February 4th

Obituary – Mr F J Davies, Goytre

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

Mourners:

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

Others present:

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

Flowers:

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

February 18th

Obituary – Mr A Watkins

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

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

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

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

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

March 18th

Smallholder found dead in Goytre Cottage

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

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

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

There will not be an inquest.

Edwin farmed at Ynyspicca Farm

April 22nd

Obituary – Mrs M James, Goytre

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

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

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

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

Funeral arrangements carried out by E J Ware, Pontypool.

April 29th

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

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

May 15th

Goytre May Queen

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

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

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

May 27th

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

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

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

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

July 22nd

Estate of Mr J Edgar

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

Lot 1. Cae Susanna adjoining Brook Cottage – 18 acres

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

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

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

Obituary – Mr W Jenkins

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

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

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

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

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

August 12^th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plough Cottages £320 to Mr Lewis

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

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

Mountain grazing land 30 acres £120, Foxhunter Stud Farm

November 25^th

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

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

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

January 1^st 1904

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

April 22 1904  Pengroesoped Farm Goytrey

(Midway between Pontypool and Abergavenny)

Sale of Live and Dead Farming Stock

Messrs Marfell & Poole

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

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

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

30 Radnor Couples, 1 Ram

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

Sow and 12 pigs

10 Couples of Fowls

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

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

Sale at 1 o’clock Prompt

Auctioneers Office- The Willows, Usk

Friday April 22^nd 1904

Wedding at Goytre

Mr D H Morgan – Miss A E Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all joy go with the happy pair.

15th July

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

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

January 16^th – Why Pupils are Late for School

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

January 30^th

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

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

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

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

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

August 28^th – Haymaking spoilt their honeymoon.

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

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

September 4^th

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

December 4^th

Funeral of Mrs G Williams of Caeton-Glass Goytre

December 25^th

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

January 13th – Pontypool Petty Sessions

For driving a car without a licence at Pontypool on December 22nd., Reginald James (30) a milk vendor of Pentrefach Goytrey, was fined 10/-
Inspector A Bowkett said that when he stopped James at Clarence Street he produced a licence which expired in April 1935.
He said “I thought it was in order.”

January 14th – Nantyderry Man’s Affairs

A business that Failed
William Joseph Fishbourne of Sunnybank, Nantyderry, formerly chief electrician at Celynen Colliery, Newbridge and later in business on his own account appeared at Newport Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday.
His statement of affairs showed after demobbed from the army he was employed as an electrician at the colliery at £8 a week and when he lost his employment, in March 1927, he entered business on his own account at Tynewydd Terrace, Newbridge, with a capital of £150.
His business, an electrical contractor, was not successful, it was a very poor paying business but he kept his shop open until 1931. He employed assistance in his outside work.
Fishbourne denied Mr Bett’s suggestion that he had spent excessive amounts on drink and denied that he had gambled other than perhaps a shilling on a horse running in the Derby.
As the cause of his failure he gave failure to collect book debts and insufficient work. When Mr Bett’s suggested that his drawings from the business had been extravagant, Fishbourne replied “I think you are exaggerating there”.
He added that he had hoped conditions would be better.
Mr Bett’s said he wished to make enquiries with regard to furniture and a car and his application for a month’s adjournment of the examination was granted.
Mr V Pugsley of Messrs J R Jacob and Pugsley, Abergavenny appeared for Fishbourne.

March 11th – Nantyderry Man’s Failure

When William Joseph Fishbourne, of Sunnybank, Nantyderry appeared at Newport Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, the Official receiver, Mr R Betts , said the hearing had been adjourned so that further inquiries could be made, but no good purpose would be served by continuing the examination. The examination was closed.
At the previous hearing, Fishbourne gave unsecured liabilities of £231/16/4 and a deficiency of £121/2/11.

March 25th – Land for Building

Parc Bach, Goytrey
adjoining Oak Tree Cottage, with considerable frontage to the roadway and an area of 3A 0R 13P more or less, with possession on completion.

April 3rd – Highway Offence

Despite a plea of not guilty a fine of 10/- was imposed on Alfred Collier (45) a Goytrey labourer, for committing a nuisance at New Inn on March 18th.
P.C. Ackland gave the facts and said defendant was under the influence of drink.
Defendant denied this and said he was waiting for a bus.

April 3rd – Mr L D Whitehead

Tragic Death, Collapsed at Car Wheel.
The news of the tragic death of Mr L D Whitehead of Goytrey Hall came as a great shock to the district, his friends, business associates and employees. While returning alone in his car from his estate in St David’s Pembrokeshire on Sunday evening and when some three miles from Sennybridge side of Brecon, he was discovered unconscious in his car by a passing motorist and died soon afterwards.
Mr Whitehead’s car was on the side of the road with it’s lights on and he had apparently collapsed at the wheel. ( A great deal more about his life in the Free Press)

The Inquest
A verdict of “Death from natural causes, due to a ruptured aorta,” was recorded at the inquest, conducted at Brecon on Tuesday by Mr M F Thomas.
Mr George Whitehead “Mallwyd” Abergavenny, engineer, said he last saw his father on Friday morning when he appeared ti be in excellent health.
His father told him he was going later in the afternoon to St. David’s Pembrokeshire for the weekend. He always motored alone.
Miss Elizabeth Cottle, waitress at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen, said Mr Whitehead called at the hotel on Sunday at 8.45pm and asked for a meal to be served quickly as he wanted to be on his way.
He had some soup and cold tongue but nothing to drink and left at 9.30. He appeared to be in his usual health.
Frank Davies, electrician, Sennybridge, said he was travelling in a car to Sennybridge and when about three miles from Brecon he saw a car across the road facing Brecon, with it’s lights on.
He found the driver lying on the front seat with his head nearest the left hand door of the car. He appeared to be dead.
Police Sergeant Bannister and other police moved the body from the car and tried in vain to revive life. There were no external marks on the body. Mr Whitehead’s pipe was lying alongside him almost full of fresh tobacco.
Police Sergeant Martin said the brakes and steering of the car were perfect.
Dr C L Davies, Brecon, said he examined Mr Whitehead and found him extinct. On Monday he communicated with the Coroner and with Dr Humphrey’s, Abergavenny and Dr Morrell Thomas, Newport.
They could not suggest any cause of sudden death, with the result that the Coroner requested him to carry out a post mortem examination, the result being as stated.

April 8th

The ashes of Mr Lionel D Whitehead of Goytre Hall Abergavenny who died suddenly last week as he was motoring home from Pembrokeshire and who was the managing director of the Whitehead Iron and Steel Co., Newport Mon., were cast over the sea at Romsey Sound off St David’s head on Thursday.
Two little boats fromed a cortege, one bearing the casket containing the ashes – the family mourners, Mrs Whitehead, her two sons and daughter and the Dean of St David’s, the very Rev. Watcyn Morgan, who conducted the burial service, put out from St David’s.

April 3rd – Goetre Fawr Scheme

Water Supply and Refuse Collection.
A meeting of the Goetre Fawr Parish Council was held at Penpellenny School on Monday.
Mr D Pugh-Jones presided and the members present were Messrs D Morgan, W I Morgan, J Litten, T Jenkins, D Bowen, J Evans, W Holder, H Stinchcombe, S Herbert and J Williams (clerk.)
A Letter was read from the Rural District Council re water supply and refuse collection, requesting the views of the parish before putting the scheme into operation.
The water scheme provided for in the estimates was for the supply of water from Talybont main to Penpellenny Village, Goytrey British School,Plough Cottages and Nantyderry. This scheme would cost the ratepayers a 7d rate (possibly more) over 30 years.
The weekly collection of refuse from Little Mill bridge, Croesynypant, Penpellenny, Nantyderry, parts of Monkswood and Little Mill would mean a rate of 3d.
These schemes were discussed at length.
Mr D H Morgan said that if the rate was 2s and everyone benefited, he would support it.
Mr Litten thought that too much consideration had been given to the villages.
Mr W I Morgan contended that in the near future both schemes might be thrust upon them and the ratepayers might then be at a greater disadvantage.
Mr H Stinchcombe proposed that both schemes should be deferred for the consideration of the annual parish meeting. He offered no objection to the schemes but regretted he could not give them his blessing.
The resolution was carried unanimously.

May 13th – Assault on Little Girl

Blaenavon Man with a Terrible Record Goes Back to Gaol
A Blaenavon man with an appalling list of previous convictions for larceny, house-breaking and indecent assault was sentenced to six months hard labour at a special Pontypool Police Court on Wednesday for indecent assault upon a six year old girl at Goytrey on Thursday last.
He was Percy Herbert, 36, described as a labourer, who was out on licence after serving part of a sentence of three years’ imprisonment  and five years preventative detention for being an habitual criminal.
He was brought up on Saturday and remanded in custody until Wednesday because the case for the prosecution was not complete. His request for legal aid was granted and at Wednesday’s hearing he was represented by Mr Harold Saunders, Pontypool.
Accused elected to have the case dealt with summarily and pleaded not guilty.
The first witness for the prosecution was Detective Constable William Lewis, Abergavenny, who produced photographs of Edgar’s Lane and Plough Lane, Goytrey, one of which purported to show a gap in the hedge where Herbert was alleged to have carried the little girl into the wood.
The little child herself said she left school for home at about three o’clock with two little boys. About half a mile from the school they saw a man picking dandelions and putting them into a bag. The man said to her “Come and pick bluebells with me in this wood,” but she said she would not and was going to run home. He said to the little boys, “Mind my bag for me” and then carried her into the wood.
She described what happened in the wood and said that when he carried her out of the wood again the boys had gone. He told her to go home.

Identified The Man
She said that at Blaenavon Police Station the same night she saw eight men dressed the same and picked out the man who carried her into the wood.
Mr Saunders said no useful purpose would be served by cross-examining the child.
The mother said that the two boys and her little girl came home screaming and the girl said a man had stopped her and asked her to go into the wood to pick bluebells but she told him her mamma would give her a hiding if she did not run home.
“I left the children with a neighbour and ran to the village to see if I could see the man, but I could not,” said the woman. I phoned for the police and my little girl was later seen by a doctor.
Dr Joseph Charles Henry Bird, Usk, said that when he saw the child she was very distressed. Her condition was consistent with some interference having taken place.
In reply to Mr Saunders he said there had been no serious interference.
Full story in the Free Press

June 3rd – Car Without Lights
Douglas Price (38) a Goytrey miller was fined 7/6 for leaving a car on the road after hours without two front lights at Pontypool on May 14th and a similar amount in respect of his having no rear red light.
P.C. Howells said he had previously warned defendant about leaving his car without lights.

January 6th 

Eisteddfod Winner
Sylvia Jones, the 10 year old daughter of Mr & Mrs Jones of Llwycelyn Bungalow Goytre won 4 prizes ( 2 firsts and 2 seconds) at the Eisteddfod at Llanvihangel Gobion, Abergavenny.
Sylvia is taught be her mother who was a national Eisteddfod winner at Pontypool in 1924.

March 31st – Obituary Goytrey

The death occurred on Tuesday after a short illness of Mrs Tom Morgan, Pwll Meyric Goytrey in her 80th year.
A few years ago Mr & Mrs Morgan celebrated their Golden Wedding which was reported in the Free Press.
The funeral, on Sunday afternoon at Saron will be reported next week.
(A verdict of accidental death is listed under inquests)

April 7th – An Appreciation

By the death of Mrs Morgan, Goytrey has lost one of it’s oldest inhabitants.
As a young girl she came to reside with the late Mr & Mrs Morgan, The Wern Farm and after spending a few years there she took up a situation in London but always spent her holidays in Goytrey.
The second son of the Wern, Tom, after spending some time in Canada came home and after a long friendship ripened into courtship, they were married at Goytrey Parish Church and spent 56 years happily married.
4 sons and a daughter blessed their union. Two of the sons served through the Great War.
Mrs Morgan was a woman of shrewed common sense, endowed with a great energy and industry and a faithful member of Saron Baptist Church for 32 years.
She leaves 2 sons and a daughter to mourn their loss of an exemplary and devoted mother.
Much sympathy is felt for her sorrowing husband, Mr Tom Morgan who has reached his 86th year.

April 21st – Alleged Threats

Pontypool Bench Dismiss Goytrey Summons
“I have never heard a more absurd story” said Mr Harold Saunders, Pontypool, who, at Pontypool Petty Sessions on Saturday, defended Joseph Edwin Edgar, a Goytrey garage proprietor, on a summons for uttering threats against William John James, of Goytrey on April 2nd.
James told the court that he was going home on his bicycle from Goytrey towards Monkswood, Edgar passed him in his car and then pulled into a lane.
I heard the brakes go on and the car stop said James, then I heard tools rattling and I thought I knew what was coming.
As I passed the lane he rushed out at me with an iron bar two feet long and shouted, “I will have you”. He missed me and I rode on towards my house. He got in his car and came after me, but the car could not go as fast as my machine.

Afraid of Him
The Clerk (Mr Isca Bowen): are you afraid of him? – Yes when he has weapons in his hand.
Mr Saunders: Edgar had not spoken to you since twelve months ago when he forbade you to dig out fox cubs on his land. – That is right.
Mr Saunders: I have never heard a more absurd story. The parties had not spoken for twelve months because Edgar had forbidden James to dig on his land for fox cubs and sell them to the hunt.
Edgar, in the box, said he did not see James that day. He was out in his car but did not remember passing him and certainly did not stop in a lane.
In reply to one of the magistrates (Mr G Woodly), he said he did not carry such an iron bar with him in the car.
The Bench then dismissed the case.

April 21st – Obituary Mr W J Nicholas

The death occurred on Friday of Mr William John Nicholas of Ty Cooke, Goytrey, after a short illness at the age of 81.
Mr Nicholas was one of the oldest and best known agriculturists of the county. He had been a member of the Usk branch of the National Farmers Union since its inception.
He was a native of Goytrey and it was rather a coincidence that he should have returned to the district, to pass peacefully away after farming at Ty Cooke for close on 20 years.
Mr Nicolas was of a quiet, genial and kindly disposition and never sought public office, although approached on many occasions.
He was however a Churchwarden at Goytrey. He married a daughter of the late Mr Isaac Williams a well respected Usk family.
He is survived by a widow, two sons and six daughters. He has a brother living in California and a sister Mrs W Moore Haines, living at the Bryn Penpergwm.
The funeral took place at Mamhilad on Tuesday.

April 28th –  Mr Albert Gough

On April 25th 1939, at 29, New Houses, Pantygasseg, Albert Edward Gough, dearly beloved husband of Louisa Gough.
Funeral Saturday, for Goytrey 2pm (Private)

Accidental Death – Young Airman Killed While Flying Secret Bomber

A young RAF pilot who lost his life near Hull last week whilst flying a “secret bomber”, was a nephew of Mrs C A Morris of Glanbaiden, Goytrey.
Pilot Officer Charles Jones was 27 years of age and stationed at Hemswell, Lincolnshire was out on a solo flight when he crashed into a dyke at Sunk Island, near Hull.

July 14th – Speeding

Goytrey Man Who Speeded
Thomas Gilgun of Sunnybank, Goytrey, was fined 10s at Usk Police Court for having exceeded the speed limit with a motor-cycle at Llangibby.
PC R Walbyoff, of the motor patrol, said that Gilgun’s speed was 38-40 mph. Gilgun wrote to the court pleading guilty.
His licence was endorsed.

August 4th – Martha Louisa Williams.

On August 1st 1939 at Woodland Cottage Goytrey, Martha Louisa, wife of Evan Williams.
Funeral Saturday, 3.30 from the house for Mamhilad Church.

August 11th – Mrs Williams Goytrey

The funeral took place at Mamhilad Churchyard on Saturday of Mrs Martha Louisa Williams, wife of Mr Evan Williams, of Woodland Cottage, Goytrey.
Mrs Williams was a member of Goytrey Church and was well known throughout the district. The Rev. R E Seaton officiated.
Floral tributes were sent by: Husband; Miss Elizabeth Williams and Mrs Roberts, sisters-in-law; Mr & Mrs Fred Williams and family; Mr & Mrs Callow and family; Mr & Mrs Arthur Williams and children; nephews and nieces; Mrs Gregory and Cyril; Mr & Mrs Ricketts and family; Mrs G Williams Caeton Glas; Mr & Mrs J Owen.

September 1st – Goytrey Dandies

The nicknames given to the inhabitants of different localities would form a curious list.
There are Abergavenny Bulldogs, Bristol Bugs, and Bristol Hogs, Builth traitors, Coleford wide awakes, Devonshire dumplings, GOYTREY DANDIES, Herefordshire white faces, Monmouth knives, Pirbright savages, Wiltshire moonrakers, and Usk butterflies.
An old ditty says “Pontypool is paved wi’ gool, Trosnant is lined with silver, and Pontypool doth stink with oil”.
“Blaenavon tobacco” means tobacco that is given away; and “Glascoed blacking” is the local name for mud – “The Usk Gleaner”.

October 13th – Obituary

Mr Thomas Morgan – Goytrey
The funeral took place on Wednesday of Mr Thomas Morgan of Pwll Meyric, Goytrey, who died on October 7th at the age of 86 years.
Mr Morgan, who was one of the oldest inhabitants of Goytrey, had been a member and deacon of Saron Baptist Church for the past thirty years.
Services at the house, church and graveside by the Rev.s Aubrey Rees, pastor and J. Simmonds, Chapel Ed.
The mourners were: Messrs David and Will Morgan, sons; Mr & Mrs D H Morgan and Mr & Mrs Louis Morgan, brothers and sister-in-law; Mr & Mrs Herbert Morgan (Castleton), Mr S Stratton, Pontypool and Mr H Morgan (Abersychan).
The bearers were Messrs W,C.R. and W. Morgan, grandsons.
Floral tributes were sent by:-
Ethel, Ernest and David; Will, Jennie and family; David and Ada; Louise and Hannah; Florrie and all at Pydew; Billie, Ruby and grandsons; Eileen, Elidyr and Joyce; Gladys and Margaret; Mary, Charles and Ellen; Mr & Mrs Litten; Mrs Williams and Harold; Mr & Mrs Whitney and family; Members of Saron.

November 10th – Straying Cow

A fine of 5/- was imposed on Edgar Thomas, a Goytrey farmer who pleaded guilty to allowing a cow to stray on the highway at Goytrey on October 22nd.
PC Purlow (motor patrol) said the cow was the cause of an accident.
Defendant said the cow was one of three which he bought from a neighbouring farmer and it broke through a good fence to get back home. He had been forced since to return it to the man he bought it from.

November 10th – Paid Pretty Dearly

Motor-cyclists Bad Driving at Goytrey
Horace Jenkins, 21 a Bwlch insurance agent was summoned at Pontypool Petty Sessions on Saturday for driving a motor-cycle without due car and attention and without reasonable consideration.
Thomas James Boyt, an Abergavenny bus driver, said he saw defendant try to overtake a car on his motor-cycle at Goytrey. The next thing he saw was that the motor-cycle had collided with a car coming in the opposite direction. The oncoming car seemed to be out of control; a tyre burst and narrowly missed witness.
(Full story in Free Press)

November 24th – Obituary

Mrs M M Harris, Goytrey
The death occurred at Maesderwen, Goytrey on November 13th of Mrs Mary Margaretta Harris, widow of Mr Franklyn James Harris. She was a native of Goytrey and had resided there all her life.
For some time she had been in failing health, but her death came as a shock to many. She is survived by two daughters.
The funeral took place on Thursday at St Peter’s Church, Goytrey. The Rev Canon Morgan officiated and Mr Charles Meyrick presided at the organ.
The mourners were: The Misses Mary and Irene Harris, daughters; Mr John Jeremiah, brother; Mr Abraham Jeremiah, cousin; Mrs J Davies, sister-in-law; Mrs Levo, cousin; Mrs W Swinnerton and Mrs T Walker, nieces; Messrs G Harris, Arnold Walker, nephews; and Mr W Evans.
The bearers were Messrs J & H Owen, W Griffiths and R J Rosser.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr W Jackson, Goytrey.

December 22nd – Obituary

Mr R Prosser, Goytrey
Ex-police constable, Reece Prosser, of Court-y-Monos, Goytrey, whose family have lived at Goytrey for generations, died at his home on Saturday December 9th.
Mr Prosser, a 75 year old widower, served in the Monmouthshire constabulary and amongst other places was stationed at Blaenavon.
He saw service in the Rhymney Valley during the Tonypandy riots. He is survived by two sons, Messrs AE Prosser and Redvers Prosser, Griffithstown and a daughter Mrs E Phillips of Australia.
He was buried at Saron Baptist churchyard on Wednesday week, the officiating minister being the pastor, the Rev A Rees.
The chief mourners were: Messrs Ernest Prosser and Redvers Prosser, sons; Frank Prosser and Levi Prosser, brothers; Horace and Harold Prosser, nephews.
Superintendent Edward Casey, Pontypool and members of the Monmouthshire Constabulary were bearers.
Wreaths were sent by: Ern, Gert and Elsie; Redvers, Dolly and children; Frank and family: Levi and Ellen; Arthur and Dot; Workmen (sheet section) Baldwin’s Ltd Panteg; Mon Police pensioners association;  Superintendent, Sergeants and Constables, Monmouthshire; Mr & Mrs W J Jenkins and Stan; Mrs O Court, Arthur and Lou; Mr & Mrs I Dobbs and children: Mr & Mrs E J Morris (Vine Tree).

December 22nd – Assaulted His Sister

Nantyderry Man Must find Another Home
Richard Harding a 57 year old Nantyderry unemployed man was bound over for a year at Pontypool on Saturday when he was summoned by his sister, Gertrud Harding for assault. Harding was also ordered to leave the house in which he was living with his sister within a fortnight.
Mr KGS Gunn, Pontypool for the sister, said she was looking after an aged father. On December 17th Harding held his sister on the setee and shook her furiously. She was saved from further injury by the intervention of another brother.
Gertrude Harding, of The Cottage, Nantyderry, said she was preparing to go out to the Sunday afternoon service when the assault took place. He said he was not having her “slamming about the house”.
When she returned to the house in the evening the doors and windows locked and she had to spend the night at her sister’s.
Her brother had been “troublesome” before.
Harry Harding of Abergavenny, corroborated his sister’s evidence.
The chairman said it was clear that Harding could not remain in the house making disturbances.

December 22nd – Diamond Wedding

Mr & Mrs W Stinchcombe of Goytrey
Mr & Mrs W T Stinchcombe of Goytrey recently celebrated their diamond wedding. Four of their eight children survive; they have 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Their eldest surviving daughter, Mrs R E Evans has been postmistress of Brynwern Post Office, Pontypool for 26 years.
They were married at Frogmore Baptist Church, Abergavenny, on December 29th 1879. Both are members of Glascoed Baptist Chapel.
Mr Stinchcombe was born at Chapel Farm Monkswood, eighty six years ago. All his life he has been engaged in farm work. He has always been an earnest Sunday school worker and lay preacher.
He has often walked many miles to preach, yet never would he accept any remuneration. Often he has taken the service at a moment’s notice when a preacher failed to arrive. In his younger days he was a keen politician of the radical school.
Mrs Stinchcombe was formerly Miss Bressington, of Abergavenny, was born eighty years ago. For many years she was a familiar figure at her stall in Pontypool Market, where she sold fruit and vegetables, the produce of their smallholding at Goytrey. It was her proud boast that she had not missed one market for forty years.
Considering their ages, the couple are fairly well in health.

February 6^th

Market Gardener was duped by a Plausible Thief

Pleading that he was the victim of a plausible thief rather than an accomplice, Eric Burns (38) a market gardener of Abergwellan Farm Nantyderry, was acquitted at Pontypool on Saturday of receiving 2,000 ft of assorted timber, value £35, 204 lbs of grass seed, value £32/10s and four rolls of coir matting, value £4 /15/- from Norman Shrimpton, knowing them to have been stolen. It was stated that Shrimpton had been convicted of theft and sent to prison.

Mr W K G Thurnall prosecuted and Mr K A W Clarke, Ebbw Vale, defended and pleaded not guilty.

PC F Jones, Llanover, said that on December 28^th, he went to Burns Farm and asked for an explanation of the presence of the timber. Burns said “Shrimpton brought it here in a lorry,” and took witness to a locked barn where the timber was stored.

Burns said he believed it had come from London and he understood that Shrimpton had come by it legally.

Witness and PC K Jenkins, Little Mill, took possession of the timber and when they asked if there was anything else Burns produced three sacks of grass seed from the granary. He later produced the rolls of matting which he said Shrimpton had given to his wife as a present. Some of the stolen timber had been used to repair the floor of the outhouse.

“Nothing to Hide”

In reply to Mr Clarke, he agreed that Burns conduct was that of a man who had nothing to hide.

PC Jenkins read a statement which Burns made to him. It ran “I was given to understand that that the timber was come by honestly. It was brought here to build a fowl house in the orchard which Shrimpton was going to rent from me. He told me to take some of it to repair the outhouse floor.”

Witnessess from the Nylon factory stated that the timber, seed and matting were similar to those used at the factory.

Addressing the magistrates, Mr Clarke said that Shrimpton had told Burns and his wife a wonderful story, representing himself to be a chicken breeder in a large way and to be a man of means.

He claimed to have a house in London and mentioned that he was a friend of Dr Morgan Lloyd Jones, the eminent preacher. He also said that White, the financier had defrauded him out of £2000.

He expressed his intention of doing some local preaching in the district, “although” said Mr Clarke “I don’t know what he would have preached about unless it was the ‘fowls of the air’”.

Shrimpton went on Mr Clarke, told Mr and Mrs Burns he was a distant relative of Admiral Cunningham and talked with the patronising air of a London man.

Having established a feeling of confidence man who carefully prepared the ground and then set out to extract money from his victim.

“Unfortunate Dupe”

“Burns he said was the unfortunate dupe of a man with a plausible tongue and a ready imagination.

Burns in the box, said he had accepted Shrimpton as a man of means, especially as he had announced his intention of starting a poultry farm in the district and taking up local preaching.

Three loads of timber were delivered all in daylight and always by the same driver. He had commentated once on the probable cost of the timber and Shrimpton told him he had paid £15 for a load. The first indication he had that anything was wrong was when the police came to the farm.

Mrs Olive Burns his wife, said Shrimpton told her he knew Lord Nuffield and said he was at one time steward of a club in London which was regularly used by Field Marshall Montgomery and Mr Churchill.

“When he told me he had some coconut matting for me I was thrilled” she said. She added that half a dozen times Shrimpton had tossed £3 on the table as rent for the orchard and would brook no denial.

Relative’s Opinion

Cecil Goldsmith, a builder’s foreman of Felton Middlesex, a brother-in-law of Mrs Burns, said that while on a visit there on Christmas Eve, he met Shrimpton and came to the conclusion that he was a “twister.” He asked him straight out if he had permits for the timber and he replied that he could get permits for all he wanted for building outhouses.

Daniel Mills, of Saron Cottages, Goytre, who had introduced Shrimpton to Burns, said he had been as much led astray as they.

Ald. W C Watkins, MBE, the chairman, said the magistrates felt that Burns had been easily taken in.

They gave him the benefit of the doubt and dismissed the case.

April 2nd – GOYTREY BUNGALOW SOLD

“Lynwood” a freehold bungalow situated in the parish of Goytrey was sold with vacant possession to Mr W James of Pontypool for £730 at an auction sale held by Messrs Straker, Chadwick, at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny.

The bungalow has about an acre of land.

Solicitors concerned were Messrs Jacob & Pugsley, Abergavenny

May 21^st

GOYTRE MAN FINED FOR ASSAULT

Provocation was the only defence offered by Hubert Frewin (26) a railwayman of Fernleigh, Goytre when he pleaded not guilty at Pontypool on Saturday to assaulting Anthony Stuart Langdon, an aircraftman of Dunedin, Goytre.

Langdon, who was represented by Mr D P Tomlin (Everett & Tomlin Pontypool) said that on Friday May 7^th, he was standing talking to Mr Benjamin Bishop when Frewin came along on his bicycle. Bishop spoke to him and there was some discussion, friendly at first, about trestles for the village hall.

It developed into an angry disagreement and Frewin finally told Bishop he should have been in the trenches instead of a soft cushy job. He turned to complainant and said, “That goes for you, too.”

He told Frewin that his service life and career was his own private business and told him to “shut up.” Frewin rode off, but two minutes later came back on foot and said, “Did you tell me to shut up?”

Could see nothing

“Without any warning he hit me in the right eye and as I am blind in the left eye I could see nothing at all,” said Langdon. He kept on hitting me until Mr Bishop pulled him away.

Bishop, who lives at Ty Arrow, Goytre, said that nothing was said to provoke Frewin and Langdon did not strike a single blow in retaliation.

Ernest Henry Langdon, the father said his son was ill during the night as a result of the assault.

Mr Tomlin explained that Langdon, as a result of his blindness in one eye, was given a good deal of leave by the RAF and was often at home.

Frewin did not give evidence but said he was provoked by Langdon.

He was fined 40/- and ordered to pay 40/- costs.

July 9^th

VOLUNTEERS DID SPADE WORK FOR GOYTRE HALL

Goytre’s 800 inhabitants built the first village hall in Great Britain under the new National Council for Social Services scheme. They celebrated their success on Thursday; Mrs L Byrde performed the opening ceremony.

Conceived in the minds of a few energetic workers in September, 1945, the idea grew until the parish council called a public meeting at which a working committee was elected.

A site was leased from Mr E A Messenger, foundations were dug and laid and the cement base prepared by voluntary labour.

The council for Social Services then supplied and erected the main body of the building, valued at £1,500 and let to the committee at 5/- per week.

An army hut from Glascoed provided enough timber for an entrance hall, two cloakrooms, a large clubroom and a stage.

One hundred feet long, the hall has, up to now cost just over £1,000 of which £549/6/0 was received in subscriptions and £104/17/3 from whist drives and other social events.

The hall is equipped with modern lighting and central heating and has a dance floor.

Community Centre

Congratulating the band of workers who, she said, had put all their spare time in to the effort over a long period, Mrs Byrde stressed the importance of the hall as a community centre. It was a memorial hall and those who were commemorated had left a message for all time and that the only way to overcome the world’s problems was by comradeship and friendship. One was never too young to learn and practise the art of leadership and she hoped the hall would serve the youth as well as the adult community.

Mr D W Phillips (treasurer) thanked Mrs Byrde for her unfailing support, both financially and in loaning the grounds of her home for the annual flower shows and reminded those present that the future of the hall rested with them.

Mrs Eva Williams seconded the vote of thanks.

“There is a wonderful opportunity for both social and cultural works in this hall,” said Canon G Morgan (Rector of Goytre) “I hope it will be used not only for pleasure but for the advancement of character and mind.”

The chairman of the Village Hall Committee of the Rural Community Council, Councillor R Gordon Burge JP added his committee’s congratulations to the workers but warned them that their troubles were by no means over.

The financial balance was somewhat low but he had no doubt that, with their past achievements to encourage them they could face the future quite confidently.

Pessimist Confounded

This sentiment was also expressed by Mr D L Jones OBE (secretary of the Rural Community Council) who said that the pessimists who had alleged that there was not sufficient social life in Goytre to justify the building of a hall and had been proved hopelessly wrong. Mr Jones was sure that this was not the time for the village committee to rest on its laurels but to go ahead, working together to consolidate to successes they had already achieved.

Mr H Hatchley (chairman) introduced the speakers, who also included Mr B W F Bishop (secretary.)

A bouquet was presented to Mrs Byrde by Miss Margaret Kennedy and entertainment was provided by Mrs Hamer, Miss Brenda Merrick, Mr Luke Groves, and Mr Gwyn Holmes.

July 18th

CYCLISTS INJURED

Ronald Taylor, 9, son of Mr George Taylor, New Buildings Croesnypant, Goytre, received slight head injuries when he collided with a motor-car near the Goytre Arms on Wednesday afternoon.

He was riding a cycle. The car was driven by Mrs Bronwyn Price, Ty Coch, Goytre.

Mr Franklin Lawton Hickman, 64, of Ivy Cottage Goytre was admitted to Panteg Hospital following an accident at Little Mill.

Riding a pedal cycle, he lost control of it at the bottom of Pentwyn Pitch and mounted the curb, causing head and hand injuries, PC Kenneth Jenkins rendered first aid.

August 6th

SOLD BORROWED BICYCLE

While working for Monmouthshire War Agricultural Executive Committee, William Williams, 2, gardener, of the Hollies Goytre was issued with a bicycle on loan to travel to the farms.

Charged at Pontypool on Saturday with stealing the machine, Williams was stated to have sold it for 15/- to John Powell, a Goytre farm worker.

William Baker, a foreman at the committee’s Usk depot, said he did not know whether any demand was made on Williams, by the bicycle was only loaned to him and he made no effort to return it.

PC Dorning said he saw Powell riding the bicycle in Usk and recognised it as one similar to those issued by the Committee.

Williams in a statement said he used the bicycle for nine months and then joined the army. When he was home on leave, he sold the machine.

In court Williams, who pleaded not guilty, said there were no tyres on the bicycle and asked why two years had gone by before he was approached. “I thought they had forgotten about it,” he added.

Williams was fined 40/-.

August 13^th

NANTYDERRY HOUSE CLOSES DOWN

Nantyderry Home for Unmarried Mothers – one of the very few kind in the country- has been closed down, a step which was deeply regretted by the committee.

Many who attended the sale of the contents of Nantyderry House experienced a feeling of sadness at seeing an end to nearly thirty years’ work.

It was in 1920 that Lady Mather-Jackson and a small band of public-spirited ladies in Monmouthshire founded the home, and since its inception it has been instrumental in providing a maternity service frt a section of the community who, although their need was great, had previously had no provision made for them.

The moral and spiritual welfare of those girls who entered the home was always of prime importance and with the help and sympathy and guidance which they received enabled them to leave the home far better equipped to take their place in this difficult world.

Gap in health scheme

Closing this home will leave a gap in a comprehensive health scheme, unless a similar institution is envisaged by the local health authorities.

The home has remained all through the years under the chairmanship of Lady Mather-Jackson, who has received loyal support, not only from her committee but also from the medical and nursing staff and one and all can feel proud of the work which they have accomplished.

We feel certain, that with very few exceptions the 500 or more girls who have passed through that “open door” would be loud in their praise of the home, and all that it meant to them during a very difficult time.

September 10^{th –} Edwin Edgar

GOYTRE FARMER FINED for ASSAULTING PC

A 78 year old farmer, who pleaded not guilty at Pontypool on Saturday to assaulting a police constable while in the execution of his duty, was alleged to have been annoyed because the local authority had sent workman to lay on water supply to a Goytre cottage he owned.

He was Edwin Edgar, of Ynys-picca, Goytre. The magistrates fined him £5 with an alternative of one month’s imprisonment.

PC Kenneth Jenkins (Little Mill) said he was requested by a sanitary inspector to keep an eye on Edgar, who was making trouble at the cottage and shouting threats and abuse at the workmen. He went to the site and it was necessary for him to take Edgar away from there to his own home nearby.

“As i released him, he grabbed a length of piping with both hands and swung it at my head. I warded the blow off with my arm and my wrist watch was broken,” said the constable.

PC Jenkins then took Edgar to Pontypool Police Station in a car. He used as little force as possible. When charged Edgar told him: “You won’t forget this.”

Rather Pitiful

George Harold Wragg, foreman piper employed by the firm of contractors laying the water supply, testified to Edgar’s bad behaviour, and William Thomas Jones, an engineer, described the old man’s attitude as “abusive and rather pitiful.”

Edgar, who was represented by Mr Harold Saunders, told the court he wanted to be sure the workmen were not damaging a sewer he laid about ten years ago. He contended the constable handled him roughly, denied being abusive and also denied picking up the lead pipe and striking a blow. “I did not threaten the workmen. It was private property and they had no right in there,” he added.

Mr Saunders said Edgar had been ordered by Pontypool RDC to lay the water supply himself. The pipe he was alleged to have used to commit the assault was one of several he had bought to do the work.

September 10^th

Stole Apples

Three boys admitted at Pontypool Juvenile Court on Wednesday stealing apples, the property of Edwin Edgar and Abraham Jenkins at Goytre on August 15^th.

PC Parry saw the boys on bicycles with the apples in harvest sacks.

The parents had to pay 10/- for each boy.

September 24^th

Mrs WHITEHEAD TO SELL GOYTRE HALL ESTATE

Mrs L D Whitehead OBE, JP, has decided to sell Goytre Hall estate near Abergavenny and take up farming at Parc Llettis Farm near Penpergwm.

The Goytre Hall estate of 132 acres includes Goytre Hall, a modernised period country house which was built in 1446 for Thomas Herbert, son of the Earl of Pembroke, who lived at Raglan Castle.

It was once the residence of a family of Jenkins, now extinct in the male line and lineally descended from Gwaethford, a chieftain, who, in ancient times owned considerable territory in Gwent.

An Ancient Family

Members of the ancient family of Jenkins are buried within the communion rails of the parish church of St Peter’s, Goytre.

The house will be offered with vacant possession. The remainder of the estate is let and produces £207 per annum.

If not sold to a private buyer the estate will be offered by auction in one of seven lots at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, on October 19^th.

Mrs Whitehead is disposing of it because she finds it too large now that all her children are married.

Parc Llettis Farm, to which she is going, has an historic background.

December 3^rd

SMALLHOLDING SOLD

Messrs Rennie, Taylor and Till sold by auction at Abergavenny the 19-acre smallholding, Bwrgwm Farm Goytrey, lying about a mile off the old Abergavenny Road and comprising cottage, buildings, pasture, arable and woodland.

The farm was sold subject to Mr Jacob’s annual tenancy at £24 a year and tithe charge of £1/15/8 per annum.

For investment purchases the property realised £850 after spirited bidding.

Vendor’s solicitors, Bythway and Son, Pontypool.

December 10^th

GOYTRE MAN FINED FOR CARELESS DRIVING

As the result of a collision at the junction of the Mamhilad-Abergavenny road, Ernest Charles Morris (52) a painter and decorator of Vine Tree Cottage, Goytre was charged at Pontypool on Saturday with driving dangerously, without due care and attention and without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Represented by Mr D P Tomlin he pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. Mr Thurnall who prosecuted, accepted the plea and withdrew the other two charges.

Mr Thurnall alleged that Morris turned into the Mamhilad road on his wrong side and without giving any signal. There was a glancing collision with a car driven by a Mr Wilfred Beaton. If Beaton had not accelerated and shot across the road there would have been a head-on collision.

Mr Tomlin said Morris had been driving 30 years without mishap or summons and this offence was the result of an error of judgement coupled with bad luck.

He rounded the corner on his wrong side and almost succeeded in avoiding a collision by going further to the wrong side of the road.

The damage done to the cars was negligible.

A fine of 40/- was imposed.

January 14^th

Goytre Parish and the Roads

The state of the roads in Goytre came under discussion at the monthly meeting of Goytre Parish Council.

Mr J Williams remarked that the patching of Star Road had proved useless. The patches had now been washed away, with the result that money and materials have been wasted; the road was now in a worse state than before.

Mr D W Phillips, (clerk): I cannot understand why the roads ate so much better in the Abergavenny rural area than in the Pontypool.

It was resolved to write to the County Council on the matter.

Mr W J Taylor complained of an acute water shortage at Little Mill. On Boxing Day not a drop was to be had from 11am to 8pm. The Council decided to write to the RDC.

Questioned about the proposed street lamp for the village, the Clerk said he was waiting for the permission of the Ministry of Transport.

The Clerk reported that the distribution of 30 Christmas parcels had been carried out. Those who had distributed them were Councillors B V Thomas and H Stinchcombe and Messrs D W Phillips and E Williams.

Canon J Morgan, rector of Goytre, asked the cost of tapping the new pipe in the Penperlleni water scheme. Councillor H Stinchcombe promised to ask the Rural District Council about it by the next meeting.

Mr J Evans presided.

February 25^th

Late Mrs L Byrde

Mrs Lesley Byrde, wife of the late Mr O A R Byrde MA JP died at her home Goytre Hall? (Goytre House) on Thursday last. She will be greatly missed by the people of Goytre, for she took an active part in the life of the village and was extremely generous.

It was largely through the efforts of her husband that the Village Hall was built. On several occasions she lent the grounds of her house for the annual fete.

The family returned to Mr Byrde’s home (which had been in his family for many generations) in 1935, on his retirement as headmaster of Heath School, Halifax. My Byrde died three years ago.

Three children survive: Mr C G Byrde (London).. Mrs W Murray (Inverness) and Mrs B Greenwood (Clitheroe, Lancs.) Another son R G de F Byrde was killed in the war while serving with the Welch Regiment.

She Loved Flowers

Mrs Byrde has a very special interest in flowers and was a vice-president of the Abergavenny, Pontypool and Usk flower shows and president of Goytre flower show. She was also president of Goytre and Little Mill women’s Unionist Association and was elected the first president of the newly formed Goytre Women’s Institute last week.

Among other organisations that benefited from Mrs Byrde’s attention were the Nantyderry home and St Peter’s Church.

The funeral which was largely attended was held at St Peter’s on Monday. The Rev E P Evans (Bishop’s Messenger and son of Mrs Luther Evans who lived with Mrs Byrde) officiated.

March 11^th

Mr A Owen, Goytre

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church, Goytre, of Mr Albert Owen, aged 76 of Nightingale Grove, Goytre. The Rev W L Richards (Llanover) officiated, Mr C Meyrick was organist.

Mourners: Eddie, Bill, Dai, sons; John, grandson; Ivor, son- in-law; Joe and Harry, brothers Ada, sister; Lydia and Edith, sisters–in–law; Reg, nephew; Eileen, niece; Scott, Ivor Jones and Jack Palmer, nephews; Austin Wolfe and Frank Averille, brothers in law; Harding, cousin.

At the house: Annie, Winn and Gwladys, daughters; Hilda, Phyllis, daughters-in-law; Patti, sister-in-law.

Bearers: Messrs W James, W Mathews, W Williams, A Vaughan.

Flowers: Anne; Gwladys and Dai; Eddie Hilda and boys; Bill, Phyllis and Graham; Winn, Ivor, Roy and Jeff; Joe, Harry and family; Ada and Frank and all at Wrexham; Ann Polly, Patti and Austin; Mr and Mrs Probert, Pentwyn; Raymond; Floss, Ivor and Marge; Cousins from Nantyderry and Saron; James Powell.

April 1^st

Goytre Mon Sale

Household furniture and Effects at Goytre Rectory (near Nantyderry Station)

Including Oak and Satin Walnut Bedroom Suites, Washstands, Dressing Tables, Chests of Drawers, Oak and Brass Bedsteads, Polished Oak Extending Table, set of 4 Oak Dining Chairs, Oak Hall Stand, Mahogany Table, Side, Occasional and Kitchen Table, Kitchen Chairs, Meat Safe, Child’s Cot, Commode, Filing Cabinet, Overmantles, Curbs, Portable Organ, Bush All Mains Wireless, 3 Carpets, Stair Carpet, Pictures, Prints, Silver, China and Glassware, Kitchen Utensils, Garden Tools etc., etc.,

Which Messrs Bunning & Russell will offer for sale by Public Auction on the premises by direction of Mrs Morgan on Tuesday 5^th April 1949 at 1 o’clock.

Goods on view Monday 10-4 and sale morning.

Convenient trains leave Pontypool Road Station at 11.20 and 12.20

April 15^th

Goytre youngsters present two one-act plays

Two one-act plays were included as Goytre Dramatic Society’s first effort in a miscellaneous concert at Goytre on Thursday last. They were “Sunday Costs Five Pesos” by Josephine Knight and “Family Occasions” by Mabel Constanduros.

The producer Miss M F Mears is to be congratulated on the way she handled the casts, for the players were mainly school children, the oldest being only 18, casts:

Sunday Costs Five Pesos”, Fidel, Pam Fagg; Berta, Pat Powell; Salome, Pat Fagg; Tonia, Dorothy Hopkins; Celestina, Gwyneth Haynes.

“Family Occasion,” Cassie, Monica Sparrow; Janet, Pam Fagg; Alice, Grace Hopkins; Mrs Emerson, Olive Sparrow; Mary, Pat Fagg; Delia, Denise Harris; The stage manager was Barbara Hayden.

Brenda Merrick accompanied by Charles W Merrick gave delightful soprano renderings of “They call me Mimi” (La Boehme) “Throw open wide your window dear” the Waltz Song from “Tom Jones” and in addition she strode masterfully “Thro’ the Rye.”

Doreen Jones, Pam Fagg and Pat Fagg gave recitations and the chairman was Mr H Hatchley. Lighting arrangements were made by Mr S Haines.

April 15^th

New Rector of Goytre

The Rev. Charles William Kelly BA, rector of Blaina, will succeed the late Canon S G Morgan as Rector of Goytre. The appointment was made by the Monmouth Diocesan Board of Patronage.

The new rector who is 61 was educated at St David’s college Lampeter and Phillips school and obtained his degree in 1922. In the same year he became a deacon and in 1923 was priested.

He held curacies at Tredegar and Risca before becoming vicar of Ynysddu in 1931.

In 1936 he was appointed to the Blaina incumbency.

April 29^th

Obituary Mr G Mills

The funeral took place at Saron Baptist Chapel, Goytrey, of Mr George Mills, 74, of Saron Cottages Goytrey. He leaves his wife Elizabeth Mills, two sons and one daughter. The Rev. C A Reece officiated. Mrs Reece was the organist.

Mourners: Wife; Dan and Reece, sons; Myrtle, daughter; Bronwen, daughter-in-law; Tom, Dan, William, John and Isaac, cousins; Roger, nephew.

Bearers: Messrs. R Jones, J Williams, C Price and R Harvey.

Others present: Mrs Jones (Newport) Messrs. Gordon, Leslie, Harold and Dick Jones, (Newport.) S Fawdry, F Richards, Norman Jenkins, Rosser, Fleming, S Harding, I Dobbs, Kilroy, G Jones, C James, D James, D Davies, Challenger, J W James, W L Morgan, D F Davies, H W Gwatkin, F Howells, E Morris.

Flowers: sorrowing wife and Danny; Myrtle and Garnet; Reece, Bron and children; Dan Mabel and family; Mr J Davies and family; New House Farm; All at the Bungalow Nantyderry; Mrs Jones and family Newport; Mr and Mrs H Duke; Mr and Mrs L R J Rosser; Mr and Mrs Fleming and children; Mrs Tallentyre; Mrs Courts and Louis; Mrs Williams and Harold; Mr and Mrs Norman Jenkins and family.

July 15^th

Divorced but must still maintain wife and children

Daniel John Mills of Saron Cottage, Goytre , told Pontypool magistrates on Saturday that he was under the impression that a successful divorce action brought by his wife relieved him if the necessity of complying with a maintenance order in respect of her and the two children. He admitted that he owed £56/16s under the order and put forward an application for a reduction of the order.

He told the court he had been ill and then met with an accident and had been unable to work. He would begin the following week at a wage of £5. His expenses were such that he could not meet the order of 25/- for the ex-wife and 10/- each for the two children. His former wife was a night sister at Panteg Hospital. She owned her own house and had a bank account.

Mrs Mills said she earned £180 a year and emoluments valued at £100. She denied that she had a bank account and said she had to pay a housekeeper 10/- and her keep to look after the house.

The order was reduced to 15/- for the wife and 10/- each for each of the children.

Mills was ordered to pay 5/- a week off the arrears or go to prison for two months in default.

Mr H M Everett (Everett & Tomlinson) was for Mrs Mills and Mr K A W Clarke (Ebbw Vale) for Mills.

November 4^th

Mrs H James Goytre

The funeral took place at St Mathew’s Church Monkswood of Mrs Henrietta James aged 76, widow of Mr John James Elm Tree Cottage Goytre. She was a long and faithful member of Saron Baptist Chapel. The Rev. C A Reece, (Saron) officiated at the house and Canon D Ivor Jones (Usk) at the church and graveside.

Mourners: Cliff, Arthur, David and Irene, sons and daughter; Ted, Hilda and Bertha, son-in-law and daughters-in-law; Alfred, brother; Kathleen and John, grandchildren; Annie sister-in-law; John, brother-in-law; John, Will Ann, Jack, Jim, Flo, Harold, Edith, Violet, Alice, Tom, Ivor, Annie, Jonnie, Roy, Mary, Archie, Jack and Ivor, nephews and nieces.

Deceased only sister was unable to attend due to illness.

Bearers: Messrs J Williams, H Jacob, P Roberts, J Jones, W Powell, A James, E Dobbs and R James.

Flowers: Cliff and John; Irene and Ted; Arthur, Hilda and children; David, Bertha and Dilys; Flo and family; Abb, Milly and family; Annie, Ada and Lilly, Sheffield; Jack; Jackie, Violet and children; Ivor and May; Eva, Fred and Valerie, Birmingham; Mabel, Archie and Veronica; Mabel and Cedric, Rochdale, Sid, Bert, Archie, Harry, Arthur and Don; Polly and Will Gwehelog; Mr and Mrs Perrott; Mr and Mrs Reece and Mrs Williams; Mr and Mrs Thompson; Mrs Mathews and boys, Little Mill; Mr and Mrs G Bryant; Members and friends of Saron Baptist Chapel; Mr and Mrs Powell, Gelli; Mr J Jones, Mary and Bill; Berth, Ethel and Jimmy; Mr and Mrs P Roberts; Mrs Alexander and Mrs Rhys; Mr and Mrs Richards; Mr and Mrs J James; Mr and Mrs James and family, Pentre Farm; Mr and Mrs h Jacob and Arthur; the family of the late Mr Jones, The Knoll; Mr and Mrs Evan Williams; Mr and Mrs Dobbs and children; Mr and Mrs H Watkins, Monkswood; Mr and Mrs D Watkins, Monkswood; Mrs Radmore, Lilly and John, Barry; Mr and Mrs I Phillips and Esther; Jim, Caldicot; Ann, Jack and Ivor; Florrie and Harold; Will and Maud; Flo and Tom, Newport; Annie, Sylvia, Doreen and Peter; Alice and Percy; Jonnie, Melda and children; Roy and Mary; Charlie, Flo and children.

December 16^th

Goytre Old Age Pensioners

A new branch of the Old Age Pensioners Association nearly 50 years strong, has been launched at Goytre. At the inaugural meeting at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, Mr T Langley, who with his brother, Mr A Langley, had been enquiring into the possibilities of forming a branch, reported that nearly £8 had been contributed by well-wishers towards the venture.

Mr C M Watkins (Pontypool) area chairman, presided and Councillor Mrs Margaret Davies, area secretary promised what assistance she could.

Officers elected were: Chairman, Mr T Langley; Secretary Mr L W Brain; and treasurer, Mr A Langley.

Mr T Langley at first declined to take office but was persuaded by members who complimented him on the work he had done to start the branch.

The committee will comprise Mmes J Williams, J Owen, Leaworthy, and Messrs J Waters, G Wall and J Owen.

Tea was provided by Mmes A Jenkins, T Langley, B Bishop, J Owen and Sexton. The rector of Goytre, the Rev C W Kelly and wife were guests.

In the evening, Pontypool Vaudeville Society, gave a concert which was much enjoyed, free of charge. Mr T Langley expressed thanks.

It is intended to hold monthly meetings