Morfa Bychan memories

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

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 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.

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.