January 14th

Goytrey Thefts – William Williams, gardener’s assistant 17, (The Hollies, Newtown, Goytrey) and Leslie John Hopkins 17, fitter’s mate, (Ivanhoe, Goytrey) pleaded guilty to stealing a fowl and 16lbs of apples of the total value of 16/-, the property of Ronald John Williams, Coalbrook, Goytrey, on December 22nd.
Both were placed on probation for twelve months and were ordered to pay £3 costs each, out of which Williams would be reimbursed for his loss.
Detective Constable G Spencer said that when he interviewed Hopkins with PC W Taylor of Little Mill and asked him to account for a chicken and some apples which he had sold to workmen at Blaenavon, Hopkins said he had bought them and made a statement which was found to be false.
The defendant, Williams, admitted the theft and Hopkins later admitted it also.

School House Goytrey – Main road, hourly bus route, mid-way between Abergavenny and Pontypool.
J. Staker, Chadwick and sons will sell by auction upon the premises by the direction of the Trustees of the late Mr Sobey.
Furniture and effects:
Lathe back arms and other chairs
Brass fender and stand
Oak pedestal table 4’ 4” x 2’ 6”
Small electric stove, kettle and boiler
A coleman lamp and primus stove etc etc
Upright Grand Pianoforte in inlaid walnut case by Monington and Weston
A 4 valve (all main) wireless set – both lots subject to licence
Divan and other chairs
A 5’ high padded back settee
Gramophone record cabinet
Bordered Axminster carpet 10’ x 10’
Lino squares
A few lots of EP and other plate
Adjustable oak dining table 4’ 4” x 3’
Easy chairs
Overmantle in S.W.
Brass curb
A 3’ 9” oak bedroom suite with companion oak 4’ 6” bedstead with spring
A similar bedstead, feather beds, commode chairs, toilet ware, baths
A small fireproof safe by R M Lord
Hand sewing machine, 4’ open bookcase, books
A mhg chest having 5 drawers and miscellaneous items
Sale 1.30 sharp

January 21st – fined for theft, Leslie John Hopkins, 17, fitter’s mate, Ivanhoe, Goytrey was fined £10 for stealing £4, a gold engagement ring, a silver cigarette case, a slab of chocolate, total value £13/10s/6d from the house of Hilda Maud Gill, Rosslyn, Nantyderry on 8th September.
Mrs Gill said she missed the articles after leaving the house with one window open. She had always known Hopkins as a boy of good character,
Hilda Mary Thomas, 16 of Waunddu, Pentrepiod, said she met Hopkins when she was in service in Goytrey and he gave her the ring produced.
Det. Constable G Spencer said that after interviewing Miss Thomas, he went to Blaenavon with PC Taylor, Little Mill and saw the defendant as he was leaving work.
At first he said he knew nothing about it but when taken to Pontypool police station he made a statement admitting the offence, stating that Miss Thomas did not know the ring was stolen and that he regretted his foolish act.
Hopkins parents had repaid the £4 and other articles had been recovered. Superintendant E Casey said that the previous week Hopkins was placed on probation for stealing apples and a chicken but that offence was committed after this one.
Hopkins worked at the Blaenavon open cast site earning £5 a week.
The chairman told Hopkins he had made a bad start.

February 11th – Goytrey Man’s Damages

John Herbert Cheyney of Goytrey brought an action at Monmouthshire Assizes against Stanley Morgan, Goytrey for damages in respect of personal injury arising out of a motor-car accident at Penpellenny at Christmas 1941.
R H H Maddocks (instructed by Mr V J Williams) for the plaintiff said the case had been settled on the terms that the record should be withdrawn and the defendant agreed to pay £1,250 damages and £105 costs.
Defendant was represented by E Ryder Richardson (instructed by Phoenix and Walters)

Powell – Jenkins

At Goytrey Church by Canon J Morgan, David Powell, third son of Mr and Mrs S Powell, Tyroel Farm, Raglan and Marion Gwyneth, daughter of Mr and Mrs Ivor Jenkins, Lan Farm, Goytrey.
The bride wore a pale blue two piece with navy accessories:
Bridesmaid, Shirley Ann Foster, Newport, (brides cousin) and Nancy Powell (sister) in dresses of clover shade, with hats to tone.
Best man, Mr Roger Powell (brother).
Reception at the brides home: 40 guests. Honeymoon at Porthcawl, the bride travelling in a brown frock and jigger coat.
Mr and Mrs Powell will live at Lan Farm, Goytrey.

April 21st – Upper Cae Coed, Goytrey

Freehold property with vacant possession known as Upper Cae Coed, Goytrey, also the household furniture and miscellaneous effects.
Davis & Son have been instructed by the executor Mr Harry Morgan to sell by auction this pleasantly situated cottage and effects upon the premises on Wednesday 26th April 1944.
The freehold property adjoins the main road. It is about a mile from Goytrey Hall, five miles from Abergavenny and Pontypool.
Water is laid on, 2 rooms upstairs, kitchen, parlour, back kitchen, good garden, pigsty etc.
Auction commences at 2pm prompt

July 14th – Property for sale or let

Three freehold farms, Goytrey, Monmouthshire;
Penystair 53 acres
Parc Bach 13 acres
New Barn 53 acres
Between Abergavenny, Usk & Pontypool, will be offered for sale by auction in the month of August at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny, Tuesday 29th August at 3pm.
Bunning and Russell, Pontypool.

August 25th – Whatley-Williams

At Saron Baptist Chapel Goytrey by the Rev C, Rees. Charles, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Whatley, 79 Queen Street, Treforest to Margaret Esme, only daughter of Mr & Mrs D J Williams, The Nook, Goytrey.
Mr Whatley is the manager for Messrs Hipps Ltd at Pontypool.
The bride wore a white satin gown and full length veil.
Bridesmaids; Missis B Cameron and J Whatley (groom’s sister) in pale blue and mauve respectively.
Best man; Mr Lyndon Richards. Groomsmen; Messrs E Buckle and E White.
The bride was presented with silver horseshoes by Misses Peggy Howells, Joyce and Sylvia Davies.
Reception in the Chapel Vestry, 80 guests:
The bride travelling in a dusky pink dress and brown coat.
The bride placed her bouquet on her brother’s grave.

September 29th – Bible Society

The local branch of the British and Foreign Bible society held their meeting at Chapel Ed when the Rev P R Thomas BA district secretary gave an address.
Mr D H Morgan, local secretary and Mr T J Jones, treasurer, presented their statements which showed substantial increases in amount collected.
Goytrey and district have supported the work of the society since 1875 when the late Col H Byrde, Goytrey House, first championed the cause.

October 13th – Upper Pentwyn, Nantyderry

Sale of farming stock which Rennie Taylor & Till have been instructed by the executors of the late Mr Evan Griffiths on Thursday next, October 19th.
77 Hereford and a few cross bred cattle, including the well bred descended herd of 50 pedigree Herefords, founded and all bred on the farm by the late owner, including 17 cows with calves and yearlings; 11 outstanding in-calf 2 year old heifers (sired by “Gillingsby Gayman” 47952) 6 yearling bulls; and the grand three year old stock bull “Vern Sempronius”; 11 deep milking cows, 4 with calves; 12 cross-bred yearling heifers and steers.
50 sound sheep viz:
37 improved Radnor ewes; 3 pure bred Suffolk ewes; 8 cross Suffolk lambs; a capital Suffolk 3 year Ram and ditto lamb ram.
Three 7/8 year old working horses; bacon pig; 100 head poultry and a splendid collection of well preserved implements, machines, tractor, including pneumatic tyred Aliss Chambers B 1941 tractor; rubber tyred trolley; NW & BW tip carts; motor car trailer; cultivating and harvest machinery; barn machinery; 4 poultry houses; harness etc.
Superior surplus furniture and dairy utensils including old mahogany sideboard, dining table, walnut, 3’ 6”, bedroom suite etc.
Sale commencing at 3pm sharp.
Catalogues from the auctioneers, Usk, Monmouth and Newport.

March 12th – Police Court

Saturday- before Charles H Williams and Frederick Leverit Esqs

A Parochial Squabble – The surveyor of the highways, Thomas Watkins, summoned Wm. Harris, poor-rate collector, for refusing to give him the rate-books for the purpose of making a rate.
Mr Alexander Edwards appeared for the defendant:  It would appear that some apprehension was felt among a portion of the parishioners, that the surveyor was not acting as impartially as he ought to do in his official capacity and they therefore thwarted him as much as possible in the performance of what he considered to be his duties. Defendant it would seem was acting under he influence of other parties and it appeared in evidence that the book was in the possession of Mr Evans.
The magistrates regretted that such a case should have come before them and suggested that the parties should endeavour to come to some amicable arrangement. The defendant was ultimately ordered to give up the book and pay the expenses.

April 16th – Saturday – A Fowl Affair

Henry Plasted (Pudda) charged Mary Gibbon with having assaulted him. Mr Owen (Oak Cottage) appeared for the defendant.
The parties reside at the Goytrey and had been on friendly terms but complainant having, it was alleged, enticed defendants’s hens to lay in his barn and appropriated the eggs, a rupture had ensued. – These revelations created some merriment and the case was ultimately dismissed.

The Goytrey – Wm. Nicholls was charged with being illegally appointed as overseer for the above parish.
Mr Watkins laid the charge. – Defendant was ordered to call another meeting and come up next week to have his appointment confirmed.

May 21st

The Goytrey – Mr Owen made an application on behalf of the parish of Goytrey. He said through the course of the last two months their worships had appointed Mr Nicholls as surveyor; but the person who has been superseded refused to deliver up the books.
He therefore asked their worships to grant a summons against the ex-surveyor and it would be for him to state upon what grounds he detained the books. – The appointment was made by the parish first and afterwards confirmed by their worships.
The summons was issued for this day fortnight.

May 28th

The Goytrey Case – This was an adjourned case of assault, brought by William Harris, assistant overseer for the above named parish, acting for Mr James, the overseer, against Wm Gwatkin, an assistant of the rival overseer.
It appeared from complainants evidence that on Sunday morning about a month since, he was proceeding from the vestry meeting relative to the Railway’s Company’s appeal against the parish rates, when he met defendant, to whom he showed the notice.
This took place just before the commencement of service and in about a quarter of an hour after, he saw defendant engaged in putting up another notice beneath the first and complainant told him to desist, it was not required.
Defendant persisted and complainant pulled it off, when Gwatkin commenced “swaggering” his hand backwards and forward and eventually pushed complainant round by his elbow and put his fist in his face, when, of course, complainant “retired” thinking it very disgraceful conduct for defendant to exhibit before persons going into church.
This formed the grounds for complaint.

In cross-examination by Mr Greenway, witness stated that he never threatened to serve defendant out and entertained no ill-feeling towards him. He had not been instructed by any person particular to bring forward the charge, although there were several who had indirectly persuaded him to do so but he was not bound to give their names.
Defendant had no right to publish the notice, because it was his (complainant’s) duty. Did not closely examine the notice which Gwatkin had posted, but could see it was in his handwriting.
Mr Greenway was proceeding to question the complainant regarding his right to pull the notice down and whether it referred to other matters that that previously posted, when the bench stopped the case by expressing an opinion that there were grounds for the charge of assault.
Mr Greenway applied for the costs of this and a former adjournment but the magistrates advised each party to pay their own expenses.

June 4th

The Goytrey Surveyors – Mr Wm Watkins, ex-surveyor, was summoned for neglecting to deliver up the parish books, writings and other property belonging to the parish.
Mr A Edwards appeared on behalf of the parish and called Mr Wm Nicholls, who stated that he was recently appointed surveyor of highways for the parish of Goytrey and that on the 20th of April he applied to Mr Watkins for the books and papers. He refused at first to give them up but arranged to meet on the 28th and promised to do so then. He accordingly went to his house on the day named and showed his appointment.
Defendant went into another room but returned in about a quarter of an hour when he refused to give up the books and had retained them till the present time.
Mr Watkins asked witness whether the fourteen days had expired from the time he gave notice of his appointment, when he applied for the books.
Witness answered in the negative, nor had he made any demand for them since. Defendant thought the bench had no authority to make this appointment and he should not have refused if he had not been persuaded that he was right. He still considered that he held the appointment and should therefore refuse to give up the books.
The magistrates said they were quite justified in making the late appointment and defendant had full intimation of the fact from his successor who had called upon him to surrender the books &c., which he ought to have done.
They should therefore inflict upon him the full penalty of £5. A rate of 19s 6d collected by him was also ordered to be paid.
Mr Watkins gave notice that he should appeal at the next quarter sessions.

September 17th

Violent Assault on a Police Officer – James Williams, Wm Waters and Enoch Waters, three powerful looking young fellows, were charged with violently assaulting PC Thomas Lewis at Goytrey on the night of the 3rd inst.
He stated: I was returning from Pontypool on the night in question and when about half a mile from the station on the Goytrey-road, I heard the defendants coming along, making a great noise, shouting and singing.
When they came up I asked them to be quiet and not to disturb the people in bed. Enoch Waters began to curse and said “you are too big a man for your clothes.”
Witness replied “you are always the same when I speak to you.” He then pulled off his coat and challenged me to a fight and when he came towards me I caught hold of him by the collar and taking the handbolts out of my pocket, told the others to stand back and not interfere. Wm Waters rushed in-between us and I struck him with the hand cuffs. James Williams then gave me a severe blow on the fore-head which stunned me and knocked me down. Felt the kicks coming but could not say a word. I remained on the ground till Mr James came and assisted me home, where I have since been in bed until today. I have three cuts on my head which were sewn up by Mr Steele, who attended me and the whole of my back is very much bruised.
In cross-examination by Mr Owen, he stated he had three glasses of beer in Pontypool and two at Mamhilad before he met with complainants.
Mr James of Goytrey, deposed to hearing the row in the road near his dwelling and some-one called out, “if you let me go I’ll give it you.” They moved further off and subsequently he heard some-one groaning and on going out to see what had occurred he found Lewis on the ground and assisted him to get up. He said he thought his arm was broken. The defendants afterwards came up and Waters said they had done nothing to annoy the policeman but that he interfered with them.
Did not think that the policeman was drunk at the time. Evan Jones was also called and disposed to hearing the row while in his house and also to seeing the defendants on their return to the spot…a man named Roberts, who’s wife dressed the wounds, spoke of the severe nature of the injuries received by Lewis, as did also Serjeant Wright.
Mr Owen addressed the bench at great length and called several witnesses to prove that the policeman had exceeded his duty previous to meeting with the defendants, one of them, named Thos. Jenkins, stated that he stopped him as he was going home across a field and threatened to take him into custody, telling him he had no business out that time of night.
The bench having consulted for about ten minutes, returned into court, C H Williams Esq., addressing the defendants thus:- We are fully satisfied from the evidence addressed, that the assault has been of a very aggravated character. It is true there is no direct evidence to show what took place at the commencement; nor have we sufficient reason to suppose that the constable exceeded his duty on this occasion.
Granting these allegations, however, to be true, it would take a great deal more than to palate the very violent assault committed upon the policeman; and you are fortunate in not being arraigned on a more serious charge, for it is quite clear his life was in danger. It behoves us to throw especial protection around men occupying the position of a policeman and we shall therefore fine each of you £5 or in default, two months imprisonment…The money in each case was paid.

November 5th

Wednesday before Wm Williams Esq.
Sheep stealing – Wm Plaisted was brought up in custody with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr James Cook, farmer of Goytrey…Serjeant Wright deposed that he went to the prisoner’s house on Monday last and found the carcase of a sheep which had recently been slaughtered.
He then proceeded to the field where the sheep had been killed and found the entrails and skin. He tracked footprints leading across the field to prisoner’s house, where he subsequently returned and apprehended prisoner, who said in answer to the charge, “it was not my fault, it was another man who did it.”
Remanded till Saturday.

November 12th

Stealing a pick-axe – William Cobner (Pelham or Pear Cottage) was charged with stealing a pick-axe, the property of Owen Davies on Tuesday last.
Mr Greenway for defendant… the prosecutor identified the pick-axe as his property, although in cross-examination he acknowledged that he had not seen it for three years.
Defendant’s son also swore to the pick-axe, which he found in a blacksmith’s shop where it had been conveyed by the defendant. This witnesses subjected to a severe cross-examination, in the course of which he admitted having once given a man into custody on suspicion of stealing a watch and afterwards found the had confided it to the safe keeping of a friend.
The Bench, after some further evidence, said they were not satisfied as to the identity of the article in the present instance and dismissed the accused.

Sheep Stealing – Wm Plaisted was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr Thomas James, farmer, of Goytrey.
Complainant’s son stated that he had 80 sheep on tack in Mr Jenkin’s field, Pentyvach and on the 31st ult., he missed a sheep, the skin of which he found in an old quarry near and identified it by the ears and the pitch mark.
He proceeded to the residence of PC Lewis and gave information, who accompanied him to the prisoner’s house and found the carcase upstairs.
PC Lewis corroborated this portion of the evidence and deposed to apprehend the prisoner.
Sergeant Wright stated that he went to the field where the sheep had been slaughtered and tracked footprints leading to the prisoner’s house, which he found to correspond with his boots.
Prisoner said “It was not my fault, it was another man who put me to do it.”
Thomas James senior, was also sworn and identified the head and ears produced as portions of the missing sheep, prisoner met the charge by making a statement to the effect that his brother (who rented a field near the place) had sent him to kill it. A second charge was preferred against the prisoner for stealing a bushel of wheat the property of his brother and which had been taken from a barn.
Henry Plaisted appeared and identified the wheat and after some further evidence had been taken, the prisoner was committed to take his trial upon both charges at the next quarter sessions.

February 4th

Obituary – Mr F J Davies, Goytre

The funeral of Mr F J Davies of School House Goytre took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre. The Rev’d C W Kelly officiated. Mr F J Davies was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Frederick Davies, School House, Carrog, North Wales.

Mourners:

Mrs A M Davies; Miss S H Davies; Mrs L Philips, sister-in-law; Mr D W Phillips, brother-in-law; Mr & Mrs T Cross; Mr & Mrs D A Beynon JP; Mr & Mrs J Phillips; Mrs V B Parsons; Mrs J Bird and Mr & Mrs R Whittington.

Others present:

Cpt. E Jones; Mrs W Swinnerton; W Morgan; S Morgan; H H Hatchley; D R Williams; C W Merrick; J E Jones; J W Davies; D Mathews; Messrs E James and J Williams.

Flowers:

Nance & Dal; Lucy & Bill; Elsie, Tom, Vi and Joan; Percy and Rena Whittington and boys; GVPA; The staff Goytre Vawr school; Mrs Burges; Mrs Dobbs; Miss Messenger; Mrs Hicjman; Mr & Mrs Shorthouse; all at Home Lea; all at Glanbaiden; Mr & Mrs Bishop; Mr & Mrs Owen; Mrs James, Owen and Richard.

February 18th

Obituary – Mr A Watkins

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre of Mr A Watkins aged 64 of Bryn View Goytre. The Rev. C W Kelly officiated.

Mourners: Elizabeth, wife; Arthur, son; Gloria and Marie, daughters; Sarah and Rhoda, sisters; John, son-in-law; Charlie, Bill and Ben, brothers; Elsie, cousin; Palm, nephew; Vina, niece.

Others present: Mmes Motley, Phipps, Hale and Hickman; H Williams; S Mathuen; E Williams and J W James.

Bearers: Messrs F Phipps, J Jenkins, Morris, I Dobbs.

Flowers: Elizabeth, Artie and family; Gloria, Peter and family; Maries, John and family; Man, Dad and family, London; Rhoda and Alan; Sarah and Ben; Annie, Glyn Ivor and Palm; Violet, Charlie and boys; Betty, George and children; Jeff, Joan and Paul; Una and Bill; Doris Melvin and Vivian; Jim, Keith, Colin and Philip; Jack, Elsie, John and brothers; Edith, Ted, Elsie and Mr Williams; Tom, Gwen, Iris and Aubrey; Mr & Mrs Ivor Dobbs; Mr & Mrs M Hall and family; The Custom GA; Arthur Jones, GA; All at the Walnut Tree; Mr & Mrs Hickman; Les and Mel Workman; Staff at Little Mill brickworks.

March 18th

Smallholder found dead in Goytre Cottage

Two police officers who forced entry into Plough Cottage Goytre during the weekend, found the occupier, a fifty years old small holder dead in an upstairs room.

He was Joseph Edwin Edgar, who, living alone, had been ill for some time, neighbours told police he had not been seen for some time.

P.C.’s L Clewer and R Childs gained entry. They found Edgar fully clothed in a kneeling position with his head on a chair It is believed he had been dead about 10 days.

There will not be an inquest.

Edwin farmed at Ynyspicca Farm

April 22nd

Obituary – Mrs M James, Goytre

The funeral took place at Saron Baptist Chapel of Mrs Minnie James, Pentre Farm, Goytrey. The Rev’d. C A Rees officiated.

Mourners: Mildred, Agnes, Dorothy and Violet, daughter; Jack and Reginald, sons; Elizabeth, sister; Louie, sister-in-law; Gwyneth, Marjorie, Barbara,, Marion and Dorothy, granddaughters; David and Leonard, grandsons; Mary, daughter-in-law; Bert, Sid and Ron, sons-in-law.

Bearers: Messrs J Price; P Roberts; C James; A James; C Shepherdson and W Powell.

Flowers: Agnes and Reg; Mildred, Bert and children; Dorothy, Sid and children; Jack, Mary and children; Violet, Ron and children; David and Audry; Elizabeth and Louie; Les, Olive, Graham, Pop and Win; Beryl, Enid, Ivor and Len; Alf and Lilian; Billy, Elsie and family; Alf and William; Evelyn, Albert and Gena; Mr & Mrs James, Yew Tree; mr & Mrs Powell, Gelli; Mr & Mrs Ball, Vedw Farm; Mr & Mrs Roy Ball; Mr & Mrs P Roberts; Mr & Mrs Fawdrey; All at Llwyn Celin Bungalow; All at Ty Cooke; Topsy, Jack and Susan; Mrs J Lewis; All at Oviel Garn; Bernard and Doreen Davies; Andrew and Lesley Andrews; Mr & Mrs A James and family; Mr & Mrs D James and family; Ivor and L Jones; Mr & Mrs E J Williams and Cliff; Mr & Mrs Watkins and family; Mr & Mrs Archie James; Mrs Brown and Marjorie; Pengroesoped Shop; Rev & Mrs Rees and Mrs Williams; Mr & Mrs Rogers, Horseshoe; Mr & Mrs Thompson; Bert, Ethel and Jimmy; Mr & Mrs Dobbs and family; Mr & Mrs Pritchard and family; Mr & Mrs Lewis, Ivy Cottage.

Funeral arrangements carried out by E J Ware, Pontypool.

April 29th

Rural Council Nominations – Goytre Ward, 11 candidates for 8 places

Horace Arthur Davies, Bussey View process worker; William B Davies, Oriel Garn, transport driver; Ivor George Dobbs, Skirrid View, householder; Ernest Draper, 1 Bedfont, Textile engineer; Harold Henry Hatchley, Porth Gwyn, decorator; Evan Jones,  The Haven, retired master mariner; William Jones, Pengroesoped Stores, electrician; Thomas Langley, Sunnybank, old aged pensioner; William Llywelen Morgan, Pydew, farmer; George Thomas Pritchard, Pentwyn Farm, farmer; Horace Idwal Prosser, Ty Newydd, farmer.

May 15th

Goytre May Queen

Miss Pamela Watkins, Nantyderry was chosen at Goytre Memorial Hall by Mrs Loasby to reign over Goytre on Whit Monday carnival and fete.

Her attendants will be; Pat Williams, Nantyderry, Dorothy Davies, Goytre, Marilyn Smith, Little Mil and Marylin Hammond, Goytre.

Jennifer Jones, Janet Brooks, Susan Jones, Diane Hammond, Wendy Methuen, Janet Arthur, Gillian Essex, Diane Litten, Sandra Mainwaring and Gillian Bracey were chosen as flower girls.

May 27th

Sale of Freehold Bungalow and Land Situated on the old Abergavenny Road

Lot 1. Llwyn Celyn Bungalow, having a sitting room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms with Nissan hut, garage and shed, together with 1a 2r 5p of land being ordnance sheet number 464. Possession on completion.

Lot 2. 6 acres of land adjoining and lying between the bungalow and Llwyn Celyn with frontage to the road. Let to Mr R G Ball at £8 pa. Ordnance sheet number 462.

M/s Bunning and Russell will sell at the Clarence Hotel Pontypool on Wednesday ?th June 1955 at 4.30pm.

July 22nd

Estate of Mr J Edgar

J Straker, Chadwick and son will sell hay and grass keep standing on approximately 38a on Thursday July 28^th 1955.

Lot 1. Cae Susanna adjoining Brook Cottage – 18 acres

Lot 2. Ynyspicca, bounding the Goytre – Usk road 17^1/2 acres

Lot 3. Royal Oak meadow on the Goytre-Usk road, 3 acres

Note: Hay crop and or stock to be removed by August 31^st 1955

Obituary – Mr W Jenkins

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre of Mr William Jenkins aged 64 of Ty Coch Goytre. Mr Jenkins was well known in the district. In addition to being sub-postmaster he was the proprietor of a garage and general stores for a number of years.

The Rev. C W Kelly officiated at the church and graveside and Mr C W Merrick was the organist.

Mourners: Wife; Stanley, son; Polly, sister; Arthur, brother; Arthur Major and Norman Jenkins, nephews; Len Brace, Reg and Doris Brace; Beatrice Hawkins, brother and sister-in-law; Mr L Burgham, uncle; Miss F Burgham, aunt; David and Mabel Wilks; Charles and Doris Merrick; Annie and Evan Jones; Will George; Alex Morgan; Len and Dorothy Morgan; George Lewis; Tom Davies; Councillor Lewis, cousins; Mrs Sexton; |Beatrice Gumbrey; Mes Williams; Mrs Thomas.

Bearers: Messrs A Messenger, B Bishop, W Powell and E Owen.

Others present: Mmes B Bishop, E draper, Haynes, Frewin, Harris and Miss G Powell; Major General GW Rees; P.C.’s L Clewer and R Childs; M/s L W Brain and S Morgan; A Powles; R Hamer; W I Morgan; W Rouse; D Price; E Lewis; W Owen; c Price; J Morgan; R Mills; J Taylor; T Langley; H Wilks; W Morgan; J Jenkins; H Williams; T Edwards; J Williams; W E Richards; C Shepherdson; J Price; J Morgan; D Harris; J W James; H MacGregor (representative Shell Mex BP) R A Foulkes (representing London and Liverpool Insurance Co.,) G Pritchard(representing Goytre and Mamhilad branch Unionist Association)

August 12^th

To Close the Estate of E J Edgar, deceased – 6 miles from Abergavenny, 12 miles from Newport, 3 miles from Pontypool and 6 miles from Usk

J Straker, Chadwick and Son are instructed to sell by auction in 10 lots on Wednesday 31^st August:

The Freehold Cottages, valuable accommodation land comprising 3 cottages, gardens, filling station and timber bungalow.

Sundry parcels of accommodation land formerly part of Ynyspicca and Plough farms and 34 acres of Mount Graig land, 71 acres or thereabouts.

Brook Cottage, freehold, was purchased by the tenant Mr H Frewen for £420 who also purchased 1^1/2 acres of accommodation land for £100.

Brook Cottage Garage, workshop and site £50 purchased by Mr T Price.

Cae Susanna land 15 acres sold to Mr W H Powell for £1500

Plough Cottages £320 to Mr Lewis

Grazing land 16^3/4 acres £950 Mr W H Powell

Timber Bungalow £40 and Royal Oak Meadow 21/2 acres £100 Mr J T Powell.

Mountain grazing land 30 acres £120, Foxhunter Stud Farm

November 25^th

Eric Thomas and Harper instructed to sell at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny on Tuesday 6^th December at 3pm:

The Freehold attested dairy and stock raising holding, known as;

The Pentre Farm Homestead, outbuildings and 125 acres of pasture and arable land.

January 1^st 1904

Hedging material, fencing posts &c., in Coed Simon wood, Penpwllenny. – D H Morgan, Goytre, Pontypool

April 22 1904  Pengroesoped Farm Goytrey

(Midway between Pontypool and Abergavenny)

Sale of Live and Dead Farming Stock

Messrs Marfell & Poole

Are favoured with instructions from Mr Wm Crump (who is leaving), to sell by Auction, on the premises, on

Thursday, May 5^th 1904 the whole of his farming stock comprising:-

8 Cattle, viz: 4 yearling steers, 3 yearling heifers, 1 heifer in calf

30 Radnor Couples, 1 Ram

3 Horses, viz:- Cart mare in fioal; useful nag mare four years old, 15.1, good in saddle and harness; yearling colt

Sow and 12 pigs

10 Couples of Fowls

Implements include: 4^1/2 in wheel wagon; n.w. cart; nearly new Ralli car, with rubber tyres; crank axle market cart; gambo; wood roller; Bambury mowing machine by Bambury; horse rake by Nicholson; weighing machine and weights; wheel plough; bouting plough; iron harrows; scuffler; chaff cutter and horse works; long, short g.o. and trap harness; seed lift; sack truck; empty sacks; winnowing machine; sheep rack; pikes; rakes; and sundry tools.

4 sacks White Oats, also a few lots of Dairy Utensils and Household Furniture

Sale at 1 o’clock Prompt

Auctioneers Office- The Willows, Usk

Friday April 22^nd 1904

Wedding at Goytre

Mr D H Morgan – Miss A E Lewis

Last Wednesday morning witnessed a quiet but pretty wedding at Saron Baptist Chapel, Goytrey. It was an event unique in the annuals of the church, for although the church has been established now close upon a hundred years marriages have never been solemnised in the chapel until the present occasion.

The contracting parties were Mr D H Morgan, The Wern and Miss Ada E Lewis, Danycraig, both of Goytre. The families on both sides have been connected with this church for a great number of years, and indeed on the brides side for generations, for reading up the history of the church we find that the bride’s great grandfather was the person who so generously gave the freehold site upon which the chapel has been built, and it seems, therefore, to fall in with the fitness of things that a descendant of his should be the first to be married at Saron.

Naturally great interest was centred in the event and willing and deft hands came forward to decorate the chapel for the auspicious occasion.

The ceremony was timed to commence at 10 o’clock, but long before the appointed hour had arrived the chapel was well-nigh full.

The marriage was conducted by the Rev A Bowen Morgan, A.T.S. (authorised person for the said chapel) assisted by Rev G.G. Cole, Maesyberan.

The service was brightened by selections played by Miss Carpenter, organist. After the ceremony the bridal party, relatives and guests, repaired to Danygraig, where a modest but sumptuous breakfast had been prepared.

During the afternoon the happy pair left for Staffordshire where they will spend the honeymoon. Numerous and costly presents were received, but time will not permit us to print a list in the present issue. Suffice to say that the bridegroom was the recipient of a handsome inkstand from the Sunday school for services rendered and the bride a cheque from Mr David Ruck, Pontypool was also present at the wedding and breakfast.

May all joy go with the happy pair.

15th July

Sale of a very compact Freehold Holding viz: Yew Tree Farm Goytrey, 38a 3r 30p

Mr Thomas Parry has been favoured with instructions to sell at the Westgate Hotel on July 20th 1904 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

January 16^th – Why Pupils are Late for School

Because there are no special buses running between Abergavenny and Pontypool, pupils very often arrive late at Abersychan Technical-Grammar school.
This was stated at a meeting of Abersychan Secondary School governors on Wednesday by the headmaster of the school Mr J H Padfield, in reply to a question from Mr J H Rosser who had asked about transport facilities for children living in the Goytre area.
Mr Padfield said it was an old problem which had already been taken up with the county authority.
It appeared that buses which operated the route did not belong to the Pontypool departments of the companies concerned and if these buses travelled to Pontypool they would be infringing the local department’s territory.
The same applied if Pontypool operated special buses to Abergavenny.
The problem was aggravated by the fact that BNS employees used service buses instead of their private coaches, which resulted in children having to wait for later buses.
Asked if it were possible to charter a coach for this purpose, Mr Padfield said there was little hope of this. The cost of chartering a bus was “fantastically high,” and he could not see the county agreeing to it.
It was decided again to inform the authority of the position.

January 30^th

Death of Mr G Walton formerly of Goytre, he was born in Langston Herefordshire. Funeral Mamhilad (See Obituaries)

Goytre women’s institute celebrate their tenth anniversary with a party at the Memorial Hall. Mrs K Lewis presided. Visitors were welcomed from Little Mill, Panteg and Llanover.
The birthday cake with ten candle was made by Mrs Swinnerton, past president, who cut it with Mrs K Lewis the present president.
The raffle for a bottle of sherry was won by Mr Williams, a member’s husband.
The competition for the largest number of items in a matchbox was won by Mrs D Morris.
Miss Brenda Merrick was soloist and Mr Charles Merrick accompanist.

March 20^th – Goytrey Show of Spring Produce
Mrs R Rees opened a successful show held by Goytrey village produce association in the Memorial hall. The judges, messrs S Wills and C Jenkins (horticultural) and Mrs F Jones and H Messenger (industrial) praised the high standard of the show.
Mrs W Owen was given the award for highest number of points in the show. Diplomas and certificates were won by Miss B Messenger, Mrs G E Jones and Mr C F Messenger.
Officers of the association are Mr A O Morris (chairman) Mr H I Prosser (vice-chairman) Mrs E Lambert (treasurer) and Mr J Lambert (secretary).
Other prizes were won by Messrs D Davies, Mickey Wait, H W Plummer, F W Lear, I Dobbs, A E Rouse, A E Messenger, G M Brown, J A Thomas, E N Evans, N Hobbs, DB Daniels, Mrs Parry, D Haynes, J Jones and D Gwyn.
Results:
Horticultural – pot of daffodils or narcissi, distinct variety:-   1. Mrs W Owen   2. R G Burgess
Any variety:-    1.  Mrs E Lambert  2. R G Burgess
Pot of tulips:-  1.  Mrs W Owen  2. F C Messenger
Three hyacinths:-  1. Mrs W Owen  2. F C Messenger
Vase of cut flowers:-  1. Mrs B Messenger  2. H E Messenger
Pot of cyclamen:-  1. Mrs E Dykes  2. F C Messenger
Pot of azalea:-  1. F C Messenger  2. Mrs E Dykes
Bowl of outdoor flowers:- 1. Mrs G E Jones  2. Mrs R Dibble
Three kinds of root vegetables:-  1. F C Messenger  2. Mrs W Owen
Dish of brussels sprouts:-  1. M Brown  2. Mrs W Owen
Pot of polyanthus or primula:- 1. A E Messenger  2. Miss B Messenger
Pot plant of any other kind:-  1. F C Messenger  2. Miss B Messenger
Apples, 5 culinary, 5 dessert:-  1. H Prosser  2. R K Dibble

Industrial;
Fruit cake:-  1. Mrs A Burgess  2. Mrs D V Morris  3. Mrs E Kennedy
Victoria sponge:-  1.  Mrs W Owen  2. Mrs E Dykes  3. Mrs E Draper
Home made bread:-  1. Mrs E Dykes  2. Mrs E Draper
Welsh cakes:-  1. Mrs B Dawson  2. Mrs L Owen
Jar of lemon curd:-  1. Mrs R Dibble  2. Mrs E Draper
Jar of marmalade:-  1. Mrs A Burgess  2. Mrs R Dibble
Jar of raspberry jam:-  1. Mrs D V Morris  2. Mrs G E Jones
Cold sweet:-  1. Mrs J Wilding  2.Mrs D V Morris
Floral decoration:-  1. Mrs G E Jones  2. Mrs Wilding
Thrift article:-  1. Mrs F Messenger
Soft toy:-  1. Mrs D V Morris

Children;
Bowl of spring flowers:-  1. Susan Draper  2. Graham Morris
Drawing (under 15):-  1. Rodney Dibble  2. Arthur Dibble
Drawing (under 11):-  1. Susan Draper  2. Jonathan Wilding
Essay (under 13):- 1. Arthur Dibble   2. Susan Draper

August 28^th – Haymaking spoilt their honeymoon.

A happy family party of Stinchcombes met at Llanover Hall on Saturday night to celebrate the Golden Wedding of their parents Mr & Mrs William Thomas Stinchcombe of LLanover.
The party consisted of six sons and a daughter with their children and children’s children.
The daughter is Mrs C Wait of Elgam Avenue Blaenavon, Mrssrs W J Stinchcombe, Woodland Street Blaenavon, the eldest son Sidney (Llanellen) Redvers, (Newport) Tom, (Croesyceiliog) Granville, (Llanover) and Cyril (Pontypool) with 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr & Mrs Stinchcome were married at Pontypool some 50 years ago, Mr Stinchcombe walking from Goytrey and Mrs Stinchcombe from Pengroesoped for the ceremony.
There was no honeymoon, as there was haymaking to be done, so they hurried back to Pengroesoped where they set up home.

Wheelwright
Mr Stinchcome set up business in Llanellen as a wheelwright after marriage, but in 1915 the call for work of national importance made him into a miner and during those war years he walked night and morning from Llanellen to the big pit colliery, Blaenavon.
After the war he again became a wheelwright at Llanover, but the increase of motor traffic caused to him add to the business another trade, always in demand, that of undertaker.
Mr Stinchcombe is now 75 and does little but potter around his smallholding.
Mrs Stinchcombe is an invalid and rarely moves from their house.
On Saturday however, she was taken in a wheel chair for the family gathering at Llanover Hall to cut the birthday cake and join in the fun provided by their children.

September 4^th

Goytre man overcame disability. Basil H Morgan passed part B examination of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries

December 4^th

Funeral of Mrs G Williams of Caeton-Glass Goytre

December 25^th

Funeral of Mrs E Dykes of Bedfont Goytre, late of Llanhilleth