1929 Free Press

January 4th – Goytre Children’s Entertainment

In aid of school funds, Saron Baptist Sunday School gave an entertainment at Penpellenny Schoolroom.

The programme consisted of a playlet by the children entitled “The Golden Seam,” recitations, solos, also a dialog by the adults entitled “Honesty the Best Policy.” There was an enthusiastic and appreciative audience to encourage the young performers, who carried out their effective parts with a clearness of enunciation and a confidence that spoke volumes for the training received.

Much credit is due to Miss E Williams, the accompanist , and Mr & Mrs Vaughan Croesnypant, who helped to train the children and make the dresses so dainty and effective.

Mr Lewis, Pentre Grange, occupied the choir. After a hearty vote of thanks had been passed for the chairman, a very pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing God save the King.

January 4th – Mr David Hutchinson of Nantyderry (In Obituaries)

January 11th – Danger to Motorists

For allowing pigs to stray on the highway, Edward Charles, farmer, (Parc-y-brain) was ordered to pay 5s costs.

When approached by PC Taylor, the defendant, it was stated made the excuse that “someone must have left the gate open.”

Administering a caution, the chairman reminded Mr Charles that the presence of pigs on the highway was most dangerous to motor traffic.

March 1st – Death of a Nantyderry Lady

The death took place on Tuesday, at the residence of her father, Mr J Harding, Nantyderry of Mrs Flowers, widow of Mr Flowers, who pre-deceased her some years ago. Deceased, who was well known and respected at Nantyderry, leaves a daughter to mourn the loss of a devoted mother. The funeral takes place tomorrow, Saturday.

March 8th – Funeral of Nantyderry Widow

The funeral took place on Saturday at Goytrey Church, of Mrs Alice Flowers, whose death was reported last week , occurred on the previous Tuesday. She was the widow of the late Mr Gilbert Flower of Temple Cloud, near Bristol, who predeceased her seven years ago..

Deceased who was 39 years of age was the daughter of Mr John Harding, Nantyderry with who she had lived since the death o f her husband.

Mrs Flower was born in the same house in which she died. Unassuming in character, she possessed a sweet and loveable disposition and throughout the countryside, her demise roused general sympathy with her aged father and family.

The Rev. HCP Belcher, M.A. conducted the services at the house and graveside. With Mr C Merrick presiding at the organ, two of the deceased favourite hymns were sung, viz., “God moves in mysterious way” and “Thy will be done.”

The bearers were Messrs Spencer, Dobbs, Taylor and Lloyd.

The mourners were:

Father; Millie, Laura and Edith and husbands, (sisters and brothers-in-law) Richard and Harry, (brothers) and Mrs Flowers (mother in law.)

April 12th 

House to Let, with garden, Goytrey, 3 minutes from bus. – apply E Edgar Ynyspica. Cottage and garden to let apply Evans, Great house Mamhilad

April 19th – St Peter’s Church – over 200 Easter communicants

The annual Easter Vestry was held in the schoolroom on Friday, the Rector presiding. Mr Richard Jenkins and Mr Herbert Gwatkin were re-appointed rector’s and people’s warden respectively.

The following were elected sidemen for the ensuing year:

Messrs; A Bullock, Morgan Edwards, T Evans, W Harris, H Hughes, W Jackson, W J Jenkins, T Jenkins, C Tedman Jones, G Jones, W L Jones, D Knight, EJ Morris, W Nichols, E Owen, J Owen, R J Rosser, W E Rouse, E Spence, and Cast L D Whitehouse.

Parochial Church Council:

Messrs: W Jackson, D Knight, C W Merrick, E J Morris, R J Rosser and Capt L D Whitehouse.

The rector thanked the church workers for their continued and valuable assistance and their Loyal and hearty co-operation. the meeting commented upon the large number of communicants at the Easter Festival and remarked upon the generally satisfactory nature of the mature accounts. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings.

May 10th – An Unfortunate Couple

Trading Troubles at Goytrey and Pontypool – A Pathetic Case

Frederick W Millard and his wife Annie, of High Street, Pontypool, appeared at Newport Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday for examination before Mr L H Horby, D L The Registrar.

Frederick W Millard who is in his 60th year, attributed his failure to trade depressed and ill-health following an accident in 1921, which crippled him, while working as a pattern maker at a steel works and for which he was awarded £300 compensation. His wife then became a credit draper but she had nine months illness and her taking decreased.

With the £300 compensation received in respect of the accident Millward bought Glanynant Cottage, Goytrey, for £400 and left £200 of that on mortgage. He also bought a pony and trap for £30 which was used for hiring for light haulage before the buses honeycombed the district. It was also used to assist his wife in her business as a credit draper.In 1928 he went to Pontypool, where he bought the premises, 21 and 22 High Street for £465 the whole of which was raised by mortgage. There he commenced a confectionary and general dealers business. His liabilities expected rank for dividend were given as £101 and deficiency was £65.

The wife, Annie Millard, gave her liabilities as £137 and the deficiency was £124.

“I thought times would come better and I would succeed ,” she pathetically remarked. A friend in February this year made an offer of 4s in the £ but it was not accepted. She and her husband then filed their petition.

Mrs Millward attributed her failure to trade depression and the illness of her husband and herself.

May 24th – Ownership Disclaimed at Goytrey Inn

Suspicious act at closing time in the Goytrey Arms Goytrey during a police visit on April 6th, was investigated at Pontypool Police Court on Saturday when Arthur Jones, the licensee was summoned for supplying beer to Albert Ruck, a youth of twenty one, whilst the latter was charged with aiding and abetting in the offence.

Mr Horace S Lyne, Newport, prosecuted for the police and Mr W H V Bythway Pontypool, defended.

Visiting the Inn at 4.30 pm, on the Saturday in question, P C Taylor said he saw twelve men in the smoke room. Six of them were playing cards, the defendant Ruck was sitting with his back to the bar, and noticing that he was trying to conceal something with his right arm, witness asked him to stand up, which he did. He then found a half pint measure full of what appeared to be freshly drawn beer with froth on it.

The landlord when spoken to disputed that it was freshly-drawn beer, saying that he had drawn all the beer supplied during the hours and that he could not account for it.

To prove his assertion that it was not freshly drawn beer, Mr Jones drew a half pint of beer contrasting the difference in the beer.

Ruck said he knew nothing about the half pint, adding, “It is not mine.”

Could Tell Fresh Beer

Corroborative evidence was given by PC Duncan, who, in reply to Mr Bythway , said he could tell when beer was freshly drawn. He was not a teetotaller, but he did not drink beer. (Laughter)

Addressing the Bench, Mr Bythway said the young man Ruck had beer whatsoever after closing time and he had purchased none. He did, however, did take a sip out of his fathers half-pint at open tap. Young Ruck was watching the game of cards – the usual Saturday afternoons amusement in the country – when the police entered the Inn and he did not know the half pint measure of beer was there.

On the afternoon in question some young men had been engaged in repairing a touring car outside the Inn and some of them joined in the game of cards. The men were perfectly lawful there after hours and had not had any drink.

The Chairman: Not even a pop? (Laughter)

Mr Bythway: No Sir

Without hearing any further evidence, the bench decided to dismiss both summonses owing to the strong element of doubt in regard to the supply.

The Chairman estimated that the Bench thought the police had acted rightly in bringing forward the case.

May 24th

Goytre Parish Council ask for a competitive bus service.

June 7th – Alleged Theft

Lewis Morgan, 17 of Prescoed, who is working at Gwenydd Farm, Goytrey, was brought up on Monday morning, before Messrs H A Williams and S A Hiley, on a charge of stealing a pair of trousers, value 7s 11d the property of Thomas Pearce, another young farm labourer of New House, Llangwm. He was remanded on bail until June 13th.

June 21st – SS Anniversary Goytrey

On Sunday the Sunday school anniversary services were held at Saron Baptist Chapel. In the morning Mr James, Pengroesoped gave an eloquent address to a fairly good congregation, he also presided over the afternoon service.

The evening service was presided over by Mr C Morgan, Macs-y-beren, Goytrey.

June 28th – Funeral of Mrs Rachel Owen at Goytrey Parish Church.

The funeral took place on Wednesday last at Goytrey Parish Church of Mrs Rachel Owen, aged 54 of Nightingale Cottage, Goytrey, who passed away on the previous Friday.

Deceased, who was the wife of Mr Albert Owen, was highly respected in the district, she leaves a husband, three sons and three daughters to mourn their loss.

July 5th – From farmer’s boy to M.A. Mr J Evan Jones, Abergwellan

Among the results of the post graduate Research Degree examinations of the University of Wales, recently announced, is the name of Mr T Evans Jones, B.A., Abergwellan, Goytrey.

July 19th – Goytrey Presentation

A large number of women’s unionists from Goytrey, Llanover and Mamhilad  met at Nantyderry on Monday to congratulate their president Mrs L D Whitehead on the conferment of the honour of O.B.E. and to present to Her a gift as a mark of their esteem and affection. The gift took the form of a beautiful silver and tortoiseshell casket, suitably inscribed and an album containing the names of the subscribers.

August 23rd – Motor Cyclist Summoned

George Dudley of Goytre, steel-worker was  fined 10s for each driving offence, 1. driving without lights at Mamhilad 2. for not having a driving licence 3. no rear light.

Goytrey Possession Case

Before Deputy Judge Hugh Jones at Pontypool County Court on Wednesday, Mrs Sarah Ann Edgar applied for possession of two de-controlled dwelling houses known as Plough Cottages, Goytrey, tenented by William Henry Pitt and Joseph Cozier. Arrears of rent, it was stated, were owing in respect of both the houses, which were let at a weekly rental of 10s 3d and 10s 1d (including rates) respectively. Possession was granted within 28 days.

August 30th – Bankruptcy case – Gazette Notice

Receiving Order in Bankruptcy Newport. Richard Alfred Bracey of Oak Tree Cottage Goytrey, journeyman pastry-cook.

September 13th

Furniture sale at the Birches Penpellenny, 7 minutes from the Carpenters  Arms.

October 11th

Goytre and district farmer’s sheepdog trials were held at Pentwyn Farm Little Mill.

October 18th – Goytre women’s unionist association.

A very successful whist drive and dance at Nantyderry on Thursday last, at which Sir Leo and Lady Forrester Walker were present. The event was organised by Mrs Tedman Jones. Prizes for whist were given. by Mrs L D Whitehouse.

The wining ladies were Mrs M Jones, Aberdovery; Mrs Marfel and Mrs Bullock, Goytrey; Gentlemen: Messrs T Williams, R Gwatkin, L S Jenkins, Llanover.

The following acted as M.C’s Messrs H Gratkin, E T Morris, J Rosser, D Knight and L Morgan Williams.

November 22nd – House in Goytrey,

midway between Abergavenny and Pontypool. – Apply Woodlands, Llanover.

December 22nd – Good milk cow and calf for sale –

Prosser, Ty Newydd, Goytrey, Pontypool.

1960 Free Press

February 5th – Mr A L Hawkins Goytre

The funeral of Mr Avon Lyndon Hawkins 67, of Penwern took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre.

The Rev. A L Davies officiated at the house and Church. The organist was Mr C W Merrick.

Mourners: Derek, son; Jim and Les sons-in-law; Harry and Fred, brothers-in-law; Titus and Sid, cousins.

At the house, Loving wife Nell, Clara and Great, daughters, Dora, sister, Iris daughter-in-law, Lyn, cousin.

Polly, Gladys, B Manville, grandchildren; Minnie, T Jenkins, A Jenkins, F Beer, Bill, Jarold, aunt Bess and Cath.

Bearers S Williams s Walton B Griffiths and L Hickman

Others present:

I Dobbs, A E Messenger, R Maisey, I Hopkins, Halterman, S Dundford, A Probert, H Cowles, F Hickman, D Morgan, J Roberts, P Jones, F Walters, P Carpenter and others.

Flowers:

Loving wife Nell, Derek Iris and children, Clara Jim and family; Greta Les and family; Jane and Lyndon.; Veronica; Pat and Maureen; Lorraine; Dora and Harry; Ethel and family; Tom, uncle Avon and family; Aubrey, Ursula and family; Minnie; Mrs Rowland’s Margaret and family; Melvyn Joyce and family; Margaret Frank and family; Aubrey, Ursula and family; Ted and Reece Jenkins; Monmouthshire County Council and workmates; Cordite (2) section ROF; village officers and committee; Walton and Miles; Sid Eileen and family; Mr Cleaver and Margaret; Mr and Mrs Holterman; Gloria, Peter, Mrs Watkins and family; Aunt Noble and family; Wilf, Ethel and family; Mrs Cook and Mrs Davies; Mrs Jenkins and Stan; Mrs G Evans; Peter Wyn and children; Mr and Mrs B Bishop; Mr and Mrs Griffiths; Mrs Frewin and family; Mr & Mrs I Dobbs; Ben & Joan Wilding; Mr & Mrs Strangemoor; Winvon (florist)

Funeral arrangements by James and Powell, Goytre.

February 19th – Pontnewydd Choir

The residents of Nantyderry home for the aged were entertained to a musical evening on Friday by the Pontnewydd Male voice party.

Under their conductor Mr Fred Williams the party provided a varied programme, which was much appreciated.

Guest artist for the evening was Mme Honour Mathews-Clayton.

Individual items were given by Mr Graham Davies (baritone) Mr W Green (pianist accordion) and Mr Cyril Price (recitations).

The accompanist was Mrs W Smith, ACTL Griffithstown, assisted by Mrs Webb.

The Matron of the home Mrs Northcote, proposed a vote of thanks to the party.

April 8th – Stole from his mother

For the theft of clothing and other articles, valued at £18 14s 10d from his mother, Eric John Frewin of Fernlea, Goytre was committed by Pontypool magistrates for sentence at the Quarter Sessions appeal committee.

He was interviewed by PC Robert Morgan after his mother, 70 year old Caroline Frewin had complained about the thefts.

Frewin said I have sold them, what can I say?, it has happened before. I cannot help myself. In a statement Frewin said I sold them for 25/-.

To the magistrates Frewin said “at each time this year I get this trouble”. He could not get work because of ill health.

Among previous convictions listed against Frewin and produced by Supt John Haines was one for larceny from his mother’s home.

On May 13th Eric John Frewin aged 32 was sent to prison for 12 months by Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions.

April 15th – Fire guts village hall at at Goytre

Fire on Monday night reduced Goytre village hall to a black hulk of twisted wreckage and deprived the villagers of their meeting point.

Smoke from a boiler house was the first signs of the fire and Mr Stanley Hayes, who first spotted it, raised the alarm.

Villagers soon rushed to see what could be done, but could only look on helplessly as flames fanned by a high wind soon reduced the building to a shell.

It was like a raging inferno said Mr Oswald Morgan headmaster of the local school who used the hall as a classroom. The children had left the hall about half an hour before the fire was seen.

Pieces of melting felt were dropping from the roof and burning holes in the floor said Mr Morgan who is chairman of the village hall committee.

When the fire service arrived they could do little as the fire had completely engulfed the building.

Equipment Destroyed

School equipment, including desks, chairs, cupboard and books and equipment belonging to other organisations such as the women’s institute , the young wives group, youth club, boy scouts, girl guides and brownies were destroyed.

The hall was built in 1947 by the national council of social service and the hall committee were in the process of purchasing it from them.

Mr Morgan said that despite their loss the villagers were determined to build another hall as soon as possible for they could not do without one.

The education authority in the meantime are to allow them the temporary use of the village school.

There is nothing to indicate the cause of the outbreak and the damage is estimated at several hundreds of pounds.

April 15th – Goytre Nr Pontypool

Occupying a delightful position enjoying magnificent views, 1.5 miles BNS , 4 Pontypool, 5 Usk, 6 Abergavenny and 12 Newport.

J Straker Chadwick & sons have received instructions to sell by private treaty the superior modern (built 1934) detached freehold residence Maesderwen

Standing in a neat easily maintained garden with sweeping pathways, lawn and rose gardens built of brick (rough cast) and roofed in red tile the accommodation affords,

triangular porch, hall with oak block floor, dining room, lounge 14ft 6” x 14ft with oak block floor, modern domestic offices including kitchen, pantry, cloakroom, laundry.

On the first floor from galleried landing with oak balustrade 3 large bedrooms, bathroom, independent WC the whole in immaculate condition, RV £30, garage main EL with numerous power points throughout . Main water and drainage

Vacant Possession.

April 29th – Goytre young people face up to adversity

Youngsters of goitre are showing a fine spirit of self-help in face of adversity

Their youth club having their village hall burnt down recently and they lost all their equipment in the fire. Now they are clearing the debris from the old hall which they hope to restore during the summer months to a condition which will permit them to resume their activities under cover.

The hall has a concrete base and three of the four walls are quite serviceable but one wall is badly damaged and of course there is no roof at present.

Mr P Carpenter of Bryn View Goytre who works in the furnishing department of the Abersychan and Pontypool co-operative society in Pontypool took over the leadership of the youth club about a year ago.

He told the Free Press there is a membership of between 40–50 people between the ages of 11 to 20 and we were going along very nicely until the fire which destroyed all our equipment.

But they are not lying down under misfortune and the boys and girls are prepared to work hard and contribute much of their pocket money to make the hall habitable again by the club.

Coats Off!

Working parties have laboured this week clearing up the debris. The repair of the damaged wall and re roofing are of course beyond us but we are all prepared to do everything possible to provide the club with a weatherproof home. We have tried without success to get alternative accommodation.

I think the boys and girls are showing the right spirit and deserve encouragement for there is no where else in the goitre district for them to spend their leisure time if anyone would like to help with money or in any other way their assistance would be appreciated.

Offers of help should be made to Mr Carpenter, Bryn View, Goytre.

May 13th – Goytre effort raises £65 for refugee fund

A successful sale of work and jumble sale was held at Goytre hall in aid of the world refugee year appeal.

It was originally planned to be held at Goytre village hall but after the disastrous fire which burnt out the hall Mrs Rees came to the rescue with the offer of her grounds at Goytre Hall.

All the organisations of the village took part, including the mothers union, women’s institute, youth clubs, brownies and wolf cubs. The sale was sponsored by the goitre branch of the young wives group, over £65 was raised.

Stallholders: Jumble; Mmes. H Frewin, W Owen, L Hickman, J Green, L price and S Litten.

New goods: Mmes; J Winnie, R Rouse and J Williams.

Cosmetics Mmes: J Kennedy, N Swinnerton, and P Whittingham.

Grocery: Mmes P Edwards, D Knight, A Lewis and B Bishop.

Cakes: Mme R Owen and J Thomas.

Bottle: goitre youth club.

Bran tub: goitre brownies.

Refreshments: Mmes G Jenkins, A Jenkins, C Frewin, J Maisey and P Price.

June 10th – Miss G M Owen Monkswood

The funeral of Miss Gwladys Maria Owen of the Nightingale Grove took place at St Peter’s Church Goitre.

The Rev A L Davies officiated at the house and church.

Mourners: Eddie, Bill and David, brothers; Annie and Win, sisters; Hilda, Phyllis and Glen, sisters in law; Ray and Ivor bros in law; Lydia, aunt; John David and Ron, nephews; Eileen, Reg, Ken, Laura, Jack and Harry, Ted and Don cousins;

Bearers: Messrs C Shepherdson, J Shepherdson, H Stinchcombe and A James.

Others present: J shepherdson, C Edwards, I Dobbs, I Hopkins, S Williams, Nurse Wilks, J Winstone, Mrs Winstone, T Edward, W James, R J Rosser.

Flowers: Eddie, Hilda and family; Bill, Phyllis and Graham; Win, Ivor, Ray and Geoffrey; Annie and Ray; David, Gen and Tim; aunts and uncles, Swansea; uncle Joe aunt Lydia, Eileen and boys.

Uncle Harry aunt Edie; Doreen Reg and Faily; Daphne and Douglas Watkins.

Marion David and Nigel, Llan farm.

Mr & Mrs I Hopkins and family.

Don Nancy and Philip Walnut tree.

Hilda and Arthur.

Laura Jack and Harry.

Ethel, John, Elaine ,Colin and Valerie.

Floss, Ivor and family.

Mr & Mrs Harvey Monkswood.

Plessy and Ivor.

From dear friends at hospital.

Funeral arrangements by James and Powell Goytre.

June 17th – Mr C W Merrick Goytre

The funeral of Mr Charles W Merrick (70) of Feltham, Newtown, Goitre took place at St Peter’s Church Goitre. The Rev A L Davies, rector Goitre officiated assisted by the Rev C Saralis, the curate of St Marys church Abergavenny.

Mr Merrick was, for 50 years the organist and choir master of St Peter’s church and latterly of St Mary’s church Abergavenny.

He was well known as a successful music teacher and many of his pupils were at his funeral. His witty and lively interest in music made him a popular choirmaster.

Mourners:

Wife Thea and daughter Brenda; Bill, Harry, brother-in-law, Ethel Farr, David and Ethel Wilks, Alfred Jackson, Gladys Jenkins, Harold and Mabel Wilks, cousins.

Mrs Draper and Mrs Dyke.

Bearers: Messrs I Dobbs, E Draper, D Price, J Williams.

Others present:

Mr M Harris, Mr & Mrs J Martin, J S Williams, E Messenger, W Owen, W Morgan, A Davies A Probert, Mr & Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Dibble, E Lewis, Mr Davies, E Morris, R Maisey, K Rosser, B Wilding, E Prosser, Mr & Mrs Whittingham, W Rouse, H Harding, S Williams, H Gwatkin, A Rosser, W Swinnerton, Mr & Mrs Lewis.

June 24th – Goitre parents petition

A petition from parents of pupils attending goitre primary school complaining about children having to eat meals off school desks and having to walk two miles in the rain to catch a bus so to attend Llanover school was presented at a meeting of the Pontypool group of primary school managers.

The petition also stated that the parents were worried that their children’s education was lacking because of time spent travelling between the two schools

Mr E Davies, clerk, replied, “the arrangements at Llanover are temporary. Pupils going to Llanover have already taken the 11 plus, all they are doing is really is marking time until September when they go to their next school. The statement that they walk two miles some days is not true,” he continued, “they catch a bus from Goitre to Llanover and do not have to walk any further than they did before.”

“There is no ground to build an annex to goitre school so the children can have a canteen,” said Mr Davies, “but I informed the cost of one decent classroom alone is £2000.”

The managers agreed to support the petition which is to be sent to the primary education committee and brought up when it meets on Wednesday.

July 1st – Parklands estate Goytre – picturesque country site 1.5 miles from the nylon spinners

For sale – and immediate erection –

Semi detached and detached freehold bungalows from £2,450 – £4000.

Plans and specification at Leonard D Morgan Ltd, Western Mail Chambers, 6a High St, Newport.

Representative on site Thursdays and Sundays 3pm – 7pm.

October 14th – Goytre in the 14th Century

Records dating back to the 14th Century were taken by Mr Baker, the Monmouthshire Archivist to a meeting of Goytre Women’s Institute.
Court records he said showed that Goytre, then known as Pellennie was reasonably law abiding in those far off days. The chief “crimes” appeared to have been in connection with straying goats. Another record showed that all the inhabitants of the parish were summoned for failing to maintain the highways in a good state of repair.

November 18th – Mrs A E Morgan, Goytre

The funeral of Mrs Ada Elizabeth Morgan aged 81 of the Gwynedd took place at Saron Church.

Mourners:

George, brother, Violet, Katy, Maud, Brenda, Iris, Ada, Vera, Mary, Gladys, Mary, Beryl and Stella, nieces.

Herbert, Dan, Ernie, Laurie, Michael, Arthur, David, Arwyn, Jim, nephews.

Cecil, Olive, Francis, Mabel and George.

Others present:

Mrs J Rogers, C Evans, John Powell, Mrs J James, Mr D Davies, Mr & Mrs Bottle, Mrs Wilks and Miss F Wilks, Mr & Mrs Lewis, Mrs Howell, R Morgan, J Litten, C Lewis, A Jacob, H Vimpany, C Jameson, E Morris, I Dobbs, T Taylor, A E Messenger, G Pritchard, D J Lewis, D Lewis, R Powell, Mr & Mrs Beeching, Mr & Mrs E Williams, Mr & Mrs W Essex, Mrs M Thomas, Mrs E Webb, Miss M Watts, Mmes Williams, Parry and Edwards.

Flowers:

Herbert and Violet, Dan, Rebecca and family, Maud, Bill and family, Ada, David, Hilda and Arwyn, Vera, Arthur and children, Frank and Brenda, Katie and family, Iris, Jim and sons, Leigh, Emily and family, Eric, Elsie and boys, Olive, Cecil Rosie and Jeff, Reg, Betty and children, William, Beryl and Lewis, Lorrie, Ethel and family, John Litten and Joyce, Reg and Berth, Rollingdean, Joyce and Jim, Mr & Mrs D Mathews, Bernard, Eileen and David, Mr & Mrs W Essex and Conway, Christine, Roger, Jill and Barbara, Frank, Martha and family, Members of Chapel Edd, A W Powles, Edith, Clare and Nancy, Arthur, Louise and Bill Evans, Mrs Court and Lou, All at the Croft, L & R J Rosser, Irene, Pat and Malcome, Joan, Arthur and Pamela, Mary Edwin and Elizabeth, Gewn, Chris and Elizabeth, Mr & Mrs J Rogers, Mr & Mrs Davies, Saron Cottage, Mr & Mrs I Dobbs, Mr & Mrs D Williams, All at Pentwyn, Members of Hanover W I.

Funeral arrangements James and Powell, Goytre.

1922 Free Press

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 10th, 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 20th 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 26th.

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 30th 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 28th 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 01/2 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 2nd 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 24th 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.

1910 Free Press

January 5th – William Jones, milk vendor Goytre charged with driving a cart with no lights

ADJOURNED

Mr Wm. Jones, milk vendor, Goytrey, was charged with driving a horse and cart after sunset without lights, at Mamhilad, on December 23rd. – P.C.’s Edwards and Powell gave evidence.– Defendant said he had lamps and they were lit.–Supt. James stated that he had advised defendant to bring witnesses. But he had not done so. The case was adjourned for a week for the defendant to bring evidence to support his statement.

PURE white Leghorn Pullets (Cook’s strain); point of laying; 4s 6d each. – Kidner, Trinidad, Goytre.

January 21st – William Jones fined 10s for no lights

Wm. Jones, milk vendor, Goytrey was fined 10s for driving a horse and cart after sunset without lights, at Mamhilad, on December 23rd. – P.C. Edwards, Little Mill, said he saw defendant driving without lights. He was under the influence of drink. – Defendant said he had lights. P.C Powell confirmed the evidence of P.C. Edwards. – Jane Morris, Goytrey, said she supplied the lamps and candles to defendant.

Cordwood for sale apply DH Morgan.

CORDWOOD, Oak Crop, and Coppice Wood delivered in large or small quantities. – D. H. Morgan, Goytre, near Pontypool.

February 18th – Smoking concert at the Refreshment rooms Nantyderry for Mr Stanley Morgan, son of William Morgan, Glanusk on the eve of his departure to Australia

An enjoyable smoking concert was held on Monday evening at the Refreshment Rooms, Nantyderry, with the object of making a presentation to Mr Stanley Morgan, youngest son of Mr Wm. Morgan, of Glenusk Farm, Goytre, on the eve of his departure for Western Australia. Five of Mr. Stanley Morgan’s brothers have already sought their fortunes in the Antipodes, and have been rewarded with success. The presentation, which was subscribed to by many friends and residents in the neighbourhood, took the form of a fitted dressing-case, collar box, and pipe in case, which was accompanied by an appropriate address and a list of the subscribers. Mr Knipe (Pentwyn Farm) presided over the proceedings, and made the presentation in eulogistic terms. He said he was extremely sorry to learn that they were about to lose one of their best friends. He could assure Mr Morgan that the best best wishes of all the subscribers would go with him in his new sphere of life. It gave him great pleasure to say that Mr Morgan’s five brothers had been successful from the time they landed in Australia. The recipient appropriately thanked all the subscribers for their useful presents and remarked that he felt sorry to part with so many kind friends. He thanked them for the good wishes and he would ever remember the good friends he had at Nantyderry. A programme of songs added to the enjoyment of the gathering. The contributors were Mr Tobin (Llanvair), Mr D. Morgan (The Wern), Mr J. Harding (Nantyderry), Mr Mathews (Chain Bridge), Mr Parsons (Llanvair Grange), and Mr Knipe (Pentwyn Farm). Before the proceedings closed, Mr Morgan’s health was heartily drunk by the company. Mr Morgan sails on Friday from London.

Sale of several Goytre properties – 3 cottages, Oak cottage, number 662 on map let to Mr Rosser, Coldbrook Cottage, Foes-y-bwch and Cae With-y-bont.

DESIRABLE FREEHOLD & LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION BY

MESSRS PITTEN & WILSON

at the CROWN HOTEL, PONTYPOOL,

On WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24th, 1910,

at 3 for 4 o’clock in the afternoon (subject

to Conditions of Sale to be then produced),

the following

VALUABLE PROPERTIES

namely:-

Lot 1. – All three THREE FREEHOLD COTTAGES, in the Parish of Goytre, in the County of Monmouth, with the Gardens belonging thereto and SMALL MEADOW adjoining, in the occupations of Messrs J. H. Walton, O. Court, William Harris, and E, Bowen, as tenants thereof respectively, being Numbers 663 and 664 on the Ordnance Survey Map of the said Parish, 1882, and producing the gross sum of £16 per annum.

Lot 2. – All that FREEHOLD MESSUAGE, known as Oak Cottage, with excellent walled-in Garden, adjacent to last lot, being number 661 on the said Map, now let to Mr E. Bowen, and producing £9 per annum.

Lot 3. – All that FREEHOLD COTTAGE and Garden, adjacent to above, being Number 662 on such Map, now let to Mr Rosser, and producing £5 per annum.

Lot 4. – All those FREEHOLD MEADOWS and ORCHARD also adjoining, containing about 3 Acres, 1 Rood and 36 Perches, and being Numbers 674, 675 and 676 in such Survey, now let to Mr Chas. Walters, and producing the sum of £6 per annum.

Lot 5. – All that FREEHOLD COTTAGE and land, situate at Goytre, aforesaid called Coldbrook, containing 3 Acres and a Half or thereabouts and now let to mr Edward Evans, of little Mill, and producing £15 per annum.

Lot 6. – All those PIECES OF ROUGH PASTURE and WOODY LAND, known as Foes-y-bwch, containing about 5 Acres, adjacent to Lot 4, now let to Messrs Bowen and E. Waters respectively, and producing the gross sum of £2 per annum.

Lot 7. – All those pieces of MEADOWLAND, situate in Goytre, aforesaid adjacent to the Canal there, called Cae With-y-bont and Lower Meadow, containing about 1 Acre and a Half, and now let to Mr O. Walters, and producing the gross sum of £1 13s. per annum.

Both the last lots are held under separate leases, dated 25th March 1860, for the lives of two persons now living, of the respective ages of 58 and 62 years, subject to the yearly ground rents of 2s and 2s 3d respectively and small heriot and alienation fees.

March 11th – Results of Property sale at Pontypool

Messrs Pittenand Wilton sold by auction at the Crown Hotel, Pontypool, on Wednesday evening the following freehold, leasehold and copyhold properties:–
Goytrey freeholds and leaseholds.

Three cottages in the Parish of Goytrey, producing the gross annual rental of £16, were bought by Mr Rufus Evans, of Penperllenny, for £200.

Oak Cottage, Goytrey,With garden attached, (rental £9 per annum), was purchased by Mr David Bowen, Goytrey, for £137.

A cottage and garden adjacent to the last lot, let £5 per annum, and also the meadow and orchard adjoining, containing 3 acres, 1 rood, and 36 perches (rentals £6), were sold as one lot to Mr Wm. Thomas, mamhilad, for £230.

The cottage and land known as Coldbrook, at Goytrey, comprising about 3½ acres, let at £15 per annum, was secured by Mr O. J. Lawrence, Pontypool, for £455.

Foes-y-bwch, Goytrey, a piece of rough pasture and woody land held from Mar. 25th, 1860 for the lifetime of a person now aged 56 years (gross rent £2, subject to a round rent of 2s), was bought by the present tenant, Mr E. Waters, for £16.

Two pieces of meadowland, known as Cae-With-y-Bont, and Lower Meadow, Goytrey, leased under similar conditions (gross rent £1 13s), became the property of Mr W. Walker, Goytrey for £23.

March 15th – Annual Parish meeting

The annual Parish meeting was held at paper 20 school, on Monday evening.Mr William Morris presiding. The election of parish councillors being the first business, Nine nomination papers were handed into the chairman, and the following gentlemen were duly elected; Messrs Rufus Evans, Franklyn Jaz, Harris, Edward Arthur Jenkins, William Knipe, William Morgan, Roger Morgan, William Walker, John Wilkes, John Williams. The chairman called attention to the state of the public paths, especially in the Goytre Wern Wood. It was resolved that Mr Walker and the G.W.R. Co. be written to, and asked to issue market tickets from Nantyderry to Pontypool Clarence street and Newport on Wednesdays; also with a view to inducing them to put a platform just below Penpelleny railway bridge, and to establish a motor service from Abergavenny to Pontypool. It was also decided that the Pontypool R.D.C. be written to with regard to the overgrowth of hedges and trees on the roadside generally. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman.

March 18th – Sale of Farm Animals.

FOR SALE, Cow and Calf. – Apply, Penwern Farm, Goytrey, near Pontypool.

April 1st – William Stinchcombe, farmer, summoned for non-payment of poor rate, 19s 11d.

William Stinchcombe, farmer, Goytrey was summoned for non-payment of poor rate 19s. 11d., due to the overseers of Goytrey. Defendant said that legally he supposed he owed the money, but morally he didn’t, as the work of the canCouncil was not carried in a satisfactory manner. The ratepayers did not get value their money.He would pay under protest.–Defendant was hustled out of the dock by Sergt Powell, as he continued to speak after the Justices’ decision had been declared.

April 15th – Goytre road turns – report of how much land required to improve Goytre roads

It was reported that Miss Evans wished to know how much land would be required to improve Goytre-road by cutting off short turns.The Surveyor was asked to report, and an appointment will be made with the Parish Council to meet the committee.

April 19th – The Fatality at Mamhilad – Funeral

The funeral of Reginald Geo. Edwards, the boy who died as a result of shocking injuries received in an accident at the roadside near Wain-y-clare Inn on Thursday last, took place on Tuesday. There was a large cortege, testifying to general sympathy. His mother and sister with the chief mourners, and those present included the rev J. J. Griffiths, Baptist minister, Glascoed; Rev T. Williams, Mamhilad; Mr Sutherland, student pastor, at Saron, Goytre; Rev. Simmons, Bethany Pontnewynydd; Mr D. Buck, White House (the lad’s and employer); Mr Roger Lewis, Little Mill; and Mr A.J. Stock and son, Griffithstown. A service was conducted at the house by Mr Sutherland and Mr Williams, and at the chapel and graveside by the Rev. J. J. Griffiths. The internment took place at Saron Cemetery.

April 24th

Funeral at Saron of a young boy, Reginald George Edwards who died as a result of a terrible accident near the Wain-y-Clare

June 10th – Family Matter.

Stafford Griffiths, of the Bridge Hotel, Kemeys Commander,was summoned for being riotous.
Mr Evans (from the office of Mr W. J. Everett, Pontypool) appeared for the defendant, and admitted a technical offence,which arose out of a family squabble, defendant’s step-mother’s brother being the cause.
P. C. Baker said that while standing on Kemeys Bridge at 8:30 p.m. on the previous Saturday he heard bad language and sounds of a squabble. Then, going up to the Usk road he saw the defendant fighting with a man named Wynn.
The case was dismissed on the payment costs.
It was stated that Wynn could not be properly served with his summons, as he had disappeared.

Dog at Large

Rufus Evans, licensee of the Carpenters Arms, Penperlleny, was summoned for neglecting to keep his dog under control after sunset at Goytrey, 27th May.
P. C. Edwards, Little Mill, said he drove the dog home, and had it locked up.
A conviction for a similar offence was on record in January this year. Defendant was now fined 7s. 6d.

June 24th – Saron Sunday School Anniversary

This year again the faithful workers in connection with this school must have felt amply repaid for their labours of love, when they surveyed the large and appreciative audience that listened to the various items on the programme so well rendered by the scholars, which gave evidence of many hours of toil in preparation. Mr D. G. Sutherland, the student pastor, gave an excellent address to children in the morning. Mr David Buck presided over the evening meeting, and as a Sabbath school worker, was able to impress upon the audience the growing importance of Sunday School work, and what a valuable asset to the State it is, and has ever been, in cultivating and bringing out the best in the children, thus training them to be good and useful citizens of the Empire. A few suitable words of encouragement were also spoken by the chairman to the working staff of the school, which comprises, Mr J. Williams, superintendent; Mr John Evans, treasurer; Mr D. H. Morgan, secretary, and conductor of the singing. Miss Morgan, New House, tastefully accompanied throughout the day. The program was Prayer; Psalm, Ivor Dobbs; selection, choir; recitations, Reg. Griffiths, Horace Prosser, Llewellyn Harrhy; solo, Miss M. Jenkins; recitations, Gus Parry, Leonard Nicholas; selection; recitations, Annie Williams, Bertha Parry; solo, Miss Maggs; recitation, Susan Parry; solo and refrain, Miss Lily Jones and choir; dialogue, Ken Humphries and Cliff Morgan; recitations, Geo. Walton, Tom Griffiths; duet, Misses Hughes and Jenkins; recitations, Eunace Prosser, Bessie Parry, Plessie Jones, Ada Lewis (Welsh); quartet, Mr Evan Doel and Party; recitations, Ivor Jones and Albert Smith, Agnes Griffiths and Rachel Edwards; selection, choir; recitation, Hilda Edwards; solo, Peter Lewis; presentations, Richard Harrhy, Teddie Williams, and Mr Stanley Phillips; selection, choir; Doxology; Benediction.–The trip to Barry Island on Monday, favoured with ideal weather was one of the most enjoyable. Leaving Nantyderry at 8:21 a.m., the children and friends spent a delightful day, and returned home safely at 8:18 p.m. It might also be mentioned that Sunday the attendance was a record one, late comers having to be content with listening from the outside, as the interior of the pretty little chapel was packed to overflowing.

July 8th – Motor Cycling Accident.

On Monday afternoon and accident befell one of a party of young cyclists in the neighbourhood of Llanover. Near the top of Goytre Hall pitch a motor-cyclist coming in the opposite direction collided with one of the lads named Reggie Green, Earl street, Abertillery, knocking him off the machine. The lad was so badly injured that Mrs Williams, of Goytre Hall, had him removed to Nantyderry station, to be sent home to Abertillery by train.The motor-cyclist, named Collier, also of Abertillery, escaped practically without injury. Both machines were badly damaged.

Goytre parish council wrote complaining of water running to waste between Black Beech and Walnut Tree Farm

The Goytre Parish Council wrote complaining of the water running to waste between Black Beech and Walnut Tree Farm, and asking the Council to move in the matter, as the water was so much wanted.

The clerk explained that the water ought to supply a well which had been provided there after litigation about the year 1873.
After discussion Mr Watkins was asked to find out who was now the person responsible for the carrying out of the terms of settlement of the action in question.

July 29th – Goytre parish council meeting

At a meeting of the Parish Council, Mr Wm. Morgan presided, and there were also present: Messrs Roger Morgan, Wm. Walker, J. Williams, F. Harris, and A. Jenkins. The first item on the agenda was the turns on the road near the church. The clerk read a letter from Mr A. A. Williams, who had been written to respecting giving a piece of land on one corner of the road, and asking that a plan of the road and the length required should be stated. A committee was appointed, consisting of the chairman, Messrs J. Williams, and A. Jenkins, to inspect the road and take the necessary measurements. With regard to the road between Penpwllenny and the Old Stores, this was considered to be in order. As to the portion between the Walnut Tree and the Black Beech, a letter was read from Mr Watkins, of Pontypool, asking to be informed of the date when well was put there by the late rector. It was decided to press this matter, and it was considered very important that the pipes which carried the overflow into the well should be kept clean.The footbridge near Goytre House was found to have been repaired, and was now in order.

August 5th – Samuel Deverall ex mayor and tradesman of Abergavenny found hanging in the rear of his branch shop at Pengroesoped.

Incredulity, succeeded by consternation, was occasioned in Abergavenny and the neighbouring villages of Llanover and Pengroesoped on Wednesday afternoon when it was reported that Mr Samuel Deverall, an ex-mayor of Abergavenny, and one of the most prominent tradesmen in the town, carrying on a grocery business in Frogmore street, had been found hanging a barn at the rear of his branch shop at Pengroesoped.
The deceased gentleman cycled out from Abergavenny in the morning and arrived in Pengroesoped shortly after 9 o’clock. He was engaged in the shop and taking orders outside during the forenoon, and then appeared to be in his usual good spirits. About two o’clock, however, he could not be found, and soon afterwards his lifeless body was discovered by a pensioner named Aaron Prosser hanging by the neck from a beam in the French barn at the back of the shop. Prosser informed the manager Mr Wallace Woodward, who, hurrying to the rear, found Prosser’s information to be true.
He at once cut the body down, and sent word to Police-constable Power of Llanover. From investigations made by the officer it seems that Mr Deverall must have climbed to the top of the hayrick and divested himself of his coat, which was found lying with his hat on top of the rick. It is believed that the deceased must have been hanging for about half-an-hour. The body was taken to the shop. So far as can be ascertained there could have been no motive For the rash act, as Mr Deverall was always a most businesslike man, and as recently as last Tuesday week presided at a meeting of Abergavenny grocers and urged the formation of a local trade association. The news of his death was a great shock to his wife and family, and deceased’s two brothers in Penarth were also acquainted of what had happened.
Mr Samuel Deverall occupied the position of mayor of Abergavenny in 1907-08, being the ninth mayor. He has been chairman of the Abergavenny Liberal Association, and has also taken great interest in the Congregational Church. He was superintendent of the Sunday School, and also the presiding deacon. While Mayo he was president of the Abergavenny Eisteddfod. He was born near Gosport, Portsmouth, on 3rd October 1864, his parents being master and mistress of the Naval School.
Since his year of office Mr Deverall had been defeated at the poll in a contest for a seat on the Abergavenny Town Council, But as far as can be ascertained he had no serious trouble at the present time to prey on his mind. Only as recently as last week he was one of the most prominent speakers at a meeting which was held at Abergavenny for the purpose of forming a local Grocers Association, and as a matter of fact it was he who proposed that the association should be formed.
He was a member of the North Monmouth Liberal Executive, and was a regular attendant at meetings of this body. He was universally respected and admired throughout the whole district on account of his keen and businesslike manner, combined with a genial and generous spirit. He leaves a widow and two sons.

The Inquest.

The inquest was held by Mr J. R. Walford at the Pengroesoped Coffee Tavern on Thursday morning.

Margaret Bowen, who Lives at Oak Cottage, Goytrey, stated that she had had business transactions with the deceased for the last 20 years. Witness last saw him alive about 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, when he called at her house for an order. He had cycled from Abergavenny, and on arrival at witness’s house, he remarked that it was very close. Usually when Mr Deverall called at her house he shook hands with her when he arrived and departed, but he did not do so when he called on Wednesday. In the course of conversation he remarked, at the same time drawing his hand across his forehead, “I have a dreadful pain this way.” Mr Deverell appeared to be in a hurry and to be excited. After taking witness’s order, he said “Good-bye,” and then left. That was a last time witness saw him alive.

Aaron Prosser, who resides at Boat House, Llanover, an aged pensioner, stated that he discovered the body of the deceased in the old Dutch barn. Witness had known Mr Deverall for many years, and as he was proceeding to Mr Deverall’s shop on Wednesday afternoon he noticed that a man with hanging by a rope in the barn. He at once proceeded in the direction of the barn, and on seeing that it was Mr Deverall suspended from the rope he immediately ran to the shop for assistance. He was quite dead.
Wallace Edward Woodward was has acted as manager of Mr Deverall’s shop at Pengroesoped for the last four years, deposed that Mr Deverall often visited Pengroesoped in connection with his business. Only on Monday last Mr Deverall arrived at Pengroesoped and personally superintended the harvesting of his hay .On Monday Mr Deverall appeared to be in good health and spirits, but he was somewhat disappointed with regard to the quality of the hay. Witness did not see Mr Deverall alive on Wednesday, but early in the afternoon he received a communication from Aaron Prosser, in consequence of which he immediately proceeded to Mr Deverall’s barn. There he saw him hanging by a rope from a beam, and witness noticed that his feet were on the ground and that his knees were bent. Witness lost no time in cutting him down and in releasing the rope from his neck, but he was then quite dead.

The Coroner (to witness): In your constant contact with Mr Deverall have you ever noticed anything depressed or peculiar about him?–He hascomplained of pains in the head. He was subject to them.

Dr Lloyd, Abergavenny had known the deceased for some years. He had enjoyed fairly good health, but he had suffered from epilepsy, and persons who were so affected often complained of severe headaches. Persons who suffered that way sometimes had their minds unhinged and they sometimes developed suicidal or even homicidal, tendencies in an exceptional degree. Witness had made an examination of the body, and he came to the conclusion that after fastening the rope around his nech, he had thrown himself off the hayrick. His neck was fractured, and one of the strands in the rope which was found around his neck had been broken. Mr Deverall had suffered from post-epileptic mania, and witness was of the opinion that at the time he died his mind was unhinged.

Percy Charles Deverall, brother of the deceased, who resides at Penarth, stated that the deceased was 44 years of age. His family were aware that he was suffering from epilepsy.

The Coroner: Do you know if his financial position was such as to trouble him?–He had no financial troubles, none at all.

Has he left any writing you can in any way connect with his death?–We have not come across anything so far.

The Coroner, in summing up said it was exceedingly sad that Mr Deverall’s life should have terminated in the way it had done. There was no doubt that his life-long complaint of epilepsy had affected his head, and it seemed that while suffering from temporary insanity he took his life. He (the Cooroner) was certain that the jury would join in expressing sympathy with the widow and relatives of the deceased.
The foreman of the jury: Certainly.
The jury returned a verdict of ”suicide during temporary insanity.”

September 3rd – To let – Goytre.

TO LET, Two Cottages–one six rooms; one four rooms; large gardens and pig-sty.–Evans, Carpenter’s Arms, Goytrey.

Stock sale Yew Tree Farm.

1 mile from Nantyderry Railway Station and 5 from either Usk, Abergavenny, Pontypool, or Blaenvon.

Yew Tree Farm, Goytrey.

About 1 mile from Nantyderry Railway sSation and 5 miles from either Usk, Pontypool, Abergavenny, or Blaenavon.

Important sale of a very Healthy and Well-bred Collection of Farming stock
John H. Rennie.
has been favoured with instructions from Mr Josiah Lewis (who is giving up Dany-graig Farm), to sell by auction,Without reserve, on
Thursday, September 22nd, 1910.
On the above Premises to which same have been removed, for better conveniences of purchasers and Sale.

16 nice-sorted HEREFORD CATTLE, viz., 3 primary young cows, 2 young borroners, 4 18-month-old heifers, 5 thriving yearling heifers and 1 steer, a quality rising 2-year-old bull; 206 very sound half-bred and Welsh EWES and LAMBS, 110 smart half-bred yearling 4 and 6 tooth and flock ewes, 50 hardy Welsh ditto and 46 fat lambs,3 pure-bred Oxford Down rams, bred amongst the fern and gorse, over 1,000 feet above sea level; 12 capital working HORSES and COLTS–dark bay cart gelding, 16 hands, six years; grey cart gelding, 15.2; bay cart gelding, 15.2, 4 years; 2 good stamp 3-year-old brown cart mares 15.2 and 14.2, all good workers; brown thick-set gelding, 15 hands, 3 years, broken and will make an ideal pit horse; chestnut cob mare, 15.3 off, well-broken, and will pass road nuisances; cream cob gelding, 3 years, 13.8, by “Royal Denmark,”, broken to saddle and harness; brown cart filly, 2 off, mare and foal; promising 2-year-old pony and cart sucker; IMPLEMENTS and MACHINES – two mowing machines, swing plow, chain harrows, N.W. Tip cart, flat rung cylinder roller, 2 scufflers, bambury, root cutter, 4 dozen wooden hurdles, gambo, chaff cutter, cider casks, set of cart harness, sundrey harness, &c.
Luncheon (free) by ticket at 11:30.
Sale at 12:30 prompt.

Thursday, September 22nd, 1910.
—–
Luncheon at 11:30. Sale at 12:30.
—–
Further particulars from the Auctioneer at Usk and Chepstow on market days.

Offices, 6, Skinner street, Newport.

Goytre road improvements

A letter was read from the Goytre Parish Council stating, with regard to the proposed improvement of the road near the Church by straightening the turns, that Mr A. A. Williams, Pontypool Park, had asked for a plan to lay before Mr Hanbury, who had been asked to give some of the land necessary. It was also stated that Miss Evans has shifted the marking pegs put in by the committee, to obviate the removal of some trees.

THE PENTRE ROAD
Mr Brooke said the Committee considered the tender for the carrying out of the work of improvement here too high, so they had decided that it should be done by the Council themselves.The surveyor was empowered to advertise for labourers, and Mr Perrot had been appointed foreman of the job.

September 23rd – William Wilson labourer Goytre, trespass in search of conies on land of J C Hanbury

William Wilson, labourer, Goytre, was summoned for trespassing on land of J. C. Hanbury in search of conies at Goytre on August 31st.
Mr T. P. H. Watkins was for the prosecution.
Defendant pleaded guilty, remarking that he put a wire down, but it was only one he ever had, and it was a little one.
Mr Watkins said that as the man had pleaded guilty, he was instructed not to press the case unduly. It was not a very serious offence, but Wilson had been observed to be laying down a wire, and on the 31st he was caught by two keepers taking it up. There was considerable trouble with the labourers laying wires and the farmers objected to it, therefore the Estate had to take some steps to prevent the practice.

Evidence was given by an underkeeper to the effect that he saw the defendant in a field at Parkybrain Farm laying the wire and afterwards pick the wire up.
Defendant, who is a casual labourer at Parkybrain Farm, was discharged on payment of the costs, 5s.

October 7th – Auction In the Parishes of Lanvair Kilgeddin and Goytre.

Valuable Freehold Farm And Lands, Including several choice BUILDING SITES.

To Be Sold At Auction By Messrs PITTEN & WILTON (Fellow of the Auctioneers Institute)

at the CLARENCE HOTEL, PONTYPOOL ON MONDAY, the 7th Day of Nov. 1910 at 3 o’clock punctually in the afternoon (subject to the common form conditions of sale of the Monmouthshire Incorporated Law Society and such special conditions as shall then be deemed necessary) the following

Valuable Freehold FARM,

commonly known as “Lower Pentwyn,” andother Lands adjacent thereto, Estate in the Parishes of Llanvair-Kilgeddin and Goytre in the county of Monmouth, part whereof is in the occupation of Mr Wm. Knipe, and other part of Mr Wm. Morgan, together with the TWO COTTAGES and Gardens, in the occupation of Mrs E. A. Taylor and Mr Richard Bowen; the whole comprising 147 acres or thereabouts, and producing the gross rental at £190 per annum.
The property is adjacent to the Nantyderry Station on the Great Western Railway mainline from Newport to the North, and the highway from Usk to Abergavenny, intersects the southern portion of the property for about a quarter of a mile, thus making a considerable area well adapted for building purposes, while other portions would form magnificent sites for Country Residences. The river Usk, renowned for its Salmon and Trout fishing, is in close proximity to the property. The farm Houses, Barn, Stables, Cowhouse and other outbuildings are substantially built, and are in excellent repair, and there is a good supply of water for domestic and other purposes.No
The Tithes have been redeemed as regards the greater part of the property, which lies in the parish of Llanvair kilgeddin.
For further particulars, application can be made to the Auctioneers, Club Chambers, Pontypool; or to –Messrs Bythway and Son, Solicitors, Pontypool.
October 7th, 1910.

October 11th – Goytre and district farmers association ploughing match.

             FARMERS ASSOCIATION

President: Albert Addants Williams, Esq., J.P., D.L.

          THE ANNUAL PLOUGHING MATCH

               and Show of DRESSED POULTRY

                 and DAIRY PRODUCE

              will be held at KEMEYS FARM

            On Thursday, October 27, 1910.

       By the kind invitation of Mr John Parker.

                  W.Evans, Secretary.

October 21st – Saron Church Goytre harvest thanksgiving

Harvest thanksgiving services in connection with the above were held on Sunday and Monday, conducted by the recently ordained pastor, the Rev. Havelock Roderick, the services being well attended. They were continued on Monday, when the pastor preached in Welsh in the afternoon. In the evening eloquent sermons were preached by the Rev. Rhys Davies, Griffithstown, and the Rev. B. Davies, Pontnewynydd.The services were well attended notwithstanding counter attractions, which unfortunately could not be avoided.

Ordination of Havelock Roderick at Saron

The ordination of Mr Havelock Roderick, senior student of the Baptist College, Cardiff, to the pastorate of Saron Baptist Church, Goytre, took place last week. The Rev. Dr. Edwards, president of the College, was present, and delivered the charge to Mr Roderick, and the charge of the Church was delivered by the Rev. D. T. Benjamin, of Blaenavon. Afterwards eloquent sermons were preached by the Revs D. T. Benjamin and J. L. Roderick, B.A., Bromley, London, and mr R. D. Hughes followed with a speech on behalf on Mr Roderick’s fellow students, ten of whom were present. The Rev. D. Davies (Hanover) warmly welcomed the young pastor to the neighbourhood.

At the meeting held in the evening speeches were delivered by Mr Matthias Phillips (senior deacon), the Rev. Aerwyn Jones (Cwmdare), Mr Roderick’s former pastor, and the Rev. B. Davies, pontnewynydd, a former past of Saron Church. The secretary read letters regretting their absence from the Rev. A. Bowen Morgan, Mr Roderick’s predecessor for five years and now of Laird-street Baptist Church, Birkenhead, and several other ministers who are unable to be present.
The services were well attended throughout the day, and lunch and tea was served to meet the convenience of visitors.

October 28th – Results of Goytre ploughing match at Chain bridge

On Thursday, the 17th annual meeting was held in fine weather on KemeysFarm, midway between Nantyderry and Usk, by the kind invitation of Mr John Parker, who, with Mrs Parker and the members of the family, gave a hearty welcome to all-comers to luncheon at the homestead. There were 33 teams in the field for the ploughing match, the site being sward and fallow. The work done all round was above the average. The hedging was also good, and the produce show excellent.This year’s president was Mr Albert AddamsiWilliams, J.P., of Llangibby Castle, Mr W Jenkins, of Pentwyn, was the chairman of the Committee, and Mr W. Evans continued to act a secretary, with courtesy and thoroughness.
THE JUDGES.
Ploughing: Mr Jones, Bottom Farm, Penrose; Mr W. Lewis, Llangibby.

Horses: Mr J.G.T. Morgan, the Brooks, Raglan, and Mr C.J. Francis, Newport.
Roots: Mr S.T. Griffin, The Mount, Common Coed-y-paen, and Mr J. Boulton,The Sluvad, Panteg.

Poultry: Miss Maggie James, Llancayo; Mr J.J. Edwards, Usk
Hedging: Mr Geo. J. Derrett, Usk; and Mr T. Jones, Abergavenny.

Pigs: Mr J. Hackett, Usk.

PLOUGHING.
Champion class (open – 1, MoveAmos Crum, Griffifthstown; 2, D. W. Phillips, Lower Gaer, Builth.

Wheel Plough (open) – 1, Ernest Cowles, Hendre Farm, Monmouth; 2, Arthur Jenkins, Mamhilad.

District Champion wheel plough – 1, W. Oulton, Trostrey; 2, J. Hardwick, Goytre Wern; he, Edward Mathews, Kemeys.

Farmers and farmers’ sons – 1, Isaac Thomas, Pont Kemeys.

Wagoners – 1, Thomas Rees, Ty Mawr, Llanvihangel; 2, Allen Williams, Llaneal both, Llanover; 3, Wm. Rogers, High Mead.

Boys (under 18) – 1, W. Jenkins, Mamhilad House; 2, Oswald J. Lewis, Lower Hendre, llanover; 3, Abraham Jenkins, Pentwyn, Mamhilad.

District digger – 1, Geo. Jones, Trostrey Hill; 2, W. Jenkins, Mamhilad.

HORSES AND TURN-OUT.

Neatest and cleanest turn-out – 1, E. Nicholas, Mardy, llanover; 2, W. Beer, High Mead, Llanvair Kilgeddin.

Most valuable pair of horses (geldings or mares) – 1, W. Beer; 2, G. Spencer, White House, Llanvair; r D. Hopkins.

Cart brood mare – 1, W. Beer; 2, G. Spencer.

Cart sucker colt or filly – 1, G. Spencer; 2, John Rees, Goytre Farm.

Ditto (given by Mr Spencer) – 1, J. Beer; 2, T. Morgan, Parsonage Farm, Kemeys.

Nag brood mare – 1, W. e. parker, Trostrey Hill; 2, W. lewis, lower Hendre.

Colliery horse – 1, T. Jenkins, Mamhilad House; 2,Jas. Knipe, New House, Glascoed.

Cob, 14.2 and over – 1, W. E. Parker; 2, W. Lewis; 3, J. Parker, Kemeys House.

Cob, under 14.2 – 1, A. J. Philpott, Ty Isha, Mamhilad; 2, D. Thomas, Ty Gwyn, Llanover.

Two-year-old cob – 1, G. Spencer; 2, W. Pugh, Upper Hendre, Llanover.

Foal (Mr W. Lewis’s prize) – 1, G. Spencer.

Horse or mare (ditto) – 1, G. Spencer.

Special for horse’s tail – Wm. Beer.

HEDGING

Champion prize – 1, Frank Phillips, Goytre Wharf; 2, W. e. Spencer, White House; 3, Jos. James, Gwehelog.

District champion – 1, D. Anstey,Noyadd; 2, Edgar Phillips; 3, Fred Jones, Carpenter’s Arms.

Farmer’s sons or servants, under 23 – J. Jeremiah, Glascoed.

RICK-MAKING, &c.

Best and neatest made and thatched rick, with yard – 1, Wm. Beer.

Rick of produce (boys) – 1, J. Lewis, Lower Hendre.

ROOTS.

Two acres swedes, Mr Edwards – 1, G. Spencer; 2, W. Knipe, Pentwyn, Nantyderry.

Two acres swedes (Messrs Ford & Son) – 1, Roger Morgan, Lower House; he, R. H. Williams, Beech Farm, Glascoed; e, W. H. Williams, Goverra Farm.

Three acres mixed clover (messrs Ford & Son) – 1, F. J. E. Craven Jones, Little Mill Reformatory; vhe, W. H. Williams.

Two acres swedish turnips (Messrs Dutfield & Frost) – 1, W. Beer; he, W. Edwards, Wernhir, Glascoed.

Two acres of clover (Mr Morgan Griffiths) – G. Spencer.

Two acres swedes (Mr E. Gough) – 1, W. Knipe.

Two acres clover (Mr E. Gough) – 1, D. Hopkins, Llanvair pentwyn; he, Jas. Knipe.

Two acres swedes (Messrs Morris and Griffin) – 1, Roger Morgan, Lower House; 2, W. Beer; he, D. Thomas.

Acre of marigolds (Messrs Morris and Griffin) – 1, W. Beer; vhe, D. Thomas.

Three acres swedes – 1, Roger Morgan; 2, Jno. Parker; 3, R. H. Williams.

Two acres swedes – 1, Wm. Beer; 2, D. Thomas; 3, G. Spencer.

Acre marigolds – 1, W. Edwards; 2, W. Beer; 3, D. Thomas; vhe, Roger Morgan.

Half-an-acre of marigolds – 1, G. Turner, Llanvair; 2, W. Jenkins, Pentwyn, Mamhilad.

POULTRY.

Turkey – 1, Mrs t. Jenkkins, New Barn, Goytre; 2, T. Whitney, Ty Cooke.

Goose – 1, H. C. Knipe, Panty Pudding; 2, Mrs T. Morgan, kemeys.

Pair of ducks – 1, Mrs wm. Jenkins; 2, Mrs T. Jenkins;

Couple of fowls (large) – 1, Miss Nellie Morgan, Glanusk; 2, Miss Pugh, Upper Hendre.

Couple of fowls (small) – 1, Miss Parker, Kemeys; 2, Mrs T. Morgan, Parsonage Farm.

Two lbs. butter – 1, Miss Parker, Kemeys; 2, Miss Pugh, Upper Hendre, Llanover.

Three cheeses 25lb – 1, W. Morgan, Glanusk; 2, Miss Sarah Morgan, Glanusk.

Cottager’s garden – 1, Mrs Mathews, Kemeys.

PIGS.

Fat pig (Mr R. Jenkins) – 1, W. Walker, Ty Hir, Goytre; 2, George Stinchcombe.

Sow and pigs – 1, T. Morgan, Parsonage Farm; 2, F. Griffiths, kemeys.

BLOCK TEST.

Judging the weight of a live sheep – 1, W. Jeremiah, Cwmffrwdoer; 2 and 3, divided between Roger Morgan, Edwards (Noyadd), and Eli Poole, Llanbadoc.

FARM SERVANTS.

Indoor male servant – 1, John Hardwick, Wern farm, Goytre, 5 years and 4 months service.

The annual dinner was held in the evening in a large marquee. The president occupied the chair, and was supported by the Hon. Mrs Williams, the officers, judges, and a large company of agriculturalists of the district.

Baptisms.

Last week, a party of young people accompanied by some sisters and deacons of the Gara Baptist Church, journeyed into Upper Trosnant Baptist Church, Pontypool, where the solemn and impressive rites of believers baptism was performed by the recently ordained minister, Rev Havelock Roderick. After the reading of the Scriptures by Rev B. Davies, Pontnewynydd and prayer by Rev Rhys Davies, Griffithstown, the candidates, six young women and one young man were immersed upon confession of faith. The ceremony would have been performed at Goytre, but it was found the Baptistry at Saron needed extensive repairs before it could again be used.

November 4th – Harvest Thanksgiving St. Peter’s, Goytre.

The harvest thanksgiving services in connection with St. Peter’s Parish Church were held on Wednesday and Sunday, October 26th and 30th. The decorations were beautiful and in the truest taste. The festival began at 11 a.m. with the Holy Communion, when the Rev. H. J. Coachafer, M.A., rector of North Huish, Devonshire, was the celebrant, assisted by the rector, Rev. J Davies. The evening service was conducted by the Rector, the lessons being read by Mr. Codrington Crawshay. The sermon, based on Deut. xxxiii., 27–” The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms”–was preached by the Rev. H. J. Coachafer. On Sunday, at 8.30 a.m. Holy Communion was celebrated. There was Matins, Litany and Sermon at 11; children’s service was at 3 p.m.; and at 6.30 p.m. Evensong and Sermon. The preacher at 11 and 6.30 was the Rev. H. J. Coachafer. The anthem “O Worship the King,” was sung. The offertories during the festival were good.

November 18th – No licence for Dog.

Wm. Howells, wood turner, Goytre, was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence.–P.C. Edwards said that when he spoke to the defendant, he replied that he had not got a licence, and did not intend to get one.–A fine of 15s. was imposed.

December 2nd – For Sale

Few Tons Swedes at 18s. Per ton, on rail, Nantyderry. – R. Jenkins, Nantyderry.

December 16th – Goytre concert at Penpellenny school rooms.

On Thursday week , in Penpellenny Schoolroom,You a successful concert was given by the Royal Concert Party (Newport), under the direction and management of Mr Bert Taylor A.L.C.M. The “star” performer of the company was undoubtedly Miss Daisy Jones, a soprano who rendered with fine effect “Alone on the Raft,” “asthore,” and “Roses,” which were enthusiastically received by the audience, who called again and again for encores. Mr Maurice Marks (tenor) also came in for his share of applause. His “If I had the world to give” was exceptionally fine. Mr J. G. Welberg supplied the comic element, and the way he “did” “ the curate,” left nothing to be desired. Mr Charles L. Rollinson (who is also the secretary of the Party), posseses a rich baritone voice, and his songs always find favour. Concerted items by the Party were well rendered, and reflected much credit upon their manager, Mr Bert Taylor, who, with Miss G. Howard, provided the instrumental part of the entertainment. We are given to understand that the Party has been prevailed upon to give another concert in the district.

December 23rd – Parish affairs

Mr W Morgan presided over a meeting of the Goytre Parish Council.With regard to the suggested widening of the road near the church. Mr A. A. Williams (agent for the Hanbury estate),wrote that having lost the copy the Council sent him he would be glad if they would furnish him with another plan, showing the piece of ground which they required for the suggested improvements. The clerk was directed to send this. The Clerk also reported that the G.W.R. Company had metalled the two canal bridges complained of. With regard to the wall between the Walnut Tree and Black Beech, the water train which was diverted it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the District Council to settle who was responsible for directing the water into its proper course.

1876 Free Press

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

1963 Free Press

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 12th – 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 26th

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 17th

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 31st  Mr J. H. Goode, Goytre (In Obituaries)

July 5th  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 19th

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 30th

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 27th

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.

1856 Free Press

June 14th – 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.

1877 Free Press

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 11th

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 18th – 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 23rd.
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 23rd July but witness did not receive any information about it until August 8th:
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 25th 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 25th – 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 27th   – 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.

Monmouthshire Merlin

August 23rd 1856 – Mamhilad Sheep Stealing
On the 1st instant three fat sheep were stolen from the flock of Mr John Lewis, and on the 14th nine sheep belonging to Mr John Phillips of Goytre were also stolen.
In each instance the sheep were traced to the mountain, in the direction of Blaenavon.

September 11th 1858 – Goytrey Sunday School
On the 1st inst. At the house of Richard Pruett (Woodland Cottage, Pengroesoped) the children of Goytre Infants Sunday school in number about 30, were liberally treated to tea and cake.
This treat was not a little appreciated by the happy band of children on the occasion.
Mr and Miss Smith were present.

November 6th. – Mr Morgan sudden death – previously of Mellin Coed
Sudden death at Glascoed – On Friday evening as Mr Morgan, a farmer of this place and who formerly farmed at Melin Coed Goytrey, was returning from the fair, he dismounted near Mr Davis Williams, Monkswood.
In attempting to get on horseback he fell and died in the course of a few minutes. After the body was discovered and conveyed to the Beaufort Arms.
The deceased was doubtless attained with apoplexy.

September 5th, 1873.

(To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.)
Sir—-The statements made in various newspapers,–respecting the closing up of a small reservoir in my field on, the Walnut Tree Farm in this parish, are so, inaccurate that I shall feel obliged by your printing the enclosed letters in your next, as they appeared in the Western MaiI of the 1st instant.

Yours truly, THOMAS EVANS.

(To the Editor of the Western Mail.)

SIR,—The account given by your Pontypool reporter of the so-called well in the middle of my field, and closed by me, is so inconsistent with fact that you will oblige by inserting the subjoined letter, addressed by me last week to the Pontypool Free Press, in which, the facts of the case are clearly stated.

The supply of water in my well in the wood, and near the road, has been tested, and the yield from the springs is two gallons in five minutes. One side is gravelly, therefore the water does not always run away, but soaks through the gravel.

On Wednesday next, at four p.m., my servant will empty the well of its waters once more, so as to give an opportunity to anyone who may be incredulous of seeing with his own eyes how pure and ample is the supply of water from the several springs in the well, which is fed by no drains.

If you will kindly send a reporter to the spot, either from Cardiff or Pontypool, I will pay his fare to and fro, and he will be able to decide whether or not “it is a hollow, filled with dead surface water,” or a real spring of pure water.

On Friday last my servant caught a boy of Louisa Wait’s, and a girl of the railway labourer, John Collins, John Williams’s tenant, in the act of stirring the water to make it muddy, having first filled their cans with clear water.

Since an attempt was made last month for the first time in the history of the property, to trump up a prescriptive right to the reservoir in my field (which I am prepared to disprove) the water in this well has been systematically troubled, and the offenders have been found out at last.

It is not true that I have any quarrel with the inhabitants of my parish, but a small number of them connected with the British school have been led on by John Williams and Louisa Wait, to make it a party question, and to stir up strife.

Yours truly,

THOMAS EVANS, Rector of Goytrey.

Nantyderry House, August 18.

(To the Editor of the Free Press.)

SIR,–l have neither leisure nor inclination for controversy with persons who deal simply in reckless assertions, utterly devoid of truth. The facts with regard to my wells are simple enough. I have cleared out a well, at my own expense, for the accommodation of my neighbours (for whom, by-the-bye, I am in no way compelled to provide), and here there is an ample supply. Not content with this, one or two of them, for reasons best known to themselves, covet access to a more distant reservoir, situate in the middle of one of my fields, and fed by my own drains. Even here I was willing to act kindly and grant permission to those who sought it, to make use of these waters. But when a certain Mrs. Wait, backud by her friend, Mr. John Williams, boldly trespassed upon my property and asserted a right to transgress without my permission, no course was left to me but to vindicate my title by closing the well altogether. If my right is really disputed, let it be tried in the usual way but if the lowest class in the neighbourhood, led on by those who should know better, attack my property in an unlawful way, punishment will overtake them sooner or later. As to the attacks directed against my kindly dealing in the parish and neighbourhood, nobody knows better that they are unfounded than John Williams himself, except, indeed, those abettors of higher station, who keep themselves prudently in the background.

Yours, &c.,

THOMAS EVANS, Rector of Goytrey.

Nantyderry, August 20.

(Note: More details regarding this altercation can be viewed here)

Abergavenny Chronicle

8th July, 1910.

GOYTREY. CYCLE ACCIDENT.

On Monday afternoon an accident befel one of a party of young cyclists in the neighbourhood of Llanover. Near the top of Goytre Hall pitch a motor-cyclist coming in the opposite direction collided with one of the lads, named Reggie Green, Earl-street, Abertillery, knocking him off the machine. The lad was so badly injured that Mrs. Williams, of Goytre Hall, had him removed to Nantyderry station, to be sent home to Abertillery by train. The motor-cyclist, named Collier, also of Abertillerv, escaped practically without injury. Both machines were badly damaged. 

19th February, 1915.

GOYTREY.  CONCERT AND DANCE.

A very successful concert was held at Nantyderry Schoolroom on Thursday last on behalf of the Red Cross Society, and an exceptionally good programme was gone through. The Rector, the Rev. J. Davies, took the chair and made some appropriate remarks on the subject for which the concert was held. Songs were given by Miss Hughes, Nantyderry House, Miss T. M. Davies (winner of the Gold Laurels, France), Mrs. E. Evans, Mr. Percy Jones, Mr. Wingrave, Miss C. Lloyd, Mr. Peter James. Pianoforte solos by Miss Muriel Davies and Mrs. Rosser. Messrs. Horsington Bros gave a delightful performance on their hand-bells. An amusing sketch, entitled “The Twins,” was given by the Misses G. and M. Davies, Miss Wilks, Mrs. Leeworthy, and Mrs. Jones. A dance followed.

July 9th 1915 – Col. Cuthbertson Invalided Home

Lieut.-Col. E B Cuthbertson, MVO. commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment (Territorial Force) has been invalided home from the front.
Upon arrival in England he stayed in London for a while but he is now home in Goytrey.

24th September 1915.

GOYTREY.  EGG COLLECTION.

Another one hundred and seventy-three eggs were collected last Sunday for the National Egg Collection, at St. Peter’s Church, Goytrey. Altogether one thousand one hundred and fifty eggs have been brought to the church. The eggs are sent to London, and from there they are sent to the wounded soldiers and sailors.

27th April, 1917.

GOYTREY.  BOY’S THEFT.

At the Pontypool Police Court on Monday before Messrs. W. H. Pitten and R S. Probvn – a Goytrey schoolboy was charged with stealing a bicycle, value £2 15s., the property of Thomas Heaven (15) Lewis-street, Abersychan, on Sunday. The evidence given by the prosecutor was to the effect that he and two other lads went for a bicycle ride on Sunday, and, on arrival at Goytrey, they went into a wood to pick flowers. Witness left his bicycle in charge of the defendant, who said he would look after it, but when he (witness) came out of the wood both defendant and the bicycle were missing. P. C. Merrick. Little Mill, said that five hours after receiving information of the theft he saw defendant riding the bicycle. When asked to whom it belonged he replied that it was his. In spite of the boy’s mother’s request to the Bench to send her son away to a reformatory, the magistrates imposed a fine of 10s., to be supplemented by six strokes with the birch rod.

27th April 1917 – Late Mr George Gwatkin

The funeral of the late Mr George Gwatkin of Church Farm Nantyderry took place at Goytre churchyard on Tuesday. The Rev. J Davies officiated.
The chief mourners were: The widow; Messrs Fred, Evan and Gilbert, sons; Mr & Mrs W Gwatkin, son and daughter-in-law; Mr & Mrs T Jenkins, son-in-law and daughter; Mr T Gwatkin, brother; Mrs Williams, sister; Messrs Archie Gwatkin & W Gwatkin and Dick Williams, nephews; and many other relatives.
A number of friends and neighbour were also present. The bearers were: Mr J Banner (Caerleon) Mr R Jenkins; Mr W Knipe and Mr D h Morgan.
Floral tributes were sent by the following: Widow; Sons; Fred and family; Herbert, Annie and grandchildren; Evan, Rose and Tom; Car., Billie and little Billie; sister Ann, Tom and Elizabeth; sister-in-law Louisa; May & Griff; Harry 7 Flo; Fred & Bell; Kate & Dick; Tom & Annie; Iltyd & Lizzie; J & W Banner; Tom; Mr & Mrs Besant; Mr & Mrs Rosser; All at the Mill; Mr & Mrs Evans; Mr & Mrs Jones; Mr & Mrs Howell; Mr & Mrs Tidcombe; Mr & Mrs Powles; Mr & Mrs D H Morgan; Mrs Messenger; Mrs Morgan.

2nd August 1918.

GOYTRE. DEATH on Active Service.

With deep regret we have to chronicle the death in action in France, on July 2nd, of Lce.-Cpl. Percy Thomas Lewis, S.W.B., the youngest son of Mr, W. Lewis. Tv’r-Ywen, Goytrey. In a letter bearing the sad news of his death it was stated that a shell struck the building in which he was at the time, killing him instantly. A pathetic feature of this young soldier’s death was that it happened on his birthday. He was born at the Lower Hendre, Llanover, on July 2nd, 1896, received his elementary education at Llanover School, and later on entered the West Mon. Intermediate School, where he gave every satisfaction to the masters as a scholar who applied himself diligently to all his studies. By further private study he passed his examinations for the Excise, in the office of which he served for some time at Cardiff, then at Pontypool, whence he was called to the colours; joining the South Wales Borderers, and in due time went over with them to France. From there he wrote many letters to his friends, in all of which he expressed his delight at receiving heartening letters from home, and showed his true estimate of the nature and merits of the world-wide conflict in which he took part. In the year 1905, when the Revival was in its strength, at the tender age of nine, he was one of only 30 new members who were received into the Congregational Church. at Hanover. From that day onwards he continued to manifest the deepest interest in all that concerned the welfare of the Church and the Sunday-school. Thus death has removed from our midst, at the early age of 22, an engaging personality that had I already given sure signs of forcefulness of character and high promise of a successful career in life. Those with whom he served in the regiment of the S. W .B. all bear united testimony to his excellent soldierly qualities, and particularly to his sterling Christian character. It is no exaggeration, it is only bare truth, to say-that our young friend, like many more high and low. has given his life for his country and for the world, and, let us firmly hope, not in vain. Such heroic deaths, endured on the world’s battlefields, are, alas and perforce, the costiv price of the world’s advancement. It is this thought which now, as in time to come, will most surely bring real and solid comfort to every stricken and perplexed heart that has been called to sorrow in this great Armageddon of the nations.-D,D.

28th November 1919.

GOYTRE.

PROPERTY SALE. – Glanynant, a freehold property with three acres of land, has been disposed of privately by Messrs. Davis & Sons, Usk, to Mr. B. Morgan. Mr. T. J. Thomas, Bargoed, was the vendor’s solicitor.