January 29th – Scab in Sheep
John Williams of Goytre, was charged of keeping sheep infected with scab, in a field insufficiently fenced.
Supt. McIntosh said he had warned defendant that there was danger of the sheep straying about the country and spreading the disease, on account of his fences being in a bad state;
The sheep belonged to Charles Jones but defendant, on whose land they were was responsible.
Defendant denied all knowledge of the sheep being infected.
Fined 20s

April 1st – Transfer of License
Mr Greenway made application for transfer of license of the Oak beerhouse, Goytre, from Thomas Smith to Thomas Arthur.
The applicant’s not giving notice to the superintendent and overseers, the application was not granted.
Application for Transfer of a License10th June.
Mr Greenway made application for the transfer of a license of the Oak public house at Goytrey.
Supt. M’Intosh said that a former application had been made, and he then made an objection to the transfer on the grounds that the applicant was not a sober man; and he was still of the same opinion.
Mr Greenway said that the applicant had bought the license from Smith and all he required was to sell until the license be out; and if he did not prove himself worthy of his position, then the license need not be renewed.
Col. Byrde said that the magistrates would incur a grave responsibility if they gave a license to a man against the advice of the superintendent.
Rev T. Evans, (rector of Goytre) had known the man for many years and there had been a growing improvement in his conduct for some time.

April 29th – The application was again refused. Griffithstown & Goitre
Lot 9: All that newly erected Dwelling House or Messuage, Shop, Offices, Yard and Premises, the whole containing by measurements 394 square yards [more or less] situate in the Parish of Goitre, on the side of the Turnpike Road leading from Pontypool to Abergavenny and known by the name of the Goitre Shop and now in the occupation of Messrs David Jones and David Brunt Jones or their under-tenants.
This Lot is sold subject to a Mortgage, the amount of which will be disclosed at the sale, or previously on application to the Vendor’s Solicitor and to the reservation of the minerals [if any] thereunder, and is held under a lease for an unexpired term of 96 years at a rental of £3 6s.
Waite & Son: Auctioneers.

June 3rd – Dog License Offences
Before Col. H. Byrde, E.J. Phillips esq. & Rev T. Evans

John Rosser was charged with keeping a dog without a license on 21st April.
Defendant pleaded he thought he had a license. Mr Bolger said that Mr Rosser had always taken his license out; except in the present year; he had no doubt that Mr Rosser’s statement was true, but the explanation had already gone before the Commissioners, and they ordered this prosecution.
Fined 25s. The Bench agreed to recommend a still further reduction in this fine to the Commissioners.

Henry Crump was charged with a similar offence, defendant did not appear.
Mrs Crump appeared and handed in a license dated the 18th April; the information was laid on the 17th.
Fined 25s.

John A Morgan was charged with a similar offence. Defendant pleaded guilty but it was through neglect and not with intention to defraud the Revenue.

Wm. Yorath was charged with a like offence, defendant did not appear. Thomas Edwards proved the service and also the charge.
Fined 25s.

July 1st – A Young Hopeful
Thomas Brown, a juvenile was charged with stealing a quantity of bread and cheese the property of Mr. T. Jenkins, Goytre on the 22nd inst.
Elizabeth Lewis deposed that the prisoner took the bread and cheese from the dairy.
Supt. McIntosh said defendant’s father did not take care of him; he lay about in pigs cots and out houses and was fed by anyone who would give him food.
The prisoner in answer to the Bench said his father had turned him out of doors.
Sentenced to 14 days hard labour.

August 24th – Alleged Well Poisoning at Goytre
The Chairman wished to call the attention of the Superintendent of Police to a proclamation the address of which “Town Hall, Pontypool,” had led to the supposition that it had the authority of this Court, and he wished it to be understood that this was not the case.
Mr Phillips was taken unawares, not having known anything of the matter till he had heard it from the chairman.
Mr McIntosh, “shall I publicly explain to you? my office is in the Town Hall.”
After a few more remarks, in which the word “diabolical” was quoted from the proclamation.
Mr McIntosh said he could give an explanation if they required it, and continued “Am I to explain now.”
The Chairman:
“You had better defer the explanation.”
Later on during the sitting the magistrate retired and invited Mr McIntosh into their private room.
On the magistrate’s return into court, the Chairman, {Col. Byrde} said that having ascertained that the bill was issued under instruction there could be no doubt the superintendent was quite justified in issuing the bill, and no reflection could be cast upon him.

August 26th – Nantyderry
Within 5 minutes walk of the Railway Station
Sale of household Furniture & Blacksmith’s Tools &c.
Messrs Phillpot and Wingfield
Have been favoured with instruction from Mr John Morgan, Blacksmith, Nantyderry, to offer, by PUBLIC AUCTION, during the ensuing month [upon the premises, as above], the whole of his;
Neat and substantial
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE
Blacksmith’s Tools &c VIZ:
Iron and Wood Bedstead, feather and millpuff beds, washstand and dressing tables,kitchen utensils &c.
BLACKSMITH’S TOOLS:
Vices, vice tools, blacksmith’s bellows, anvils, a large quantity of new and old iron, files, wedges, blocks &c
HOUSE, SHOP & PREMISES TO BE LET WITH IMMEDIATE POSSESSION
Auctioneers Offices:
Market House Chambers, Pontypool:

August 26th – Police Court – Charge of Assault and Trespass
John Brewer farmer was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Howard at Nantyderry on the 14th inst.
Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Gardner appeared for complainant.
Complainant deposed that she lived at Nantyderry; on the 14th she was leasing (gleaning) a field of Mr Heath’s; Mr Brewer was the succeeding tenant to Mr Heath, who had given her permission to lease the field; Brewer came to her in the field; she had some leasing in a bag and some out of the bag; he took the leasing that was outside, put it under his arm saying it was his; she claimed it and took hold of it; he pulled it away, then knocked her down; she got up again and tried to get the corn; he asked them who gave them permission to gather the leasings; he called them scamps and other filthy names; he called his men into the field, and told them to shake the corn out of their bags; one of the men did so.
Defendant said that Mrs Howard and others were trespassing; when they saw him they ran out of the field.
Elizabeth Bowen, a little girl deposed that she was leasing in Mr Heath’s field with his permission; saw Mrs Howard and Brewer in the field; Brewer knocked her with his fist and called her filthy names; Brewer took witness’s leasings off her; came with his man and told him to fling Mrs Howards wheat about, he did so.
Enoch Heath, Raglan, said he was the brother of the late tenant; purchased the crop off him and left four stooks in the field to keep possession; the tenancy was a February taking when his brother came there; gave the farm up on 25th Dec, and claimed part of the crop; he gave these people leave to lease; Brewer was entitled to every five stooks; and witness took the sixth; he left Mr Brewer’s stooks and his own on the ground.
In answer to the Bench; the only corn on the ground was his, which he left there in order to claim the leasings.
By Mr Gardner: as far as he had the power, he had given the parties leave to lease, and they were there with his permission.
George Howard and Elizabeth Howard were now placed in the dock, charged with trespass on the property of John Brewer on the 14th inst; Defendant pleaded not guilty.
Brewer deposed that on Friday night Heath went into the field and took what he liked, leaving nothing but his, (witness’s) corn on the field; defendants were in his field on the following Monday.
Both cases were dismissed on the ground there being no justification and the parties summoned to pay costs.

October 21st – Kiln Farm Goytrey – Near Llanover

11/2 miles from Nantyderry 4 miles from Abergavenny.
Messrs Waite & Son
Have been instructed by Mr John Turner who is leaving the neighbourhood, to SELL by AUCTION on Thursday October 26th 1876 on the premises as above, the whole of his
Farming Stock
Implements, Hay, Straw, Fodder
Household Furniture and effects
Comprising: 9 tons of fodder, 5 tons hay, quantity of wheat, rick of barley straw, quantityof wheat straw, 5 sacks of seed potatoes &c.
Implements:
Waggon, cart, long, short and G.O. harness, saddle, Ransome’s wheel plough, iron harrows, turnip pulper, turnip scuffler, chaff engine, corn bins, ladder, grindstone, quantity of hurdles, iron boiler, pikes and rakes, beehouse and hive of bees, wash tubs, pigs trough, &c. &c.
Stock:
1 Mare in foal. Several ewes, and quantity of poultry.
Dairy Utensils:
Cheese Press, 2 churns, tubs, vats, pails, dishes and pans
Household Furniture:
Mahogany and oak tables and chest of drawers, prime feather beds, bolsters and pillows, mattresses, iron and wooden bedsteads, bedding, mahogany 8 day clock, barometer, writing desk, chairs and other sundry useful household requisites too numerous to mention:
Luncheon at 10; sale at 11 sharp;
Clarence Street, Pontypool
19th October 1896

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.

June 14^th – Caution to smokers

A few days since, a serious fire took place at the Wood Mill in the parish of Goitre adjacent to the Nantyderry station on the Newport Abergavenny and Hereford railway, for some time past in the occupation of Mr Williams.
It appears from facts afforded that smoke was observed issuing from a well built and commodious barn situated at the rear of the mill in which was placed about 60 bushels of wheat and upon proceeding thither the interior was found to be in flames.
Assistance from neighbours and others was kindly rendered endeavoured with buckets and other utensils to throw water upon the building but their combined efforts proved unavailing, the fire having gained a mastery over them and the barn was consequently, in a short time entirely gutted.
The fire, we understand, was occasioned by a man who was engaged in the building thrashing, smoking a pipe, a spark from which fell amongst the straw and hence the disaster.
It is hoped that this occurrence will act as a caution to parties allowing servants to smoke about their buildings, which reprehensible conduct so frequently terminates in the destruction of the property and not infrequently in sacrifice of human life.

January 27th

John Probert of Pontypool refused to quit the refreshment rooms when ordered to do so by the proprietor.
He did not appear at court.
John Williams, proprietor said that John Probert came to his house at 9.30 on the night of the 13th inst., and called for a glass of beer, with which he was served.
He was perfectly sober and went away in the course of about half an hour, he return very much intoxicated, my wife and daughter refused to draw him beer, whereupon he used very disgraceful language; complainant asked him to go out and he refused but subsequently with great difficulty managed to eject him.
Fined 5s or 14 days hard labour.

August 11^th

To the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Goytrey, the Superintendent of Police for the District of Pontypool, and to all whom it may concern. I JOHN HARRIS, now residing at Penperlleny, in the Parish of Goytrey, in the County of Monmouth, Beerhouse-keeper, and for Six Months last past having resided at Penperlleny, in the said Parish of Goytrey, Do Hereby Give Notice that it is my intention to apply at the General Annual Licensing Meeting, to be holden at the Town Hall, Pontypool, on the 25th day of August next ensuing, for a License to Sell exciseable Liquors by Retail, to be drunk or consumed in the House or Premises thereunto belonging, situate at Penperlleny, and which I intend to keep as Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House. Given under my hand this 3rd day of August, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seveaty-sevea. JOHN HARRIS.

August 18^th – Alleged Wood Stealing

Geo, Brown and James Morgan were charged with stealing a quantity of pit wood, the property of A D Berrington esq., at Goytrey on July 23^rd.
Mr Watkins defended.
Mathew Williams was the first witness called. He said he was appointed to look after the woods for Mr Berrington:
They had missed wood from the place:
In answer to Mr Watkins:
The wood where the pitwood was taken from was let to men named Mayberry and Arthur:
They purchased the underwood and they have to clear away both stubbs and underwood:
Mayberry informed witness about men taking the underwood away: had not seen Arthur about it:
It occurred on 23^rd July but witness did not receive any information about it until August 8^th:
The husband of the next witness to be called lived close to the wood; did not know of any bad feeling between Brown and her;
Had not seen the wood alleged to have been stolen; missed the wood on 25^th July:
Ann Williams lived in the parish of Goytrey; she could not exactly remember the day she had seen prisoners carrying sticks out of Mr Berrington’s wood;
Prisoners had each a piece of pitwood; which they were carrying to the waggon of John Bevan; she saw the sticks on the waggon;
By Mr Watkins: It was between six and seven o’clock in the evening when the prisoners took the sticks away; she could not say which month it was; but she thought it was about a fortnight previously; It was on a Monday; she generally went to meeting on a Sunday and she had been to meeting the day before;
Brown and witness had never fallen out; he had never threatened to summon her; nor had he ever cautioned her about taking sticks from the wood; she lived nearer that 50 yards from the wood; she dealt in fruit; so did Mrs Bevan;
It was Bevan’s waggon she saw the sticks on:
Daniel Crompton was next called and said he was standing at Abraham Williams’s door when he saw Bevan’s waggon with some sticks upon it; couldn’t say whether the sticks were pit wood or not; they were about 6ft long; it was between six and seven o’clock in the evening:
In answer to Mr Watkins: Should not have noticed the affair at all but for Mrs Williams having pointed it out to him; she said “you see they are putting sticks on the waggon and if anything is missed we shall be blamed for it.”
Abraham Williams, labourer and basket maker said he met prisoners one night; they were with Bevan’s waggon; there was some browse on it; saw two sticks on top of the browse; but he would not swear what they were; it was about 6.30 in the evening when he met them;
In answer to Mr Watkins: Did not know of any ill-feeling between his wife and Bevan; never heard that his wife was about to be summoned by Brown;

The case was adjourned till next Saturday:

August 25^th – The Goytrey Wood Stealing Case

George Brown and James Morgan were charged [on remand] with stealing pitwood, the property of A D Berrington esq.,
Mr Watkins appeared for prisoners;
Mathew Williams was re-called and being cross-examined by Mr Watkins, said he was in the habit of visiting the wood three times per week;
Some weeks he would visit the place only once; it was 11 or 12 acres in extent; in the place where the witness Ann Williams had pointed out to him was ‘corded’,men were cutting the wood a few months ago;
Witness had missed some sticks from a heap; there were three hedges between Mrs Williams’s house and the place where she alleged she saw the sticks taken from; the place where the pitwood was taken from was about 50 yards into the wood; it was altogether about 110 yards from this place to the witness’s Williams house;
In answer to Mr Phillips;
Witness missed three pieces that he knew; but he had not seen those sticks afterwards;
He had missed one large piece and two middle sized pieces;
Daniel Compton was re-called; and said he was standing in Mrs Williams’s garden; there were three fences between them, the garden and the waggon; there was a wide gap in the hedge so that the tail of the waggon could be seen;
Witness did not suggest to Morgan’s mother, on the previous Saturday, that he [Morgan]should confess that he had stolen sticks, and so get Brown convicted;
Witness himself had been convicted of felony;
John Bevan jnr., said he lived at the Yew Tree Cottage; the prisoners had borrowed his fathers waggon to take away some browse from the wood;
The agreement was, that they, [the Bevan’s] were to have a load of browse for hauling a load; he went to the wood in company with the prisoners; there was a high hedge between where they placed the waggon and the road;
The hedge consisted of horles and sallies; after they loaded the browse a short rough stick was put onto the waggon, this stick was not trimmed;
Brown’s stick was a little longer; a tree by falling had broken and splintered it at one end and there was a knot in it;
In answer to Mr Edwards; those sticks were not taken from a heap;
Examination continued: witness went with Pardoe and pointed out the place where the waggon stood; he measured in a straight line from there to Mrs Williams’s gate;
James Arthur deposed that he and a man named Mayberry had bought the coppice wood;
They had cordwood and pitwood out of the coppice;
The timber was to belong to Mr Berrington; they had to clear the wood of all browse and underwood;
He had let the wood to prisoners to clear it; but cautioned them not to touch either cordwood or pitwood;
They take many pitwood pieces to act as levers in grubbing the wood; and as a rule these are of no use afterwards;
From the description the boy gave of the sticks he would not infer they were pitwood;
Wm. Pardoe has measured the ground at the request of the prisoners;
From where the waggon stood to Mrs Williams’s house was 135 yards; the waggon could not be seen from the house in question;

The case was dismissed.

October 27^th   – Notice of Removal

E. Evans & Son, Coachbuilder & Wheelwright

Beg to inform the Nobility, Gentry and Public in general that they have moved from Llanover near Abergavenny to more commodious premises at Penperllenny, Goytrey, near Pontypool, where they hope, with strict attention to all orders entrusted to them together with good workmanship and best materials, to merit a share of the public patronage.

E.E. & son also return their thanks for all past favours and remain your obedient servants.

E. Evans & Son, Coachbuilders, Wheelwrights &c., Penperllenny, Goytrey, near Pontypool.

December 1st – Two Cottages to be Let

Two cottages with gardens to let at Nantyderry with an excellent Smith’s shop with one cottage and all conveniences.
Also after Christmas a portion of land for a coal wharf, with part of a good shed.
Rents moderate.
Apply to William Williams, Refreshment House, Nantyderry.