News Of The Day
Rhandirmwyn - Mr David R. Davies, Dugoedydd
SAD DEATH – Particulars are just to hand by the West African mail of the death of Mr David R. Davies of Ty Goedydd, near Llandovery at Madeira on the 27th January under the most harrowing circumstances. About three years ago Mr Davies went to South Africa in search of health and settled down in Cranstadt, Orange Free State where he appears to have done very well in business.
His health, however, again broke down last year and he decided to return home, sailing by the “Tantallon Castle” from Cape about the middle of last month. After getting on board dysentery set in and at Madeira the poor fellow begged piteously to be put ashore, having the greatest horror of being buried at sea. The first hotel proprietor appealed to refused to have the care of a dying man, but fortunately, Mr E. E. Jones of the Bella Vista Hotel consented, and Davies in the most extreme weakness was lowered in a basket over the side of the “Tantallon Castle” and got to the hotel. Davies was fortunate in having as a fellow-passenger Mrs Powell of the Castle Colliery, Johannesburg, who was calling at Madeira and she as well as Mr Lewis Edwards of Cardiff showed the sick man every kindness, but he only survived till Monday January 27th . The funeral took place next day at the pretty English Cemetery with every respect, and consequently the British Consulate took charge of deceased’s effects.
Carmarthen Journal 14th February 1896
Note. Dugoedydd is a farm located between Rhandirmwyn and Cilycwm.
Tantallon Castle SS was a British Passenger/Cargo Vessel of 5,636 tons built in 1894 by Farfiled, Govan for James B.Smith, London. In 1896 she was purchased by Castle Mail Packets Company and in 1900 by Union-Castle Mail SS Co., London. On the 7th May 1901 she ran aground in fog on Robben Island, South Africa and sank.
His health, however, again broke down last year and he decided to return home, sailing by the “Tantallon Castle” from Cape about the middle of last month. After getting on board dysentery set in and at Madeira the poor fellow begged piteously to be put ashore, having the greatest horror of being buried at sea. The first hotel proprietor appealed to refused to have the care of a dying man, but fortunately, Mr E. E. Jones of the Bella Vista Hotel consented, and Davies in the most extreme weakness was lowered in a basket over the side of the “Tantallon Castle” and got to the hotel. Davies was fortunate in having as a fellow-passenger Mrs Powell of the Castle Colliery, Johannesburg, who was calling at Madeira and she as well as Mr Lewis Edwards of Cardiff showed the sick man every kindness, but he only survived till Monday January 27th . The funeral took place next day at the pretty English Cemetery with every respect, and consequently the British Consulate took charge of deceased’s effects.
Carmarthen Journal 14th February 1896
Note. Dugoedydd is a farm located between Rhandirmwyn and Cilycwm.
Tantallon Castle SS was a British Passenger/Cargo Vessel of 5,636 tons built in 1894 by Farfiled, Govan for James B.Smith, London. In 1896 she was purchased by Castle Mail Packets Company and in 1900 by Union-Castle Mail SS Co., London. On the 7th May 1901 she ran aground in fog on Robben Island, South Africa and sank.
Cricket 1930's
On Tuesday 14th inst. An interesting match was played on the local recreation ground, against a team from Cynghordy captained by Mr. A. G. Jones, schoolmaster. The match resulted in a victory for Rhandirmwyn by 45 runs.
Scores:- Rhandirmwyn : T. Thomas, c J. Davies, b H. Lewis, 16; G. Walters, b R. Davies, 6;
J. Keverne, run out 10; W. B. Jones, b A. G. Jones, 15; D. J. Walters, b R. Davies, 5; T. Bowen, b R. Davies 0; H. Brighton, run out, 4; J. Nile, not out, 1; D. E. Jones, run out 2;
T. L. Bettinson, b A. G. Jones, 1; L. Nile, lbw, b A. G. Jones, 0; extras 10; total, 69
Cynghordy : E. Jones, c and b J. Nile, 1; H. Parry, b W. B. Jones 0; H. Lewis, b W. B. Jones 1: G. R. Davies, b J. Nile, 10; Eric Jones, b J. Nile, 0; G. Davies, b W. B. Jones, 0;
V. Thomas, b J. Nile, 4; W. J. Davies, b W. B. Jones 1; C. Franklin, b W. B. Jones, 0;
W. Watson, not out 1; total, 24.
On Thursday, 16th inst., the annual cricket “Derby” between Mr. Roberts’ (Llandovery) XI and the local Sports Club took place. The visit of Mr. Roberts’
Team was eagerly awaited by local cricketers for he always brings a good town side along. This year again the local XI secured the “Ashes” in a close finish.
Scores:-- Rhandirmwyn: J. Nile, c T. Black b B. I. Jones 3;
I Thomas, c D.T. Davies, b B. Jones, 0; D. E. Jones, c E. Evans, b B. Jones, 1; T. Bowen, run out 2; W. B. Jones, c P. Jones, b B. Jones 13; H. Brighton, c Roberts b B. Jones, 3; L. Nile, lbw, b Roberts 4; J. Keverne, b B. Jones, 0; G. Walters, b B. Jones, 0; D. J. Walters, run out 2; J. A. Morgan, b B. Jones,
0; extras, 5; total, 33.
Llandovery XI : I. Phillips, c and b W. B. Jones, 8; D. T. Davies, b J. Nile, 18; E. Evans, run out, 0; T. Roberts, c I. Thomas, b W. B. Jones, 0; B. I. Jones, b W. B. Jones, 0; K. P. Jones, b W. B. Jones, 0; T. Black, c D. E. Jones, b W. B. Jones, 0; E. Jackson, c L. Nile, b J. Nile, 0;
G. Davies, not out, 0; D. Jenkins, b W. B. Jones, 0; E. O. Thomas, c Morgan, b W. B. Jones, 0;
Extras, 1; total, 27.
Bowling analysis: W. B. Jones took 7 for14, and J. Nile 2 for 12.
The local side has now won all the last three games played, and are playing at Cynghordy next week.
Carmarthen Journal 24th June 1932
Note: W. B. Jones was the headmaster of Rhandirmwyn School; J. Nile was Joe Nile, manager of the Nantymwyn lead mine; T. Bowen – Towy Bowen, Pwllpriddog Farm; H. Brighton – Harold Brighton, Pannau Street (would appreciate any information about him. His wife Margaret was the school cleaner for a period. They both ended up in the homes in Ffairfach, Llandeilo formerly called the workhouse); G. Walters – Glyn Walters, 4 Nantymwyn Terrace, - later Penrhiwfach and
D. J. Walters was possibly one of his brothers; J. A. Morgan, - Johnny Anderson Morgan, Dinasbach; D. E. Jones was David Evan Jones, 2 Pannau Street and later 6 Nantymwyn Terrace, known locally as Dai Graig; J. Keverne – no other details; I. Thomas – possibly Isaac Thomas, Nantgwyn; C. Franklyn – Charles Franklyn, Foreman Nantymwyn Mine residing in Nantymwyn;
Mr. Roberts, Llandovery was Mr Eddie Roberts, Crown Stores, Llandovery and his son Tom was one of the cricketers later Dr. Tom. Roberts.
I recollect Mr Towy Bowen relating this match many years later as Llandovery were 26 for no wicket and were heading for an easy victory, in fact some of their players had gone home hence the fact that their tail end batsman was E. O. Thomas who was a local man Mr Osborn Thomas, Pannau. He had obviously been drafted in to complete the line up but probably under strict instructions not to score. He appears to have had a very creditable 0.
Alun Jones
Scores:- Rhandirmwyn : T. Thomas, c J. Davies, b H. Lewis, 16; G. Walters, b R. Davies, 6;
J. Keverne, run out 10; W. B. Jones, b A. G. Jones, 15; D. J. Walters, b R. Davies, 5; T. Bowen, b R. Davies 0; H. Brighton, run out, 4; J. Nile, not out, 1; D. E. Jones, run out 2;
T. L. Bettinson, b A. G. Jones, 1; L. Nile, lbw, b A. G. Jones, 0; extras 10; total, 69
Cynghordy : E. Jones, c and b J. Nile, 1; H. Parry, b W. B. Jones 0; H. Lewis, b W. B. Jones 1: G. R. Davies, b J. Nile, 10; Eric Jones, b J. Nile, 0; G. Davies, b W. B. Jones, 0;
V. Thomas, b J. Nile, 4; W. J. Davies, b W. B. Jones 1; C. Franklin, b W. B. Jones, 0;
W. Watson, not out 1; total, 24.
On Thursday, 16th inst., the annual cricket “Derby” between Mr. Roberts’ (Llandovery) XI and the local Sports Club took place. The visit of Mr. Roberts’
Team was eagerly awaited by local cricketers for he always brings a good town side along. This year again the local XI secured the “Ashes” in a close finish.
Scores:-- Rhandirmwyn: J. Nile, c T. Black b B. I. Jones 3;
I Thomas, c D.T. Davies, b B. Jones, 0; D. E. Jones, c E. Evans, b B. Jones, 1; T. Bowen, run out 2; W. B. Jones, c P. Jones, b B. Jones 13; H. Brighton, c Roberts b B. Jones, 3; L. Nile, lbw, b Roberts 4; J. Keverne, b B. Jones, 0; G. Walters, b B. Jones, 0; D. J. Walters, run out 2; J. A. Morgan, b B. Jones,
0; extras, 5; total, 33.
Llandovery XI : I. Phillips, c and b W. B. Jones, 8; D. T. Davies, b J. Nile, 18; E. Evans, run out, 0; T. Roberts, c I. Thomas, b W. B. Jones, 0; B. I. Jones, b W. B. Jones, 0; K. P. Jones, b W. B. Jones, 0; T. Black, c D. E. Jones, b W. B. Jones, 0; E. Jackson, c L. Nile, b J. Nile, 0;
G. Davies, not out, 0; D. Jenkins, b W. B. Jones, 0; E. O. Thomas, c Morgan, b W. B. Jones, 0;
Extras, 1; total, 27.
Bowling analysis: W. B. Jones took 7 for14, and J. Nile 2 for 12.
The local side has now won all the last three games played, and are playing at Cynghordy next week.
Carmarthen Journal 24th June 1932
Note: W. B. Jones was the headmaster of Rhandirmwyn School; J. Nile was Joe Nile, manager of the Nantymwyn lead mine; T. Bowen – Towy Bowen, Pwllpriddog Farm; H. Brighton – Harold Brighton, Pannau Street (would appreciate any information about him. His wife Margaret was the school cleaner for a period. They both ended up in the homes in Ffairfach, Llandeilo formerly called the workhouse); G. Walters – Glyn Walters, 4 Nantymwyn Terrace, - later Penrhiwfach and
D. J. Walters was possibly one of his brothers; J. A. Morgan, - Johnny Anderson Morgan, Dinasbach; D. E. Jones was David Evan Jones, 2 Pannau Street and later 6 Nantymwyn Terrace, known locally as Dai Graig; J. Keverne – no other details; I. Thomas – possibly Isaac Thomas, Nantgwyn; C. Franklyn – Charles Franklyn, Foreman Nantymwyn Mine residing in Nantymwyn;
Mr. Roberts, Llandovery was Mr Eddie Roberts, Crown Stores, Llandovery and his son Tom was one of the cricketers later Dr. Tom. Roberts.
I recollect Mr Towy Bowen relating this match many years later as Llandovery were 26 for no wicket and were heading for an easy victory, in fact some of their players had gone home hence the fact that their tail end batsman was E. O. Thomas who was a local man Mr Osborn Thomas, Pannau. He had obviously been drafted in to complete the line up but probably under strict instructions not to score. He appears to have had a very creditable 0.
Alun Jones
Salem Eisteddfod 1932
The annual Eisteddfod under the auspices of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, has just been held and turned out to be the greatest success since its origin. National winners were among the competitors, and the contests were very keen. The chairman of the committee was Mr Henry Thomas, Maesmeddygon; the secretary Mr Gwilym Richards, Stores, and the treasurer Mr. John Williams, Gelly. Through unavoidable circumstances Mr D. J. Thomas, Grove Hill, Golden Grove, the appointed chairman of the eisteddfod was unable to be present. He sent a handsome cheque. The adjudicators were:- Music, Mr Dunn Williams, Carmarthen; Literature, the Rev. Deri Morgan (Defynnog); accompanist Mr. Gwilym Thomas, Porthyrhyd. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Thomas Wynne, B.A. who also conducted in conjunction with the eisteddfod conductor, Deri. The awards were as follows:- Singing, for children under 9 ; 1. Eileen Jones, Caio ; 2. divided between Mair Thomas, Nantgwyn, and Blodwen Williams, Troedrhiwhir. Recitation for children under 9; 1. Blodwen Williams; 2. Mair Thomas. Solo, for children under 12; 1. Trevor Harries, Perthyduon; 2. Johnny Franklin, Nantymwyn. Recitation, for children under under 12; Isaac Thomas, Frongoch; 2. divided between Betty Evans, Gwynfaes and Blodwen Williams. Solo, under 15; 1. Bet Jones, Ystradffin; 2. Johnny Franklin. Recitation under 16; Isaac Thomas. Novice solo; Maggie A. Morgan, Dinasbach. Chief recitation; Madame Gwen Vaughan, Llandybie. Baritone solo; Ben Jones, Pontlliw, Swansea. Soprano solo; Miss Richards, Myddfai. Champion solo; Ben Jones. Duet; Miss Decima Morgan, Llandybie and Ben Jones. Quartette; William Harries party. Second choral; William Harries and party. Chief choral: Divided between Salem, Rhandirmwyn and Tynewydd, Cilycwm (conductors, Mr. Morgan James and Mr. E. Morgan). A donation was also received from Mr. Isaac Harries, Stone Street, Llandovery.
Carmarthen Journal 20th May 1932
Carmarthen Journal 20th May 1932
Social life at the beginning of 20th century
(Some recollections of Alice Harries, Erwrhwch)
Several societies flourished in the village at the beginning of the century. There were strong choral societies in Seion and Salem Chapels and eisteddfodau were held in Salem Chapel at the beginning of the year, either in January or February, when there was no heavy work on the farm. There was keen competition between the two choirs and sometimes the ‘devil of the singing’ would raise its ugly head. (Often the competition became so fierce that it would lead to arguments between the choirs and also their followers. Tension was often very high.)
The annual Eisteddfod under the auspices of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, has just been held and turned out to be the greatest success since its origin. National winners were among the competitors, and the contests were very keen. The chairman of the committee was Mr Henry Thomas, Maesmeddygon; the secretary Mr Gwilym Richards, Stores, and the treasurer Mr. John Williams, Gelly. Through unavoidable circumstances Mr D. J. Thomas, Grove Hill, Golden Grove, the appointed chairman of the eisteddfod was unable to be present. He sent a handsome cheque. The adjudicators were:- Music, Mr Dunn Williams, Carmarthen; Literature, the Rev. Deri Morgan (Defynnog); accompanist Mr. Gwilym Thomas, Porthyrhyd. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Thomas Wynne, B.A. who also conducted in conjunction with the eisteddfod conductor, Deri. The awards were as follows:- Singing, for children under 9 ; 1. Eileen Jones, Caio ; 2. divided between Mair Thomas, Nantgwyn, and Blodwen Williams, Troedrhiwhir. Recitation for children under 9; 1. Blodwen Williams; 2. Mair Thomas. Solo, for children under 12; 1. Trevor Harries, Perthyduon; 2. Johnny Franklin, Nantymwyn. Recitation, for children under under 12; Isaac Thomas, Frongoch; 2. divided between Betty Evans, Gwynfaes and Blodwen Williams. Solo, under 15; 1. Bet Jones, Ystradffin; 2. Johnny Franklin. Recitation under 16; Isaac Thomas. Novice solo; Maggie A. Morgan, Dinasbach. Chief recitation; Madame Gwen Vaughan, Llandybie. Baritone solo; Ben Jones, Pontlliw, Swansea. Soprano solo; Miss Richards, Myddfai. Champion solo; Ben Jones. Duet; Miss Decima Morgan, Llandybie and Ben Jones. Quartette; William Harries party. Second choral; William Harries and party. Chief choral: Divided between Salem, Rhandirmwyn and Tynewydd, Cilycwm (conductors, Mr. Morgan James and Mr. E. Morgan). A donation was also received from Mr. Isaac Harries, Stone Street, Llandovery.
Carmarthen Journal 20th May 1932
The Dramatic Society consisted of men only. They used to meet in the school and the producer was Mr. David Vincent Lewis, the Headmaster. It seems that the company did not last for very long.
Several societies flourished in the village at the beginning of the century. There were strong choral societies in Seion and Salem Chapels and eisteddfodau were held in Salem Chapel at the beginning of the year, either in January or February, when there was no heavy work on the farm. There was keen competition between the two choirs and sometimes the ‘devil of the singing’ would raise its ugly head. (Often the competition became so fierce that it would lead to arguments between the choirs and also their followers. Tension was often very high.)
The annual Eisteddfod under the auspices of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, has just been held and turned out to be the greatest success since its origin. National winners were among the competitors, and the contests were very keen. The chairman of the committee was Mr Henry Thomas, Maesmeddygon; the secretary Mr Gwilym Richards, Stores, and the treasurer Mr. John Williams, Gelly. Through unavoidable circumstances Mr D. J. Thomas, Grove Hill, Golden Grove, the appointed chairman of the eisteddfod was unable to be present. He sent a handsome cheque. The adjudicators were:- Music, Mr Dunn Williams, Carmarthen; Literature, the Rev. Deri Morgan (Defynnog); accompanist Mr. Gwilym Thomas, Porthyrhyd. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Thomas Wynne, B.A. who also conducted in conjunction with the eisteddfod conductor, Deri. The awards were as follows:- Singing, for children under 9 ; 1. Eileen Jones, Caio ; 2. divided between Mair Thomas, Nantgwyn, and Blodwen Williams, Troedrhiwhir. Recitation for children under 9; 1. Blodwen Williams; 2. Mair Thomas. Solo, for children under 12; 1. Trevor Harries, Perthyduon; 2. Johnny Franklin, Nantymwyn. Recitation, for children under under 12; Isaac Thomas, Frongoch; 2. divided between Betty Evans, Gwynfaes and Blodwen Williams. Solo, under 15; 1. Bet Jones, Ystradffin; 2. Johnny Franklin. Recitation under 16; Isaac Thomas. Novice solo; Maggie A. Morgan, Dinasbach. Chief recitation; Madame Gwen Vaughan, Llandybie. Baritone solo; Ben Jones, Pontlliw, Swansea. Soprano solo; Miss Richards, Myddfai. Champion solo; Ben Jones. Duet; Miss Decima Morgan, Llandybie and Ben Jones. Quartette; William Harries party. Second choral; William Harries and party. Chief choral: Divided between Salem, Rhandirmwyn and Tynewydd, Cilycwm (conductors, Mr. Morgan James and Mr. E. Morgan). A donation was also received from Mr. Isaac Harries, Stone Street, Llandovery.
Carmarthen Journal 20th May 1932
The Dramatic Society consisted of men only. They used to meet in the school and the producer was Mr. David Vincent Lewis, the Headmaster. It seems that the company did not last for very long.
There was a Sheep Dog Trials Society in being at the beginning of the century. Trials were held regularly from year to year on Broncwrt fields; later these trials were moved to Pwllpriddog.
Man fined for fire his gun at a wedding
On 17 July 1896 The Welshman reported on the following:
‘Thomas Thomas of Nantmwyn, Rhandirmwyn, was charged by P.C. Roberts of Cilycwm, with having unlawfully fired off a gun on the highway to the danger of persons travelling on the occasion of a wedding. Defendant admitted the offence and was fined £1 with costs’. [The firing of pistols at weddings was an established custom].
‘Thomas Thomas of Nantmwyn, Rhandirmwyn, was charged by P.C. Roberts of Cilycwm, with having unlawfully fired off a gun on the highway to the danger of persons travelling on the occasion of a wedding. Defendant admitted the offence and was fined £1 with costs’. [The firing of pistols at weddings was an established custom].
Birching for boy - Schoolboy stabs girl in Rhandirmwyn 1907
On 21 June 1907 The Welshman reported that David Davies, Cwmseithen, Cilycwm appeared at Llandovery Police Court charged with wounding Margaret Ann Thomas a young girl living at Tair Heol, Rhandirmwyn. The Court heard that while the defendant and several other children were returning home from school an argument arose which resulted in Margaret Ann Thomas receiving a nasty knife wound. Throughout the proceedings David Davies cried bitterly and clemency was asked for on account of the boy’s age and that he did not intend inflicting serious injury to his victim. The Bench bound the boy over under the First Offender’s Act, ordered the father to pay the cost, and requested him to give the boy ‘a birching when he got home’.
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