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The "remembered" section of this site (see links above)lists people who are particularly remembered by the author or others who may contribute from time to time. When available, biographical information and photographs are added. Contributions are welcomed. The other sections reference the year when emails were sent to me (John Pugh) by people who once lived in or in the vicinity of Barmouth. They are organized by the year in which the email was received.
| Name | Date of e-mail | Comments (linked) |
Peter Davies (Dec/2001) - Good to hear from Peter - remember the red guitar?
Hello John,
It's a long time since we have seen or heard from each other. Its your old mate Pete Davies!
I was talking to Vic Biddle and he gave me your email address. There is a school reunion
taking place at St. Davids Hotel in Harlech though I dont know the exact date yet - I'm sure
you have probably heard about it. Its great to be able to get in touch like this, let me
know if you are going to be able to make it over here because it would be nice to see you
after all this time.
Hi John,
This is Beryl Farricker (nee Williams). I used to live in Dyffryn - living in
Manchester now. I got your web side through my daughter who lives in London
and is working with a guy from Barmouth - small world ? I visit Barmouth every
weekend to visit my mother at "Llys Meirion" - Beryl
Hello John, My name is Jago Rushton. I just wanted to let you know how much I like the site.
John - very good to hear from you. I've looked at your Barmouth site
and found links to various old friends already - terrific! I remember Cliff
Probert and Davy Jones's Locker, and Nye Evans, and your link to the St
Peter's church site in Llanbedr brought up another old friend whom I hadn't
thought about for thirty years. Amazing.
Michael Kay (Nov/2001) - Michael played 'Oberon' in A Midsummer Night's Dream'(Ysgol Ardudwy)
I discovered your web site about a year ago and really enjoyed it, I think that
most people who have lived in the area are aware of the site. By the way, I think
that your recent photographs show that your son Mark is the spitting image of how
I remember you!
I didn't go to Barmouth primary, we used to live in Bontddu so I went to school
there. I had a choice of Dolgellau or Harlech after the 11+ and as my parents
worked in Barmouth I went to Harlech. My father, George was in partnership with
Cliff Probert in the early sixties and they started first a shop called Art Gifts
in Cambrian Street and then the Bwthyn Bermo pottery together with a shop opposite
what used to be Dr. May's surgery and next to the Cambrian Establishment (still
empty last time I visited). We'd moved to Glandwr by this time.
Although it's more than 30 years since I lived in Barmouth I still can't walk down
the street without people stopping to chat every few yards. It's a unique place
and I have this dream that maybe I'll return to live there one day.
Yes, I was in the school plays, the first one being Midsummer Nights Dream when I was
Oberon, I think you were Bottom! I was also in some of the plays at the Dragon theatre
that Eirlys directed though I haven't a clue what they were called.
The only person that I still keep in touch with occasionally from your year at
school is Shan Owen. She goes back to Barmouth quite a lot (and hasn't changed
at all!).
Good luck and best wishes, Michael Kay.
Victor and Lynne Biddle (Nov/2001) - Victor played in a band at a school concert!
John,
I see you remember the bubble car. Peter Davies is still
around. I will tell him I have made contact with you if
I bump into him. John Webb is a doctor at a practice in
Criccieth. John Foxwell has sold the shop and now has a
small farm top of Llanbedr. We have rented the Pub (Wayside Inn, Llanaber)out
so we are semi-retired for now. We have two kids Gavin -
works in London in the Movie buisness.Sara works in
Birmingham in private banking. Good to talk, Vic & Lynne
Paul Brown (Nov/2001) - Custard Slurper Extraordinaire!
John, What a great web page, a bit overwhelming from a memory point of view.
Every time I eat a custard tart, (which can be microwaved to correct temperature
and consistency for 'imminent slurping'), memories of those days from a different
time seem very close. I'm still in London, an architect and yes, an occasional guitarist
(mainly in the bedroom these days). I try to play keyboards
and have a basic cubase set-up on a Macintosh computer.
Happy New Year, Pete Davies
Up until a few years ago, I had lived in Barmouth all my life, (I'm now 27).
I played Football for Barmouth's 1st team and I lived a couple of houses
along from Panorama Hill. My Mother and Father still live there, as do most of my Father's side of the
family. I dont know if you know of them. (Heath and Sandra Rushton, my
Grandad's name was Syd Rushton, He was good friends with Cliff Probert). Kind Regards, Jago
I eventually married and have three boys, William 7, Alexander 6 and Christian 3.
You can imagine what a shock it is to see on ' Friends' how many grandparents
went to school with me - what happened to all the years?. My wife Ana who is
from Brazil and an architect before becoming a mum, loves to run (marathon type).
The boys love football and martial arts Will is brown belt judo and Alex blue,
both have started karate now and Christian starts jodo after Christmas. As a
result of all this activity I have taken up Judo again and apart from the pain
it feels like a real achievement to push back a few years. We are in Palm Springs every year to visit my aunt , so a short diversion is
not out of the question. I will obviously be up for any reunion. Keep in touch John and my please send my fondest regards to your family,
David Watson (Nov/2001) - A classmate from my Ysgol Ardudwy days!
I see that you are in touch with several old Ysgol Ardudwy (YA) people now including Maureen Ellis, with whom I seem to remember you having the most
extraordinary conversation with once in the sixth form!You must have done 'A' level physics with me with old Jackie Cartwright who kept a reign of
terror/hilarity in the class. I had the radio on the other day and
they played Mendelsohn's Midsummer Night's Dream which brought back memories of a production at YA in which I think you played Bottom the Weaver, or was
it Puck? Will you be able to come on the 20th April- it will be so weird to walk through the old school with old colleagues again.
I have spent most of my working life involved in secondary and further education in
the North Wales/ Merseyside area, either teaching or in college
administration.I have been married for 25 years and have two grown up children.I suppose my biggest adventure was going to darkest Africa some
years ago to try and recover some of my investments at a time when it was difficult to extract ones money from these places.There is a nice website on
Penrhyn now, rather on the lines of yours on Barmouth.Do you remember Hugh Roberts who I think was from Barmouth and in our year.
Best wishes, David Watson
Peter Rees (Nov/2001) - A friend and neighbour from my Ysgol Ardudwy days!
Janice and I live just outside Colchester in the village of Tiptree (famous for Strawberry Jam!) Our son Andrew (23) qualified as a
Mechanical Engineer last year and is working with a local firm who sponsored his last year in Uni.
I look forward to the chance of catching up with you at the re-union. Best wishes,
Peter
Alun Hughes (sbardun) (Nov/2001) - Good to hear from Ysgol Ardudwy friends
I remember all those names you mention so clearly - Pete Davies' parents
kept a hotel didn't they? What was it called?
There's so much to talk about - what about your story? And your family? Tell
me more!!!!
I've lived in Cardiff more or less since I left school, and I can't see us
moving now. Gwenno, my wife, is deputy head teacher in a school in Barry.
Oh, yes, and do you know who lives across the road? Our old Geography teacher
with his (youngest) son Iwan Morris - We often talk
about the old days, like a couple of good old boys!!!!!
Hey that's enough of my ranting, I hope we talk again soon,
Alun Hughes (Spardun)
Rhian Munford (Evans) (Nov/2001) - A friend from my Ysgol Ardudwy days!
John, Got your details from Margaret Jennings. You will hear from her soon, no
doubt. I think she is planning a reunion of our school year. I am living in the
Scottish Borders in Berwick-upon-Tweed with my husband and youngest son who will
shortly be off to France for a season's skiing. My eldest son is a senior
marketing manager with B.T. You can see what my husband does from the website:
http://www.nbn.org.uk
Margaret Jennings (Nov/2001) - Margaret is planning a re-union for 1960-1967 Ysgol Ardudwy
Hi John, I don't know whether you will remember me but I was known as
'Jennings'[Margaret] 30 years ago!!!!!! I am trying to arrange a reunion for all those who went to
Ardudwy. Sept.1960 - Sbardun contacted me 2 weeks ago and we both fancied the
idea so this week I have contacted-Watson;Bo Bo; KenP;Harry Edwards;Rhian
Evans,Pud- to name a few.Sbardun has contacted Bruin. Pat your cousin gave me
your email address and I hope you can help me to contact Josie Griffin
please?So far the chats over the phone and emails have been very rewarding
and I do hope that a reunion will be held at Harlech early next year .Fancy
attending???? I would love to hear from you John - your name has been mentioned a few
times this week. All the best for now, Mags
William Henry Owen (Oct/2001) - A fellow student bus conductor!
Just been told about your web site and realised when I opened it that I
worked with your father when I was at college. Bus conducting in those days
was very lucrative. Llew and Goronwy Morris both worked in the same period.
Of course their father worked with with Crosville. I left Ardudwy in 1963.
I also remember your grandfather after he retired and before then. Something
tells me that he was related to my father. My father had a Pugh in his name.
We lived in Dyffryn. John (Hendreclochydd) told me about your web site and
I am very impressed. I work in BBC Information Wales and have access to the
computer all day long! I thought you might be interested to know that somebody
somewhere had appreciated your work.
Regards
William Henry Owen
Ardudwy 1956 - 1963
John Jones (Sept/2001) - Always nice to hear from people who knew my family.
Hello John Pugh,
My grandfather, Sam Jones, grew up in Ty Gwyn on the
quay – through him my family roots in Barmouth go back
a couple of hundred years. He and my grandmother used
to live in “Old Barmouth” – in Meon Cottage and in
Greenbank – before they moved into 11 Marine Road. My
grandmother took in sewing for many Barmouth folk, and
because she’d been trained as a baker and confectioner
she used to makes cakes for people… At Christmas time
I remember dozens of people dropping off the
ingredients for “mince pies”… She’d start baking them
by the score at the beginning of December and Tony and
I would deliver them all over town.
I’m a frequent visitor to Barmouth – more so in the
last years since my father took ill and since my
mother has been widowed.
My generation at Ysgol Ardudwy – from 1967 to 1974,
include Michael Tyson (who went to live in South
Africa) Ann Slater, Nerys Griffith, Carys Williams
(Min y Mor),
Chris Jones (whose parents had the pet shop) Richard
Williams (whose dad had been the bar man at the RAOB
club), Neil Brading (whose parents ran the Harlequin
Restaurant by the Pavilion cinema), Anita Jones,
Elizabeth Nolan, Michael Evans, the Lismore twins,
Steven Morris (his dad worked in the Manweb show
room)… I’m not in touch with any of these people now,
but I still hear snippets of news about them from time
to time.
I think that’s about enough for now.
Best wishes,
John Sam Jones
Barbara Landkauf (Sept/2001) - Barbara arrived in Barmouth as I was leaving for Cardiff.
Thanks for writing Barbara!
Hello John, Anne and Ifan Jones (Sept/2001) - Ifan sent this message, one of the
few I have received in welsh (translation provided)
Annwyl John,
Newydd fod yn darllen rhan o dy waith - gwych!!
Fe oedd lluniau o'r tren stem yn dod ac atgofion yn ol pan yr oeddwn ni yn
teithio i Ysgol Ardudwy o'r gogledd. Wyt ti'n cofio y "carrages"
lle nad
oedd corridor, llefydd gwych i wneud dryga!!
Ychydig y meddyliais y byddwn yn ol yn Ardudwy mewn byr amser fel athro ac
yn aros yno am 30 mlynedd, a dod i adnobod Pop, Huw John Hughes, Green,
Jacky Cartwright ac yn ymlaen fel cyd weithwyr nid fel athrawon oed yn arfer
!!!****.
Rhaid dod i derfyn nawr,
Diolch unwaith eto,
Ifan
Translation:
" The pictures of the Steam Train brought back memories from when I used to travel
to Ysgol Ardudwy from the north. Do you remember the "Carriages" where
there
Pam Blue (Sept/2001) - Pam was another past resident of Barmouth
Hi John,
Found your website quite by
accident and found it fascinating!
I lived in Barmouth from 1951
until 1957 when my parents moved to Swansea. I'm a Morris from Abermaw
Terrace, eldest grandchild of 'Fan' and Lulu Morris of Brynawelon. My Dad is Cyril Morris, Cambrian Coast
League ref in the 50's and M.A.N.W.E.B. employee. We left Barmouth before I would have gone to Ysgol
Ardudwy which was a shame because I always wanted to go to school on the train! Fond memories of Barmouth Primary
though and especially W D Williams, Miss Jones Bontddu, Mrs Jones Roseneath and my 'Auntie' Millie who was
Headmistress at that time. Does anyone remember how she
used to clang her hand bell in perfect time as we all marched in? So many
memories!!
We lived in 31 Heol-y-Llan
and I always played in Daley's woods and in the 'buildings' when the new flats
were being built at the back of Heol-y-Llan
facing the prom!
If any of my school friends are
Peter Holcroft (Aug/2001) - I remember Peter from my school days and he was kind enough to write
Good evening John I have just stumbled on your web page by accident. I too was born in the maternity home in the main street - a couple of years after you (they still haven't put the blue plaque up though). I lived in Barmouth until about 1977, but still visit several times a year. I lived in Ty Mynach (almost across the road from the Tir Craig Castle), later moving to 'Y Bryn' near St Johns Church. My father was the Cambrian News reporter (Merlin) for many years. I too have fond memories of WD Williams, 'Pop' Evans and the many other excellent staff members at both Barmouth Primary and Ysgol Ardudwy. Do you remember 'Miss Owen' (actually Mrs Jones Bryn Peris)?. Her husband was a conductor with Crosville. I met her again only a couple of years ago. She still looks as young, and is still as alert as she ever was. I can still remember all the teachers from Barmouth Primary mentioned on your page - and lets not forget Mr Hughes and 'Peanose' Parry.
Even though I did not exactly excel academically at the time, I still consider myself fortunate to have attended those two schools - great people and great days! It makes me sad to see Barmouth now. Gone are the 'Ozzie' Powells, Potters, Formstone and Joneses, Stredders, Catherwoods and 'Will Cash and Carrys' (to name but a few) of our youth - and the town is poorer place without them. I walk down the main street now without recognising anybody. It was a great place to grow up. I struggled up to the Peak recently. The path from Mynach Road up past Elephant Rock is now entirely in woodland right up to the base of the Peak itself. The only school friends that I am still in regular contact with are the Hunters from Llys Mynach. John now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. If you are ever up visiting your parents please let me know and we can meet for a pint. Regards to all who read this and may remember me. My Email address is peterjholcroft@cwcom.net Peter Holcroft
David Robinson (April/2001) - Another past resident from the 60's
Hi John,
I stumbled over your Barmouth Website over the weekend and thought I'd drop
you a brief note. I lived in Barmouth from my date of birth in 1964 until
1984 when I left to seek my fortune !! Needless to say I am still seeking.
I was brought up at 50 Heol-y-Llan the younger son of Peter and Beryl
Robinson. My Father was a Chartered Accountant who had Offices above
Barclays Bank and then virtually opposite Finch's sweetshop, the name of the
street escapes me.
Virtually throughout my childhood and teens I was known as "Dipper"
but that
nickname went with my teenage years. My elder brother is Michael who is
about 10 years my senior. He was known as "Ted" through the 60's
and
probably mid 70's.
I attended Ysgol Ardudwy from 1976 to 1981 and then a further year at Coleg
Merionydd before starting work for Customs & Excise in 1982. I am still
employed by the said Department and also have a small Football Programme
business which I run from our home hear in Poynton, Cheshire.
Well I can't think of anything else to write at the moment so I will close
by wishing you all the best in life and with your fine website.
Best Wishes,
David Robinson
Peter Thompson (Feb/2001) - Peter adds some historical data - thanks!
I remember we exchanged messages, probably a few years ago, about the history of Barmouth - or at least some aspects of it. I haven't looked at your site for some while but it came up on a search recently. I just thought you might like to correct the date for the construction of the bridge which was 1867. Also, the original structure had a drawbridge, where a section of the bridge was winched back onto the northern side of the bridge. This was before the swing bridge was inserted in 1901.
Regarding Ty Gwyn. It is indeed the oldest
known historic building in the town and one of the oldest in the region. It
dates from some time in the 1460's and was built by Gruffudd Vaughan of Cors y
Gedol in Dyffryn Ardudwy, it is said as a safe house to meet supporters of the
future Henry VII. There are, of course two ways of looking at its change of
use into a cafe and haven for the youngsters of Barmouth (and how such a
facility is needed today!). If there was a bit of a fuss then (when exactly?)
there is barely a whimper at the continued erosion of the towns' historic
fabric. I remember talking to Lewis Lloyd a few years ago and he felt the same
way in that if we don't demonstrate that we care for our past all signs of it
will be gone.
You might be interested to learn that some £130,000
is to be spent shortly on improving the Quay - I wonder if it will have the
same qualities that you so rightly portray in your website after the work has
finished - lets hope so.
I am just putting together a website on
Barmouth's Heritage and surrounds and there will be another site launched soon
by the Publicity Association as a tourist info site so the town is going
to get a bit more publicity.
Keep up the good work
Regards,
Peter Thompson
Gwilym Williams (Jan/2001) - Nice to hear from Gwilym. I remember the
Mermaid very well!
Hello, I don't know if you remember me. My name is
Gwilym Williams and I used to live in Barmouth about 7 years ago. Nice site you
have built here. I see that 'Predure' has sent an email to you. I remember him when I
was a young lad but have not seen him for many years now. I used to work in the
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