Fond Memories Of Gresford Vale...

A Memory of Gresford.

I remember this view of Gresford Vale in the 1960's. The view was so beautiful in spring and summer, with many mature trees on the other side of the river Alyn and on this side, Gresford Woods carpeted in Wild Garlic, Bluebells and White Anemones. In those days you could still hear the tranquil sound of the river flowing beneath the old stone bridge, located just before the incline up to Singret Hill on the other side. This peace and quiet would only be interrupted by the chiming of the famous bells of All Saints Church behind you. The occasional steam train would clatter downhill towards Chester or be slowly chugging up Gresford Bank with it's heavy load, laboriously up and on towards Gresford Colliery. As children we played in the woods and would run across Blackie's footbridge to catch a glimpse of the engine driver and would wave as the train went by.

At the bottom of the Griffin Hill, there used to be a pretty cottage, a bit like those in Marford. It was located just under the railway bridge and a bit further on the left. Many years later the Chester to Wrexham by-pass was built and it cut through the heart of the valley, with the river being diverted in several places - the cottage itself was demolished. Today, there's the constant hum of speeding traffic, passing along the dual carriageway. Still, I have fond memories of this idyllic place... which even today, still retains some of it's charm and beauty.

February 2015