Memories of Borth

Holidays in Borth

I was born in 1948 in Wolverhampton, and my parents bought a caravan at Aberleri farm, Ynyslas. I was lucky enough to spend all my school holidays, apart from Christmas, at the caravan. Our first caravan was a gypsy style, quite a collector's item now. The 6 weeks in the summer was the best, and l used to pester the life out of Emlyn the donkey man to let me help him with the donkeys. I still have a week at Borth in the summer even though l live in Devon. If it wasn't for my husband, l would be living there right now!

Fond memories

I first visited Borth as a toddler in the early 60's, with my Uncle Dai from Machynlleth. I used to visit him and his wife to stay with them for holidays. As he had worked the railways he used to take me from Mach to Borth on the train and would sit on the bench, watching while I played on the sand. Uncle Dai bought me my very first penknife in Borth, and taught me how to whittle! Other members of my family eventually moved to Borth (Upper Cliff Road) quite some time ago - unfortunatley they have now passed away, and are buried in St Matthews church yard. I loved, and still love, Mach and Borth. Only today, I have returned from a four day stay in Borth. I feel so at home there. One day I hope to have my own home in this lovely village so that I can walk on the beach when ever I want, and on the sand dunes at Ynyslas.

Borth-a sea born village

I was raised in Borth from 1952 until I went to sea in 1968 and it was still very much home and sanctuary at every opportunity until I moved to Australia in 1991.The second son of Aran and Eileen Morris of Bel-Air I remember well the many characters who bought their fruit and veg at our shop and the timeless conversations they used to share in the quieter winter months-no internet or mobile phones then!!! During childhood my memories are of carefree summer days on the beach and in the sea and exciting winter stormy seas battering the windows and thudding against the house.Since then my memories are tinged with sentimentality-the long run in on the train alongside the Dovey bringing home ever closer and the final,somewhat tearful glimpse of Borth headland as the outward train began my journey to foreign shores.Sadly my recent visits to Borth have made me realise that this unique sea born village is not timeless but I will be forever thankful that it has engraved itself upon my soul-that is indeed where fond memories should rest.