February 25th 1949
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. Mr 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.