Afonwen

Summer Camp

At Sir Josiah Masons Orphanage in Birmingham where I was bought up from 8 - 16 years old we ran both Guide and Scout troops. During our senior years we went to camp at Abererch in the Summer holidays and this was an event that was anticipated with relish, months in advance by those entitled to go.
The camp always coincided with the village children's sports weekend which took place in the adjacent field and we were encouraged to participate. It's probably my age but I recall us always doing rather better than the local children, having said that its probably a selective memory!
The train journey was noisy and exciting, living under canvas and all that went with it was great fun, the visit to Butlins was a highlight, the beach and swimming in the sea was excellent and the sun ALWAYS shone - simple pleasures but happy days.
At our annual Old Masons Association Reunion, Summer camp is a topic that invariably arises with "Do you remember when....."Read more

I was fortunate enough to have spent a holiday at "Brynawelon", Criccieth in the mid 50's.  I stayed with my Aunt and Uncle who rented a cottage in the grounds.  My Aunt introduced me to Sosia {Soshia} who was the Polish housekeeper's daughter - we were inseparable.  We would slide down the highly polished wooden bannister in the main hallway, onto a lion skin, {I was horrified!}  We hopped and skipped and jumped the days away and all too soon it was time to say goodbye.  I remember our traumatic parting as if it was yesterday, my Aunt turned to my Mother and said "parting is such sweet sorrow". I often think of the delightful girl with the smile that would melt your heart, and wonder where she is and if she remembers me.   

Message to Lorna Enslin

Lorna, I saw your message and realised that you must have stayed in my Nain's cottage at Bryn Awelon. I was ther yesterday speaking to my Aunt who is trying to work out who you are. I remember Sosia too - she has recently returned to live in Criccieth as she has lost her husband. This is what my Aunt has heard I havn't made any more enquries yet. She believes she is living in her mothers house near Cadwaladers icecream parlour. My Nain was Mrs. Ellis and my Aunt is Catherine or Catrin or Cady she is known by all three titles.

Zosia

Just a short note to say that I also remember Zosia Starzecka... I worked with her in the bank in Pwllheli in the early 1970s and have not seen her since then. Maybe I'll call to see her in Criccieth soon?

Haul A Gwynt, Criccieth

Some months after I spent a holiday at Bryn Awelon, my aunt and uncle, Mary [Mamie] and John Herbertson, purchased their home, Haul a Gwynt, overlooking Criccieth Castle and Cardigan Bay. It was a delightful home, which can now be rented, and I noticed on the website that it is still beautifully maintained. My memories of this delightful home will stay with me forever. My brother and I used to disappear down to the beach every day, returning with jam jars full of tadpoles, taken from the little rock pools. We were often accompanied by Penri Jones??, son of Doris who lived in the house next door to my aunt. I wonder where Penri is today?. Black Rock Sands was another favourite, where we would park my Dad's old Somerset right on the beach. I'll never forget the smells, sights and sounds of this delightful place and plan to holiday once again at Haul a Gwynt and perhaps relive some of the unforgettable memories of more than 50 years ago.... Read more

Lorna, I have given my aunt your information to pass on to Sosia. My aunt saw her at Christmas, she will pass it on to her next time she calls on her. She is living in her mother's house near Cadwaladers ice cream parlour. Jean

Troed Yr Arllt

I went to this school in 1957 my teacher was Miss Jones she lived near Pwllheli she always wore a smock flowery pattern when she was teaching us she was lovely also i remember Wendy Shields