Cwmystradllyn

Borth Y Gest - Simply The Best

I'm privileged to be the first to leave a memory relating to Borth Y Gest. I first had a holiday there in 1964. The owner of the factory where my dad was director owned a lovely holiday home in an elevated position in Mersey Street. The house is called "Mirain" and has unrivalled views across the estuary to Harlech. We had at least one holiday a year there until 1978 when the house was sold. I've continued holidaying in the Portmadoc/Criccieth area every year since and feel like I know it as well as I do my home town. These days when we (my wife, son and I) go to the area we stay in a cottage in Criccieth but we always go to Borth Y Gest a few times each holiday. Mirain is still there and how I envy its owners! Is there a more idyllic place than Borth Y Gest anywhere on the planet? I think not.

My Mum Was Born in Borth Y Gest

My mum was born in Borth y Gest and went to school there too and eventually marry at the church on the harbour front in 1956. My Grandad continued living there with my Grandmother until he died in 1984. Every school holiday that I can remember was spent in Borth y Gest, having adventures in the woods, by the Avon bach, collecting bait and fishing, rock climbing the magnificent slate rocks, or making dens above Black Rock sands. My mum married in 1956 and I was born 1957 so I'd say that every year after 1957 was an adventure in that wonderful place.

My Ancestors Lived in Borth-Y-Gest

My Great Great Grandfather had a shipyard in Borth-y-Gest. I believe there were four shipbuilders there and he was one of these. His name was William Griffith and he lived in Glyn Terrace, Borth y Gest.

That branch of my family lived there for many years and my Grandmother - Catherine Mary Griffith was born there in 1876.

I have been to Borth-Y-Gest several times during for past few years and find it simply beautiful. I feel that I have a strong affinity there.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to go further back in my family history beyond William Griffith. If anyone out there can go further back, I would love to hear from them.

Evacuated to Borth Y Gest 1940/1

Hi there, my mum was evacuated early in the Second World War to Borth y Gest from New Ferry on The Wirral, with her sister, they stayed for 2 years or so at Wendon, a large modern flat roofed house, it was owned by a Mrs Drake, who to my mum was elderly then, mum was only 7 at the time. Mrs Drake had a maid and a cook. Mum remembers those years very fondly and has wonderful memories there. She went to the local school and Mrs Drake actually wanted to adopt my mum and my sister at the time, they ended up returning home after the threat or air raids was over. Mum always wondered what happened to Mrs Drake and her family, could anyone let me know? Mum would really like to know. Mrs Drake did have a son... Mum took us on holiday to Borth y Gest in 1975, when I was 15. She showed us Wendon, and where she went to school, she always regretted... Read more

Simple Holidays.

Black Rock Sands c1960
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When I saw this photo of the road leading to the beach, I could literally smell the sand and the sea. I felt the excitement of a five year old, armed with bucket and spade. Further up from the beach but on the same road, there was a large white house with a long path from its gate. This was the shop, or 'cafe' as we called it. It sold toys, newspapers and books, amongst other things. I loved visiting there every morning before breakfast to get the milk. Next door to the cafe was our caravan field. It only had about 12 caravans. There were no flush toilets or baths, just a little shed at the far end of the field with Elson toilets and cold water sinks.
We used to holiday here every year. Even if it rained it was exciting, we played cards in the caravan. In the sunshine, the rock pools on the beach by the caves were filled with little crabs, fish or seaweed. Life... Read more

Lon Y Gert

I have a letter dated 1935 signed your brother William Hugh Jones to my grandfather James Oscough Jones who lived in Garn  unable to find my grandfathers birth record not sure if he was adopted still checking he did live at Lon Gert found family possibly his as it states on my grandfathers marriage father as Hugh Jones:-
Hugh b abt 1851-1911 and Anne b 1862-1918. The children were
William Hugh b abt 1884, Maggie Olwen b abt 1888-1918, Alice Mary b abt 1891, Elizabeth Ann b abt 1896, Hugh Thomas b abt 1898,
Annie Elizabeth b abt 1893-1894 and Ann M b abt 1904.

I have a picture of William Hugh Jones aswell.

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.