30^th March 1872 – A Queer Way of Taking Care of a Baby

Elizabeth Taylor, aged 15 years, was charged with stealing several articles of wearing apparel, the property of John Morgan of Goytre.

She said her mistress had given her the things.

Mrs Morgan deposed that on March 21^st she missed a dress-hat, a bonnet and an apron. The prisoner, who was in her service, was sent to take the baby for a walk; and a witness afterwards found the baby lying in the dung water near the cowhouse, and the prisoner had de-camped.

She did not give the prisoner any of these things.

Pc Williams (42) deposed he found the things at the prisoner’s house at Coedygrig. He asked for the articles and the prisoner gave them up saying, that she did not steal them; her mistress gave them to her.

Mrs Morgan said, that the girl had several times said that she would cut the baby’s head off and so forth.

Committed to the house of correction for 14 days.

6^th February 1875 – Felony

John Scammell 17, was charged with stealing a horse cloth, the property of William Williams, farmer of Goytre.

Complainant said that the prisoner worked for him and was at his house on the 3^rd of Jan; the horse cloth was there then; on the following day he missed it.

In answer to the Bench complainant said he did not ask him why he left; he was no particular friend of his; the horse-cloth produced was his property; he recognised it by one of the straps being chewed a little by the cattle.

In answer to prisoner, complainant said he owed him 5s but prisoner left his employment in the middle of the week; he told him if he would stop he would pay him; he did not order him off the ground.

John Davis, farmer, Pentre, said he gave the cloth produced to the policeman; he purchased it off the prisoner, he asked him where he had got it; he said he found it on Usk road; prisoner had been speaking to his (witness’s) son three months previously to that about a horse-cloth which he had said he had found; he brought it to the witness’s house the Monday after Christmas, he paid him 2s.

Williams, re called said he had the horse-cloth on the 3^rd January, it was in the stable, hung up with the other gear.

Pc Allen said that on Monday he received information on the loss of the horse-cloth from Mr Williams, and on searching for it found it at Mr Davies’s; he asked him where he had it from and Mr Davies said he bought it off prisoner; he asked Mr Williams why he did not inform him of the loss before, he said he was going to do so one day, but he, (policeman) had gone too far; Williams identified the horse-cloth as soon as witness took it to him when he arrested prisoner; he said he found it on the Usk road he said, “if I did take it, I would only be taking what he owed me.

Williams, in answer to the Bench said that he had bought the cloth off Mr Jones, saddler, Pontypool.

The Bench were of the opinion that the case clearly proves against prisoner, and he was sentenced to 14 days hard labour.

For the Red Cross Society Goytrey 1915

A very successful concert was held at the Nantyderry Schoolrooms Tuesday last on behalf of the Red Cross Society.

The Rector, the Rev J Davies presided. Excellent songs were given by Miss Hughes, Nantyderry House, Miss Davies, Mrs E Evans, Mr Percy Jones, Miss Wingrave, Miss C Lloyd, Mr Peter James.

Pianoforte solos were contributed by Miss Muriel Davies and Mrs Rosser.

Messrs Horsington brothers gave a delightful performance on the handbells.

An amusing sketch entitled ‘The Twins’ was given by the Misses G and M Davies, Miss Wilks, Mrs Leworthy, and Mrs Jones, a dance followed.

9th July 1870 – found: Not Stolen

Wm. Morgan of Goytrey was charged with stealing a reap-hook, the property of Charles Ferrers Edwards. He pleaded not guilty. Mr Alexander Edwards conducted the prosecution.

John Watkins deposed that he was a labourer at the Race Farm. He left his hook by the hedge side while he went to get some breakfast when he returned it was missing. PC Henry Gardener deposed that from information he received, he went after the charcoal wagon and overtook it about 100 yards from Mr Edward’s gate. Prisoner was driving it. Told him that a hook was missing and that he must search the wagon. Prisoner said “well if you are going to search I did pick the hook up.”

Witness found the hook concealed under the bags of charcoal at the bottom of the wagon.

Showed the hook to Mr Edwards who identified it as his property. Prisoner asked Mr Edwards to look it over, but Mr Edwards said the case was then in the hands of the police.

Defendant said that he picked the hook up on the slope of the turnpike road. He carried it some distance down the road in his hand, then seeing on one who was likely to own it, he thew it onto the bed of the cart and when he got to the wire works, told Mr John that he had picked it up. There was no concealment about it.

Richard John deposed that he had known the prisoner for years and had been in the habit of supplying him with charcoal at Mr Hill’s works. Witness saw the hook in the wagon and asked defendant where he got it from. Defendant said that he picked it up by the side of a ditch in Treherbert road and that he thought someone had been cutting grass with it; or had been sitting down and left it behind; and that he carried it in his hand some way and then, seeing no one, threw it in his wagon. Witness reached the sacks one by one and threw them in the wagon, that is how they came to be covered.

The bench considered there was not any felicitous intent and dismissed the case.

20th February 1868 – A CLEVER CAPTURE

Two young men who had the appearance of being tramps, and who gave their names as Jas, Thompson and Jas. Taylor, were charged with having broken into the shop part of the premises occupied by Mr Henry Matthews, at the Goytrey, on Saturday last, and stealing therefrom £6 in gold, ½ lb. of cocoa, 1 lb. of sugar several boxes of matches, and a pair of scissors, the later property being the property of his daughter.

Ellen Matthews said: I live at Goytrey, and am the daughter of prosecutor. On Sunday morning last I went to church at 11 o’clock, after which I went to dine at my father’s, and returned to the shop about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. From information I received I searched the house, and found £6 missing from a chest of drawers, all of which seem to have been ransacked. I also missed about ½ pound of cocoa, 1 lb. of sugar, four of five boxes of matches, and a pair of scissors, the latter of which are my property; I swear to them by the rivet.. I saw the prisoners when I was returning from church, by the blacksmith’s shop, a short distance from the house.

By the prisoner Taylor: I saw you near the shop, near the road.

George Matthews: On Sunday I found the door of the premises open, and went and gave information to my sister in the afternoon. The door had been burst open. I saw the drawers had been ransacked.

Walter Williams: I am a labourer, residing in the parish of Goytrey, at a distance from 400 to 600 yards from prosecutor’s shop. The big prisoner (Thompson) came to my house begging about 1 o’clock on Sunday. I gave him a pair of old boots.

P.c. Basham: From information I received, I went and examined the premises of Mr Henry Mathews, which are situate at the Goytrey. This was about 5 o’clock in the evening of Sunday last. I found that the front door had been burst open, and a board from the end of the house had been placed under the window. My attention was attracted to some footprints, which I examined, and have compared since. I proceeded to Monkswood, and gained some intelligence of the prisoners, whom I found at Chepstow, in a lodging house, about ½ past 12 o’clock the same night. I found on the prisoner Thompson 19s. 9d., in silver, two packets of cocoa, a box of matches, and a pair of scissors. On the prisoner Taylor I found 9s. 0 ½ d., three boxes of matches, and a packet of sugar, now produced. The prisoners were charged by Supt. Llewellin, who was with me, with having broken into the shop of Henry Matthews, of Goytrey, and stealing therefrom the money and the articles mentioned. The prisoner Thompson said he had found the money on the road, and Taylor said he had only 10s., and was making his way home with it. I compared Taylor’s boots with the footmarks mentioned, and found and found them to correspond with every particular.

After being duly cautioned by the Chairman, the prisoners said they would reserve their defence, after which they were committed for trial at the ensuing sessions at Usk.

27th March 1875 – Goytre

A Concert was held at the above place on Thursday, March 18^th for the benefit of the British School. Col. Byrde presided, and the choir of the Baptist Chapel, Glascoed, assisted by a few kind friends, performed the pieces much to their own credit and the high satisfaction of all present. Programme: –

Anthem – Before Jehovah’s awful throne – Choir.

Solo – Comfort ye my people – Mr W. Edmonds.

Anthem – Awake the song of Jubilee – Choir.

Solo – No tears in heaven – Mr T. Brace.

Quartet – Forgive blest shades – Miss H. Morgan, Miss S. Lewis, Mr W. Edmonds, and Mr H. Williams.

Solo – Oh, had I the wings of a dove – Mr S. Evans.

Quartet- As the hart panteth – Misses Watkins, Mr S. Evans, and Mr W. Williams.

Solo – Blessed are the meek – Mr J. Tucker.

Anthem – I will lift up mine eyes – choir.

Solo – The soldier to his mother – Mr Reese.

Trio and chorus – Canaan – Miss H. Morgan, Miss S. Lewis, and Mr W. Williams.

Solo – Home, sweet hone – Mr S. Evans.

Anthem – Oh praise the Lord – Choir.

Song- God bless our sailor prince – Mr T. Brace.

Anthem – Lift up your head – Choir.

Solo – I am lonely since my mother died – Mr W. Edmonds.

Anthem – Now pray we for our country – Choir.

As usual there was an interval of some minutes, and while the singers were recruiting their strength, the respected chairman, with other gentlemen, not liking to waste time, converted the meeting into a grammar class, and enquired into the etymology and translation of two Welsh terms, namely “Cwmbwrwch” and “Dinas.” This enquiry was occasioned by the worthy chairman supposing that the leader of the excellent choir lived at Cwmbwrwch, a circumstance that caused surprise that such an excellent and good conductor could come from such a Nazereth. However one clever scholar undertook to translate the awkward term, informing his class-master, to the amusement of all, that it meant, badger’s dingle.” Next came the word “Dinas,” when another scholar interpreted this as meaning “tasteless,” upon which the Rev J. Tucker assured all that if “diflas” meant “tasteless,”

there was little fear of the singers growing “diflas.” So that with the excellent singing and the humorous talk, a most pleasant evening was spent.

Friday 1st January 1904

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

6th January 1899 – Goytrey Bachelors Tea

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

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

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

The choir under the leadership of Mr Morgan in their selections, “The Saviours Birth2 and “Christmas Bells” gave evidence of a patient practise and careful training; Miss A.E. Carpenter accompanied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

18th June 1915 – Goytrey Parish Tea 

Proceeds in Aid of War Fund

Proceeds of the Goytrey Parish Tea, Jumble sale, and Sports, which were held on Thursday last, are to be given to local War Funds.

The weather was delightful and a large crowd gathered in the field, kindly lent by Mr George Gwatkin. There were several attractive stalls which were prettily decorated, and the sports programme which was most enjoyable.

Music was provided by the Little Mill Reformatory Band, under the conductorship of Mr Cyril Allan.

Tea was served in the Nantyderry schoolroom, and the tray holders were Miss Leeworthy, Mrs Titcombe, Mrs Spencer, Miss Weeks, Mrs Morris, Mrs Merrick, Miss Williams, Mrs Jenkins and Miss Crump, who were assisted by Mrs George Jones, Mrs Parry, Mrs Collins and Mrs J Owen. Mr Tom Evans and Mr George Jones also assisted – the general secretary, Mr C Merrick admirably discharged his onerous duties.

The stall holders were as follows:

Jumble stall: Mrs Byrde, Mrs Davies, Miss C.M. Evans, Miss Wood, the Misses Boyce. Flower stall: Misses Davies, Miss Lena Lloyd, Miss Molly Leeworthy.

Sweet stall: Misses Gwatkins and Miss Mary Harris.

Cake stall: Miss Wilks, Miss Jones, Miss Gertie Harding, Miss Annie Probert.

Bran Tub:Miss M.J. Evans.

Shooting gallery: Mr W. Crump.

Cokernut bagatelle etc stall: Mr C. Cornish, Mr J. Owen, Mr J. Rosser.

Kaiser Bill stall: Mr Franklin Harris and Mr Harry Morgan.

Fortune telling: Miss A. Jones.

The clock test contest was managed by Mr E. Gwatkin and Mr D. James, and the ‘gate’ was attended to by Messrs Merrick Jenkins, Richard Jenkins, A. Probert, Sidney Jenkins, H. Pritchard, H. Gwatkin, Arthur Jenkins and Wilfred Jenkins.

The sports were directed by a committee of which Mr F. Harris was chairman. Mr Joe Owen organiser, Mr W. Knipe handicapper, Mr E. Morris starter, Mr Evan Morris treasurer, and Mr Eli Evans judge.

Messrs G. Lewis, F. Leeworthy, and F. Cornes were also members of the committee.

The results were as follows:

The 100 yards race [boys]: 1. T. Knipe; 2. E. Owen; 3. A. Phillips

The 100 yards race [girls] 1. V. Stinchcombe; 2. I. Jenkins; 3. Lena Spencer

High jump [boys]: 1. E. Phillips; 2. T. Williams; 3. F. Collins

100 yards flat race [open] 1. Bert Harvet; 2. W.J. Eyesham

100 yards sack race; 1. E. Owen; 2. E. Higgs

100 yards race [ladies]; 1. Phyllis Spencer; 2. May Smith

220 yards flat race [handicap] 1. Bert Davies; 2. Bert Langley

120 yards three legged race; 1. F. Leeworthy & W. Collins; 2. Dodds & Williams

Wheelbarrow race [open]; 1. Bert Harvey & T. Davies; 2. E. Owen & H. Stinchcombe

Potatoe race [boys]; 1. I. Hobbs; 2. E. Owen; 3. F. Collins

100 yards race [girls]; 1. G. Williams; 2. L. Jenkins; 3. N. Stinchcome

married ladies race; 1. Mrs Eversham; 2. Mrs Titcombe; 3. Mrs Collins

There was a competition for children for the best bunch of roses and the judges were Mr J. Harding and Mr Evan Morris, whose awards were:

1. Vera Jenkins
2. Ivy Jenkins
3. Eva Parsons

Guessing the weight of a live sheep aroused great interest. The correct weight was 98 lbs and the following guessed correctly:

Miss Powell – Thornbury

Mrs Williams- Mamhilad

Miss Morgan – New House

Mr W. Edwards – Nuuadd

Mr W. Hawkins – Pontymoel

Mr J. Jones – Ty Llwyd

21st December 1888 – Goytrey

The first concert for the season in connection with the Tonic Sol-fa class was given in the British Schoolroom on Thursday evening the 19^th inst., the proceeds being in aid of the school funds.

Col. Byrde presided over a large and appreciative audience. The selection of songs was of a decidedly superior character, while the manner in which they were rendered reflected great credit upon the performers.

The comic songs, (in character) by Mr Rogers, elicited roars of laughter, while a humorous reading by Mr H. Byrde, and a dialogue by Mr Jeremiah and party caused a great deal of amusement.

Two cornet solos were given by Mr D. Bowen, who acquitted himself in a highly satisfactory manner.