years.
Three sons and two daughters survive – Messrs Edward Charles (Parc-y-brain) William John Charles (Coed Howell, Mamhilad) and Isaac Charles (a chemist at Croydon); Mrs Ann Terrett (Abergavenny) and Mrs Laura Cordy (licensee of the Yew Tree Inn Trevethin).
There are 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother and sister of the deceased, Mr Edward Charles and Miss B Charles, both of whom reside in New Inn. Another sister Miss Ann Charles died about 12 months ago.
The funeral took place at the family vault at Pontrhydyrun Burial Ground.

Mr Croot – 1932

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Goytrey Headmaster Retires After Forty Seven Years Service.

William Croot

Mr W. J. Croot retired from teaching at Goytrey Council School on Wednesday had completed over 47 years, 43 of which had been in Monmouthshire.

He was apprenticed as pupil teacher to the Bedminster Boy’s British School, Bristol in 1873.

In 1877 he gained a Queen’s Scholarship, First Division and proceeded in due course to Borough Road T raining College, London, where he spent two years.

At the close of his college career he was appointed headmaster of Govilon British School and held this post for five years.

In June 1885 he became headmaster of Goytrey British School. Several of the pupils of Mr Croot gained scholarships either at West Monmouth School or at the County School for girls and at Abersychan H E School.

On Wednesday evening a presentation was made to Mr and Mrs Croot in the form of a mahogany chiming clock, subscribed for by the staff, school, and friends of Goytrey School.

Mr A.E. Stock, Little Mill made the presentation and hoped Mr and Mrs Croot would live many years to enjoy their well deserved retirement.

Jones, Mrs Ann 1956

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July 27th 1956

Fall hastened death.

84 years old Mrs Ann Jones of 1, Park View Goytre, died from hypostatic pneumonia said the Monmouthshire Coroner, Nr D J Treasure.

He recorded a verdict of “Accidental death,” at a Pontypool inquest after he had been told that the woman had fallen in her bedroom.

Mrs Gertrude Hayes, Arrow Cottage Goytre, said her mother had been a widow since 1912. Since 1916 a Mr Edward Thomas had lodged with her.

Each night she used to visit her mother and had put her right for the night. Last Wednesday morning when she called on her mother she said she had fallen in the bedroom and had been helped to bed by Mr Thomas.

Witness said she called a doctor and her mother was taken for an x-ray but no fractures were found. She died on Sunday.

In her report Dr E Siddons said Mrs Jones had always received the best attention from her family.

Gwatkin, Mr James – 1857

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Monmouthshire Central Advertiser 7th February

Awful Warning – On Saturday night last (31st January) Mr James Gwatkin of Goytrey, lost his life under the following circumstances.

He left Pontypool during the evening and went in company with a person called William Jeremiah to a public house at Llanvair Cross.

The deceased remained there until two o’clock in the morning when he departed for his home which is close to Goytrey Church and was not heard of until the following day, when his body was picked up in a ditch containing a little water, quite dead and frozen.

The ditch at the spot was crossed by some stones and it is supposed he fell and became stunned.

A coroner’s inquest was held on the body of the deceased at the house of his brother before C M Ashwin Esq., deputy coroner and a respectable jury when a verdict of “found dead” was returned.

1918 Free Press

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March 22nd – Pontypool Police Court

Collier Hitchler’s Lapse: – William Stinchcombe, head hitchler, Goytrey, pleaded guilty to a charge of sleeping in the mine in the Crumlin Valley Colliery on March 7th – Mr W J Everett, solicitor, Pontypool prosecuted.
David Green, overman, said that at about 6.50 on March 7th he found defendant asleep in the cabin at the bottom of the pit shaft. He took his lamp away and called another workman to wake him up.
Defendant offered no excuse for his conduct and he was fined £3.

March 29th – A Free Ride

James Crowen, ships fire-man was charged with travelling on the G.W.R. without having paid his fare at Nantyderry on March 22nd. Defendant said he had been discharged from his ship in Liverpool and after a ‘spree’ in which he had spent all his money, decided to reach Cardiff to re-ship there.
The Bench took a lenient view and fined him 20s or one day.

April 19th – Supplementary Rations

Goytrey – Residents in the Pontypool Rural District who have applied for Supplementary Ration Cards may obtain same at the Food Office, Club Chambers, Pontypool, between the hours of 9.30 am and 5.30 pm, on Friday and Saturday next, the 26th and 27th of April on presentation of Meat Cards.
Meat cards may be sent by messenger or post at the owner’s risk, but in the letter a stamp must accompany.

June 6th – Freehold Public House, Nantyderry

Messrs Pitten & Sons have been instructed to sell by Public Auction, in June 1918, the Valuable Freehold Public House, known as The Refreshment Rooms, Nantyderry.
Also the adjoining Freehold Dwelling House, together with about 40 acres of Valuable Freehold Land in the same neighbourhood.

June 14th – Glan-y-Nant Cottage Mamhilad

Valuable Freehold Dwelling House, Garden and Orchard.
Messrs Pitten & Sons have received instruction to sell by Public Auction at the Crown Hotel, Pontypool, early in July. Further particulars will appear later. (Entry in the Free Press on July 26th Glan-y-Nant sold privately and will not be offered for sale by Public Auction.)

June 28th – Pontypool Police Court

Robert Sidney Mainwaring, farmer Penpellenny, was summoned for selling milk which contained 5.06 per cent of added water to Inspector Lewis at Penpellenny on May 4th.
Defendant pleaded not guilty and said that the milk was sold as it came from the cow. – Fined £3.

July 26th – Valuable Properties

All that Freehold Double-Licensed Public House, known as The Refreshment Rooms, with Stables, Outbuildings and Garden belonging thereto, situate close to Nantyderry Station, in the County of Monmouth, now in the occupation of Mr David Hutchinson.
This lot is excellently situated for Business Purposes and the House is a Free House.
Lot 2
All that Valuable Freehold Dwelling House, adjoining lot 1, now let as a Post Office, situate at Nantyderry, aforesaid, with the garden belonging thereto and now in the occupation of Mr Leonard Lloyd, at the low rent of £11 per annum, the tenant paying rates.
Lot 3.
All that Valuable Freehold Dwelling House adjoining Lot 2, with the garden belonging thereto, and now in the occupation of Mr Edwin Poole at the low annual rent of £6, the tenant paying rates.
Lot 4
All that Valuable Freehold Dwelling House, adjoining Lot 3, with the Garden belonging thereto and now in the occupation of Mrs Thomas at the low annual rent of £6, the tenant paying rates.
Lot 5
All that Valuable Freehold Dwelling House, adjoining Lot 4, with the garden adjoining thereto, and now in the occupation of Mr Frederick Leworthy at the low annual rent of £6, the tenant paying rates.
Lot 6.
All that Valuable Freehold Field containing 11 acres and 29 perches, situate at Nantyderry and at the rear of Lots 1-5, now let to Mr William Knipe at the low rent of £12 per annum.

August 2nd – Roll of Honour – Lance-Corporal P.T. Lewis

(In Obituaries)

August 31st – Nantyderry Market Garden Training Centre

A large gathering assembled at Nantyderry House on the occasion of the first gathering at this School of Market Gardening to women.
The Chairman, (Mrs James,) explained that the gardens at Nantyderry had only been in the Committee’s hands since the end of April. Eight students had been in residence since last year, and five scholars had passed the Royal Horticultural Society’s examination in March, after tuition from Miss Warlerg (?) Formerly student and lecturer of Swanley Horticultural College.
This term three scholars, seven students and seven land workers, making 17 in all were in residence.
Miss Jackson, secretary, said that the Market Garden Training Centre had been inaugurated by the Monmouthshire Agricultural Education Committee, who offer six scholarships of £40 a year to women over 18 years of age, resident in the County for training in garden dairy and poultry work, during 44 weeks.
The scholars are expected to pass to preliminary qualifying examination.
Three scholarships would be vacant in September, for the subsequent two terms. The fees for public being £66 per year, including board, residence and tuition, the scholars are expected to to contribute at the rate of £26 a year towards their expenses. Pupils could enter for a shorter time, but the Committee hoped that the majority would stay at Nantyderry for two terms then pass on to specialised training or professional garden work.
At the request of Mrs James, Lady Mather Jackson, chairman of the Mon. Women’s War Agricultural Committee, gave a short address.

September 6th – No Lights

Joseph Mayers, Goytrey, was fined 5s for driving a horse and cart without lights at Llanvihangle-Pontymoile on August 17th. P.O. Merrick gave evidence.
Defendant explained that his horse fell lame and he had walked the animal for five miles before his lamp went out.

September 6th – Burgwm, Goytre

About 2 miles from Nantyderry Railway Station.
Unreserved Sale of Useful Live and Dead Farming Stock, comprising:
Active Four-year-old Roan Half-bred Mare, 13 hands, good worker:
3 Prime Dairy Cows and Heifers:
3 promising Yearling Heifers:
4 Capital Bull and Heifer Calves:
2 Prime Bacon Pigs;
Wheat and Oats in straw:
About 1 acre Great Scott Potatoes:
Well built pleasure trap:
Crank axle Cart:
Gambo:
Implements:
Harness &c
Which John H Rennie has been instructed by the administrators of the late Mr John Davies to offer for sale by Auction on Thursday September 12th at Two o’clock.

September 6th – For Sale Ty Cooke

A charming residential and agricultural estate about 4 miles from Pontypool, having an area of 190 acres and 2 rood.

Also;

Tyr-y-wen Farm, Goytre, Chestnut Cottage, Glanynant Cottage, Oviel Garn Cottage and Rose Tree Cottage, which Messrs Newland, Hunt & Williams have been instructed to offer for sale by auction, at the Mart, 19, Commercial Street, Newporton Wednesday September 11th 1918.

September 6th – Roll of Honour

Second Lieutenenat Llewellyn Richards

(In Obituaries)

November 8th – Pontypool Police Court

Another dismissal; Annie Stinchcombe, produce dealer, Goytrey, was summoned by the Pontypool Food Control Committee for selling a wild rabbit at a price in excess of the Food Controller’s price in the Pontypool Market on October 23rd.
Mr I Watkins-Evans, Executive Office prosecuted and Mr Harold Saunders, solicitor Pontypool, for the defendant.
Mrs Edith Rapley, Pontypool said she purchased a rabbit weighing one pound ten ounces from defendant in the Market on October 23rd and was charged 2s for it. The price for the rabbit should have been 1s 3d.
Defendant said she had no recollection of selling a rabbit to Mrs Rapley and in any event, as the rabbit in question was not re-weighed in her presence she could not swear as to the weight of it – the summons was dismissed.

November 15th – Pontypool Police Court

Furious driving charge dismissed.
Frederick Gregory, lorry driver, Abergavenny was summoned for driving a motor-car in manner dangerous to the public.
Ed. Charles, farmer, Goytrey, said that, when going up the Pentwyn Hill with three horses, drawing a load of lime, he saw a large motor lorry approaching him and being driven at from 30 to 35 miles an hour. The driver of the car gave no warning of his approach and the sight of the car so frightened the three horses that they turned round, broke the shafts off the cart and ran wild down the hill.
The car then stopped and he asked the driver (defendant) why he was driving so quickly.
He replied “The horses were coming along the road so quietly that I did not think it necessary for me to pull up.”
Cross-examined: The front horse shied first and frightened the others. The car was about 70 yards away from him when he first saw it and it was within about 16 yards of him when the driver first began to pull up. The car skidded that distance and pulled up before reaching him.
He did not tell defendant that the sound of his horn first frightened the horses; By Supt. Barry, the horses ran about 80 yards down the road before he stopped them by throwing one of them to the ground and breaking the set of harness to pieces.
Abraham Jenkins Pentwyn Farm corroborated. Albert Lyford, waggoner, Goytrey, also gave corroborative evidence.
P.C. Merrrick said he measured the wheel marks and found they had skidded for 16 yards. The car had pulled up right opposite the front of the wagon.
Witness saw defendant at Abergavenny on the 26th ult. and spoke to him. He said, “I was not driving fast” Charles told him it was the sound of the horn which frightened the horses, the car weighs 8 tons, if I am summoned I shall not have to pay.
Case dismissed.

November 29th – Re John Davies, Deceased

John Davies of Burgwm Cottage, Goytrey, Mon, deceased and Emily Davies of Burgwm Cottage, Goytrey, deceased afterwards of Pentre Cottage, Goytrey.
All persons having any claim or demands against the estate of the above named John Davies who died on the 25th day of July 1918, or against the estate of the above named Emily Davies, who died on the 6th day of November 1918 are requested forthwith to send detailed particulars thereof to me.
W J Everett, Solicitor, Pontypool.