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 13^th – Funeral of Mrs R Jones (In Obituaries)

Goytrey old folks’ parting gift to chairman
The founder chairman of Goytrey OAP branch, Mr Thomas Langley, was presented with a table lamp, upon his leaving the district at the branch’s annual party on Saturday.
An associate member, Mrs Lillian Jones, made the presentation.
Tribute was paid to Mr Langley by one of the guests, County Councillor Mrs M Davies, (secretary of the East Mon Division of the OAP Association) who said that Mr Langley had been a great help to the branch and must have worked like a Trojan to get it started.
Other guests included the Rev. A Rees (Saron Baptist Chapel), Councillor and Mrs H H Hatchley, Mr & Mrs G James, (chairman and secretary of the Griffithstown branch) and Mr Ben Bishop, (secretary of the Memorial Hall Management Committee) who was accompanied by his wife.

The Oldest Member
The club’s oldest member, 96 year old Mr James Harry, was also present. Last September Mr Harry was crowned “King” of the Welsh old age pensioners at the national rally in Abergavenny. This honour is given to the oldest member at the rally.
An iced cake was cut by the oldest lady member, Mrs R Prosser who is 86.
The secretary, Mr H I Prosser told the Free Press that at Christmas 7/6 was given to each of the branch’s 96 members. This he said, was the results of concerts and bazaars etc., and quite an achievement for a rural area.
After they had enjoyed tea, the old people were entertained by Messrs H I Prosser, Jack Gray, Sid Derham, Ken Searle, W Howells, Charles Merrick and Misses Brenda Merrick, Bonnie Lewis, Marilyn and Judith Price and Janice Screen. Miss Mildred George was the accompianist.

January 25^th – Mrs M Spanner, formerly of Goytrey (In Obituaries)

January 20^th – Why are old people of Goytre homes boycotted?
While the rest of the country is advocating the care and attention of old people, there still exists among a small number of people in Goytre an attitude that is more typical of the Dickens era than our present Welfare State.

Last week, at a special meeting of the Goytre branch of the Old Age Pensioners Association, the committee decided to boycott the old people at Nantyderry and Goytre. An extract from the letter of the hon. Secretary reads: “ I have to inform you that the outcome of this meeting, is that the committee’s decision is to reject the two homes.”

If the decision were not so tragic it would be almost farcical. Sixteen old ladies, one aged 96, in Goytrey House, were founder members and belonged to the Association before many members of the committee which has now rejected them.

After the overwhelming response to the appeal for Christmas gifts for the aged of Pontypool, we fail to see why fifty two old people in Goytre are denied the right of membership and any facilities of the Association.

Perhaps the committee of the Goytre branch of the OAP Association will reply to this letter through the press in order that the public may judge for themselves whether their reason was a justifiable one.

C H Bedds, Superintendant A.I.S.W.
A Beddis, Matron A.I.S.W

March 2^nd – Marriage

At St Peter’s Church, Goytre by the Rev. B Vaughan, (Bishops Chaplain) Michael, fourth son of Mr & Mrs M Halligan, Birkenhead and Phyllis, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Rosser, of Frondeg, Goytre.

The bride wore a full-length gown of white taffeta covered with French lace and a full length veil held in place by a pearl tiara. She carried a boquet of red rose-buds. Bridesmaids, Misses Jean Brown, Margaret, Catherine and Ann Halligan (sisters), Maureen Sumner, brides cousin and Gladys Fowler, in full length white taffeta dresses and pink sashes and muffs and head-dresseses of pink rose-buds.

Flower girls, Misses Mary Johnson (groom’s neice), Jennifer Harris, Christine Marshrones, in white taffeta dresses with pink muffs, white capes and old fashioned poke bonnets.

Page boy, Master David Cardus, (groom’s nephew), in a sailor suit. Best man, Petty Officer Gwyn Bassett (RN); Groomsmen Messrs Kenneth Rosser and Terance Marshrones.

The bride’s mother wore a grey costume with pink accessories; the groom’s mother a mushroom coat with brown accessories.

Recption, Goytre Memorial Hall. Honeymoon, Cornwall, the bride travelling in a beaver lamb coat with maroon accessories.

March 23^rd – Penperlleni sewerage scheme must be pruned

A cut of £2,000 has got to be made by Pontypool Rural District Council in their proposed sererage scheme for Penperlleni.

Reporting this to Thursday’s meeting of the Council, the clerk, Mr T P Holmes-Watkins, said he had et the Welsh Board of Health’s chief engineer, who held out no hope of the scheme’s approval without the cuts, which would be made in the cost of the filters.

The modified scheme, said Mr Homles Watkins appeared to be efficient for some years. He had no idea when the Ministry would allow them to start.

March 23^rd – Sunny Bank Goytre

For Sale – Country Villa, known as Sunny Bank. That convenient and pleasantly situated detached freehold country villa, New Town Road, Goytre.

Situate midway between Pontypool, Abergavenny and Usk, in the village of Penperlleni, close to the church, school, post office and main bus route.

Containing lounge, dining room, scullery, 3 bedrooms and usual domestic offices.

Electricity, soft and pump water supply. Good garage. Large garden with road frontage offering another site.

April 20^th Mrs S W Griffiths, Nantyderry

(In Obituaries)

May 4^th – Mrs E A Shepherdson (In Obituaries)

May 11^th – Goytrey Women’s Institute

Mrs Swinnerton presided over the monthly meeting at the Memorial Hall. Mrs Lewis (secretary) gave a report of the half-yearly council meeting held at Abergavenny.

Mrs David attended to help the members in a discussion on the various resolutions in the agenda for the annual general meeting.

She was thanked by the chairman and Mrs Clayton. A new member, Mrs Robinson, was welcomed. The competition, for a miniature flower arrangement, was won by Miss L Knight. Tea hostesses were Mrs J Wilding, Mrs B Bishop and Mrs M Williams.

June 1^st– Marriage

Jenkins-Murray. At St James’s Church, Pontypool, by the Rev C A Long, Bryan John, younger son of Mr & Mrs James Jenkins, Goytre House Lodge, Goytre, to Yvonne, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs C J Murray, Tyr-Ardd (The Gardens) Llanover

The bridegroom wore a naval uniform. The bride wore a full length gown of white nylon net and witchcraft lace. Her three-quarter length veil was held in place by a headdress of orange blossom. Her bouquet, specially designed by her father was of pink rosebuds and lilies of the valley. Matron of honour, was Mrs Winifred Jones, (sister) bridesmaid’s, Misses Maureen Gould, (groom’s cousin and Glenys Edwards, all wore dresses of pale blue net

June 15th – Goytre man for trial

Alleged threat to murder Kent girl.

Arthur William Watkins, 36, a lorry driver of Bryn View Goytre, Pontypool, was committed for trial by Hythe (Kent) magistrates charged with causing to be received by Miss Priscilla Mary Finn, aged 21, a letter threatening to kill or murder her.

He was granted legal aid, but was refused bail. His case will be heard at East Kent Quarter Sessions, which open at Canterbury on June 25^th.

Mr N K Cooper, prosecuting, said Finn first met Watkins in 1951 when she was 16. They were both employed by the same store in Folkestone. Their friendship developed and in 1953 they were exchanging gifts.

Watkins told the girl that he was married with one child. Subsequently he admitted to her that he had two children. Mr Cooper said that was a matter which caused a certain amount of friction between the couple and between the accused and the girl’s mother.

Agreed to Marry
In March 1955, Watkins went to Pontypool to live with his mother. Before he left he asked Miss Finn to marry him and she agreed. They corresponded regularly and when Watkins came to Folkestone to see his children he met the girl.

In December 1955 Watkins told Miss Finn that divorce proceedings against his wife had been satisfactorily completed and again she agreed to marry him. Tentative arrangements wre made for the wedding to take place a month after her 21^st birthday.

Mr Cooper said subsequently the girl reconsidered the position. She was a Roman Catholic and if she married she would have to give up her religion. Then there was the question of the accused’s children and the objection from her parents.

All the matters weighed on her mind and she decided to tell Watkins that she had changed her mind.

The solicitor continued that a letter written by Watkins to the girl contained such phrases as: Unless you marry me I shall kill you and myself. How, after all, do you expect me to forget your charms and assurances? You will not marry here on earth in spite of what you said, so we shall be married in death together………….It is marriage or we both die together.

Girl in Tears
Miss Finn, an office clerk, burst into tears when giving evidence. Asked whether she thought Watkins’ threats were genuine she relied: “I put it down to the fact that he was so upset that he was driven to those measures.”

Detective-Constable J Irvin read a statement which he said was made by Watkins. It read: “ I could not really believe Mary had changed her mind so suddenly and when I returned to Wales I decided to make an effort to get her to change her decision.”

“The threats I made in the letter about destroying her were only intended to frighten her and show how serious I was about her. I never had any intention of doing her or her parents any harm. My threats were only made to try and make her change her mind about marrying me. I still love her very much and the shock of her turning me down made me lose my senses a bit.”

Watkins told the Bench that although he made the threats he had no intention of carrying them out.
“I want to get back to my job to get some money to keep my children and my mother,” he said.

June 15^th – Garndiffaith Vicar Moving to Goytre

The Rev. Algernon Lionel Davies, vicar of Garndiffaith sice 1936, has accepted the living of Goytre, rendered vacant by the registration of Rev. C W Kelly.

Mr Davies was curate of St George’s, Tredegar from 1926 to 1930, and of St Mathew’s, Pontypool, from 1930 to 1936.

The Rev. Charles William Kelly, who is 67, has retired because of ill health. He has been rector of Goytre since 1949.

June 29^th – Ex Wife Forgives Goytre man’s threat to kill girl lover.

“You know what happened to Romeo and Juliet. That is our fate my darling.” So wrote a 36 year old divorced Goytre lorry driver to a Kent girl who refused to marry him.

At East Kent sessions at Canterbury on Monday, Arthur William Watkins, of Bryn View, Goytre, admitted that he maliciously sent a letter to 20-years-old Priscilla Finn threatening to kill or murder her.

After he had been given an absolute discharge on payment of ten guineas costs, Watkins left the court with his former wife for her Folkestone home where he later said “I have been a fool.”

His ex-wife Lily said “It was just mid-summer madness.” I have forgiven him and we are getting married again.

Extracts of letter sent by Watkins to Miss Finn, and read by Mr Richard Du Cann, prosecuting, contained such passages as:
“I will not be just a sweetheart for life.”

“If you will not marry me on earth we shall marry in death together.”

Worked at same store

Mr Du Cann said Watkins and Miss Finn met in a Folkestone store where both were employed, he as a night watchman. Last December he divorced his wife and Miss Finn agreed to marry him on June 2^nd.

But when she obtained her birth certificate for the marriage it revealed to her for the first time that she was an adopted child. That upset her considerably.

She obviously thought again about the desirability of marrying Watkins and her mother exerted pressure on her, particularly because Watkins was a Protestant and she a Roman Catholic.

Miss Finn wrote to Watkins mother with whom he was living at Goytre, saying she had decided not to marry him. It was then that Watkins wrote a letter asking the girl to meet him in London finishing with the threat:

“If the answer is no destroy you and plunge the knife into my own heart,” said Mr Du Cann. There was no evidence that Watkins had the means or the intention of carrying out these threats.

His Heart Ruled His Head
For Watkins, Mr A Greenwood said his heart had ruled his head. He was sorry for any distress caused and he hoped to re-marry his wife.

Mr C B Trusler, a probation officer, told the deputy Chairman, Mr Christmas Humphreys, that as far as the girl was concerned the affair was over.

“Watkins is on very friendly terms with his ex-wife. She is in court, I think there may be a happy ending,” he said.

In discharging Watkins, Mr Christmas Humphreys told him, “here is a man who has lived not too wisely but too well.”

We are impressed by your general good character, by the decent way you have behaved towards your ex-wife and the possibility that here will be a happy ending to the affair he said.

July 27^th – Fall Hastened Death

Mrs Annie Jones (In Inquests)

August 3^rd 1956 –of Mrs A Jones, Goytre (In Obituaries)

August 10^th – Goytre Show Special Winners

Left to right: Mrs F Messenger; Pat Williams, Nantyderry; Graham Owen; Mr A Constance (Usk); Miss C M Edwards, Nantyderry.

August 17^th – Cwm House, Goytre

J Straker, Chadwick & Sons have received instructions to sell BY AUCTION, at an early date the Freehold Small Holding known as

CWM House, Goytre, comprising a stone and slated homestead, together with four enclosures of pastureland extending the in whole to 7 acres.

Vacant possession on completion.

September 21^st – Mrs R Prosser, Goytre

(In Obituaries)

September 28^th – Wedding

At St Iltyds Church Mamhilad by the Rev. R E Seaton, Organist Mr C Jenkins, Lindon, fourth son of Mr & Mrs W T Arthur, Goytre, to Iris, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A A Price, 2 Woodside View, Little Mill.

The bride wore a full length gown of lace and net over satin with full length veil held in place by orange blossom and pearl.

She carried a bouquet of red carnations. Bridesmaids Miss Joyce and Ann Price wore blue and pink full length gowns with gloves to match and carried posies of mixed roses.

Best man, Mr Eric Arthur (groom’s brother).

Horseshoes were given to the bride by her two nieces and nephews. The brides mother wore a deep blue suit with pale blue accessories, groom’s mother a deep blue suit with a white fleck and white accessories. Each wore a spray of pink carnations.

Reception, Little Mill Hall, honeymoon, Southsea. The bride travelled in a lime coat with black and white accessories.

November 16^th – St Peter’s Church Goytre

Bazaar & Sale of Work, Including Jumble
Will be held at Goytre Memorial Hall
On Saturday 4^th November at 2.30pm and also at 7. 30 Whist Drive
Proceeds in aid of Church Funds

January 4th – Secretary’s Bombshell for Goytre OAP

A dismayed silence followed the speech of secretary Mr Horace Prosser when Goytre Old Age Pensioners held their new year party at Goytre Memorial Hall on Saturday.

It was broken by 77 year old Mr T Langley, founder of the club and until last year, its chairman as well. Said Mr Langley looking down at the table, “that’s the worst speech we have heard this evening.” For Mr Prosser had just announced his own impending resignation.

He began by saying that he had now been secretary for 5 years though when he first took the job on he meant it to be for only a temporary basis. But said Mr Prosser it didn’t take long for me to find out there was nothing much temporary about it. Yet Mr Prosser had enjoyed the job “I’ve learn’t a lot about human nature,” he said, both the good and bad side.

But now he was forced to resign, one reason, for Mr Prosser is a farmer, was that he had more stock now to look after

January 13th – Mr Henry Williams ( in obituaries)

Goytre Motorcyclist Given Benefit of Doubt

As they felt that there was a great deal of doubt, Pontypool magistrates dismissed charges alleging careless and inconsiderable driving against a builder’s labourer. Malcolm Evan Dobbs, of New Houses, Goytre, pleaded not guilty and was defended by Mr. D P Tomlin  (Everett & Tomlin.)

A pedestrian, Brian Jones of Ynysddu described how he saw Dobbs’ motorcycle collide with a motor-cycle combination, the rider of which had given a signal that he was going to turn right.

The rider of the motor-cycle combination, Cyril Bull of Brynmawr said he looked into his mirror to see if there was any traffic following him. He gave a signal that he was going to turn right and the next he knew was that the motor-cycle crashed into him.

PC David Edwards said when he arrived on the scene Dobbs had been removed to Pontypool Hospital. Twenty two year old Dobbs told the magistrates he had ridden a motor-cycle for almost every day during the past four years. The machine he was riding on the day was practically new; he had had it 14 days: it had done only 480 miles and he was running the machine in, his speed was not excessive.

He followed the motor-cycle combination for some distance and when it pulled into the left and slowed down near the BNS factory he thought it was going to stop so he decided to pass it. As he did so the motor-cycle combination pulled across to the right and the collision occurred.

His machine was undamaged but he fractured his collar-bone.

Failed to Report Accident

A Penperlleni research worker alleged that though he travelled at 45 mph he failed to catch a car that had collided with his vehicle.

At Usk magistrates Court, learner driver Dennis William Blanche of Newbridge was fined a total of £5 for careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to conform with a halt sign. He was also ordered to pay 11/6 costs.

Stanley William Hayes of Rose Cottage Penperlleni, said that his car was bumped and scraped as Blanche overtook near Monmouthshire Institute of Agriculture. He chased the car and though he travelled at 50-60 mph he failed to catch Blanche, who ignored the halt sign at the junction with Usk bridge.

Eighteen year old Blanche said he heard a rubbing sound as he overtook. His passengers looked back to see if anything was wrong and as the other car was still following, he thought nothing had happened.

September – Goytre Man For Trial On House Breaking Charge

A Goytre man arrested on charges of breaking and entering and theft was alleged to have told a police officer: “All right. It was all because of my brother, I did it. He got me turned out of the home”. 

Eric John Frewin aged 30 of no fixed address was accused at Pontypool Magistrates Court of breaking and entering a house at Goytre on the night of July 13 and stealing 12/- belonging to Frederick Bishop. Other charges were that he stole a raincoat valued at 12 guineas, and four books valued at £4 and from his brother, William Francis George Frewin.

Frewin was committed for trial at Quarter Sessions and allowed bail on his own and another recognisance of £10.

Frederick Henry Thomas Bishop, cleaner, of Lynwood, Newtown, Goytre said that on the night of 13th July he was sleeping in a chair in his front room. About midnight he woke up and heard a knock at the front door.

He went upstairs to look through a bedroom window at whoever was there. While he was up there he heard a bump on the back door.

After hearing the curtains being torn he saw a light coming from the downstairs room.

Going downstairs he heard someone run out of the house through the back door. Later he found that a ten shilling note and about 2/- was missing from the dresser.

William Frewin, of Fernlea, Newtown, Goytre said that until July 13 his brother (the accused) had lived with him and their mother.

Witness possessed  a fawn raincoat and four engineering books all of which had his name inside. He last saw the raincoat hanging in a wardrobe in his home on June 26 but could not recall when he last saw the books.

Visit to Pub

Aubry Jones, cinema projectionist, of 9 Lewis Terrace, Pontnewynydd, gave evidence that Eric Frewin told him he had some engineering books if witness would like to read them. Jones did not read any of the books.

Police constable L. Clewer said that Frewin when arrested at Hereford made a statement that after he left a public house he went home but his mother would not let him in. He went to Bishop’s home, entered and took the 12/- later sleeping in a shed.

Next day he went home but his mother would not let him in so he went down to the canal bank and roamed around the fields. The following day he got a lift to Hereford where he was arrested after coming out of a public house.

Police constable David Edwards said that Frewin, when questioned about the missing raincoat and books said he sold the coat for 10/- but only lent the books. The raincoat had been recovered but the books had not yet been traced.

January 10th – Goytre woman killed when car plunged down embankment

A verdict of accidental death was returned by a jury at a Blackwood inquest on Mrs Mary Elizabeth Litten aged 73,   of Westleigh bungalow, Goytre, who died when the car she was travelling in as a passenger plunged 75 feet onto a railway line near Maesycwmmer.

The jury added a rider that the road where the accident occurred had been in a bad condition for a number of years and some notice should be taken of the fact.

A fence through which the car passed before going down the bank consisted of two strands of wire on posts, wide apart, it was stated.

Sidney James Walton, of Belle Vue Farm, Goytre, the driver of the car said he was taking Mrs Litten and Mr Sims to visit Pontypridd Crematorium.

Post Snapped

When he entered a straight between the Crown Hotel, Pontllanfraith and Maesycwmmer, the car would not obey the steering, went to it’s offside, then returned to the nearside. A nearside front wheel struck a concrete post which snapped.

“Had there been one good strand of wire there, this would never have happened,” he said. “I have been driving 40 years and have never seen anything like it. It was so simple.”

He said there was nothing to stop the car going down the bank. There was no fence and some of the posts which should have been upright were lying down.

January 17th – Double Golden wedding celebration at Goytre.

A brother and sister who were married at a double wedding ceremony at St Peter’s church Goytre, 50 years ago were guests of honour with their wife and husband respectively, at a party given at Goytre Memorial Hall on Tuesday to celebrate their weddings.

The couples were, Mr & Mrs Josiah Owen of Hill View, Goytre and Mr & Mrs Frank Averill who had journeyed from their North Wales home at Cadelyn, Corwen.

It was on January 14^th 1908 that the parties walked to the church for the ceremony which was conducted by the late Rev Joseph Davies.

Seventy seven year old Mr Owen is the senior partner in the building firm Owen Bros., which came into being in 1948, though he had worked on his own account since 1921. His wife, aged 73, is a native of Holm Lacy, Herefordshire, came to Goytre to employment at the home of Capt., Cook, adjutant with the 4^th Volunteer Battalion of the SWB and they met at Mr Owens’s home, 4 years before they were wed.

It was about the same time that Mr Averill, who described himself as “one of the boys of the village,” met his bride. He was employed at Nantyderry station and they decided to marry when he obtained a house at Chester, following moves from Nantyderry, which included a spell at Newnham Bridge.

Houses were just as scarce to get then as they are now said Mrs Owen to the free press and as we had an offer of a house also, my sister-in-law decide to postpone her wedding, which was arranged for boxing day, to coincide with ours, as she thought so much of her brother.

Mr Owen, at that time was employed in the building trade by Mr William Willis and the houses at Goytre could almost be counted on the finers of one hand.

There were no houses from Penperlleni Bridge to Church Farm, a distance of about a mile, he reminisced. His wage packed “not a pound a week when averaged out over the year. There were no guaranteed wages then.”

Despite his age Mr Owen is still active and each day goes to work. At present he is working at Trevethin.

All Round Athlete

In his youth Mr Owen was an all-round sportsman. From 1901-12 he captained Goytre FC, while at cricket he was a crack-hand. Fifty years ago I was a member of the Goytre team that went to Garndiffaith to open the new cricket ground.

This is the second Golden Wedding celebration in the Owen family; her parents also enjoyed this distinction, one of her treasured possessions is a silver jug given to her parents on that occasion.

Mrs Averill, when she met her husband was employed by Mr Berrington at Pantygoitre House. Since her marriage she had lived away from Goytre, returning for occasional visits. Her husband retired from railway employment eight years ago after 52 years service. She celebrated her 75^th birthday last December and her husband was 74 ten days earlier.

Mr Owen and his sister hail from a well known Goytre family. Their father was a cordwainer and was employed by Mr Parkhouse at Pontypool. One of the family of four sons and three daughters, three sons and a daughter survive.

Brother in USA

One of the surviving brothers is Mr David Owen, aged 80, now living in California. Before he emigrated in the 1920’s he had worked at the Lower Mill, Pontypool, for 30 years and was the workers representative on the conciliation board. The other brother, Mr Harry Owen (72) was also in the building trade but has now retired.

Mr and Mrs Owen have one daughter, Eileen James of Penperlleni. Mr & Mrs Averill have two sons, Harry and Kenneth and one daughter, Mrs Phyllis Corbin, with whom they live.

Forty two people attended the party on Monday. A vase of flowers was presented to Mesdames Owen and Averill by Richard James (Mr & Mrs Owens grandson) and bouquets were presented by Mrs Annie Burgess on behalf of nephews and nieces.

Goytre village produce show

May 23rd – Golden wedding celebration of Mr & Mrs Gwatkin Parc Bach Farm

Mr & Mrs Gwatin who recently celebrated their golden wedding were married by the Rev Joseph Davies at Goytre Church. They have lived the greater part of their lives in the district, Mr Gwatkin having been born at Church Farm, Nantyderry. He is aged 76 and his wife is two years younger. They have three daughters, one son, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Photograph shows Mrs Gwatkin receiving a bouquet from her oldest great grandchild, 5 year old Susan Arthur, at a party to celebrate the occasion.

6^th June

Proposal of a bus scheme for Nantyderry.

A bus scheme to cater for the public in the Nantyderry area because of the closing of the railway was suggested in a letter from Abergavenny Rural Council was read at Pontypool Rural Council annual meeting.

Abergavenny Council suggested a joint meeting between representatives of the Councils and Western Welsh Bus Company to discuss a local bus service to enable the public to reach Goytre Hall.

Mr H Stinchcome said the local parish council suggested the bus should run through Newtown and Penperlleni. A bus from Nantyderry to Goytre Hall would not pay.

It was decided that Mr Stinchcombe and the clerk, Mr T P Holmes Watkins should reepresnt the council at the meeting.

Goytre man fined £10 for theft

Father of nine children, Gilbert George Webb of Frondeg, Goytre, was fined £10 at Usk yesterday for the theft of a fuse board, bulk head fitting, pair of scissors, five electric light bulbs, two gallon tins of paint and two sparking plugs to the total value of £8, from the ROF, Glascoed.

Webb, who had been employed at the factory since 1941 told the court he had bought the goods at various times, believing they were ex-war department property.

They were in a car he had bought. Any attempt to erase the Government markings on the property could have been made before the items were disposed of as ex-WD he said.

Webb denied he told PC W Edwards, who found the items at Webbs home, “all right, it started about 4 or 5 years ago.”

PC Edwards said that when interviewed Webb was very co-operative and fitted electric lights in the attic so that it could be illuminated to be searched.

August 15th

Mr Richard Rosser 54 of Frondeg Goytre killed in a car accident at Little Mill

Funeral of Mr Richard Rosser at Mamhilad (in inquests)

October 30^th – Hit with a cider bottle

Two of four youths alleged to have wounded a 32 year old man at Goytre were conditionally discharged by Pontypool magistrates, who dismissed the charges against the other two.

Christopher William Griffiths 20 and Alan Gilbert Webb 16, both of Plough Road Goytre, who were bound over, were also ordered to pay £3 each towards the cost.

With the other two boys aged 14 and 15 they denied the charge.

Eric John Frewin of Newtown, Goytre, said the boys chased him into a field and he was hit on the head with a flagon of cider he was carrying.

Ernest F Draper, of Newtown Goytre said Frewin called at his house, covered in blood. It was streaming down his face and his clothes were covered. He used 4 towels before he could stop the bleeding.

Griffiths, who cross-examined Frewin for threats, which he denied, said Frewin had the bottle in his hand. He took it from him and threw it away, but Frewin, who had been pushed down moved his head and the bottle hit him.

Griffiths father said that over the past 18 months he had warned Frewin to leave the boys alone or he would have a hiding.

Frewin was also bound over for 12 months to keep the peace.

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

February 5th – Mr A L Hawkins Goytre

The funeral of Mr Avon Lyndon Hawkins 67, of Penwern took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre.

The Rev. A L Davies officiated at the house and Church. The organist was Mr C W Merrick.

Mourners: Derek, son; Jim and Les sons-in-law; Harry and Fred, brothers-in-law; Titus and Sid, cousins.

At the house, Loving wife Nell, Clara and Great, daughters, Dora, sister, Iris daughter-in-law, Lyn, cousin.

Polly, Gladys, B Manville, grandchildren; Minnie, T Jenkins, A Jenkins, F Beer, Bill, Jarold, aunt Bess and Cath.

Bearers S Williams s Walton B Griffiths and L Hickman

Others present:

I Dobbs, A E Messenger, R Maisey, I Hopkins, Halterman, S Dundford, A Probert, H Cowles, F Hickman, D Morgan, J Roberts, P Jones, F Walters, P Carpenter and others.

Flowers:

Loving wife Nell, Derek Iris and children, Clara Jim and family; Greta Les and family; Jane and Lyndon.; Veronica; Pat and Maureen; Lorraine; Dora and Harry; Ethel and family; Tom, uncle Avon and family; Aubrey, Ursula and family; Minnie; Mrs Rowland’s Margaret and family; Melvyn Joyce and family; Margaret Frank and family; Aubrey, Ursula and family; Ted and Reece Jenkins; Monmouthshire County Council and workmates; Cordite (2) section ROF; village officers and committee; Walton and Miles; Sid Eileen and family; Mr Cleaver and Margaret; Mr and Mrs Holterman; Gloria, Peter, Mrs Watkins and family; Aunt Noble and family; Wilf, Ethel and family; Mrs Cook and Mrs Davies; Mrs Jenkins and Stan; Mrs G Evans; Peter Wyn and children; Mr and Mrs B Bishop; Mr and Mrs Griffiths; Mrs Frewin and family; Mr & Mrs I Dobbs; Ben & Joan Wilding; Mr & Mrs Strangemoor; Winvon (florist)

Funeral arrangements by James and Powell, Goytre.

February 19th – Pontnewydd Choir

The residents of Nantyderry home for the aged were entertained to a musical evening on Friday by the Pontnewydd Male voice party.

Under their conductor Mr Fred Williams the party provided a varied programme, which was much appreciated.

Guest artist for the evening was Mme Honour Mathews-Clayton.

Individual items were given by Mr Graham Davies (baritone) Mr W Green (pianist accordion) and Mr Cyril Price (recitations).

The accompanist was Mrs W Smith, ACTL Griffithstown, assisted by Mrs Webb.

The Matron of the home Mrs Northcote, proposed a vote of thanks to the party.

April 8th – Stole from his mother

For the theft of clothing and other articles, valued at £18 14s 10d from his mother, Eric John Frewin of Fernlea, Goytre was committed by Pontypool magistrates for sentence at the Quarter Sessions appeal committee.

He was interviewed by PC Robert Morgan after his mother, 70 year old Caroline Frewin had complained about the thefts.

Frewin said I have sold them, what can I say?, it has happened before. I cannot help myself. In a statement Frewin said I sold them for 25/-.

To the magistrates Frewin said “at each time this year I get this trouble”. He could not get work because of ill health.

Among previous convictions listed against Frewin and produced by Supt John Haines was one for larceny from his mother’s home.

On May 13^th Eric John Frewin aged 32 was sent to prison for 12 months by Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions.

April 15th – Fire guts village hall at at Goytre

Fire on Monday night reduced Goytre village hall to a black hulk of twisted wreckage and deprived the villagers of their meeting point.

Smoke from a boiler house was the first signs of the fire and Mr Stanley Hayes, who first spotted it, raised the alarm.

Villagers soon rushed to see what could be done, but could only look on helplessly as flames fanned by a high wind soon reduced the building to a shell.

It was like a raging inferno said Mr Oswald Morgan headmaster of the local school who used the hall as a classroom. The children had left the hall about half an hour before the fire was seen.

Pieces of melting felt were dropping from the roof and burning holes in the floor said Mr Morgan who is chairman of the village hall committee.

When the fire service arrived they could do little as the fire had completely engulfed the building.

Equipment Destroyed

School equipment, including desks, chairs, cupboard and books and equipment belonging to other organisations such as the women’s institute , the young wives group, youth club, boy scouts, girl guides and brownies were destroyed.

The hall was built in 1947 by the national council of social service and the hall committee were in the process of purchasing it from them.

Mr Morgan said that despite their loss the villagers were determined to build another hall as soon as possible for they could not do without one.

The education authority in the meantime are to allow them the temporary use of the village school.

There is nothing to indicate the cause of the outbreak and the damage is estimated at several hundreds of pounds.

April 15th – Goytre Nr Pontypool

Occupying a delightful position enjoying magnificent views, 1.5 miles BNS , 4 Pontypool, 5 Usk, 6 Abergavenny and 12 Newport.

J Straker Chadwick & sons have received instructions to sell by private treaty the superior modern (built 1934) detached freehold residence Maesderwen

Standing in a neat easily maintained garden with sweeping pathways, lawn and rose gardens built of brick (rough cast) and roofed in red tile the accommodation affords,

triangular porch, hall with oak block floor, dining room, lounge 14ft 6” x 14ft with oak block floor, modern domestic offices including kitchen, pantry, cloakroom, laundry.

On the first floor from galleried landing with oak balustrade 3 large bedrooms, bathroom, independent WC the whole in immaculate condition, RV £30, garage main EL with numerous power points throughout . Main water and drainage

Vacant Possession.

April 29th – Goytre young people face up to adversity

Youngsters of goitre are showing a fine spirit of self-help in face of adversity

Their youth club having their village hall burnt down recently and they lost all their equipment in the fire. Now they are clearing the debris from the old hall which they hope to restore during the summer months to a condition which will permit them to resume their activities under cover.

The hall has a concrete base and three of the four walls are quite serviceable but one wall is badly damaged and of course there is no roof at present.

Mr P Carpenter of Bryn View Goytre who works in the furnishing department of the Abersychan and Pontypool co-operative society in Pontypool took over the leadership of the youth club about a year ago.

He told the Free Press there is a membership of between 40–50 people between the ages of 11 to 20 and we were going along very nicely until the fire which destroyed all our equipment.

But they are not lying down under misfortune and the boys and girls are prepared to work hard and contribute much of their pocket money to make the hall habitable again by the club.

Coats Off!

Working parties have laboured this week clearing up the debris. The repair of the damaged wall and re roofing are of course beyond us but we are all prepared to do everything possible to provide the club with a weatherproof home. We have tried without success to get alternative accommodation.

I think the boys and girls are showing the right spirit and deserve encouragement for there is no where else in the goitre district for them to spend their leisure time if anyone would like to help with money or in any other way their assistance would be appreciated.

Offers of help should be made to Mr Carpenter, Bryn View, Goytre.

May 13th – Goytre effort raises £65 for refugee fund

A successful sale of work and jumble sale was held at Goytre hall in aid of the world refugee year appeal.

It was originally planned to be held at Goytre village hall but after the disastrous fire which burnt out the hall Mrs Rees came to the rescue with the offer of her grounds at Goytre Hall.

All the organisations of the village took part, including the mothers union, women’s institute, youth clubs, brownies and wolf cubs. The sale was sponsored by the goitre branch of the young wives group, over £65 was raised.

Stallholders: Jumble; Mmes. H Frewin, W Owen, L Hickman, J Green, L price and S Litten.

New goods: Mmes; J Winnie, R Rouse and J Williams.

Cosmetics Mmes: J Kennedy, N Swinnerton, and P Whittingham.

Grocery: Mmes P Edwards, D Knight, A Lewis and B Bishop.

Cakes: Mme R Owen and J Thomas.

Bottle: goitre youth club.

Bran tub: goitre brownies.

Refreshments: Mmes G Jenkins, A Jenkins, C Frewin, J Maisey and P Price.

June 10th – Miss G M Owen Monkswood

The funeral of Miss Gwladys Maria Owen of the Nightingale Grove took place at St Peter’s Church Goitre.

The Rev A L Davies officiated at the house and church.

Mourners: Eddie, Bill and David, brothers; Annie and Win, sisters; Hilda, Phyllis and Glen, sisters in law; Ray and Ivor bros in law; Lydia, aunt; John David and Ron, nephews; Eileen, Reg, Ken, Laura, Jack and Harry, Ted and Don cousins;

Bearers: Messrs C Shepherdson, J Shepherdson, H Stinchcombe and A James.

Others present: J shepherdson, C Edwards, I Dobbs, I Hopkins, S Williams, Nurse Wilks, J Winstone, Mrs Winstone, T Edward, W James, R J Rosser.

Flowers: Eddie, Hilda and family; Bill, Phyllis and Graham; Win, Ivor, Ray and Geoffrey; Annie and Ray; David, Gen and Tim; aunts and uncles, Swansea; uncle Joe aunt Lydia, Eileen and boys.

Uncle Harry aunt Edie; Doreen Reg and Faily; Daphne and Douglas Watkins.

Marion David and Nigel, Llan farm.

Mr & Mrs I Hopkins and family.

Don Nancy and Philip Walnut tree.

Hilda and Arthur.

Laura Jack and Harry.

Ethel, John, Elaine ,Colin and Valerie.

Floss, Ivor and family.

Mr & Mrs Harvey Monkswood.

Plessy and Ivor.

From dear friends at hospital.

Funeral arrangements by James and Powell Goytre.

June 17th – Mr C W Merrick Goytre

The funeral of Mr Charles W Merrick (70) of Feltham, Newtown, Goitre took place at St Peter’s Church Goitre. The Rev A L Davies, rector Goitre officiated assisted by the Rev C Saralis, the curate of St Marys church Abergavenny.

Mr Merrick was, for 50 years the organist and choir master of St Peter’s church and latterly of St Mary’s church Abergavenny.

He was well known as a successful music teacher and many of his pupils were at his funeral. His witty and lively interest in music made him a popular choirmaster.

Mourners:

Wife Thea and daughter Brenda; Bill, Harry, brother-in-law, Ethel Farr, David and Ethel Wilks, Alfred Jackson, Gladys Jenkins, Harold and Mabel Wilks, cousins.

Mrs Draper and Mrs Dyke.

Bearers: Messrs I Dobbs, E Draper, D Price, J Williams.

Others present:

Mr M Harris, Mr & Mrs J Martin, J S Williams, E Messenger, W Owen, W Morgan, A Davies A Probert, Mr & Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Dibble, E Lewis, Mr Davies, E Morris, R Maisey, K Rosser, B Wilding, E Prosser, Mr & Mrs Whittingham, W Rouse, H Harding, S Williams, H Gwatkin, A Rosser, W Swinnerton, Mr & Mrs Lewis.

June 24th – Goitre parents petition

A petition from parents of pupils attending goitre primary school complaining about children having to eat meals off school desks and having to walk two miles in the rain to catch a bus so to attend Llanover school was presented at a meeting of the Pontypool group of primary school managers.

The petition also stated that the parents were worried that their children’s education was lacking because of time spent travelling between the two schools

Mr E Davies, clerk, replied, “the arrangements at Llanover are temporary. Pupils going to Llanover have already taken the 11 plus, all they are doing is really is marking time until September when they go to their next school. The statement that they walk two miles some days is not true,” he continued, “they catch a bus from Goitre to Llanover and do not have to walk any further than they did before.”

“There is no ground to build an annex to goitre school so the children can have a canteen,” said Mr Davies, “but I informed the cost of one decent classroom alone is £2000.”

The managers agreed to support the petition which is to be sent to the primary education committee and brought up when it meets on Wednesday.

July 1st – Parklands estate Goytre – picturesque country site 1.5 miles from the nylon spinners

For sale – and immediate erection –

Semi detached and detached freehold bungalows from £2,450 – £4000.

Plans and specification at Leonard D Morgan Ltd, Western Mail Chambers, 6a High St, Newport.

Representative on site Thursdays and Sundays 3pm – 7pm.

October 14th – Goytre in the 14th Century

Records dating back to the 14th Century were taken by Mr Baker, the Monmouthshire Archivist to a meeting of Goytre Women’s Institute.
Court records he said showed that Goytre, then known as Pellennie was reasonably law abiding in those far off days. The chief “crimes” appeared to have been in connection with straying goats. Another record showed that all the inhabitants of the parish were summoned for failing to maintain the highways in a good state of repair.

November 18th – Mrs A E Morgan, Goytre

The funeral of Mrs Ada Elizabeth Morgan aged 81 of the Gwynedd took place at Saron Church.

Mourners:

George, brother, Violet, Katy, Maud, Brenda, Iris, Ada, Vera, Mary, Gladys, Mary, Beryl and Stella, nieces.

Herbert, Dan, Ernie, Laurie, Michael, Arthur, David, Arwyn, Jim, nephews.

Cecil, Olive, Francis, Mabel and George.

Others present:

Mrs J Rogers, C Evans, John Powell, Mrs J James, Mr D Davies, Mr & Mrs Bottle, Mrs Wilks and Miss F Wilks, Mr & Mrs Lewis, Mrs Howell, R Morgan, J Litten, C Lewis, A Jacob, H Vimpany, C Jameson, E Morris, I Dobbs, T Taylor, A E Messenger, G Pritchard, D J Lewis, D Lewis, R Powell, Mr & Mrs Beeching, Mr & Mrs E Williams, Mr & Mrs W Essex, Mrs M Thomas, Mrs E Webb, Miss M Watts, Mmes Williams, Parry and Edwards.

Flowers:

Herbert and Violet, Dan, Rebecca and family, Maud, Bill and family, Ada, David, Hilda and Arwyn, Vera, Arthur and children, Frank and Brenda, Katie and family, Iris, Jim and sons, Leigh, Emily and family, Eric, Elsie and boys, Olive, Cecil Rosie and Jeff, Reg, Betty and children, William, Beryl and Lewis, Lorrie, Ethel and family, John Litten and Joyce, Reg and Berth, Rollingdean, Joyce and Jim, Mr & Mrs D Mathews, Bernard, Eileen and David, Mr & Mrs W Essex and Conway, Christine, Roger, Jill and Barbara, Frank, Martha and family, Members of Chapel Edd, A W Powles, Edith, Clare and Nancy, Arthur, Louise and Bill Evans, Mrs Court and Lou, All at the Croft, L & R J Rosser, Irene, Pat and Malcome, Joan, Arthur and Pamela, Mary Edwin and Elizabeth, Gewn, Chris and Elizabeth, Mr & Mrs J Rogers, Mr & Mrs Davies, Saron Cottage, Mr & Mrs I Dobbs, Mr & Mrs D Williams, All at Pentwyn, Members of Hanover W I.

Funeral arrangements James and Powell, Goytre.

January 27th – Goytre Farm Broken Into, Hay Bales Blaze

Thieves who broke into a Goytre Farmhouse are also thought to have been responsible for burning several bales of hay which were stored in a nearby cowshed.
Mr Don Jones, The Walnut Tree Farm, Goytre, awoke on Saturday morning to find his kitchen window had been forced open, although nothing seemed to be missing.
On a further examination of his outbuildings he found that several bales of hay and straw which were stored in the corner of a cowshed had been burnt.
The blaze had been fierce enough to crack glass in a nearby window and char rafters in the roof. Some valuable dairy cows were in the shed and the effect which it will have on these is not yet known.
“It was a wonder the whole place didn’t go up,” said Mr Jones.
On the other side of the wall there was a large storage tank containing 200 gallons of diesel oil.
It is thought that the persons responsible were disturbed while in the process of entering the house and ran off.

March 17th – Goytre VPA hold spring show

Goytre VPA held their annuals spring show In Llanover Village Hall on Saturday.
Mr R Perrott, the county organiser, who opened the show, said that Goytre had one of the oldest established VPA’s in the county. It was unfortunate, he said, that they could not hold in their own village.
Miss C Phillips, county VPA secretary, said that a spring show was an excellent social event for a gardening association.
The judges were thanked by Mr H Prosser.

Horticulture:
Daffodils or narcissi, any variety in 7in pot or over:

1. A E Messenger
2. W Owen

Daffodils or narcissi in 6^1/2 pot or under:

1. A E Messenger
2. W Lambert

Daffodils or narcissi grown in pots:

1. A E Messenger
2. F C Messenger

Tulips:

1. A E Messenger

One Hyacinth:

1. Mrs P Owen
2. F C Messenger

Three Hyacinths:

1. Mrs L E James
2. A E Messenger

Cut daffodils or narcissi:

1. A E Messenger
2. Mrs Draper

Cyclamen:

1. Mrs G E Jones
2. A E Messenger

Azalia:

1. A E Messenger
2. Mrs G E Jones

Any other potted plant:

1. Mrs G E Jones
2. Mrs Dykes

Spring flowers for effect:

1. Mrs G E Jones
2. A E Messenger

May 19th – Death of former Goytre man in California

The death took place on May 6^th at his home in California of Mr David Owen (83), second son of the late Edward and Harriet Owen of Goytre.

Before leaving this country in 1923 he worked in the Lower Mills of Panteg Works and was the men’s representative on the Conciliation Board in 1920 and 1921.

He was a member of Griffithstown Congregational Church and played for many years with Goytre Hall Cricket Club.

Since leaving this country in 1923 Mr Owen had had a copy of the Free Press sent to him every week.

Mr Owen is survived by his wife Mrs Annie Owen, a son, Mr Harry Owen and a daughter Mrs Mabel Coopland, all of whom live in Los Angeles.

His two brothers, Messrs Josiah and Harry Owen live at Goytre. His sister Mrs Ada Averill, lives in Corwen, North Wales.

Stole tools from Goytre man’s garage

Three Pontypool men who went to see a young Goytre apprentice carpenter and offered to buy his old motor-cycle, then went into his garage and stole his kit of tools, it was alleged at the local court on Friday.

Walter James Morgan Gibbs (26) of Tranch Road, Frederick Philip Powell (23) of Crumlin Road and Spencer David Jones (22) were each fined £10 for stealing the tools and were ordered to pay £3 10/- each as restitution to the owner, Edwin Jones of Old Stores, Goytre.

Edwin Jones’s son, Robert William Hayden Jones an apprentice carpenter, said that one of the men called at his home and offered to buy his motor-cycle , while the other two stayed outside in the van. “We talked over whether I should sell it to him or not and then he went back out to the van, got in and drove away,” he said.

Motor-Cycle Chase
“Almost immediately after they left I had reason to go to the garage and as I went in I found the tools which had previously been on the bench were missing. It came to me that those three men must have taken them, because I went to the garage just a few minutes before they arrived and the tools were there then, so I jumped on the motor-cycle and raced after the van. I caught it up just past BNS, but it did not stop so I went after it again until it reached the Turnpike and it was there that I overtook it.

I asked the three men in the front if I could search the van and they agreed. I searched all over the van but could not find a trace of the tools so I jumped back on my bike and rode away said Mr Jones.

Tools Jettisoned
PC R Morgan said he and a detective constable took statements from all three men. Powell and Gibbs said Jones took the tools and then threw them out of the window when he knew Robert Jones was following the van on a motor-cycle.

When they were charged with the offence all three denied it.

Gibbs, Powell and Jones were given one month to pay the fines with the option of two months in prison.

May 26th – Goytre man did not report an accident

A Goytre market gardener, Evan Williams (66) of Lower Cae Coed was fined £3 by Pontypool Magistrates on Friday when he pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention.

He was fined a further £1 for failing to stop after being involved in an accident and was ordered to pay £2/17/6 costs. A charge of driving without reasonable consideration was dismissed.

John Hawkins of Chippenham, a lecturer on farm machinery, said he parked his car outside his father’s house on Usk Road in Pontypool and went into the house for lunch.

While in the house he heard a crash and went outside to investigate. He found his car with another one further out in the road close to his rear offside wing.

As he approached the other car it moved off and although he was unable to stop it he took the number and after finding that his car was damaged reported it to the police. He estimated the damage at £5.

I’ll Have To Pay
PS W Harvey said that when questioned about the alleged offence Williams said: “You know more about it than me, I’m not going to argue, whatever it costs I’ll have to pay.”

Williams said in court that he slowed down behind the other car because of oncoming traffic. As he pulled out from behind it he miscalculated his speed and struck the back bumper with the nearside of his car.

Williams said he had not stopped as he did not think that any damage had been done. It was the first time that he had ever been prosecuted for a motoring offence.

June 16th – Goytre man flown to hospital

An emergency helicopter dash from Plymouth to Newport was made on Wednesday to take Mr Cedric Anthony Jones aged 27 of Park View, Goytre to the RAF hospital at Halton, Buckinghamshire, where an artificial kidney was available..

Mr Jones was critically ill at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, suffering from severe internal injuries, together with two broken legs, a broken arm, a broken pelvis sustained in a motor-cycle accident at Croesyceiliog on June 3^rd.

The decision to transfer Mr Jones was taken at 11.40am and a call was made to the Coastal Command helicopter station at Plymouth. Just over an hour and a half later the helicopter landed in Shaftesbury Park, where Mr Jones and his family were waiting in an ambulance.

His fiancée, 19 years old Miss Shirley Broom, of Conigar Cresent, Usk, to who he became engaged only last month, was among those who saw him off. We had planned to get married next year. We may have to wait now – but I don’t care how long, she said.

He’s Got Faith

Mr Jones’s mother, Mrs Elsie Beeching said that although her son was very ill he had told her; “I’ve got faith enough to move mountains, and I am so very grateful for all that’s being done for me.”

Newport police held up traffic at the Old Green Crossing, causing long traffic queues on both sides of the river bridge, to give priority to the ambulance, which was preceded by a police escort and followed by a taxi carrying hospital staff, including a doctor who flew with Mr Jones.

The artificial kidney was fitted Wednesday evening and his condition on Thursday was stated to be “still critical.”

July 14th – Whose Walnut Tree?

The cutting down of a 200 year old Walnut Tree has raised a storm of protest in the parish of Monkswood. The tree, which stood on it’s own small island near the top of Rumble Street, was a well loved landmark and had given it’s name to the road junction on which it stood.

Mrs F Richards, who claimed ownership of the tree and who ordered it to be felled, told a Free Press reporter “I cut it down in an attempt to stop my chimneys smoking.” The tree was once part of my ground before the road cut through it, and I claim to be the legal owner of it.”

Rural councillor H Stinchcombe who feels very strongly about the matter , opposes Mrs Richard’s claim to be the legal owner of it.”

The tree is in the parish of Monkswood and her wall is the boundary of the parish of Goytre,” he said.

“The old tree was a landmark and in my view it is wrong that a thing like that was allowed to happen.”

An Old Inhabitant

Mr Jack Shepherdson who has lived in the parish for 80 years , said that as far back as he could remember the tree had been public property. He recalled a similar attempt by Mrs Richards to cut the tree down some 20 years ago but on that occasion she was stopped by Mr Thomson of Estavarney Farm, the farm which was granted the manorial rights before the days of the parish councils.

“I can’t understand it ,” said Mr Shepherdson. “The old tree was as solid as when I used to throw stones up for walnuts some 70 years ago.”

His son, councillor Ivor Shepherdon was present on Friday morning when the cutters started to fell the old tree and he prevented them from continuing until the council surveyor had been consulted about the matter. Despite his pleas, the council surveyor informed him that the tree was not the council’s property, so they could do little about it.

An Institution

Mr Jack James, another resident of the parish who is not prepared to take the matter lying down, described the tree as “more than a landmark – it was an institution. The parishioners as a whole are disturbed about the matter.”

The clerk to Pontypool Rural District Council, Mr Philip Jones, told us although there is strong feeling among the local members, the tree was not the property of the council. I don’t think it will be brought before the council as there is nothing that the council as a whole can do.

The present owner of Estavarney Farm, Mr H G Hampshire, who it is thought might have stronger claims to the tree through an old manorial right, was very annoyed when he heard that it had been removed.

So the controversy goes on. Whose tree was it? Had anyone the right to remove it?

August 11th – Over 1000 attended Goytre village fete

Goytre village fete and flower show in the grounds of Goytre Hall on Monday was acclaimed as the most successful for many years. Over a thousand people passed through the gates to enjoy an afternoon of bright sunshine in picturesque surroundings with all the attraction of the fete and show.

Proceeds were in aid of the fund to establish a new village hall, and the president of the new hall committee, Mrs Wynford Rees, whose home is Goytre Hall, was called to open the proceedings.

Mrs Hall spoke of the need for a new hall  in Goytre which could become a social centre for the area, “so far we have nothing,” she said.

The loss of the old hall in a fire two years ago had been a great blow, for although it had been leaky and draughty it had been a place where people could meet and enjoy themselves.

She complemented the committee on their efforts during what had been a very trying time and concluded by expressing her delight at the interest which local people were showing by their attendance.

The quality of exhibits in the produce section was very high, although the children’s section was not to well supported and the cups for this class were held back, there were 36 exhibitors and 234 entries.

Challenge Rose Bowl, Gordon Vimpany.

Silver Challenge Cup, A E Messenger.

Challenge Rose Bowl, Mrs D V Morris and Mrs M D Owen, (shared.)

Amateur gardening awards; Diplomas, Mes E F Draper and Mr F C Messenger. Floral Art Certificate, Mrs T W Rees.

Womans’s Own awards, Bronze Medals. Mrs D Morris and Mrs M D Owen,. Diplomas Mes E F Draper and Miss Dorothy Jones.

August 18th – Goytre man needs treatment, not punishment

A 22 year old farm labourer who admitted attacking a crippled smallholder late one night with a six foot stake was said at Pontypool Magistrates Court on Friday to suffer from brainstorms.

Dr J D Lyons, of Abergavenny, told the magistrates that the accused was a potential epileptic and must have been in a dreamlike state so that he did not appreciate what he was doing.

The doctor said the man, William Henry Christopher Griffiths, of Plough Road Goytre, had inherited tendencies to epilepsy and was now undergoing treatment which was necessary to control his outburst of violence.

At a previous hearing Griffiths pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing bodily harm and asked for legal aid, but altered his plea on Friday to one of guilty.

The smallholder, Reginald David Joseph Williams, also of Goytre, was said to have been partially crippled by polio.

Prosecuting, Mr Keith Bladon, said that the accused called at Williams’s smallholding on a number of occasions before the alleged offences.

One night he told him his pigs were loose on the road. Another night he called and asked him to change some money and on another occasion he woke him up late at night saying he had found his fork on the road.

Struck With Pole
The night after the incident with the fork, Williams heard a knock on his front door. When he opened it Griffiths struck at him with the pole. He turned his head to avoid the blow but was struck on the shoulder and fell to the ground.

When Griffiths was interviewed by the police he admitted the offences and told them: “I don’t know why I did it, it wasn’t for the money.”

Later when charged Griffiths said: “I still don’t know why I did it. I’ve had headaches a lot lately, perhaps that is the reason.”

Defending, Mr Peter Underwood, (instructed by Everett & Tomlin) described the case as one for the treatment rather than punishment.”

Griffiths was bound over for two years on condition that he underwent treatment. He was also ordered to pay £5 towards the costs.

December 1st – Goytre man is off to the Falklands

On board a cargo boat which sails from Tilbury on December 7^th bound for the Falkland Islands, a remote Crown Colony off the tip of South America, will be 21- years-old John Fielding of Cwm Farm , Goytre, whose ambition to see the world and seek adventure have promoted him to take a job with one of the large sheep farming companies there.

He will live on a self-contained sheep station on East Island, which is one of the two major islands in the group and on which is situated the only town, Stanley.

He has signed on with the company for five years, after which time, they will, if he wishes, provide his passage back to the country. If he decides to return before this time, he is quite free to do so, although he will have to find his own fare.

“If I get fed up I can always come back,” he told a reporter. “Life’s what you make it.”

A Great Change
When asked why he had picked such a remote part of the world to start his new way of life he replied: “There weren’t any opportunities for this type of thing in, say, Australia or New Zealand. It is a great chance. If I didn’t take it I might kick myself for the rest of my life about it.”

John, who is a native of Goytre, lived for a time and was educated at Southall in Middlesex before moving to Llantrisant, Glamorgan , he returned to Goytre two years ago and since then has worked on a farm owned by Mr Hampshire at Monkswood near Usk.

He has a happy go lucky nature most suitable for a man about to embark on such a venture and has found no distractions such as a girl friend which might have altered his mind about going.

I would be going if I had any ties here. The Falklands Islands consist of two larger islands, East and West Falkland and a hundred smaller ones covering in all a total area of 6,500 square miles.

They were first discovered in 1592 by John Davies and became a British Crown Colony in 1771.

December 29th – Goytre man must take driving test again

A 65 years old Goytre market gardener who passed a driving test in 1948, agreed to take another one as soon as possible, after Pontypool magistrates had found him guilty of driving without due care and attention on Friday.

Evan Williams, of Lower Cae Coed, Goytre, was fined £5 and disqualifiedfrom driving until he takes another driving test. He pleaded not guilty.

Haydn Hillier, of Penywain Street Wainfelin, told the court he was travelling on the main Pontypool-Abergavenny road past Goytre school when the accident occurred. He stopped in the road, after giving ample indication, to enable him to turn right into a road junction.

Seven or eight cars were coming from the Abergavenny direction so he was forced to wait for them to pass before proceeding. While waiting he suddenly felt a bump and although his footbrake was on, he was pushed forward a little way.

A passenger in the car, James Goldsmith , of Goytre, corroborated Hillier’s evidence and said the car that had pushed them forward was driven by the accused Williams.

PC Len Richards said when he arrived at the scene of the accident he saw the two cars involved were an Austin A30 driven by Hillier and a Wolseley driven by the accused.

In a statement, Williams told the officer, “I was driving from Pontypool towards Goytre. I was following behind this car, and when I was only a few yards behind it, the driver suddenly signalled his intention of turning right.

At The Last Moment

“He gave the indication at the indication at the very last moment and consequently I had no time to pull up and I hit his bumper. It was not my fault. The driver of the other car gave me no warning of his intentions.”

In court Williams told the magistrates that he had made every effort to avoid the accident. “He gave his indication at the very last minute. I did not think he would go down the road he did – I do not think any sane person would try and go down there.”

Cross-examined by Superintendent John Haines, Williams agreed that if there had been no traffic coming from the Abergavenny direction, as he had alleged, Hillier would not have stopped in the middle of the road, I know that road and use it frequently, so I suppose you would describe me as one of those people who are “sane,” added Supt. Haines.

It was stated that Williams had been before the court on a previous occasion charged with a similar offence and found guilty. It was also said that he had taken the driving test in 1948.

January 4th – Goytre Village Hall

Goytre Village Hall committee held a poultry whist drive at Usk Memorial Hall, when the Christmas draw resulted: 2236 Strachan, Raglan; 10282 Stanley, Southampton; 14675 Price, Trevethin; 14589 Halliday, Croesyceiliog; 6182 Laramy, Griffithstown; 12455 Davies, BNS; 14725 Collins, Nantyderry; 6006, Strangward, Pontypool; 3595 Spence, Blaenavon; 11270 Hughes, Blaenavon; 4432 Gulliver, Goytre; 14303 Bath, Goytre; 5359 Rosser, Cwmtillery; 13707 Hemphill, Crickhowell; 13792 Price, Crickhowell; 4304 Price, Little Mill; 11812 D. Casey, Pontypool; 14029 Jones, Newport; 4175 Lucas, Pontypool; 12347 Watling, Southampton; 24126 Jenkins, Nantyderry; 5601 Pritchard, BNS; 3270 Askey, Pontypool; 2412 Cook, Pontnewydd; 14790 King, Abertillery; 5469 Jones, Panteg; 9585 Henderson, Usk; 11912 Powell, Goytre; 10644 Jones, Goytre; 13141 McCarthy, Goytre; 8409 Howells, Monmouth; 8197 Brant, Llanover; 11280 Price, Blackwood.

House for sale – GOYTRE

(Midway between Abergavenny and Pontypool, 2 miles from British Nylon Spinners)
A modern detached Bungalow in this popular residential district and situated on the newly developed PARKLANDS ESTATE with hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, etc. All main services. Power points all rooms. Garage. Lawn and garden. R.V. £22 Freehold.
Full particulars from the Agents Messrs BUNNING & RUSSELL, Estate agent, WAVERLEY CHAMBERS, Tel. PONTYPOOL 39.

January 18th – Goytre Women’s Institute

January meeting at the village school was presided over by Mrs Swinnerton.
Mr Stephan Jung gave a most interesting and enjoyable talk about hairdressing and brought along three of this charming models to demonstrate the latest techniques and Styles practiced in his salons.
He complimented British women on the care they took with their hair, which he said was much better groomed than that of women on the Continent.
Tea hostesses were Mrs A. Bath, Mrs Cook, and Mrs A. Davies.
Mrs O. Morgan had a lucky evening winning the box of chocolates in the raffle and the prize for the prettiest plate in the competition.

February 1st – Did not declare earnings.

A Goytre man, Ronald Henry Edwards, of Frondeg, was fined a total of £20 at Pontypool at Pontypool Magistrate’s Court on Friday for obtaining unemployment benefit on two occasions when in fact he was a self-employed as a window cleaner.
In court Edwards, who was said to have had many previous convictions, said he thought he was allowed to earn up to £2 without having to declare it.

February 8th – Penperlleni Man narrowly avoided crash

FACE-TO-FACE with a grey Jaguar car approaching him on the wrong side of the road, a Goytre journalist, Owen James, of Penperlleni House, drove his sports car on the grass verge to avoid a collision.
Abergavenny magistrates last week fined the driver of the Jaguar, David Ian Kyle Morgan (23), of Newtown, £10 for driving without due care and attention. His licence was endorsed and he was ordered to pay £1/10/5 costs.
A charge of dangerous driving against Morgan was dismissed.

James told the court that he was driving towards Abergavenny at about 50-55 mph, or “possibly a little more.”

As he approached a bend he saw the Jaguar alongside a bus, in the process of overtaking it.

“I realised there was not much chance of the Jaguar stopping,” he went on, “although I had braked fairly hard.

“I swerved on to the grass verge. If I had done my duty I would have reported the incident, but I intended to do nothing about it.

VERGE SAVED BANG

“I avoided a collision because there was a verge. If there had not been one there would have been an almighty bang.”

Inspector Wilfred Evans said that on Christmas Eve a queue of vehicles headed by a double-decker bus was travelling towards Pontypool.

Near a left-hand band at Porthmawr Lodge Morgan pulled out to overtake the other vehicles and a sports car coming the other way had to drive onto the grass verge.

Other drivers in the queue told the court that Jaguar moved out to overtake on the apex of the bend. When the Jaguar was alongside the bus it was completely blocking the road and the sports car had to swerve violently to avoid a head on collision.

Mr J. C. Prole, for Morgan, submitted that the cause of the incident was the speed at which the sports car was driven.

February 22nd – Late Mr J. W. Shepherdson (In Obituaries)

March 8th – Local Estates – Mrs Constance Robinson

Mrs Constance Robinson, of The Nurseries, Nantyderry, formerley of The Highway, Panteg, wife of Bernard C. Robinson, electrical engineer, died on November 22 leaving £795 gross, £745 net. Probate has been granted to her husband, of the same address, the sole executor.

April 12^{th –} Goytre VPA stage seventh Spring show

This year’s arctic winter had a noticeable effect on the number of entries for the Goytre Village Produce Association’s seventh spring Show, But although there were less entries than in previous years, standard of the exhibits was very high, particularly in the children’s section.

The judges for the show, which was held at the Goytre Arms clubroom, were: Industrial, Miss C. Phillips; children’s, Miss N. Mortimer; horticultural, Mr C. Jenkins, all of Usk VPA.

HORTICULTURAL SECTION

Daffodils, or narcissi, anyone variety in 7” pot, Mrs R. Burgess, Mrs J. Rees; daffodils, or narcissi, any one variety in 6” pot, novice class, Graham Owen, A. O. Morris; daffodils or narcissi, any one variety grown in bowl not exceeding 10” diameter, A. E. Messenger; bowl of tulips, Mrs R. Burgess, Mrs Lambert; one hyacinth in bowl, novice class, Graham Owen, A. O. Morris; three hyacinths in bowl, Mrs J. Simmons, Mrs W. Owen; vase of cut daffodils or narcissi, A. E. Messenger, Mrs R. Burgess; pot of cyclamen, no entries; flowering plant of any kind in pot, A. E. Messenger, Mrs C. F. Lewis; pot a azalea, A. E. Messenger, foliage plant in pot, A. E. Messenger;

three kinds of root vegetables, three of each, Graham Owen, Mrs lambert; twelve brussels sprouts, Gordon Vimpany, A. E. Messenger; apple, 5 culinary, 5 dessert, Gordon Vimpany, A. E. Messenger, Certificate and voucher, A. E. Messenger.

INDUSTRIAL SECTION

Fruit cake, Mrs D. V. Morris, Mrs W. A. Jenkins, Mrs E. James; Victoria sponge, Mrs J. Simmons, Mrs Willson, Mrs D. V. Morris; loaf of home-made white bread, any shape, Mrs R. K.Dibble, Mrs W. A. Jenkins; 12 Welsh cakes, D. V. Morris, Mrs W. A. Jenkins; 1lb. jar lemon curd, Mrs L. Owen, Mrs R. K. Dibble; 1lb. jar marmalade, Mrs R. K. Dibble, Mrs J. H. Bath; 1lb. jar blackcurrant jam, Mrs L. Owen, Mrs D. V. Morris; cold sweet, Mrs D. V. Morris, Mrs Willson; miniature floral decoration, 4” overall, Mrs J. Simmons, Mrs D. V. Morris; container of spring flowers for frontal effect, not to exceed 2′, Mrs R. K. Dibble, Mrs R. Burgess; any garment, double knitting, Mrs Thomas, Mrs J. A. Bath; matinee coat, knitted, mrs Meadowcroft, Mrs R. K. Dibble; six hen’s eggs, tinted, Gordon Vimpany, Mrs W. A. Jenkins; bottle of home-made wine, Mrs D. V. Morris, Mrs R. K. Dibble; certificate, Mrs J. Simmons.

CHILDRENS SECTION

Bulb in pot or bowl, age under 15, Richard James, Anthea Kimber; freehand drawing, black and white, age 11 and under 15, fairground scene, Timothy Fielding, Glyn Price; freehand drawing, coloured, age 7 to 10, village scene in Goytre, Irene Kimber, Michael Way; nursery rhyme or fairy tale, illustrated, under 7, no entries; six fancy cakes, under 15, Robert Willson, Judith Sturley; craft work, age under 11, not kits, Janet Bath, G. Gulliver; craft work, agents Mrsmrsover 11 and under 15, not kits, Clive Litten.

Other prizes: M. J. Webley, Simon Mason, G. Owen, Brooks, Stan Pring, Mrs Bryan, Dick BNS Sybil, Mrs Cleaver, Mrs James,, Thompson, Mrs Sturley, Mrs j. Conway, Mrs F. Messenger, G. Davies, Cueson, Martin, Miss H. Messenger.

The organisers wish to thank the ladies who served refreshments and all who made this event possible.

April 15th 

Susan Draper

SUSAN DRAPER, 13-years-old daughter of Mr and Mrs Ernest Draper, of Belfont, Newtown, Goytre, is pictured with the Ivor Screen challenge cup and plaque presented to her on winning the juvenile champion solo at the Abertillery Orpheus Eisteddfod. Susan attends Abersychan Grammar/Technical School and is a pupil of Madam May Lucas.

Goytre Youth says: “I hate bluebottles”

When told by a police officer to turn off a transistor radio set, a Goytre youth replied: “I hate bluebottles,” Pontypool magistrates were told on Friday.

Raymond Geoffrey Webb, an 18-years-old sawmill worker from Frondeg, was fined £2 for using obscene language and £3 for playing the wireless set on the road at night.

PC R. Morgan said he saw Webb leave a cafe with the radio turned on. He told him to turn it off and Webb replied: “I hate bluebottles.”

Webb was asked again to turn it off, and he did so he said: “I will do it again and you won’t stop me.” As he went away he made use of several obscene expressions.

April 26^th

Goytre Wedding

The marriage took place at St. Peter’s Church, Goytre, of Thomas Anderson, only son of Mrs T. A. Inglis and the late Mr T. Anderson Inglis, of Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and Margaret Jean, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs John Kennedy of “Chadstowe,” Goytre. The Rev. A. L. Davies officiated, and the organist was Mr L. Chard.

The bride wore a full-length gown of crystal satin. Her veil was held in place by a circlet headdress and she carried a spray of multi-coloured freesias and maiden-hair fern.

Bridesmaids, Miss June Veronica Kennedy (sister) and miss Jean Hiddleson Inglis (sister of the groom), wore flame coloured short dresses and carried sprays of lillies-of-the-valley and maiden-hair fern. The flower girl, Ann Inglis, carried a posy of mixed anemones.

The bride’s mother wore a biscuit-shade two-piece with light brown accessories; the groom’s mother a navy blue two-piece suit with matching accessories.

Best man was Mr George Stewart, who (like the bridegroom) is an officer in the Merchant Navy. Ushers were Messrs G. Kennedy, B. Edwards and B. Davenne.

Reception at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny. Honeymoon in Cornwall. The bride travelled in a pale green dress under a dark green coat with brown accessories.

Photo by William Tribe, Ltd., Raglan.

May 17^th

Usk Sawmills assault: Goytre youth fined.

19-years-old Goytre youth claimed at Usk Court that the chair on which he had been sitting in a sawmill canteen was set alight after a workmate had tipped over a portable fire.

The youth, Raymond Geoffrey Webb, unemployed, of Frondeg, denied that he afterwards struck the other man and threatened him with a stick.

The magistrates found him guilty of assaulting and beating David John Jones, of Wellesley House, New Market Street, Usk, and fined him £2.

Jones, a sawyer, told the magistrates he was sitting in the canteen with a sandwich in one hand and a cup of tea in the other when Webb pushed the fire, built in a milk churn, towards him.

“he kept on pushing the churn, so I put my foot against it and it tipped over, but not in the direction of Webb. He jumped up and struck me three or four times and then picked up a stick and said; ‘I will mark you for life’.”

CHAIR ALIGHT

Webb said jones kept pushing the churn towards him and he pushed it back. It eventually fell over and the fire set his chair alight.

“I jumped up and warned him, but I did not hit him,” he told the court.

His brother Keith John Webb, also of Frondeg, Goytre, said Jones was not struck, but he threw a cup of tea over Webb and called him outside after the accident.

The chairman, Mr A. D. Pollock, told Webb: “There may have been some provocation, but you are a young man and you must learn to keep your hands to yourself.”

May 31^st  Mr J. H. Goode, Goytre (In Obituaries)

July 5^th  Capel-Ed keep Scripture trophy

The William Williams Memorial Shield for the most successful Sunday School in the pontypool and District Union in the annual Scripture examination was retained by the holders, Capel Ed, Goytre, with 89.85 per cent.

They were followed by Crane Street, 88.4 per cent; Hafodrynys 86.7 per cent; Twyn, Usk, 83.3 per cent.

Certificates were presented at Hafodrynys (where Mr Michael Gregory presided and the Rev. A. J. Frost gave an address) and Pontypool (where the president, Mr Frost, presided and the Rev. A. E. Jones gave the address and presented the prizes).

Key to detailed results: Merchants Hill MH; Crane Street CS; Capel Ed CE; Zion Hill ZH; Griffithstown Methodist GM; Twyn, Usk T; Hafodrynys H; Penygarn P; Griffithstown Baptist GB; Nicholas Street NS.

Teachers’ division II: Colwyn Tovey (H); Ernest Lewis (GM).

Young people’s A: Dianne Meredith (P), Roger Essex (CE), Pamela Carne (P).

Senior Division D: Vauna Jones (T), Horace Norris (GB), Christine Southern (H), Eileen Johns (H).

Senior division B: Barbara Davies (GB), Patricia Lake (GB), Linda……

July 19^th

Goytre Church memorial to General Rees

A PLAQUE at St Peter’s Church, Goytre, to the memory of the late Major-General Thomas Wynford Rees of Goytre Hall,–commander of the 19th (“Dagger”) division of the Indian Army which captured the fort at Mandalay in March 1945–was dedicated by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Edwin Morris, on Monday.

A Union Jack which was run up after the fort been taken by the 19th division was used to drape the plaque.

Major-General “Pete” Rees died in 1959 the age of 61. He was 17 when he joined the Army during the First World War, and became a captain in the Welsh Regiment gaining the DSC and MC.

He also fought in the frontier wars of North West India, where he was mentioned in dispatches.

After his retirement in 1948 he became the first manager of the Cwmbran Development Corporation and many Corporation members were present at Monday’s service. Also present were officers of The Welch Regiment and Boy Scouts. Major-General Rees was scout commissioner until shortly before his death.

Wedding Evans – Williams

At St Peter’s Church, Goytre, by the Rev. A. L. Davies, Raymond, younger son of Mr and Mrs T. J . Evans, Cilfeigan Bungalow, Llanbadoc, and Patricia, only daughter of Mr and Mrs S. E. Williams, Refreshment Rooms, Nantyderry. The bride wore a full-length gown, with train of white brocade. Her bouffant veil was held in place by a crystal coronet, and she carried a bouquet of red roses. Bridesmaid, Miss Elizabeth Jenkins (cousin), in a full-length gown of lemon nylon, with matching head-dress and gloves. She carried a posy of sweet peas. Best man, Mr R Cornish; groomsmen, Messrs N. Evans and B. Williams. The bride’s

mother wore a matching coat and sheath dress of slate-grey lace, with white accessories; the groom’s mother a brown silk suit with matching accessories. Both wore corsages of orchids. Reception at the BNS Sports and Social Club. Honeymoon in Torquay, the bride travelling in a matching dress and coat of French blue and white, with white accessories.–Photograph by Romley Marney, FRSA, Abergavenny.

August 9 – ‘One-arm bandit’ illegally used for private gain

A 47-years-old Goytre cafe proprietor, who allowed a “one-arm bandit” to be used on his premises, was fined £3 at Pontypool on Friday for an offence against the new Betting and Gaming Act.
The magistrates were told that the case was the first of its kind in Pontypool and the second in Monmouthshire.
Peter Bernard Carpenter, of Bryn View, Penperlleni, was charged with allowing gaming by means of a machine to be used for private gain on premises known as pete’s Coffee Bar, to which the public had access.

A Cardiff man, Gerry Wass (45), of Southey Street, who rented the machine to Carpenter, was also fined £3 for causing the machine to be on the premises. He pleaded guilty.

Prosecuting, Mr Lawrence Allen said that PC R. Morgan saw the machine in a corner of the main public room of the cafe which was much frequented by teenagers.

Carpenter told the officer he thought it was all right to have the machine in his cafe, and said he had seen six similar machines in another cafe. He added that the gaming machine had been on the premises for only two days.

Wass, when interviewed at Little Mill police station, said he did not think that Carpenter was allowed to have a machine on his premises.

CONFISCATION POSSIBLE

Mr Allen told the magistrates that the prosecution could apply for the machine to be confiscated, but they were not doing so in this case.

“If this sort of offence continues in the county the prosecution will not take such a lenient view in the future,” he said.

In court Carpenter said the machine was only on his premises for two days before the police removed it. They had not told him it was illegal.

Wass had nothing to say.
The chairman, Lt-Col. H. Hughes, MBE, told the men: “It must be made quite clear that this is a new Act and as it becomes better known heavier penalties will be inflicted in such cases.”

August 23rd – Late Mr Josiah Owen (In Obituaries)

Goytre man was unfit to have charge of a car

After being taken home by a man who found him slumped forward in a car, a Goytre man was seen by a special constable staggering back to the vehicle.
Pontypool magistrates were told this on Friday when Bryn Edwards (29), a ward orderly, of The Caravan, Ty-Coch, Goytre, pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a motor car.
He was fined £25, disqualified from driving for a year and his license was endorsed.
Mr Laurence Allen, prosecuting, said that at about 4:40 pm on July 10 a Mr James of Goytre was driving his car towards his home when he saw a large black car blocking the roadway.

Mr James saw Edwards sitting in the car with his head dropping forward and his eyes half closed. He shook him and after while Edwards woke.
Mr James then asked if he could move the car and Edwards pulled the starter but it would not work.
The two men then pushed the car to the side and Mr James took Edwards home because he thought he was ill.
Later, a special constable saw Edwards coming back towards the car. He was staggering about then got into the vehicle and tried to start it.
The constable spoke to Edwards who said he had had a few drinks. He had to be helped out of the car, then supported when standing.

TEARFUL ENTREATY

Edwards was put in the constables car and when told he was being taken to the police station he began to cry and pleaded not to be taken there.
He was seen by other police officers, who soon came to the conclusion That he was “well away,” said Mr Allen. Tests were made and they showed Edwards had taken at least the equivalent of 6 1/2 pints of beer or 12 1/2 single whiskeys.
Mr Peter Bishop, defending said that that at the time of the offence Edwards was suffering from a nervous complaint and was under the doctor.
On the day in question he had received his National Health Insurance payment and he went to the post office to cash the order. He did not remember going to a public house, but did recall drinking.
The treatment for his nervous complaint included a tonic, and the combination of lack of food, drugs and drink had disastrous results.
Mr Bishop added that the car would not have worked anyway, because of a fault in the wiring.

August 30^th

Jalopy racing thrills at Goytre

More than 2000 people turned up at the Goytree horticultural show, fete and jalopy race meeting on Saturday, and ensured the success of the event.
It also brought the fete committee nearer to the £8000 target they have set to build a new village hall in place of the one which was destroyed by fire three years ago.
The past two years over £4000 has been raised by various events and the Ministry of Education have promised to grant towards the new hall.

Land for the building has already been purchased, and if everything continues as a present it is hoped that the money will be raised before the end of the year.

The Rev. Gordon Lang, well-known television personality and former MP, opened the fete and was introduced by Mrs T Wynford Rees, president of the fete committee.
As well as the horticultural show and jalopy races there were side-shows, a barbecue and a fancy dress carnival, and on display were a scale model and plans of the proposed new hall.
The fete Queen, Miss Janet Hayes, was crowned by Mrs Rees and in attendance were court ladies Patricia Evans, Sally Arthur, Jill Askew, Christine Meadowcroft, Teresa Jones and Kathryn Jones, together with pages Alton Jenkins, Kevin Starmore and Wayne Jenkins.
Winners of the fancy dress competition were: 1. Shirley Knox (mail robbery); 2. Gail Elsley (Robin Hood); 3. Richard Meadowcroft (Yogi Bear); 4. Jane Topham (witch).

JALOPY WINNERS

In the jalopy meeting there were 51 competitors in five events.

Results:

Up to 1,300 c.c.: 1, G. Richardson (Caerleon); 2, M. Powell (Hereford); 3, A. J. Powell (Abergavenny).

Over 1,300 c.c.: 1, A. G. Davies (Clydach); 2, B. Limb (Ledbury); 3, D. Allen (Mitcheldean).

Not having won a prize before, up to 1,300 c.c.: 1, C. Thomas (Usk); 2, W. Millard (Newent); 3, H. Duggan (Grosmont). Over 1,300 c.c.: 1, J. Harris (Mardy); 2, D. Allen (Mitcheldean); 3, V. Price (Clyro).

Women: 1, Mrs J. Orchard (Newbridge); 2, Mrs J. Millard (Newent); 3, Mrs D. Evans (Mordifford).

FLOWER SHOW

Chief awards in the flower show were:

Rose bowl for the competitor living in Goytre with the highest points: E. F. Draper.

Silver cup for highest points: A. E. Messenger.

Rose bowl for the highest points in industrial classes: Mrs V. Jones.

Girl under 15 with most points: M. J. Davies. Boy under 15 with most points: Robin Langdon.

Bronze medal for best collection of vegetables: A. E. Messenger.

Blue ribbon for best vegetable exhibit: A. E. Messenger. Certificate of merit for the next best: E. F. Draper.

Certificate of merit for best fruit exhibit: A. E. Messenger.

Diplomas for best flower exhibits: R. Maisey and E. F. Draper.

Bronze medal for best exhibit in industrial classes: Mrs D. V. Morris.

September 27^th

Goytre Gardeners

Goytre VPA at their annual meeting (Mrs W. Rees presiding) elected the following officers: Chairman, Mr A. O. Morris; vice-chairman and secretary, Mr J. Lambert; assistant secretary, Mrs M. Shorthouse; treasurer, Mr B. Meadowcroft; Committee, Messrs Shorthouse, Vimpany, Dawson, Harper, Mesdames Lambert and Wilson. Meetings are held monthly. The topic for October 3 is “General pruning.”

November 22nd

Goytre Womens Institute

November’s meeting was held in the new classroom at the village school. Our membership has increased so much this year that we all welcome the extra space and enjoy our new surroundings.

Mr F. Griffiths of Chepstow talked about “colour in the home.”

There was a record entry of twenty-nine for the cherry cake competition. Mrs Hilary Thomson kindly judged, and after giving some expert advice awarded the first three prizes to mrs draper, Mrs V. Harris and Mrs Welsh.

A lovely bowl of Christmas flowering bulbs was raffled and won by Mrs John Whittingham.

Tea hostesses: Mesdames Thompson, Whittingham, Wilding and Williams.

Jan 3rd – Obituary

Mr T Perrott, Goytre. (In Obituaries)

March 6th – Advert

Goytre, charming detached freehold bungalow. Three bedrooms, bathroom/wc, lounge, diner/kitchen, reception hall, central heating, garage. £4,500.

March 6th – Goytre Women’s Institute

Mrs Swinnerton presided, Mrs Enid Evans, (Pontllanfraith) gave an informative talk on drama, costume and production and was thanked by Mrs Young.
Miss Ada Kondeki from Northern Rhodesia spoke on her activities as a social worker amongst backward tribes and was thanked by Mrs E Jones.
Mrs Jenkins won the competition and Mrs Whittington, senior, the raffle.
Tea hostesses were mesdames Edward, Ellis and Essex.

March 6th – For Sale

Lease considered. – Shop premises, recently constructed. This is ideally suitable for Chemist which is badly needed. There are two doctor’s surgeries in the area, plus the service from doctors in Usk. The nearest chemist is 5 miles away, either at Abergavenny, Pontypool or Usk. Also there is a strong possibility of an off licence being granted to suitable applicant.

Delightful corner plot in Fairfield Estate, on which A L Way Ltd, private builder, will build to your special requirements.

Fairfield Estate, beautiful new well designed, three bedroomed bungalow. Stone fireplace for open fire plus gas central heating. Freehold £4,000.

March 20th – Entries down at Goytre VPA Spring Show

Entries in the horticultural classes of Goytre VPA eighth spring show at Llanover Village Hall on Saturday were very disappointing – there were only 21 exhibitors, although the show was open to the Women’s Institute of Goytre and Llanover.
A E Messenger (placed first in eight of the 14 classes) won the award for highest points. Other successes were E R Bradley, Mrs D V Morris, Mrs L Owen, Mrs M H French, Mrs R Rees and Mrs A Jenkins.

Industrial Classes
Fruit cake: 1. Mrs D V Morris 2. Mrs M Sturley. 3. Mrs V Jones
Victoria sponge: 1. Mrs V Jones 2. Mrs French 3. Mrs G M Young
Bread: 1. Mrs Morris 2. Mrs L Owen
Welsh cakes; 1. Mrs D Welch 2. Mrs L Owen
Sausage rolls: 1. Mrs French 2. Mrs Morris
Lemon Curd: 1. Mrs Bradley 2. Mrs L Owen
Marmalade: 1. Mrs Skidmore 2. Mrs Mrs French
Blackcurrant jam: 1.Mrs Bradley 2. Mrs Owen
Cold sweet: 1. Mrs French 2. Mrs Morris
Wine: 1. Mrs Wilson 2. Mrs Morris
Minature floral decoration: 1. Mrs A Meadowcroft 2. Mrs Bradley
Container of flowers: 1. Mrs Skidmore 2. Mrs R Rees
Garment, double knitting: 2. Mrs Meadowcroft
Matinee coat: 1. Mrs M Harper
Hen eggs: 1. Mrs V Jones 2. Mrs Rees

Children’s classes
Fancy cakes: 1. Shirley Knox 2. Judith Sturley 3. Valerie Jones
Queen cakes: Malcolm Bradley 2. Judith Bradley
Craft work: 1. Judith Sturley
Freehand drawing: 1. Judith Sturley 2, Geoff Gulliver 3. Robert Morgan
Girl’s craft work: 1. J Lewis 2. Susan Hughes 3. Susan Arthur
Freehand drawing under 7: 1. Stephen Peglar 2. Lyn Cook 3. Catherine Parsons
Illustrated story: 1. C A Meadowcroft 2. Nicholas Potter
Minature garden under 11: 1. C A Meadowcroft 2. J Lewis 3. Catherine Jones.

Special prizes
Floral art:  Mrs Skidmore
Best pot of bulbs: A E Messenger
Novice class: Mrs L Owen

March 20th – Obituary

Mrs A Gwatkin ( In Obituaries)

March 20th – Obituary

Mr E Thomas (In Obituaries)

April 24th – Goytre Village Hall Committee

Tenders are invited from experienced Building Contractors for the construction of a traditional Village Hall on Newtown Road, Goytre, near Pontypool, Mon.
Plans and specification may be obtained from the undersigned, subject to a deposit of £3/3/0 which will be repayable on receipt of a bona fide tender.
Tenders, in a plain sealed envelope, endorsed “Erection of Village Hall” and addressed to the secretary, must be returned by 12 noon on 1st May 1964.
The Committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender.
BFW Bishop
Pencombe
Goytre, Abergavenny, Mon.

April 24th – Work will start soon on Goytre Village Hall

Building will shortly begin on Goytre’s new village hall but efforts which have made this possible must not shaken, since the hall will have to be maintained after it is built said Mr R A Higginson, the treasurer, at the annual meeting.
Mrs R Rees of Goytre Hall (president) in the chair paid tribute ti the work if the late chairman, Mr O Morgan, who died shortly before Christmas and praised the work of the retiring committee.
Retiring officers and committee were all re-elected.
Mr M M Wilson, chairman thanked supporting organisations and the general public for the immense amount of help they had given the committee in all their functions. The past year had been an active one but the work had been well worth while in view of the rapidly increasing population of Goytre, who would make use of the new hall and its facilities.
Mr Higginson was able to report a very satisfactory financial position.
The committee now consist of elected members: Mr M M Wilson (chairman); Mr A Morris (vice-chairman); Mr B F W Bishop (secretary); Mr R A Higginson (treasurer); Mrs N Knox, Messrs S Hayes, D Jones, W Morgan, P Siddaway, F Robinson and H Young.
Representative members – Mrs E James (VPA), Mr W Owen.

April 24^th – Goytre Women’s Institute

The monthly meeting of Goytre WI was held at Goytre School, Mrs Swinnerton presiding.
The minutes were read by Mrs Willson.
A talk was given by Mr Frank Hamer on pottery, illustrated with coloured film. He then judged the competition for the prettiest piece of china and awarded the highest marks to Mrs Maisey.
Thanks were expressed by Mrs R Skidmore, Mrs Wilson won the raffle.
Tea hostesses were mesdames D Jones, C Jones, B Jenkins and Jenkins (jnr.)

May 15^th – Obituary

Mrs E Owen (In Obituaries)

May 22^nd – Goytre Man’s Flu Caused Crash

A man who failed to stop after his dangerous driving had caused an accident was suffering at the time from a bad dose of influenza, Pontypool magistrates were told on Friday. William Charles Shepherdson (54) bricklayer of Goytre, pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, failing to report the accident to the police and failing to stop after the accident.
He was fined a total of £13 and had his licence endorsed after his solicitor, Mr D P Tomlin had pleaded for leniency in the usual circumstances.

The court heard from Mr Michael Jennings, prosecuting, how a Mr Vaughan was driving past Hafodyrynys Colliery about 4.30 pm on March 7^th at about forty miles an hour and on his own side of the road. As he was passing a stationary vehicle on the other side of the road, another car pulled out and collided with him.
Mr Vaughan did not see the other car stop. He halted and found extensive damage to his own car. A bus passenger later testified that the road was strewn with metal and broken glass – all of which was on Mr Vaughan’s side of the road.
Police who later went to Shepherdson’s home found him ill in bed. He was obviously so ill that they decided to postpone their questioning. His car displayed extensive damage to the bodywork. Paint marks on it corresponded with the other car.
When finally questioned, Shepherdson was convinced that the other drive was at fault. He claimed that he stopped just around the corner and decided that the other car must have driven on and could not, therefore, have sustained any serious damage.
His denial of his own responsibility had been in good faith, though he now realised that he was in fact to blame, this was only after he had been convinced of the actual facts later.

May 22^nd

Taken just before the Guard of Honour for the departing Governor of Hong Kong, this photo shows Cpl. Brian Mathews (left) whose parents live at Beech Mount, Pontnewynydd and Cpl. Ian Morris whose home is at Arrow Cottage, Goytre. Both Corporals have served in Germany with the South Wales Borderers and travelled to such countries as Norway, Denmark and Holland before coming out to Hong Kong, where they are at present serving.

June 26^th – Goytre Queen Chosen

A large crowd attended the selection at Goytre School of a carnival queen and court for the Goytre flower show and fete on August Bank holiday Monday.
The judges, Mrs G Wilson, Little Mill and Mr T G Crook, Risca, chose Elizabeth Jones as queen; Diane Litten, Hilary Hughes, Shiela Owen and Caroline Frewin as court ladies.
Christine Meadowcroft and Janet Griffiths as flower girls; and Philip Jones and Stephen Andrew Griffiths as page boys.

June 26^th – For sale

600 yards from the village of Penperlleni and on the A4042 trunk road, Abergavenny 7 miles, Usk 4 miles, situated on the Monkswood road in beautiful rural surroundings, overlooking the village, with 380 yards of road frontage.
19 acres of agricultural land known as Ty Bach. Land by auction at the Goytre Arms on Thursday July 9^th at 8pm.

July 24^th – Ty Gwyn, Nantyderry

On a quiet side road, midway between Abergavenny and Pontypool, 5 miles ffrom Usk, detached freehold residence known as Ty Gwyn.
Well laid out gardens to front and side with lawns, small orchard at rear, RV £76.
Submitted to auction on Friday August 14^th at 7 pm at the Goytre Arms, Goytre, Pontypool.

September 18^th – Goytre Man’s Van Collided with Standing Lorry

Gerald Hugh Jones, 24, of Park View, Goytre, was fined £20 and disqualified from driving for 6 months and ordered to pay £11/9/1 costs at Abergavenny for driving dangerously in a mini-van. He was allowed three months to pay.
Jones, who pleaded not guilty and was represented by Mr Colin Clark, admitted driving at “about sixty” shortly before he was involved in a collision with a stationary lorry although his mini-van was restricted to a speed of 40mph.
Inspector Wilfred Evans said that a lorry which had broken down and was stationary on the Abergavenny side of Ochran Bends on the main Pontypool-Abergavenny road was struck by the defendants mini-van on July 17^th. Although the lorry’s brakes were on, it was pushed forward several feet.
Jones said in court that when he saw the lorry parked his immediate reaction was to stop and he braked. The rear of his van began to slide and it skidded for about 50 yards before striking the lorry.
Cross-examined by Inspector Evans, he agreed he was travelling faster than he should have been.

September 18^th – Trouble in the Singing Room at Goytre

Two Goytre brothers were fined £5 each with £7/5/10 costs at Pontypool on Friday for disprderly conduct in a public house.
Raymond Geoffrey Webb (20) and Michael George Webb (19) of 17, Frondeg, Goytre, pleaded guilty by letter.
Mr Evans, licensee of the Goytre Arms, said that ten minutes after he called time, he went into the singing room and told the crowd of youngsters it was time they were going. Thereupon the younger Webb went over to another youth and attacked him with his fists.
Mr Evans asked the Webb’s to leave but they refused and continuously attempted to punch other customers who had given no provocation.
The Webb brothers threatened to wreck the premises if the police were sent for.
They were eventually ejected by other customers but uttered more threats outside the premises.
Royston Gibbs, of Pontnewynydd, said he and a number of friends occupied some seats in the singing room twenty minutes after the Webbs had vacated them. Some time later they came back and one of them said “They are our seats shall we shift them?”
Then after closing time one of the Webbs came over and started the fight.
Damage was done to glasses and windows during the fracas.

October 23^rd – Usk Milkman Attacked by a Boar

An Usk milkman, Mr Denis Gardner, who lives at Ty-Llwyd Farm, Goytre, was attacked and savaged by a boar near his home on Sunday.
The animal reared on its hind legs and as Mr Gardner raised his right arm to defend himself, the boar buried its fangs in his forearm, breaking bones in the hand and tearing flesh and tendons.
Mr Garnder was lucky not to be more seriously injured.
The boar was shot as it lay asleep in its cot after the attack.