Byrde – Obituary Kandy
BYRDE.—On July 11th, at Kandy. Ceylon, of heart failure. Colonel Henry Byrde, C.S.I., V.D.. and late Captain 67th Regiment, eldest son of the late Colonel H. C. Byrde, of Goytrey House, Monmouthshire.
Byrde – Obituary Kandy
BYRDE.—On July 11th, at Kandy. Ceylon, of heart failure. Colonel Henry Byrde, C.S.I., V.D.. and late Captain 67th Regiment, eldest son of the late Colonel H. C. Byrde, of Goytrey House, Monmouthshire.
Egg Collection – 24th May 1915
Another 173 eggs were collected last Sunday for the National egg collection.
Altogether 1150 eggs have been brought to the church.
The eggs are sent to London and from there are sent to the wounded soldiers and sailors
Machine Cottage – Goytrey Wharf
Machine Cottage (now called Aqueduct) was built by Richard Pruett the local stonemason,
who built his own house, The Woodlands at Pengroesoped. He was also the brother-in-law of James Rosser
I may be wrong but I think it was built to house the weighing machine when the coal merchant, William Williams lived at the Wharf.
On the census of 1891 William Prosser a 60 year old wood Sawyer from Brecon with his wife Maria 57 also from Brecon were living at Machine Cottage, shortly after moving to the wharf William Prosser was summoned for sending his children to school.
On the 1901 census 32 year old Emily Davies was living at Machine Cottage with her daughter Lilly.
It was occupied in 1911 by Francis Phillips and his family. Francis was aged 56, a GWR platelayer born at New Barn Farm Goytre, (the son of John Phillips and Ann Rosser) Mary his wife was born in Llangattock and their children Ivor 15, a waggoners boy, Amy Elizabeth 11, Edwin Sidney 9, and Ernest Fred 6 were all born in Llanover.

Francis James Phillips with his family, born 1855 New Barn Farm, son of John Phillips and Ann Rosser, died at Goytre Wharf 1833.
Francis Phillips was still living at Machine House on the 1921 census. He is now 66, a canal lengthsman Mary his wife is 57.Their sons Edgar is now 35 a colliery repairer at Blaenavon company but is out of work, Edwin is 19 a farm labourer for for Thomas Whitney, Ernest 17 has no occupation. Their daughter Louisa is 27 her occupation is home duties.
Mary Phillips died in Abergavenny aged 63 in 1927, she was buried in Llangattock church yard. Francis Phillips died in 1933, he was also buried with Louisa in Llangattock.
Rose Tree Cottage (Upper Goytre or Top Road as I have always known it) – 369 on the 1841 Tithe Map.
Rose Cottage or Twyn-y-rhws was owned was the Earl of Abergavenny
On the 1821 Earl of Abergavenny’s survey Ann Lloyd was living at Rose Tree Cottage, by the 1841 tithe John Lloyd was the occupier of a cottage and garden containing 26 perches. On the 1841 census John was aged 70 and a Woodward, living with him were Mary 50 and Elizabeth 10.
There was a new occupier by 1851, Henry Edwards who was aged 67 (he was the son of Henry Edwards who was born in 1783, a miller born in the parish of Goytrey) he was a widower and living with him is his son-in-law John Walby aged 29 and his daughter Mary.
I cannot say with certainty who was living at Rose Cottage on the 1861 census, the enumerator was very vague when naming the houses and didn’t seems to follow the normal route, also part of the census is missing, so there is a gap until 1870.
An advert in the Free Press says Twyn-y-rhws is for sale and is to be offered at the Three Cranes Hotel in Pontypool; John Griffiths is the occupier, paying a yearly rent of £5. The purchaser was Thomas James.
On the 1871 census John Griffiths is aged 38, a merchant born in Llangors, Hester his wife is 34 and was born in Abergavenny.
By 1881 John Griffiths had left and William Morgan aged 29 a thatcher, Keturah his wife 27 and their three children, Flory 5, Kate 3, and Ann 1 were at Rose Cottage.
Rose Tree was sold again in 1889 by Thomas James (he had purchased Ty Cooke) to W T Cooke.
Jane Jones was at Rose Tree Cottage in 1891 but by 1894 George Roberts was on the electoral register.
Richard Rosser was the tenant in 1901, he was aged 31 a steel iron worker, born in Goytre, living with Keturah his wife aged 29 and their 3 children, Amy 4, William 3, and Rachel 1.
In 1911 Elizabeth Carpenter aged 42 a dressmaker, born in Hengoed and Rachel Jones 23, a newsagent were resident at Rose Tree.
Rose Tree Cottage was sold again in 1918 from Eborall Cooke to William Parsons of Gwael y garth Merthyr.
On the 1921 census John Litten is residing at Rose Cottage with his family, John is 42, born in Offwell Devon, he is a GWR signalman, his wife Marie Elizabeth is 37 born in Tredegar. Sons John and Frank (13) were born in Merthyr, John 15, a grocers assistant, Three more sons, Raymond 11, Ernest 4 and two year old Stanley were born in Goytre. Also visiting is William Parsons aged 70 from Aberdare, he is a retired signalman.
Mr D H Morgan – Miss A E Lewis – Wedding at Saron Chapel April 1904

David Morgan – Ada Lewis
Last Wednesday morning witnessed a quiet but pretty wedding at Saron Baptist Chapel, Goytrey.
It was an event unique in the annals 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, Danygraig, both of Goytre.
The families on both sides have been connected with this church for a great number of years, and indeed on the bride’s 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 0 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, ATS (authorised person for said chapel) assisted by Rev, G Cule 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 insert a list in the present issue.
Suffice to say that the bridegroom was the recipient of a handsome ink stand from the Sunday school for services rendered and the bridge a cheque from Mr David Buck, Pontypool, who was also present at the wedding and breakfast.
May all joy go with the happy pair.
(This wonderful photograph was sent to me by Bill Morgan who lives in America, he is a descendant of Azariah Morgan).
I have included this photo as they are so rare in 1873

Edward Powell
This is Edward Powell aged 17 in 1873, he was convicted on the 6th March at Monmouth Petty Sessions for stealing a ferret and 2 vermin traps and sentenced to a calendar months hard labour, he was released on April 5th
His description is given as being 17 years old, 5′ 4″ with brown hair and blue eyes, single and a labourer, born in Mamhilad
This photo is of Elizabeth Edwards taken in 1873 when she was 23 years old

Elizabeth Edwards 1873
She was convicted at Pontypool Petty Sessions for stealing wearing apparel and sentenced to two calendar months hard labour in Usk prison
Her description was given as being 4′ 11″, brown hair, hazel eyes and a fresh complexion
She was single and a servant and was apprehended in Garndiffaith.
Her record says she was born in Goytrey (but I cannot find any record of her in the parish)
Edwin Edgar – September 10th 1948
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 a 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.
February 6th
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 28th, 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 21st
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 7th, 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 9th
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 13th
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 10th – 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 10th
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 15th.
PC Parry saw the boys on bicycles with the apples in harvest sacks.
The parents had to pay 10/- for each boy.
September 24th
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 19th.
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 3rd
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 10th
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 14th
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 25th
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 11th
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 1st
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 5th 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 15th
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 15th
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 29th
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 15th
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 4th
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 16th
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