Llanystumdwy

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

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.

Simple Holidays.

Black Rock Sands c1960
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

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