January 13th – Pontypool Petty Sessions

For driving a car without a licence at Pontypool on December 22nd., Reginald James (30) a milk vendor of Pentrefach Goytrey, was fined 10/-
Inspector A Bowkett said that when he stopped James at Clarence Street he produced a licence which expired in April 1935.
He said “I thought it was in order.”

January 14th – Nantyderry Man’s Affairs

A business that Failed
William Joseph Fishbourne of Sunnybank, Nantyderry, formerly chief electrician at Celynen Colliery, Newbridge and later in business on his own account appeared at Newport Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday.
His statement of affairs showed after demobbed from the army he was employed as an electrician at the colliery at £8 a week and when he lost his employment, in March 1927, he entered business on his own account at Tynewydd Terrace, Newbridge, with a capital of £150.
His business, an electrical contractor, was not successful, it was a very poor paying business but he kept his shop open until 1931. He employed assistance in his outside work.
Fishbourne denied Mr Bett’s suggestion that he had spent excessive amounts on drink and denied that he had gambled other than perhaps a shilling on a horse running in the Derby.
As the cause of his failure he gave failure to collect book debts and insufficient work. When Mr Bett’s suggested that his drawings from the business had been extravagant, Fishbourne replied “I think you are exaggerating there”.
He added that he had hoped conditions would be better.
Mr Bett’s said he wished to make enquiries with regard to furniture and a car and his application for a month’s adjournment of the examination was granted.
Mr V Pugsley of Messrs J R Jacob and Pugsley, Abergavenny appeared for Fishbourne.

March 11th – Nantyderry Man’s Failure

When William Joseph Fishbourne, of Sunnybank, Nantyderry appeared at Newport Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, the Official receiver, Mr R Betts , said the hearing had been adjourned so that further inquiries could be made, but no good purpose would be served by continuing the examination. The examination was closed.
At the previous hearing, Fishbourne gave unsecured liabilities of £231/16/4 and a deficiency of £121/2/11.

March 25th – Land for Building

Parc Bach, Goytrey
adjoining Oak Tree Cottage, with considerable frontage to the roadway and an area of 3A 0R 13P more or less, with possession on completion.

April 3rd – Highway Offence

Despite a plea of not guilty a fine of 10/- was imposed on Alfred Collier (45) a Goytrey labourer, for committing a nuisance at New Inn on March 18th.
P.C. Ackland gave the facts and said defendant was under the influence of drink.
Defendant denied this and said he was waiting for a bus.

April 3rd – Mr L D Whitehead

Tragic Death, Collapsed at Car Wheel.
The news of the tragic death of Mr L D Whitehead of Goytrey Hall came as a great shock to the district, his friends, business associates and employees. While returning alone in his car from his estate in St David’s Pembrokeshire on Sunday evening and when some three miles from Sennybridge side of Brecon, he was discovered unconscious in his car by a passing motorist and died soon afterwards.
Mr Whitehead’s car was on the side of the road with it’s lights on and he had apparently collapsed at the wheel. ( A great deal more about his life in the Free Press)

The Inquest
A verdict of “Death from natural causes, due to a ruptured aorta,” was recorded at the inquest, conducted at Brecon on Tuesday by Mr M F Thomas.
Mr George Whitehead “Mallwyd” Abergavenny, engineer, said he last saw his father on Friday morning when he appeared ti be in excellent health.
His father told him he was going later in the afternoon to St. David’s Pembrokeshire for the weekend. He always motored alone.
Miss Elizabeth Cottle, waitress at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen, said Mr Whitehead called at the hotel on Sunday at 8.45pm and asked for a meal to be served quickly as he wanted to be on his way.
He had some soup and cold tongue but nothing to drink and left at 9.30. He appeared to be in his usual health.
Frank Davies, electrician, Sennybridge, said he was travelling in a car to Sennybridge and when about three miles from Brecon he saw a car across the road facing Brecon, with it’s lights on.
He found the driver lying on the front seat with his head nearest the left hand door of the car. He appeared to be dead.
Police Sergeant Bannister and other police moved the body from the car and tried in vain to revive life. There were no external marks on the body. Mr Whitehead’s pipe was lying alongside him almost full of fresh tobacco.
Police Sergeant Martin said the brakes and steering of the car were perfect.
Dr C L Davies, Brecon, said he examined Mr Whitehead and found him extinct. On Monday he communicated with the Coroner and with Dr Humphrey’s, Abergavenny and Dr Morrell Thomas, Newport.
They could not suggest any cause of sudden death, with the result that the Coroner requested him to carry out a post mortem examination, the result being as stated.

April 8th

The ashes of Mr Lionel D Whitehead of Goytre Hall Abergavenny who died suddenly last week as he was motoring home from Pembrokeshire and who was the managing director of the Whitehead Iron and Steel Co., Newport Mon., were cast over the sea at Romsey Sound off St David’s head on Thursday.
Two little boats fromed a cortege, one bearing the casket containing the ashes – the family mourners, Mrs Whitehead, her two sons and daughter and the Dean of St David’s, the very Rev. Watcyn Morgan, who conducted the burial service, put out from St David’s.

April 3rd – Goetre Fawr Scheme

Water Supply and Refuse Collection.
A meeting of the Goetre Fawr Parish Council was held at Penpellenny School on Monday.
Mr D Pugh-Jones presided and the members present were Messrs D Morgan, W I Morgan, J Litten, T Jenkins, D Bowen, J Evans, W Holder, H Stinchcombe, S Herbert and J Williams (clerk.)
A Letter was read from the Rural District Council re water supply and refuse collection, requesting the views of the parish before putting the scheme into operation.
The water scheme provided for in the estimates was for the supply of water from Talybont main to Penpellenny Village, Goytrey British School,Plough Cottages and Nantyderry. This scheme would cost the ratepayers a 7d rate (possibly more) over 30 years.
The weekly collection of refuse from Little Mill bridge, Croesynypant, Penpellenny, Nantyderry, parts of Monkswood and Little Mill would mean a rate of 3d.
These schemes were discussed at length.
Mr D H Morgan said that if the rate was 2s and everyone benefited, he would support it.
Mr Litten thought that too much consideration had been given to the villages.
Mr W I Morgan contended that in the near future both schemes might be thrust upon them and the ratepayers might then be at a greater disadvantage.
Mr H Stinchcombe proposed that both schemes should be deferred for the consideration of the annual parish meeting. He offered no objection to the schemes but regretted he could not give them his blessing.
The resolution was carried unanimously.

May 13th – Assault on Little Girl

Blaenavon Man with a Terrible Record Goes Back to Gaol
A Blaenavon man with an appalling list of previous convictions for larceny, house-breaking and indecent assault was sentenced to six months hard labour at a special Pontypool Police Court on Wednesday for indecent assault upon a six year old girl at Goytrey on Thursday last.
He was Percy Herbert, 36, described as a labourer, who was out on licence after serving part of a sentence of three years’ imprisonment  and five years preventative detention for being an habitual criminal.
He was brought up on Saturday and remanded in custody until Wednesday because the case for the prosecution was not complete. His request for legal aid was granted and at Wednesday’s hearing he was represented by Mr Harold Saunders, Pontypool.
Accused elected to have the case dealt with summarily and pleaded not guilty.
The first witness for the prosecution was Detective Constable William Lewis, Abergavenny, who produced photographs of Edgar’s Lane and Plough Lane, Goytrey, one of which purported to show a gap in the hedge where Herbert was alleged to have carried the little girl into the wood.
The little child herself said she left school for home at about three o’clock with two little boys. About half a mile from the school they saw a man picking dandelions and putting them into a bag. The man said to her “Come and pick bluebells with me in this wood,” but she said she would not and was going to run home. He said to the little boys, “Mind my bag for me” and then carried her into the wood.
She described what happened in the wood and said that when he carried her out of the wood again the boys had gone. He told her to go home.

Identified The Man
She said that at Blaenavon Police Station the same night she saw eight men dressed the same and picked out the man who carried her into the wood.
Mr Saunders said no useful purpose would be served by cross-examining the child.
The mother said that the two boys and her little girl came home screaming and the girl said a man had stopped her and asked her to go into the wood to pick bluebells but she told him her mamma would give her a hiding if she did not run home.
“I left the children with a neighbour and ran to the village to see if I could see the man, but I could not,” said the woman. I phoned for the police and my little girl was later seen by a doctor.
Dr Joseph Charles Henry Bird, Usk, said that when he saw the child she was very distressed. Her condition was consistent with some interference having taken place.
In reply to Mr Saunders he said there had been no serious interference.
Full story in the Free Press

June 3rd – Car Without Lights
Douglas Price (38) a Goytrey miller was fined 7/6 for leaving a car on the road after hours without two front lights at Pontypool on May 14th and a similar amount in respect of his having no rear red light.
P.C. Howells said he had previously warned defendant about leaving his car without lights.

January 6th 

Eisteddfod Winner
Sylvia Jones, the 10 year old daughter of Mr & Mrs Jones of Llwycelyn Bungalow Goytre won 4 prizes ( 2 firsts and 2 seconds) at the Eisteddfod at Llanvihangel Gobion, Abergavenny.
Sylvia is taught be her mother who was a national Eisteddfod winner at Pontypool in 1924.

March 31st – Obituary Goytrey

The death occurred on Tuesday after a short illness of Mrs Tom Morgan, Pwll Meyric Goytrey in her 80th year.
A few years ago Mr & Mrs Morgan celebrated their Golden Wedding which was reported in the Free Press.
The funeral, on Sunday afternoon at Saron will be reported next week.
(A verdict of accidental death is listed under inquests)

April 7th – An Appreciation

By the death of Mrs Morgan, Goytrey has lost one of it’s oldest inhabitants.
As a young girl she came to reside with the late Mr & Mrs Morgan, The Wern Farm and after spending a few years there she took up a situation in London but always spent her holidays in Goytrey.
The second son of the Wern, Tom, after spending some time in Canada came home and after a long friendship ripened into courtship, they were married at Goytrey Parish Church and spent 56 years happily married.
4 sons and a daughter blessed their union. Two of the sons served through the Great War.
Mrs Morgan was a woman of shrewed common sense, endowed with a great energy and industry and a faithful member of Saron Baptist Church for 32 years.
She leaves 2 sons and a daughter to mourn their loss of an exemplary and devoted mother.
Much sympathy is felt for her sorrowing husband, Mr Tom Morgan who has reached his 86th year.

April 21st – Alleged Threats

Pontypool Bench Dismiss Goytrey Summons
“I have never heard a more absurd story” said Mr Harold Saunders, Pontypool, who, at Pontypool Petty Sessions on Saturday, defended Joseph Edwin Edgar, a Goytrey garage proprietor, on a summons for uttering threats against William John James, of Goytrey on April 2nd.
James told the court that he was going home on his bicycle from Goytrey towards Monkswood, Edgar passed him in his car and then pulled into a lane.
I heard the brakes go on and the car stop said James, then I heard tools rattling and I thought I knew what was coming.
As I passed the lane he rushed out at me with an iron bar two feet long and shouted, “I will have you”. He missed me and I rode on towards my house. He got in his car and came after me, but the car could not go as fast as my machine.

Afraid of Him
The Clerk (Mr Isca Bowen): are you afraid of him? – Yes when he has weapons in his hand.
Mr Saunders: Edgar had not spoken to you since twelve months ago when he forbade you to dig out fox cubs on his land. – That is right.
Mr Saunders: I have never heard a more absurd story. The parties had not spoken for twelve months because Edgar had forbidden James to dig on his land for fox cubs and sell them to the hunt.
Edgar, in the box, said he did not see James that day. He was out in his car but did not remember passing him and certainly did not stop in a lane.
In reply to one of the magistrates (Mr G Woodly), he said he did not carry such an iron bar with him in the car.
The Bench then dismissed the case.

April 21st – Obituary Mr W J Nicholas

The death occurred on Friday of Mr William John Nicholas of Ty Cooke, Goytrey, after a short illness at the age of 81.
Mr Nicholas was one of the oldest and best known agriculturists of the county. He had been a member of the Usk branch of the National Farmers Union since its inception.
He was a native of Goytrey and it was rather a coincidence that he should have returned to the district, to pass peacefully away after farming at Ty Cooke for close on 20 years.
Mr Nicolas was of a quiet, genial and kindly disposition and never sought public office, although approached on many occasions.
He was however a Churchwarden at Goytrey. He married a daughter of the late Mr Isaac Williams a well respected Usk family.
He is survived by a widow, two sons and six daughters. He has a brother living in California and a sister Mrs W Moore Haines, living at the Bryn Penpergwm.
The funeral took place at Mamhilad on Tuesday.

April 28th –  Mr Albert Gough

On April 25th 1939, at 29, New Houses, Pantygasseg, Albert Edward Gough, dearly beloved husband of Louisa Gough.
Funeral Saturday, for Goytrey 2pm (Private)

Accidental Death – Young Airman Killed While Flying Secret Bomber

A young RAF pilot who lost his life near Hull last week whilst flying a “secret bomber”, was a nephew of Mrs C A Morris of Glanbaiden, Goytrey.
Pilot Officer Charles Jones was 27 years of age and stationed at Hemswell, Lincolnshire was out on a solo flight when he crashed into a dyke at Sunk Island, near Hull.

July 14th – Speeding

Goytrey Man Who Speeded
Thomas Gilgun of Sunnybank, Goytrey, was fined 10s at Usk Police Court for having exceeded the speed limit with a motor-cycle at Llangibby.
PC R Walbyoff, of the motor patrol, said that Gilgun’s speed was 38-40 mph. Gilgun wrote to the court pleading guilty.
His licence was endorsed.

August 4th – Martha Louisa Williams.

On August 1st 1939 at Woodland Cottage Goytrey, Martha Louisa, wife of Evan Williams.
Funeral Saturday, 3.30 from the house for Mamhilad Church.

August 11th – Mrs Williams Goytrey

The funeral took place at Mamhilad Churchyard on Saturday of Mrs Martha Louisa Williams, wife of Mr Evan Williams, of Woodland Cottage, Goytrey.
Mrs Williams was a member of Goytrey Church and was well known throughout the district. The Rev. R E Seaton officiated.
Floral tributes were sent by: Husband; Miss Elizabeth Williams and Mrs Roberts, sisters-in-law; Mr & Mrs Fred Williams and family; Mr & Mrs Callow and family; Mr & Mrs Arthur Williams and children; nephews and nieces; Mrs Gregory and Cyril; Mr & Mrs Ricketts and family; Mrs G Williams Caeton Glas; Mr & Mrs J Owen.

September 1st – Goytrey Dandies

The nicknames given to the inhabitants of different localities would form a curious list.
There are Abergavenny Bulldogs, Bristol Bugs, and Bristol Hogs, Builth traitors, Coleford wide awakes, Devonshire dumplings, GOYTREY DANDIES, Herefordshire white faces, Monmouth knives, Pirbright savages, Wiltshire moonrakers, and Usk butterflies.
An old ditty says “Pontypool is paved wi’ gool, Trosnant is lined with silver, and Pontypool doth stink with oil”.
“Blaenavon tobacco” means tobacco that is given away; and “Glascoed blacking” is the local name for mud – “The Usk Gleaner”.

October 13th – Obituary

Mr Thomas Morgan – Goytrey
The funeral took place on Wednesday of Mr Thomas Morgan of Pwll Meyric, Goytrey, who died on October 7th at the age of 86 years.
Mr Morgan, who was one of the oldest inhabitants of Goytrey, had been a member and deacon of Saron Baptist Church for the past thirty years.
Services at the house, church and graveside by the Rev.s Aubrey Rees, pastor and J. Simmonds, Chapel Ed.
The mourners were: Messrs David and Will Morgan, sons; Mr & Mrs D H Morgan and Mr & Mrs Louis Morgan, brothers and sister-in-law; Mr & Mrs Herbert Morgan (Castleton), Mr S Stratton, Pontypool and Mr H Morgan (Abersychan).
The bearers were Messrs W,C.R. and W. Morgan, grandsons.
Floral tributes were sent by:-
Ethel, Ernest and David; Will, Jennie and family; David and Ada; Louise and Hannah; Florrie and all at Pydew; Billie, Ruby and grandsons; Eileen, Elidyr and Joyce; Gladys and Margaret; Mary, Charles and Ellen; Mr & Mrs Litten; Mrs Williams and Harold; Mr & Mrs Whitney and family; Members of Saron.

November 10th – Straying Cow

A fine of 5/- was imposed on Edgar Thomas, a Goytrey farmer who pleaded guilty to allowing a cow to stray on the highway at Goytrey on October 22nd.
PC Purlow (motor patrol) said the cow was the cause of an accident.
Defendant said the cow was one of three which he bought from a neighbouring farmer and it broke through a good fence to get back home. He had been forced since to return it to the man he bought it from.

November 10th – Paid Pretty Dearly

Motor-cyclists Bad Driving at Goytrey
Horace Jenkins, 21 a Bwlch insurance agent was summoned at Pontypool Petty Sessions on Saturday for driving a motor-cycle without due car and attention and without reasonable consideration.
Thomas James Boyt, an Abergavenny bus driver, said he saw defendant try to overtake a car on his motor-cycle at Goytrey. The next thing he saw was that the motor-cycle had collided with a car coming in the opposite direction. The oncoming car seemed to be out of control; a tyre burst and narrowly missed witness.
(Full story in Free Press)

November 24th – Obituary

Mrs M M Harris, Goytrey
The death occurred at Maesderwen, Goytrey on November 13th of Mrs Mary Margaretta Harris, widow of Mr Franklyn James Harris. She was a native of Goytrey and had resided there all her life.
For some time she had been in failing health, but her death came as a shock to many. She is survived by two daughters.
The funeral took place on Thursday at St Peter’s Church, Goytrey. The Rev Canon Morgan officiated and Mr Charles Meyrick presided at the organ.
The mourners were: The Misses Mary and Irene Harris, daughters; Mr John Jeremiah, brother; Mr Abraham Jeremiah, cousin; Mrs J Davies, sister-in-law; Mrs Levo, cousin; Mrs W Swinnerton and Mrs T Walker, nieces; Messrs G Harris, Arnold Walker, nephews; and Mr W Evans.
The bearers were Messrs J & H Owen, W Griffiths and R J Rosser.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr W Jackson, Goytrey.

December 22nd – Obituary

Mr R Prosser, Goytrey
Ex-police constable, Reece Prosser, of Court-y-Monos, Goytrey, whose family have lived at Goytrey for generations, died at his home on Saturday December 9th.
Mr Prosser, a 75 year old widower, served in the Monmouthshire constabulary and amongst other places was stationed at Blaenavon.
He saw service in the Rhymney Valley during the Tonypandy riots. He is survived by two sons, Messrs AE Prosser and Redvers Prosser, Griffithstown and a daughter Mrs E Phillips of Australia.
He was buried at Saron Baptist churchyard on Wednesday week, the officiating minister being the pastor, the Rev A Rees.
The chief mourners were: Messrs Ernest Prosser and Redvers Prosser, sons; Frank Prosser and Levi Prosser, brothers; Horace and Harold Prosser, nephews.
Superintendent Edward Casey, Pontypool and members of the Monmouthshire Constabulary were bearers.
Wreaths were sent by: Ern, Gert and Elsie; Redvers, Dolly and children; Frank and family: Levi and Ellen; Arthur and Dot; Workmen (sheet section) Baldwin’s Ltd Panteg; Mon Police pensioners association;  Superintendent, Sergeants and Constables, Monmouthshire; Mr & Mrs W J Jenkins and Stan; Mrs O Court, Arthur and Lou; Mr & Mrs I Dobbs and children: Mr & Mrs E J Morris (Vine Tree).

December 22nd – Assaulted His Sister

Nantyderry Man Must find Another Home
Richard Harding a 57 year old Nantyderry unemployed man was bound over for a year at Pontypool on Saturday when he was summoned by his sister, Gertrud Harding for assault. Harding was also ordered to leave the house in which he was living with his sister within a fortnight.
Mr KGS Gunn, Pontypool for the sister, said she was looking after an aged father. On December 17th Harding held his sister on the setee and shook her furiously. She was saved from further injury by the intervention of another brother.
Gertrude Harding, of The Cottage, Nantyderry, said she was preparing to go out to the Sunday afternoon service when the assault took place. He said he was not having her “slamming about the house”.
When she returned to the house in the evening the doors and windows locked and she had to spend the night at her sister’s.
Her brother had been “troublesome” before.
Harry Harding of Abergavenny, corroborated his sister’s evidence.
The chairman said it was clear that Harding could not remain in the house making disturbances.

December 22nd – Diamond Wedding

Mr & Mrs W Stinchcombe of Goytrey
Mr & Mrs W T Stinchcombe of Goytrey recently celebrated their diamond wedding. Four of their eight children survive; they have 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Their eldest surviving daughter, Mrs R E Evans has been postmistress of Brynwern Post Office, Pontypool for 26 years.
They were married at Frogmore Baptist Church, Abergavenny, on December 29th 1879. Both are members of Glascoed Baptist Chapel.
Mr Stinchcombe was born at Chapel Farm Monkswood, eighty six years ago. All his life he has been engaged in farm work. He has always been an earnest Sunday school worker and lay preacher.
He has often walked many miles to preach, yet never would he accept any remuneration. Often he has taken the service at a moment’s notice when a preacher failed to arrive. In his younger days he was a keen politician of the radical school.
Mrs Stinchcombe was formerly Miss Bressington, of Abergavenny, was born eighty years ago. For many years she was a familiar figure at her stall in Pontypool Market, where she sold fruit and vegetables, the produce of their smallholding at Goytrey. It was her proud boast that she had not missed one market for forty years.
Considering their ages, the couple are fairly well in health.

February 6^th

Market Gardener was duped by a Plausible Thief

Pleading that he was the victim of a plausible thief rather than an accomplice, Eric Burns (38) a market gardener of Abergwellan Farm Nantyderry, was acquitted at Pontypool on Saturday of receiving 2,000 ft of assorted timber, value £35, 204 lbs of grass seed, value £32/10s and four rolls of coir matting, value £4 /15/- from Norman Shrimpton, knowing them to have been stolen. It was stated that Shrimpton had been convicted of theft and sent to prison.

Mr W K G Thurnall prosecuted and Mr K A W Clarke, Ebbw Vale, defended and pleaded not guilty.

PC F Jones, Llanover, said that on December 28^th, he went to Burns Farm and asked for an explanation of the presence of the timber. Burns said “Shrimpton brought it here in a lorry,” and took witness to a locked barn where the timber was stored.

Burns said he believed it had come from London and he understood that Shrimpton had come by it legally.

Witness and PC K Jenkins, Little Mill, took possession of the timber and when they asked if there was anything else Burns produced three sacks of grass seed from the granary. He later produced the rolls of matting which he said Shrimpton had given to his wife as a present. Some of the stolen timber had been used to repair the floor of the outhouse.

“Nothing to Hide”

In reply to Mr Clarke, he agreed that Burns conduct was that of a man who had nothing to hide.

PC Jenkins read a statement which Burns made to him. It ran “I was given to understand that that the timber was come by honestly. It was brought here to build a fowl house in the orchard which Shrimpton was going to rent from me. He told me to take some of it to repair the outhouse floor.”

Witnessess from the Nylon factory stated that the timber, seed and matting were similar to those used at the factory.

Addressing the magistrates, Mr Clarke said that Shrimpton had told Burns and his wife a wonderful story, representing himself to be a chicken breeder in a large way and to be a man of means.

He claimed to have a house in London and mentioned that he was a friend of Dr Morgan Lloyd Jones, the eminent preacher. He also said that White, the financier had defrauded him out of £2000.

He expressed his intention of doing some local preaching in the district, “although” said Mr Clarke “I don’t know what he would have preached about unless it was the ‘fowls of the air’”.

Shrimpton went on Mr Clarke, told Mr and Mrs Burns he was a distant relative of Admiral Cunningham and talked with the patronising air of a London man.

Having established a feeling of confidence man who carefully prepared the ground and then set out to extract money from his victim.

“Unfortunate Dupe”

“Burns he said was the unfortunate dupe of a man with a plausible tongue and a ready imagination.

Burns in the box, said he had accepted Shrimpton as a man of means, especially as he had announced his intention of starting a poultry farm in the district and taking up local preaching.

Three loads of timber were delivered all in daylight and always by the same driver. He had commentated once on the probable cost of the timber and Shrimpton told him he had paid £15 for a load. The first indication he had that anything was wrong was when the police came to the farm.

Mrs Olive Burns his wife, said Shrimpton told her he knew Lord Nuffield and said he was at one time steward of a club in London which was regularly used by Field Marshall Montgomery and Mr Churchill.

“When he told me he had some coconut matting for me I was thrilled” she said. She added that half a dozen times Shrimpton had tossed £3 on the table as rent for the orchard and would brook no denial.

Relative’s Opinion

Cecil Goldsmith, a builder’s foreman of Felton Middlesex, a brother-in-law of Mrs Burns, said that while on a visit there on Christmas Eve, he met Shrimpton and came to the conclusion that he was a “twister.” He asked him straight out if he had permits for the timber and he replied that he could get permits for all he wanted for building outhouses.

Daniel Mills, of Saron Cottages, Goytre, who had introduced Shrimpton to Burns, said he had been as much led astray as they.

Ald. W C Watkins, MBE, the chairman, said the magistrates felt that Burns had been easily taken in.

They gave him the benefit of the doubt and dismissed the case.

April 2nd – GOYTREY BUNGALOW SOLD

“Lynwood” a freehold bungalow situated in the parish of Goytrey was sold with vacant possession to Mr W James of Pontypool for £730 at an auction sale held by Messrs Straker, Chadwick, at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny.

The bungalow has about an acre of land.

Solicitors concerned were Messrs Jacob & Pugsley, Abergavenny

May 21^st

GOYTRE MAN FINED FOR ASSAULT

Provocation was the only defence offered by Hubert Frewin (26) a railwayman of Fernleigh, Goytre when he pleaded not guilty at Pontypool on Saturday to assaulting Anthony Stuart Langdon, an aircraftman of Dunedin, Goytre.

Langdon, who was represented by Mr D P Tomlin (Everett & Tomlin Pontypool) said that on Friday May 7^th, he was standing talking to Mr Benjamin Bishop when Frewin came along on his bicycle. Bishop spoke to him and there was some discussion, friendly at first, about trestles for the village hall.

It developed into an angry disagreement and Frewin finally told Bishop he should have been in the trenches instead of a soft cushy job. He turned to complainant and said, “That goes for you, too.”

He told Frewin that his service life and career was his own private business and told him to “shut up.” Frewin rode off, but two minutes later came back on foot and said, “Did you tell me to shut up?”

Could see nothing

“Without any warning he hit me in the right eye and as I am blind in the left eye I could see nothing at all,” said Langdon. He kept on hitting me until Mr Bishop pulled him away.

Bishop, who lives at Ty Arrow, Goytre, said that nothing was said to provoke Frewin and Langdon did not strike a single blow in retaliation.

Ernest Henry Langdon, the father said his son was ill during the night as a result of the assault.

Mr Tomlin explained that Langdon, as a result of his blindness in one eye, was given a good deal of leave by the RAF and was often at home.

Frewin did not give evidence but said he was provoked by Langdon.

He was fined 40/- and ordered to pay 40/- costs.

July 9^th

VOLUNTEERS DID SPADE WORK FOR GOYTRE HALL

Goytre’s 800 inhabitants built the first village hall in Great Britain under the new National Council for Social Services scheme. They celebrated their success on Thursday; Mrs L Byrde performed the opening ceremony.

Conceived in the minds of a few energetic workers in September, 1945, the idea grew until the parish council called a public meeting at which a working committee was elected.

A site was leased from Mr E A Messenger, foundations were dug and laid and the cement base prepared by voluntary labour.

The council for Social Services then supplied and erected the main body of the building, valued at £1,500 and let to the committee at 5/- per week.

An army hut from Glascoed provided enough timber for an entrance hall, two cloakrooms, a large clubroom and a stage.

One hundred feet long, the hall has, up to now cost just over £1,000 of which £549/6/0 was received in subscriptions and £104/17/3 from whist drives and other social events.

The hall is equipped with modern lighting and central heating and has a dance floor.

Community Centre

Congratulating the band of workers who, she said, had put all their spare time in to the effort over a long period, Mrs Byrde stressed the importance of the hall as a community centre. It was a memorial hall and those who were commemorated had left a message for all time and that the only way to overcome the world’s problems was by comradeship and friendship. One was never too young to learn and practise the art of leadership and she hoped the hall would serve the youth as well as the adult community.

Mr D W Phillips (treasurer) thanked Mrs Byrde for her unfailing support, both financially and in loaning the grounds of her home for the annual flower shows and reminded those present that the future of the hall rested with them.

Mrs Eva Williams seconded the vote of thanks.

“There is a wonderful opportunity for both social and cultural works in this hall,” said Canon G Morgan (Rector of Goytre) “I hope it will be used not only for pleasure but for the advancement of character and mind.”

The chairman of the Village Hall Committee of the Rural Community Council, Councillor R Gordon Burge JP added his committee’s congratulations to the workers but warned them that their troubles were by no means over.

The financial balance was somewhat low but he had no doubt that, with their past achievements to encourage them they could face the future quite confidently.

Pessimist Confounded

This sentiment was also expressed by Mr D L Jones OBE (secretary of the Rural Community Council) who said that the pessimists who had alleged that there was not sufficient social life in Goytre to justify the building of a hall and had been proved hopelessly wrong. Mr Jones was sure that this was not the time for the village committee to rest on its laurels but to go ahead, working together to consolidate to successes they had already achieved.

Mr H Hatchley (chairman) introduced the speakers, who also included Mr B W F Bishop (secretary.)

A bouquet was presented to Mrs Byrde by Miss Margaret Kennedy and entertainment was provided by Mrs Hamer, Miss Brenda Merrick, Mr Luke Groves, and Mr Gwyn Holmes.

July 18th

CYCLISTS INJURED

Ronald Taylor, 9, son of Mr George Taylor, New Buildings Croesnypant, Goytre, received slight head injuries when he collided with a motor-car near the Goytre Arms on Wednesday afternoon.

He was riding a cycle. The car was driven by Mrs Bronwyn Price, Ty Coch, Goytre.

Mr Franklin Lawton Hickman, 64, of Ivy Cottage Goytre was admitted to Panteg Hospital following an accident at Little Mill.

Riding a pedal cycle, he lost control of it at the bottom of Pentwyn Pitch and mounted the curb, causing head and hand injuries, PC Kenneth Jenkins rendered first aid.

August 6th

SOLD BORROWED BICYCLE

While working for Monmouthshire War Agricultural Executive Committee, William Williams, 2, gardener, of the Hollies Goytre was issued with a bicycle on loan to travel to the farms.

Charged at Pontypool on Saturday with stealing the machine, Williams was stated to have sold it for 15/- to John Powell, a Goytre farm worker.

William Baker, a foreman at the committee’s Usk depot, said he did not know whether any demand was made on Williams, by the bicycle was only loaned to him and he made no effort to return it.

PC Dorning said he saw Powell riding the bicycle in Usk and recognised it as one similar to those issued by the Committee.

Williams in a statement said he used the bicycle for nine months and then joined the army. When he was home on leave, he sold the machine.

In court Williams, who pleaded not guilty, said there were no tyres on the bicycle and asked why two years had gone by before he was approached. “I thought they had forgotten about it,” he added.

Williams was fined 40/-.

August 13^th

NANTYDERRY HOUSE CLOSES DOWN

Nantyderry Home for Unmarried Mothers – one of the very few kind in the country- has been closed down, a step which was deeply regretted by the committee.

Many who attended the sale of the contents of Nantyderry House experienced a feeling of sadness at seeing an end to nearly thirty years’ work.

It was in 1920 that Lady Mather-Jackson and a small band of public-spirited ladies in Monmouthshire founded the home, and since its inception it has been instrumental in providing a maternity service frt a section of the community who, although their need was great, had previously had no provision made for them.

The moral and spiritual welfare of those girls who entered the home was always of prime importance and with the help and sympathy and guidance which they received enabled them to leave the home far better equipped to take their place in this difficult world.

Gap in health scheme

Closing this home will leave a gap in a comprehensive health scheme, unless a similar institution is envisaged by the local health authorities.

The home has remained all through the years under the chairmanship of Lady Mather-Jackson, who has received loyal support, not only from her committee but also from the medical and nursing staff and one and all can feel proud of the work which they have accomplished.

We feel certain, that with very few exceptions the 500 or more girls who have passed through that “open door” would be loud in their praise of the home, and all that it meant to them during a very difficult time.

September 10^{th –} Edwin Edgar

GOYTRE FARMER FINED for ASSAULTING PC

A 78 year old farmer, who pleaded not guilty at Pontypool on Saturday to assaulting a police constable while in the execution of his duty, was alleged to have been annoyed because the local authority had sent workman to lay on water supply to a Goytre cottage he owned.

He was Edwin Edgar, of Ynys-picca, Goytre. The magistrates fined him £5 with an alternative of one month’s imprisonment.

PC Kenneth Jenkins (Little Mill) said he was requested by a sanitary inspector to keep an eye on Edgar, who was making trouble at the cottage and shouting threats and abuse at the workmen. He went to the site and it was necessary for him to take Edgar away from there to his own home nearby.

“As i released him, he grabbed a length of piping with both hands and swung it at my head. I warded the blow off with my arm and my wrist watch was broken,” said the constable.

PC Jenkins then took Edgar to Pontypool Police Station in a car. He used as little force as possible. When charged Edgar told him: “You won’t forget this.”

Rather Pitiful

George Harold Wragg, foreman piper employed by the firm of contractors laying the water supply, testified to Edgar’s bad behaviour, and William Thomas Jones, an engineer, described the old man’s attitude as “abusive and rather pitiful.”

Edgar, who was represented by Mr Harold Saunders, told the court he wanted to be sure the workmen were not damaging a sewer he laid about ten years ago. He contended the constable handled him roughly, denied being abusive and also denied picking up the lead pipe and striking a blow. “I did not threaten the workmen. It was private property and they had no right in there,” he added.

Mr Saunders said Edgar had been ordered by Pontypool RDC to lay the water supply himself. The pipe he was alleged to have used to commit the assault was one of several he had bought to do the work.

September 10^th

Stole Apples

Three boys admitted at Pontypool Juvenile Court on Wednesday stealing apples, the property of Edwin Edgar and Abraham Jenkins at Goytre on August 15^th.

PC Parry saw the boys on bicycles with the apples in harvest sacks.

The parents had to pay 10/- for each boy.

September 24^th

Mrs WHITEHEAD TO SELL GOYTRE HALL ESTATE

Mrs L D Whitehead OBE, JP, has decided to sell Goytre Hall estate near Abergavenny and take up farming at Parc Llettis Farm near Penpergwm.

The Goytre Hall estate of 132 acres includes Goytre Hall, a modernised period country house which was built in 1446 for Thomas Herbert, son of the Earl of Pembroke, who lived at Raglan Castle.

It was once the residence of a family of Jenkins, now extinct in the male line and lineally descended from Gwaethford, a chieftain, who, in ancient times owned considerable territory in Gwent.

An Ancient Family

Members of the ancient family of Jenkins are buried within the communion rails of the parish church of St Peter’s, Goytre.

The house will be offered with vacant possession. The remainder of the estate is let and produces £207 per annum.

If not sold to a private buyer the estate will be offered by auction in one of seven lots at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, on October 19^th.

Mrs Whitehead is disposing of it because she finds it too large now that all her children are married.

Parc Llettis Farm, to which she is going, has an historic background.

December 3^rd

SMALLHOLDING SOLD

Messrs Rennie, Taylor and Till sold by auction at Abergavenny the 19-acre smallholding, Bwrgwm Farm Goytrey, lying about a mile off the old Abergavenny Road and comprising cottage, buildings, pasture, arable and woodland.

The farm was sold subject to Mr Jacob’s annual tenancy at £24 a year and tithe charge of £1/15/8 per annum.

For investment purchases the property realised £850 after spirited bidding.

Vendor’s solicitors, Bythway and Son, Pontypool.

December 10^th

GOYTRE MAN FINED FOR CARELESS DRIVING

As the result of a collision at the junction of the Mamhilad-Abergavenny road, Ernest Charles Morris (52) a painter and decorator of Vine Tree Cottage, Goytre was charged at Pontypool on Saturday with driving dangerously, without due care and attention and without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Represented by Mr D P Tomlin he pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. Mr Thurnall who prosecuted, accepted the plea and withdrew the other two charges.

Mr Thurnall alleged that Morris turned into the Mamhilad road on his wrong side and without giving any signal. There was a glancing collision with a car driven by a Mr Wilfred Beaton. If Beaton had not accelerated and shot across the road there would have been a head-on collision.

Mr Tomlin said Morris had been driving 30 years without mishap or summons and this offence was the result of an error of judgement coupled with bad luck.

He rounded the corner on his wrong side and almost succeeded in avoiding a collision by going further to the wrong side of the road.

The damage done to the cars was negligible.

A fine of 40/- was imposed.

January 14^th

Goytre Parish and the Roads

The state of the roads in Goytre came under discussion at the monthly meeting of Goytre Parish Council.

Mr J Williams remarked that the patching of Star Road had proved useless. The patches had now been washed away, with the result that money and materials have been wasted; the road was now in a worse state than before.

Mr D W Phillips, (clerk): I cannot understand why the roads ate so much better in the Abergavenny rural area than in the Pontypool.

It was resolved to write to the County Council on the matter.

Mr W J Taylor complained of an acute water shortage at Little Mill. On Boxing Day not a drop was to be had from 11am to 8pm. The Council decided to write to the RDC.

Questioned about the proposed street lamp for the village, the Clerk said he was waiting for the permission of the Ministry of Transport.

The Clerk reported that the distribution of 30 Christmas parcels had been carried out. Those who had distributed them were Councillors B V Thomas and H Stinchcombe and Messrs D W Phillips and E Williams.

Canon J Morgan, rector of Goytre, asked the cost of tapping the new pipe in the Penperlleni water scheme. Councillor H Stinchcombe promised to ask the Rural District Council about it by the next meeting.

Mr J Evans presided.

February 25^th

Late Mrs L Byrde

Mrs Lesley Byrde, wife of the late Mr O A R Byrde MA JP died at her home Goytre Hall? (Goytre House) on Thursday last. She will be greatly missed by the people of Goytre, for she took an active part in the life of the village and was extremely generous.

It was largely through the efforts of her husband that the Village Hall was built. On several occasions she lent the grounds of her house for the annual fete.

The family returned to Mr Byrde’s home (which had been in his family for many generations) in 1935, on his retirement as headmaster of Heath School, Halifax. My Byrde died three years ago.

Three children survive: Mr C G Byrde (London).. Mrs W Murray (Inverness) and Mrs B Greenwood (Clitheroe, Lancs.) Another son R G de F Byrde was killed in the war while serving with the Welch Regiment.

She Loved Flowers

Mrs Byrde has a very special interest in flowers and was a vice-president of the Abergavenny, Pontypool and Usk flower shows and president of Goytre flower show. She was also president of Goytre and Little Mill women’s Unionist Association and was elected the first president of the newly formed Goytre Women’s Institute last week.

Among other organisations that benefited from Mrs Byrde’s attention were the Nantyderry home and St Peter’s Church.

The funeral which was largely attended was held at St Peter’s on Monday. The Rev E P Evans (Bishop’s Messenger and son of Mrs Luther Evans who lived with Mrs Byrde) officiated.

March 11^th

Mr A Owen, Goytre

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church, Goytre, of Mr Albert Owen, aged 76 of Nightingale Grove, Goytre. The Rev W L Richards (Llanover) officiated, Mr C Meyrick was organist.

Mourners: Eddie, Bill, Dai, sons; John, grandson; Ivor, son- in-law; Joe and Harry, brothers Ada, sister; Lydia and Edith, sisters–in–law; Reg, nephew; Eileen, niece; Scott, Ivor Jones and Jack Palmer, nephews; Austin Wolfe and Frank Averille, brothers in law; Harding, cousin.

At the house: Annie, Winn and Gwladys, daughters; Hilda, Phyllis, daughters-in-law; Patti, sister-in-law.

Bearers: Messrs W James, W Mathews, W Williams, A Vaughan.

Flowers: Anne; Gwladys and Dai; Eddie Hilda and boys; Bill, Phyllis and Graham; Winn, Ivor, Roy and Jeff; Joe, Harry and family; Ada and Frank and all at Wrexham; Ann Polly, Patti and Austin; Mr and Mrs Probert, Pentwyn; Raymond; Floss, Ivor and Marge; Cousins from Nantyderry and Saron; James Powell.

April 1^st

Goytre Mon Sale

Household furniture and Effects at Goytre Rectory (near Nantyderry Station)

Including Oak and Satin Walnut Bedroom Suites, Washstands, Dressing Tables, Chests of Drawers, Oak and Brass Bedsteads, Polished Oak Extending Table, set of 4 Oak Dining Chairs, Oak Hall Stand, Mahogany Table, Side, Occasional and Kitchen Table, Kitchen Chairs, Meat Safe, Child’s Cot, Commode, Filing Cabinet, Overmantles, Curbs, Portable Organ, Bush All Mains Wireless, 3 Carpets, Stair Carpet, Pictures, Prints, Silver, China and Glassware, Kitchen Utensils, Garden Tools etc., etc.,

Which Messrs Bunning & Russell will offer for sale by Public Auction on the premises by direction of Mrs Morgan on Tuesday 5^th April 1949 at 1 o’clock.

Goods on view Monday 10-4 and sale morning.

Convenient trains leave Pontypool Road Station at 11.20 and 12.20

April 15^th

Goytre youngsters present two one-act plays

Two one-act plays were included as Goytre Dramatic Society’s first effort in a miscellaneous concert at Goytre on Thursday last. They were “Sunday Costs Five Pesos” by Josephine Knight and “Family Occasions” by Mabel Constanduros.

The producer Miss M F Mears is to be congratulated on the way she handled the casts, for the players were mainly school children, the oldest being only 18, casts:

Sunday Costs Five Pesos”, Fidel, Pam Fagg; Berta, Pat Powell; Salome, Pat Fagg; Tonia, Dorothy Hopkins; Celestina, Gwyneth Haynes.

“Family Occasion,” Cassie, Monica Sparrow; Janet, Pam Fagg; Alice, Grace Hopkins; Mrs Emerson, Olive Sparrow; Mary, Pat Fagg; Delia, Denise Harris; The stage manager was Barbara Hayden.

Brenda Merrick accompanied by Charles W Merrick gave delightful soprano renderings of “They call me Mimi” (La Boehme) “Throw open wide your window dear” the Waltz Song from “Tom Jones” and in addition she strode masterfully “Thro’ the Rye.”

Doreen Jones, Pam Fagg and Pat Fagg gave recitations and the chairman was Mr H Hatchley. Lighting arrangements were made by Mr S Haines.

April 15^th

New Rector of Goytre

The Rev. Charles William Kelly BA, rector of Blaina, will succeed the late Canon S G Morgan as Rector of Goytre. The appointment was made by the Monmouth Diocesan Board of Patronage.

The new rector who is 61 was educated at St David’s college Lampeter and Phillips school and obtained his degree in 1922. In the same year he became a deacon and in 1923 was priested.

He held curacies at Tredegar and Risca before becoming vicar of Ynysddu in 1931.

In 1936 he was appointed to the Blaina incumbency.

April 29^th

Obituary Mr G Mills

The funeral took place at Saron Baptist Chapel, Goytrey, of Mr George Mills, 74, of Saron Cottages Goytrey. He leaves his wife Elizabeth Mills, two sons and one daughter. The Rev. C A Reece officiated. Mrs Reece was the organist.

Mourners: Wife; Dan and Reece, sons; Myrtle, daughter; Bronwen, daughter-in-law; Tom, Dan, William, John and Isaac, cousins; Roger, nephew.

Bearers: Messrs. R Jones, J Williams, C Price and R Harvey.

Others present: Mrs Jones (Newport) Messrs. Gordon, Leslie, Harold and Dick Jones, (Newport.) S Fawdry, F Richards, Norman Jenkins, Rosser, Fleming, S Harding, I Dobbs, Kilroy, G Jones, C James, D James, D Davies, Challenger, J W James, W L Morgan, D F Davies, H W Gwatkin, F Howells, E Morris.

Flowers: sorrowing wife and Danny; Myrtle and Garnet; Reece, Bron and children; Dan Mabel and family; Mr J Davies and family; New House Farm; All at the Bungalow Nantyderry; Mrs Jones and family Newport; Mr and Mrs H Duke; Mr and Mrs L R J Rosser; Mr and Mrs Fleming and children; Mrs Tallentyre; Mrs Courts and Louis; Mrs Williams and Harold; Mr and Mrs Norman Jenkins and family.

July 15^th

Divorced but must still maintain wife and children

Daniel John Mills of Saron Cottage, Goytre , told Pontypool magistrates on Saturday that he was under the impression that a successful divorce action brought by his wife relieved him if the necessity of complying with a maintenance order in respect of her and the two children. He admitted that he owed £56/16s under the order and put forward an application for a reduction of the order.

He told the court he had been ill and then met with an accident and had been unable to work. He would begin the following week at a wage of £5. His expenses were such that he could not meet the order of 25/- for the ex-wife and 10/- each for the two children. His former wife was a night sister at Panteg Hospital. She owned her own house and had a bank account.

Mrs Mills said she earned £180 a year and emoluments valued at £100. She denied that she had a bank account and said she had to pay a housekeeper 10/- and her keep to look after the house.

The order was reduced to 15/- for the wife and 10/- each for each of the children.

Mills was ordered to pay 5/- a week off the arrears or go to prison for two months in default.

Mr H M Everett (Everett & Tomlinson) was for Mrs Mills and Mr K A W Clarke (Ebbw Vale) for Mills.

November 4^th

Mrs H James Goytre

The funeral took place at St Mathew’s Church Monkswood of Mrs Henrietta James aged 76, widow of Mr John James Elm Tree Cottage Goytre. She was a long and faithful member of Saron Baptist Chapel. The Rev. C A Reece, (Saron) officiated at the house and Canon D Ivor Jones (Usk) at the church and graveside.

Mourners: Cliff, Arthur, David and Irene, sons and daughter; Ted, Hilda and Bertha, son-in-law and daughters-in-law; Alfred, brother; Kathleen and John, grandchildren; Annie sister-in-law; John, brother-in-law; John, Will Ann, Jack, Jim, Flo, Harold, Edith, Violet, Alice, Tom, Ivor, Annie, Jonnie, Roy, Mary, Archie, Jack and Ivor, nephews and nieces.

Deceased only sister was unable to attend due to illness.

Bearers: Messrs J Williams, H Jacob, P Roberts, J Jones, W Powell, A James, E Dobbs and R James.

Flowers: Cliff and John; Irene and Ted; Arthur, Hilda and children; David, Bertha and Dilys; Flo and family; Abb, Milly and family; Annie, Ada and Lilly, Sheffield; Jack; Jackie, Violet and children; Ivor and May; Eva, Fred and Valerie, Birmingham; Mabel, Archie and Veronica; Mabel and Cedric, Rochdale, Sid, Bert, Archie, Harry, Arthur and Don; Polly and Will Gwehelog; Mr and Mrs Perrott; Mr and Mrs Reece and Mrs Williams; Mr and Mrs Thompson; Mrs Mathews and boys, Little Mill; Mr and Mrs G Bryant; Members and friends of Saron Baptist Chapel; Mr and Mrs Powell, Gelli; Mr J Jones, Mary and Bill; Berth, Ethel and Jimmy; Mr and Mrs P Roberts; Mrs Alexander and Mrs Rhys; Mr and Mrs Richards; Mr and Mrs J James; Mr and Mrs James and family, Pentre Farm; Mr and Mrs h Jacob and Arthur; the family of the late Mr Jones, The Knoll; Mr and Mrs Evan Williams; Mr and Mrs Dobbs and children; Mr and Mrs H Watkins, Monkswood; Mr and Mrs D Watkins, Monkswood; Mrs Radmore, Lilly and John, Barry; Mr and Mrs I Phillips and Esther; Jim, Caldicot; Ann, Jack and Ivor; Florrie and Harold; Will and Maud; Flo and Tom, Newport; Annie, Sylvia, Doreen and Peter; Alice and Percy; Jonnie, Melda and children; Roy and Mary; Charlie, Flo and children.

December 16^th

Goytre Old Age Pensioners

A new branch of the Old Age Pensioners Association nearly 50 years strong, has been launched at Goytre. At the inaugural meeting at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, Mr T Langley, who with his brother, Mr A Langley, had been enquiring into the possibilities of forming a branch, reported that nearly £8 had been contributed by well-wishers towards the venture.

Mr C M Watkins (Pontypool) area chairman, presided and Councillor Mrs Margaret Davies, area secretary promised what assistance she could.

Officers elected were: Chairman, Mr T Langley; Secretary Mr L W Brain; and treasurer, Mr A Langley.

Mr T Langley at first declined to take office but was persuaded by members who complimented him on the work he had done to start the branch.

The committee will comprise Mmes J Williams, J Owen, Leaworthy, and Messrs J Waters, G Wall and J Owen.

Tea was provided by Mmes A Jenkins, T Langley, B Bishop, J Owen and Sexton. The rector of Goytre, the Rev C W Kelly and wife were guests.

In the evening, Pontypool Vaudeville Society, gave a concert which was much enjoyed, free of charge. Mr T Langley expressed thanks.

It is intended to hold monthly meetings

January 10^th 1947 Free Press

Six Brothers Bore Mamhilad Man to his Grave

The funeral took place at Mamhilad Church of Mr David Bowen aged 77, of the Old Rectory Mamhilad.

Mr Bowen who leaves a wife, Mrs Elizabeth A Bowen, one son and three daughters, was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Edward Bowen of Oak Cottage Goytrey.

He was in business as a builder and contractor at Little Mill until recently and was one of several brothers who won a high reputation as stone masons.

He was chairman of Goytrey Parish Council throughout the war.

Six brothers acted as bearers:- Messrs Arthur, William, Abraham, John, Tom and Sidney Jenkins.

January 31^st 1947

Mr G. Jones Nantyderry

The funeral took place at Goytrey Church of Mr G Jones aged 86 of School House Nantyderry, who died at Panteg Hospital.

Canon Joseph Morgan officiated: Mrs Swinnerton was the organist.

Mourners

Mrs Jones, widow; Mr and Mrs P Jones, son and daughter-in-law; Mmes G. Rogers, B. Hiller, A Bodenham and C. Crook, sisters-in-law; Mr A. Bodenham, brother-in-law; Mmes Jarman, P. Horton and G Horton, nieces; Messrs R. Bodenham, F. And T. Crook, nephews; Mmes F. Leeworthy, F. Titcombe, M. Magners and E. Biddescombe, Messrs A. Husk, B. Spicer, F. Morgan and W. Griffiths, friends.

Flowers

Sorrowing wife; Percy and Doris; George, Rhoda and family; Bessie and family; Blanche, Alf and family; Roy and Ethel; Charlotte and family; George, Minnie and children; Ivor, Edith and little Wendy; Mrs Ora Byrde; Mrs Robert Byrde and family and Miss E. Byrde; Captain C.G. Byrde; Mrs W.K.R. Murray and Mrs Basil Greenwood; Mr and Mrs F. Leeworthy and Mrs Magness; Mr and Mrs F. Titcombe, Charlie and Kitty; Mrs E. Biddescombe and Edna; Bob and May; Homestead, Cwmavon Road and The Garth Machen; Mr and Mrs W. Griffiths; Mr and Mrs G. Kenny and Brian; Friends and neighbours, Jean Joan and Cyril; All at Ty Gwyn; Mr and Mrs Knight and Leah; Mr and Mrs . and D. Merrick; Mr and Mrs Brain, Miss R. Wilks, Mr and Mrs W. Jenkins, Mr and Mrs and Miss Bishop; All at Post Office Nantyderry; family of the late G. Parsons; Mr Morgan and Annie, Penpergwm.

February 14^th 1947

Former Nantyderry Man Acquitted

Samuel Horace Lewis (47) formerly a farm manager for Captain Beale of Lower House Farm, Nantyderry, was found not guilty at Monmouthshire Assizes of stealing 24 lambs, valued £89/3/8^d ., the property of Ernest Brace a Pontllanfraith baker.

Brace said he had bought a new farm at Wolvesnewton and engaged Lewis as an advisor to help him stock it.

Mr Justice Wrottesley asked the jury to find him not guilty and then dismissed him.

Friday 25^th April 1947

Marriage at St Peter’s Church by Canon Morgan:

Sidney Dunford of Weymouth to Eileen Holterman of New Jersey, Newtown Rd., Goytre.

April 25^th

A car crash in Rockhill Road Pontypool on March 31t hd a sequel at Pontypool magistrates Court on Saturday when Sidney James Walton 42, a farmer of Walnut Tree Cottage Mamhilad was summoned for driving without due care and attention without reasonable consideration for other road users, without a driving license and for having insufficient brakes. Baker who was represented by Mr Kenneth Wood (Baker, Jones, Hornby & Wood, Newport,) pleaded guilty to the offence and not guilty to the other three.

Vernon Parfitt, Goodrich Crescent, Malpas, said he was driving his car up Rockhill Road towards Pontypool near the foundry, was overtaking a stationary car on the left hand side of the road when Walton’s car came from behind a long string of cars going in the opposite direction, hit the back of the car it was following and ricocheted across the road into witnesses car and damaged the rear mudguard and bumper.

Felt a Bump

Douglas Rees, 7 New James Street, Blaenavon, a motor driver Sid he was driving his employers Rolls Royce at the rear of the string of traffic referred to when he felt a bump at the rear. When he stopped he saw Walton’s car tangled up with Parfitt’s car.

William John Edwards, 3 Ton Bach Street, Blaenavon, passenger in the Rolls said he glanced behind when he felt the bump and saw Walton’s car cross the road at an angle and collide with a car coming in the opposite direction.

P.C. James Richardson, Griffithstown, who was called to the scene of the collision, said Walton’s license had expired on March 7^th. With the handbrake full on, he and Rees were able to push the car without difficulty and with the engine running and travelling at ten miles per hour, the footbrake was ineffective except under compression.

26 Years A Driver

Walton, who said he had been driving for 26 years without previous trouble told the magistrates that the Rolls pulled out without warning and he followed it. Because there was a car coming up the road it pulled back to the left and its rear mudguard struck the front of his car. He stopped before Parfitt’s car struck him. In trying to get through he added that he had his brakes tested every month and they were attended to 3 or 4 days before the accident.

William Henry Hewitt said he tested the brakes as stated by Walton and they were in order: Something may have broken and rendered them ineffective.

The Magistrate dismissed the first charge, fined Walton 40/- on each of the 2-4^th charges and 10/- for having no license. He was also ordered to pay £2/10/0 costs and his license was endorsed.

May 16th

Penystair – Goytre with vacant possession, 5 miles Pontypool 5^1/2 miles Abergavenny

Stone built with Asbestos slated roof, house contains, Parlour, Large Kitchen, Dairy, Scullery and 4 bedrooms over, i good decorative order with adjacent store room and loft over.

The farm buildings include 2 bay stone and tiled roof barn, concrete floor cow shed to tie 7, stone slab for 3, 2 pig cots, G.I.

Open implement shed and 2 bay Dutch barn away from the homestead. The land is in several enclosures of Pasture, Arable and some Wood and having a total of 55 acres in one block having frontage to the old Abergavenny-Pontypool and other hard roads.

The whole occupies a delightful position with commanding views over the Vale of Usk.

To be sold at the Three Salmons Hotel on Monday 5^th May at 2.30pm 1947.

Sold subject to tithe of £4 16s to Mr Evans Mamhilad for £1,600 plus tenant’s right to £130. A small landslide had taken away part of the approach road.

May 24^th 1947

Gipsy’s Theft

Two Race, (Pontypool) caravan dwellers went into the country with their horse and cart to collect scrap. They “collected” 2 car batteries worth 10/- from Joseph Edwin Edgar of Goytre.

At Pontypool on Saturday 21 year old Stanley Williams plead guilty to stealing them and was fined £1. His partner Job Smith aged 16 denied all knowledge of the theft and the case against him was dismissed.

Honora Wyman, wife of Alfred scrap dealer said she paid Williams 10/- for the batteries.

P C Jenkins said that when interviewed Williams admitted the theft and absolved Smith from being implemented.

July 25^th 1947

Farmer for Trial on car deal Fraud Charges

When James John Goldsmith, 38 year old Goytrey farmer was charged at Pontypool on Saturday with obtaining £550 by false pretences in a motor car deal, it was stated that the car, which had changed hands at least nine times had been bought for £385 by Victor Russell Hewlett James, a Caerleon publicity agent in November 1945 was bought for £550 by Reginald Norman Hills a Birmingham engineer in April 1947.

The car was a 1936 12hp SS Jaguar and before its transfer to Hills, Goldsmith, it was alleged altered the dates in the registration book in order to sell it as a 1937.

Mr W K G Thurnall, prosecuted, evidence of the alteration was given by James and Alexander Stone, controller and licensing officer to Worcester County Council, disclosed that the book was a continuation document and that the registration book had been lost.

Wanted Reduction

Hills said that Goldsmith told him the car was a 1937 model. He did not examine the registration book until the next day after the deal was closed and when the authorities confirmed that the car was manufactured in 1936 he wrote to Goldsmith seeking a revision of the price. “I don’t think I would have paid £550 for it had I known it was a 1936 make he added.”

Cross-examined by Mr D P Tomlin (Everett & Tomlin) who defended, Hills agreed that in view of the laying up of many cars over various periods’ condition and mileage were of more importance than the date of manufacture.

Denied Alteration

In alleged statement to PC K Jenkins Little Mill, Goldsmith denied altering the dates and telling Hills the car was made in 1937. From the time he bought the car to the time he sold it he never took the registration book out of its envelope.

“If James is certain the book was in order when he gave it me, Hills must have made the alteration to try and get some of his money back,” one statement read.

Goldsmith who pleaded not guilty was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions. He reserved his defence and was allowed bail.

(On the 10^th October James Goldsmith of Ty Llwyd Goytrey was found not guilty and all charges against him were dismissed.)

July 25^th

Smallholding well situated against the parish road forming an excellent well secured investment and residence for occupation and known as;

Belle Vue Goytrey, comprising a substantial (built 1921) dressed stone small residence, with slate roof, and front and west side rough cast, containing sitting room, dining room, kitchen, dairy, ground floor and four bedrooms first floor.

Detached brick and slate wash house at rear and shed covering. Engine pump and well, outside W.C.

Pleasant lawn with ornamental trees, small kitchen garden and young orchard, together with 27 acres of productive sweet pasture and arable land, farm buildings etc., now let to Mr J A Walton on an annual tenancy at £65 per annum Candlemas and including stone and tiled barn converted into concrete floored cow stalls to tie 10 and mixing room, 3 GI loose boxes, 3 bay GI span roof hay barn side sheeted, 2 excellent stone and slate pig cots.

Rennie, Taylor & Till to sell by auction on behalf of the executors of the late Mr Thomas Whitney at The Greyhound Hotel Abergavenny Tuesday next August 5^th 1947 at 2.30pm.

September 26^th 1947

Parish of Goytrey – 7 miles to Abergavenny and 4 to Pontypool

Sale with vacant possession of 2 attractive freehold cottages, both in excellent state of repair, conveniently situated against parish roads and short distance from main road bus service- viz;

Lot 1 – The Walnut Tree, containing 2 bedroom, sitting room and living room on first floor over large store room 42’x12’; easily converted into living accommodation, pretty garden etc.

Rich pasture field of 1^1/2 acres, a 2 bay hay barn, and cowsheds to tie 12.

(Sold to Mr Francis Chappell of Henllys for £1000)

Lot 2 – Ivy Cottage

A neat well kept 4 roomed dwelling together with pantry and stores, garden etc; situated adjoining both lots and 2 and capable of being considerably improved.

By Auction; Rennie, Taylor and Till, Clarence Hotel, Pontypool, Thursday October 9^th 1947 at 7pm

(Sold to Mr W Phillips for £660)

Ten acres of rough grazing land was sold to Mr A J Ball of Mamhilad for £340)

November 14^th

Collided With Stationary Car: Fined £10

Police tests carried out on the wiring of a damaged car decided the issue at Pontypool Magistrates Court on Saturday, when Sidney James Walton, (42) a farmer and commercial traveller of Walnut Tree Mamhilad was charged with driving without due car and attention and with reasonable consideration for other road users.

The case was a sequel to a smash at the top of Pentwyn Pitch at 11pm on October 2^nd when Walton’s car ran into the back of another car which had broken down and which was jacked up on the side of the road.

Walton, who was represented by Mr D P Tomlin (Everett & Tomlin) pleaded not guilty. Mr W K Thurnall prosecuted.

Thomas James Drinkwater, 1, Old Fire Street, Clarence Corner Pontypool said he was driving towards Pontypool, when, near the top of Pontypool his rear wheel became punctured, 120 yards beyond a bend in the road and jacked the car up. His father had set off to get a new inner tube while witness and his wife sat down on the grass verge to wait. The rear lights and two side lights were on.

50 Miles an Hour

Presently a car came from the direction of Abergavenny at a speed he would estimate to be 50 mph and it seemed to be swaying s though the driver was uncertain. It crashed straight into the back of his car, knocking it across to the other side of the road.

Cross-examined he said the light system of his car had been over-hauled a week before. Mrs Doris Irene Drinkwater, his wife said she looked up suddenly and saw a car coming straight for them. She said “look out” and she and her husband just got out of the way before it crashed into the back of their car.

Thomas John Drinkwater, 26, Lower Bridge Street, Pontypool, the owner of the car said the lights on it were in perfect working order, the damaged was assessed at £80.

P.C. Kenneth Jenkins said that when he got to the scene of the smash Walton told him “I hit that car,” it had no lights. Witness found that the rear bulb was smashed, but when he made a connection between the bulb socket and the body of the car sparks were given off, that proved that the system was in order. Walton said he had dimmed his lights because there was traffic coming towards him and before he knew it had collided with the back of the stationary car. The steering shattered. Walton’s car was broken; he had sustained cuts on the face. It was a moonlight night.

Defendant’s Story

Walton told the court he was driving at no more than 30mph. He dipped his lights as he rounded the bend because a bus and several cars were coming in the opposite direction and then next thing he knew was a grey bulk like a patch of fog loomed up before him and there was a crash. The steering wheel was drawn up under his chest and he had cuts on the face. There was no light on the stationary car. He denied that P.C. Jenkins examined the light circuit of the other car while he was present. Other events to the effect that Walton’s car was travelling at normal speed and that there was no lights on the stationary car was given by George Simms, 9, Clarence Place, Pontypool: William Henry Hillier, 1 Channel View, Penygarn, Pontypool and Miss Jean Williams, 28 Harpers Road, Garndiffaith, all passengers in Walton’s car.

After a retirement the Magistrate found Walton guilty on the first charge and dismissed the second.

He was fined £10 and his license was suspended for three months. He was stated to have been fined 40/- in April this year for driving without reasonable consideration for other users of the road.

December 12^th 1947

Goytrey Woman’s Suicide: A Sad Story

Afraid of having to enter a mental home Mrs Harriett Morris left her sleeping husband in the early morning, waked 300 yards from her home to the canal in her nightdress and threw herself from the bridge.

“Suicide whilst in a state of mental instability” was the verdict recorded at the inquest at Pontypool on Saturday by Mr D J treasure.

Mrs Morris 58, married woman with no children lived at Vine Tree Goytrey.

Dr J B Fitzsimons said he had been treating Mrs Morris for the past three years for nervous debility. When he saw her at home on December 1^st she was depressed and hysterical. She told him that she was very ill – her nerves were bad – and that she was not going to get any better. He discussed various possibilities with her and she seemed to become pacified; she showed no suicidal tendencies. He then suggested she should go to Abergavenny Hospital as a voluntary patient and she replied that she should take a little time to consider it.

Mr Morris told him the following morning that his wife had not made up her mind. When the Doctor saw her on the following Wednesday she said she was willing to go to the institution. On Thursday we went to Griffithstown mortuary and saw her body. Death was due to drowning.

The Coroner: were you surprised? – “There was always that possibility.”

“Couldn’t Stand Living”

Edwin John Morris said that up to two years ago his wife had been quite normal. She showed signs of developing nervous trouble after nursing her mother, who died after a year’s illness during which she was bedridden. Last summer her health seemed to improve but in the winter she again became depressed. She told him she could not carry on and that “she had to go as she couldn’t stand living any longer.” She ha d never tried to harm herself.

On the night before the tragedy she became very strange and would not speak. When the doctor called he told Mr Morris that she should go into a mental home as there was nothing more that he could do. His wife overheard the conversation and she refused to go. The next day said Mr Morris he intended to arrange for her to go but he did not mention the subject to her again and they went to bed.

“She Has Done It”

In the morning he found his wife was not in bed. After looking for her in vain in the house he went towards the canal. His niece went ahead to look for Mrs Morris. A few minutes later she returned to say, “She has done it; she is in the canal.” He saw her in the canal near Parc-y-brain Bridge, on the Pontypool side. She was in her nightdress. People were getting her out.

Mr Morris in reply to the Coroner attributed the tragedy to his wife’s nerves. She had to give her mother constant attention during her illness and was unable to get help.

The Coroner: it was enough to break down the strongest constitution.

Miss (should be Mrs) Esmeralda May Lewis of the Castle Goytrey said she reached the canal in time to see Cliff James trying to bring her aunt to the bank.

Lying Near Bank

Ivor Jenkin, The Knoll, Goytrey, said he was driving his van along the road leading to the Goytrey Arms when Miss Lewis said “auntie has done it; she is in the canal.” He ran to the canal and sw the body, which was lying in shallow water three feet from the bank. He helped James and Arthur Howells to get to the bank; she was already dead.

P.C. Kenneth Jenkins Little Mill told the Coroner that Mrs Morris might have reached the canal from her house by walking across fields or along the grass verge of the road. It was unlikely that she had walked along the rod itself, as it had a flinty surface and no marks were found on the soles of her feet. The canal bridge was about 200 to 300 yards from her house.

Jumped From Bridge

The constable said he formed the opinion from the position of the body that Mrs Morris jumped ten feet from the hump-backed bridge into the canal.

The Coroner said he was satisfied that Mrs Morris was not in a normal state. If her husband had been able to get her to agree to go to a mental institution she might have recovered. The fear of what was going to happen to her caused her to commit suicide. She did that rather than become an inmate of a mental institution.

The funeral on Sunday at Goytrey Church was conducted by Cano L.G. Morgan, rector, Mr C. Meyrick presiding at the organ. Mrs Morris was a member of the Church for many years.

12th December

Must Vacate Cottage

A chauffer-gardener who had been employed by Mrs Lesley Byrde of Goytre House for over 12 years and had recently been sacked for being “disagreeable and insolent,” was ordered by Pontypool magistrates to vacate his cottage on the estate to make room for his successor.

Mr Raymond Watkins (Watkins & Co.) represented Mrs Byrde and Mr Emrys Chivers (Mr D Granville West MP) was for Thomas Howard the occupier of the cottage.

Mrs Byrde stated Howard was engaged by her husband who had since died in 1935 and he moved into the cottage in January 1938.

Mr Chivers: How many persons are living in your house? – Myself and a companion.

It is a sixteen roomed house and has 8 bedrooms, could not Howard’s successor live in Goytre house?

There is ample room. One of the conditions of his employment is that he shall have a cottage.

Mr Watkins made the point that the man’s occupancy to the cottage was on a service tenancy and Mrs Byrde was entitled to possession.

Mr Chivers contended that Howard’s contract of service had nothing to do with the cottage and the terms of the contract had not been altered since 1935.

The relationship between Mrs Byrde and Mr Howard was that of landlord and tenant and he was entitled to the protection of the Rents Restriction Act which meant that Mrs Byrde would be obliged to find him other accommodation.

After a long retirement the magistrates of whom Mr F H Davies was chairman found that both parties recognised that the tenancy of the cottage was a consequence of service with Mr Byrde.

There would be an order for possession in 28 days.