January 3rd – What happened to the Cider Mill

The Pontypool magistrates were occupied for some time on Saturday in hearing evidence of alleged assault arising out of a village feud at Goytrey on November 10^th, when Charles Ewart Stinchcombe summoned Joseph Edgar for having assaulted him at Goytrey on the above date, also with having wilfully damaged his bicycle to the extent of £3 17s 6d. He also summoned Sarah Ann Edgar for having assaulted him, and for having wilfully damaged his coat to the extent of £1.

There were cross summons for assault against William Thomas Stinchcombe, Charles Ewart Stinchcombe by Joseph Edgar and Edwin Edgar, while Charles Ewart Stinchcombe summoned Edwin Edgar for assault and William Stinchcombe laid a similar complaint against Joseph Edgar.

Mr W J Everett appeared for the Stinchcombes and Mr H Saunders represented the other defendants.

William Thomas Stinchcombe a wheelwright of Blaenavon deposed that he went to fetch a cider mill from Pentwyn in order to take it to Monkswood. When they got to the pond the cider mill sunk into the mud on the road. Witness took the horse out and the cider mill was left there for the night. On the morning of November 20^th witness got to the cider mill, when the elder defendant Edgar was there, witness told him to go into his house as they could get the cider mill out without his help. Witness alleged that Edgar struck him on the face and fetched out his (Edgar’s) wife and son. The latter was stripped to the shirt and shouted “where are the — Stinchcombes! Joseph Edgar further alleged the witness struck his (witness’s) brother three times. His brother did not strike back. Defendant Joseph Edgar then rushed at witness and struck him several times on the side of the face with his fist. He said “I will kill you, you—.

They went back into the house and came out again in about 10 minutes. The three defendants threw stones at complainants.

Witness had given no provocation whatever to Joseph Edgar. Witness saw Mrs Edgar scratch his brother Charles down the face. He saw defendant Joseph Edgar pull the bicycle pump out of his (witness’s) brother coat pocket and throw it into the pond. He also saw Joseph Edgar assault his brother.

By Mr Saunders: He had not complained to the Rural Council about the pond, but he had heard that they had received orders to fill it in. He did not take the cider mill along the main road because the lane was a shorter way. Mr Edgar lent them a horse to pull the cider mill out of the mud and they got it onto the path by the side of the house. The cider mill did not sink in the pond; it got stuck i the mud by the side of the pond. Edwin Edgar began cursing witness. Witness’s brother did not get hold of Edwin Edgar and try to push him into the pond. Witness did not pull off his clothes, he pulled off his coat but not to fight; only to try and get the cider mill out of the mud. He did not go for Joseph Edgar or strike him. Witness or his brother did not get Edwin Edgar down and jump on him. He admitted knocking Edwin Edgar down in self defence. Witness and his brother were not assaulting Edwin Edgar when Mr and Mrs Edgar came out of the house. It was not true that Mr and Mrs Edgar held witness’s brother against the wall until he promised to be peaceable.

The chairman here suggested that the parties should come to a settlement by talking the matter over, as it appeared to be a “neighbourly dispute”

The Clerk: “an unneighbourly dispute”. – (laughter)

The bench asked the solicitors concerned it they would use their influence with their clients with a view to a settlement.

The parties, with their solicitors, then retired, and after an absence of about a quarter of an hour, it was stated that they could not agree as to the damages to the bicycle, Mr Joseph Edgar denying that he damaged the cycle. He said the damage was caused by a horse.

The case was then preceded with, when similar evidence was given as to the alleged assaults.

Charles Ewart Stinchcombe corroborated his brother’s statement as to Mrs Edgar having scratched his face, and Joseph Edgar striking him on the face and other parts. He also struck witness’s brother and they fell, he further alleged that Joseph Edgar kicked his foot through the spokes of the witness’s bicycle which was standing against the hedge. He also threw witness’s pump into the pond. He also stated that Joseph Edgar and his mother rushed out of the house, struck him on the lip, cutting it, and threw a stone at him about the size of a brick. He did not tell the Edgar’s that the — pond ought to be filled in.

By Mr Saunders: The horse did not commit the damage to the bicycle.

Morgan Henry Williams of Monkswood spoke of having seen Joseph Edgar treading on the cycle. The horses were nowhere near it.

Charles Herbert Williams said the horses were quite five yards away from the machine. The animals began to kick and jump owing to the shouting.

The Chairman at this point said the Bench was agreed that the summonses and cross summonses should be dismissed.

Each party was ordered to pay its own costs. The question of damage was one for the County Court, concluded the Chairman.

February 3rd – Nantyderry  – Long Night Dance

In connection with the weekly dancing class, an enjoyable long night was held last week, when, despite the bad weather, there was a good company present. The refreshments were well looked after by Mesdames Jones and Collins and Miss A and L Spencer. Miss E Robins supplied the music. Mr H Jenkins and Mr C Bevan were the M.C.’s

Goytrey – Wedding

A pretty wedding took place at Saron Chapel on Wednesday morning, the Rev Colin Edwards officiating.

The bride was Miss Lily Edwards, the fifth daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Charles Edwards of Coed-y-Clapp, Mamhilad and the bridegroom Mr Thomas Lock of Tiverton Devon.

Monmouth Assizes

Murder Case Included in the Calendar

A murder charge against William Sullivan described as a labourer, is charged with the murder of Margaret Thomas, Lapstone Cottage Pengroesoped, Goytrey on October 26^th.

February 17th – Serious Charge at Goytrey

Prisoner before the Pontypool Bench

To Go To Assizes for Trial

A serious charge was preferred against Benjamin Morgan, a married man, of Goytrey, at the Pontypool Police Court on Saturday, before Mr G Jenkins (chairman) and other magistrates. He was accused of criminally assaulting a girl under the age of sixteen years, vis., 15 years, at Goytrey in September 1921.

Mr W J Everett’s prosecuted on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C. and Mr H Saunders defended.

Beatrice Edwards, living in a caravan at Lower Race, mother of the girl, produced her daughter’s birth certificate, which showed she was fifteen years of age when the alleged offence took place. She told how her daughter was taken into prisoner’s employ as a domestic servant and went with him in a taxi from Crane St. to his house to commence her duties. Her daughter left prisoner’s service at the end of October, in consequence of a statement by the girl witness and her husband went and saw prisoner at the Globe Hotel, Pontypool.

Witness said to prisoner; you are a nice man Mr Morgan. He said; what for? Witness replied: My Ellen’s in trouble. He said: You have not told anyone, have you? Witness replied: Not yet. He said: Don’t tell anyone and I will see Ellen righted. He also said that he would see that the girl was well provided for. He then asked witness and her husband to go in and have a drink. When in the Globe witness’s husband said to prisoner don’t you think you ought to be ashamed of yourself assaulting a girl when your wife was upstairs?

Prisoner said Sh! My brother’s in the passage and I don’t want him to hear.

In her evidence the girl said went into the prisoner’s service at Goytrey at the end of August last year. After she had been there three weeks or a month prisoner arrived home between 10 and 10.30 at night. Mrs Morgan was in bed upstairs and witness slept with one of the little girls. Witness had also gone to bed each night before prisoner got home. He used to shout out to her when he got home to come down and make him a cup of tea. The witness proceeded to to relate what took place on five or six nights.

In answer to questions, she said she did not scream or tell Mrs Morgan because she was afraid to do so. She did not make any complaint to her mother until she had been home some time, after having left prisoner’s service.

Cross-examined: She could not say why she did not scream out so that Mrs Morgan could hear. On the occasions when Mr Morgan called her downstairs she put on her stocking and shoes and a frock over her night-gown. Mr and Mrs Morgan had not complained to her about her conduct with the men and boys in Mr Morgan’s employ. She had not been for a walk with another young man.

Richard Edwards, the girls’ stepfather corroborated his wife’s evidence.

P.C. Powell, who arrested prisoner at Goytrey, stated that when the warrant was read over to him, the accused denied having assaulted the girl. On the way to the police station he said: My wife used to go to meetings. I never stayed in the house with the girl by myself.

Dr McAllen said that when he examined the girl on January 30^th he found that she was pregnant.

Prisoner, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the next assizes.

1922 Electoral Register – Benjamin Morgan residing at Glan-y-Nant

April 28th – Morris

In ever affectionate remembrance of Raymond, the darling baby son of Mr and Mrs Val. Morris, Ash Cottage Goytrey, who passed away April 28^th 1920.

Safe in the arms of Jesus

Goytrey Case Adjourned

Mr S R C Bossanquet (instructed to prosecute by Mr W J Everett Pontypool) mentioned the case in which Benjamin Morgan (23) described as a labourer of Goytrey, near Pontypool, is indicted for alleged serious offences on diverse dates in respect of Ellen Violet Luss, a girl of the age of 15 years.

Mr Bossanquet said that the girl had been confined to London where she now lay very ill with pneumonia. Both sides had agreed to ask for an adjournment until the next assizes.

His Lordship allowed this, the witness’s recognanaces being enlarged.

The Grand Jury found a True Bill in this case.

July 14th – Small Holding

A Compact Small-Holding known as “Haymeadow” Goytrey bounded by good roads and comprising:

A Good Cottage, Farm Buildings and about 2 acres, 3 roods and 5 perches of Pasture and Arable Land numbered 812, 813, 814 and coloured pink on Plan 1 of the sale of the Marquees of Abergavenny’s Estate, including a Modern Bungalow with 2 rooms, fitted oven range, cart shed and stables, land tax 3s 0^1/2 Tithe 7s 11d. A part of this lot is occupied by Mr T Jones at a yearly rental of £14, notice to quit having been served on him to expire on 2^nd February last. The remainder, including the Bungalow is in hand and will be sold with Possession On Completion.

September 8th – Goytrey Parish Council

A meeting of the Council was held in the Penpellenny School on Thursday, when the whole of the council were present, viz: Messrs F J Harris, W E Davies, W Lewis, H Dowell, G Lewis, T Jenkins, H Morgan, R Evans, R Logan and E L Jones (clerk)

Mr W E Davies was elected chairman and Mr R Logan vice-chairman. Mr H Dowell and Mr R Logan were appointed overseers. – Mr F J Harris proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman, Mr Rufus Evans for the able and conscientious manner in which he had carried out his duties during his term of office.

Mr Evans suitable replied – it was proposed by Mr Dowell and seconded by Mr Harris that the clerk be instructed to write to the Great Western Railway Co., asking for a stopping train at Nantyderry on Sundays as this would greatly benefit the dairy farmers who at present had no means of forwarding milk supplies on that day; and also calling the attention of the Company to the lack of fires in their waiting rooms at Nantyderry Station during the recent spell of severe weather.

October 6th – Goytre – Successful Annual Competition – Rain Fails to Damp Enthusiasm

The continous downfall of rain on Wednesday failed to rob the 24^th annual ploughing match, hedging competitions etc., run under the auspices of the Goytre and District Farmers Associaion, of success.

There was a fair attendance and although the competitors found the conditions most trying they set up a keen contest. The event took place at Ty Cooke Farm by the kind permission of Mr Nicholas.

The president of the association is Mr W G Buchanan, Manor House, Llanvihangel and the chairman of the committee, Captain W Beer, Highmead Llanvair.

The judges were: Horses, Messrs WE Baker Magor and Evan Lewis Blackwood; Ploughing Messrs J Lewis Llwynderri Raglan and W Alford Raglan; Pigs, Mr R T Bach Griffithstown; Hedging Messrs D Lewis Gwehelog and W Morris Coed-y-gelly; and produce Miss Bevan Crumlin and Mrs Turner Crumlin.

The Awards

Horses: Turnout (son or servant of member)

1. Major Douglas Graham, Brynderwyn
2. Capt. W Beer Highmead Lanvair

Most valueable pair (geldings or mares)

1. Capt W Beer
2. Major Graham

Cart Sucker

1. Capt W Beer
2. D Thomas Nantyderry

Cart Brood Mare

1. and 2 Capt Beer

Nag Breed Mare

1. W E Davies Goytre House

Colliery Horse

1. D Protheroe Court Farm
2. Mrs Jenkins Mamhilad

Harness Horse (driven)

1. D David Llanover
2. M H Attewell Pentwyn
3. Capt. Beer

Foal

1. T Price White House

Horse or mare

1. T Price

Pigs

1. G Stinchcombe Yew Tree Goytre
2. W Lewis Tyrewen Goytre

Cottagers Pig

1. D Jones

Members pig

1. G Stinchcombe
2. W Lewis

Sow and pigs

1. H Attewell

Poultry and Dairy Produce

Goose

1. Miss Powell Bettws Newydd
2. Mrs Price White House

Ducks

1, Miss Jenkins Pentwyn

Miss Edwards Neuadd Llanover

Fowls

1. Mrs W Harris Glenusk Nantyderry

Butter

1. Major Graham
2. Miss Edwards Llanover

Cheese

1. Miss Smith Neuadd
2. Miss Edwards

Ploughing

Champion Class – open

1. W Jenkins Mamhilad House; 2, D James Penypark Llandenny; 3. D Phillips Bwlch

Champion Wheel Plough

1. W Jenkins Grey Hall Abergavenny; 2. Ambrose Jones Llanover; 3. A T Tucker Cwmdowlais Usk

Farmer or farmer’s son

1. J Llewellyn Gilwern; T Lane Llanvetherine; 3. A Tucker

Wagoners

1. Evan Mainwaring Coedhowell; 2. R E Jones Cwm; 3. J Thomas Court Farm Llanvihangel Pontypool

Boys under 18 years

1. T Jenkins Mamhilad; 2. C Price Lanvair; 3. H Nicholas Ty Cooke

Digger Plough

1. J Jenkins Pentwyn; 2. G Mathews Glenisca; 3. T Saunders Brynderwen

Hedging

Champion Prize

1. Divided between Harry Williams Gwehelog and W Howells Bryngwyn

Hedging and ditching – 11 yards in 6 hours

1. T Howells; 2. J Williams Cherry Orchard Lanvair; 3. F Mathews Pentwyn

Farmer’s son or servants under 23 years

1. W Bradley Glascoed; 2 F George Great House; 3. H Watkins Tyncae

Farm Servants – Indoor male servant

1. Percy Edwards Neuadd Llanover 3 years 11 months

Outdoor male servant

1. W Richards Ty Mawr 18 years 1 month

Female servant

1. Miss R M thomas Tyrewen 3 years 4 months

The winners of the block test – judging the weight of a live sheep, were, Mr Vivian and Miss Mary Marfell, both of whom were only a quarter of a pound out. The weight of the sheep was 206lbs.

The secreterial duties were admirably carried out by Mr W T Spencer, Lanvair Kilgeddin.

December 1st – A Timber Deal – Long Drawn Out Dispute

Goytrey – Abergavenny. 

At Abergavenny County Court on Friday before His Honour Judge Hill Kelly for the third time the dispute case in which H Dowell timber merchant of Goytrey was the plaintiff and Ivor G Marsh, timber merchant of Abergavenny the defendant. The point in dispute was whether a quantity of coppice grown oak purchased by defendant from plaintiff was according to contract.

Mr H S C Bosanquet (instructed by Mr W J Everret was for the plaintiff and Mr Jordan (instructed by Messrs Gabb, Price and Fisher) for the defendant.

Mr Bosanquet said that Mr David Jones was appointed independant valuer to view the timber and report and ge reported that there were six trunks which were not in accordance with the terms of the contract but there were certain questions still left open, one being as to how the surplus timber could be treated.

His Honour said that the independent valuer was appointed at his suggestion and if the parties had been content to abide by his decision there would have been no difficulty but when they got his report they desired to call a further body of evidence, which meant a waste of time and money.

Mr Bosanquet: the contract should be put into the hands of an independent valuer to report.

His Honour; that is what was done, but when I came to deal with his report you threw it aside and wanted to call a further body of evidence.

Mr Jordan said that he was not disatisfied with the report, which he considered in his favour but owing to the valuer being put into the box and giving certain answers it became necessary for him to call certain evidence before His Honour.

His Honour said that he had stated that he would hear any evidence but he must say again that a less satisfactory way of treating the case he had ever experienced in any court.

December 1st – Goytrey – Sad Bereavement

Quite a gloom was cast over the district last week when the tragic loss which has befallen the respected family of Mr and Mrs Litten (Rose Tree Cottage) became known.

Mr and Mrs Litten have had the great sorrow od losing two of their younger children within as many days. Their little girl Dorothy aged 13 months passed away on the Monday and Ernest, a bright little lad of 6 years, died the following day after a short illness in both cases.

The funeral took place on Thursday last, when both bodies were interred in the same grave at Saron graveyard and it was a touching sight to see the two little coffins lowered to their last resting place after one another.

The large number present and the numerous floral tributes alike revealed the deep sympathy which goes out to them in their heavy trial.

The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Litten, father and mother, and the elder brother Jack and Frank Litten. May the thought that their little innocents are “safe in the hands of Jesus” console and comfort them until time, the most perfect healer of all, has assuaged their grief.