January 4th
Saron Chapel – the enterprising Baptist bachelors provided an excellent tea in this place of worship on Christmas day where a large number of people attended. The proceeds in aid of the Sunday school fund was large, increased by a donation from Mr W J Pyman of Goytrey house.
After the tea a good programme was rendered by the scholar and friends, one capital item being a dialogue entitled “Mrs Bond’s Dilemma” by Miss Humphries and party.
Messes Howells, Morgan and Slade, three of a party of young men who came down from Pontnewynydd by brake rendered aid in the musical part of the programme. Miss Carpenter was the accompianist and the Rev H I Jenkins the chairman.
A vote of thanks brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.
January 11th
House party – on New Years eve a party was given by Mr Pyman, Goytrey House,
to the members of the household and their friends. The dance was opened at 8 o’clock by Miss Pyman and Mr Fry.
About 50 guests sat down to the excellent spread, the following toasts were duly honoured and suitably responded to.
The health of Mr & Mrs Pyman and family were given.
Able speeches were given by Mr F Jones, Thomas Coleman, D Morgan and the Rev Jenkins.
During the evening Mr Pyman gave an excellent speech in his usual jovial manner.
The singing of Auld Land Syne and the national anthem brought the evening to a close. The pianist was Miss Dyer, Pontypool. Mr Pyman also distributed gifts to the poor of the parish.
April 12th
Garden to let by town forge apply Miss Williams, Ty Isha, Nantyderry, near Abergavenny.
May 31st – One Guinea Reward
Lost on Whit-Monday near Nantyderry Station plain gold bracelet with motto round it, “to thine own self be true.” Whoever brings same to Miss K Evans Nantyderry will receive the above reward.
August 23rd – Killed on the railway at Nantyderry
Such was the fate of John Jones, 39, platelayer in the employ of GWR Co., who was knocked down by the 8.50 goods train from Pontypool Road to Wolverhampton, on Friday morning last.
It appeared that deceased, with other platelayers, including Evan Morris, the foreman, had had breakfast together in a cabin by the line.
They afterwards left to resume duty and had proceeded a little way up the line, but deceased, having forgotten something, returned. It was when returning that he got knocked down by the buffer of the passing train and was instantly killed.
Deceased, it is stated was born in Marshfield, Cardiff, he had no relative in this country but about nine years ago a sister paid him a visit and then left for Australia. Deceased had been in the district of Goytre and Llanvair Kilgeddin for the past thirty years.
Inquest
The inquest was held at the waiting room at Nantyderry Station before Mr C Dauncey, Coroner.
The first witness was David Morgan, Road Farm, Goytre, who stated deceased had lived with him for the past nine years. He left his house at about 5 am to go to work. Witness did not see him alive again.
Evan Morris, foreman platelayer, said he shouted to deceased when when the latter was returning to the cabin. He could not say if deceased heard him but he was stepping from the four-foot way into the six-foot when he was struck on the head by the buffer and knocked down. Deceased was dead when witness picked him up, immediately after the accident.
In reply to the Coroner witness said he thought the cabin was in a dangerous place and would suit a better purpose if it was placed on the other side.
Francis Phillips and David Jones, platelayers, corroborated.
Driver Richard Hughes, said the goods train was composed of twenty nine wagons, they were not going fast at Nantyderry. He did not see the deceased, but blew the whistle on approach to the station. He saw three men standing on the down line.
Harry Jones, fireman said, he heard someone shout and the train was stopped. The guard, John Mase, went back and found that deceased was dead. John Mase, guard, also gave evidence.
The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death,” and added a rider requesting the GWR Co., to remove the cabin from it’s present position to a safer spot.
The Funeral
The internment took place on Sunday, at the Parish Church. A large number of the inhabitants attended.
The deceased, having no relatives in this country, the expenses were borne by Mr Codrington Crawshay, Mr Sawyer, the station master and deceased fellow platelayers.
September 27th Sale of Valuable Freehold Property
Public Auction at The Globe Hotel, Pontyppol on October 12th.
Lot 2.
All that Freehold Cottage and Garden, with Stables and Premises and Orchard therewith, known as Colebrook Cottage, situate in the parish of Goytrey about a quarter of a mile from Penpellenny and now in the occupation of Mr John Jones, at a yearly rent of £7 10s, the tenant paying the rates and taxes.
September 27th – Goytrey Ratepayers Summoned
David Hughes, farm labourer and Thomas Phillips were each summoned for non-payment of 6s poor rate due to the overseers of the Parish of Goytrey. –Mr E W Gwatkin assistant overseer, said the case had been settled.
October 11th
For sale, Cordwood, Oak or Coppice wood, apply Morgan, Goytre, Pontypool.
December 5th Goytre – Funeral of the late Miss Gertrude Morris
On Wednesday last the remains of the late Miss Gertrude Morris, daughter of Mr Evan Morris, of Goytre were interred at St Peter’s Church. A large number attended the funeral ceremony, and a number of wreaths were sent by the Misses Evans, and Mr & Mrs Williams, Nantyderry House; Miss A Byrde; The Girls Friendly Society; the Teachers and Scholars of the British; The Great Western Staff at Nantyderry Station; per Mr Sawyer &c; Miss Morris, who was highly respected was only 15.