1 ODA Contacts

Chairman Dr Gareth W Griffiths Gorwelion Ffordd Penrhyngeiriol Trearddur Bay LL65 2YW Tel: 01407 860137

Secretary (Temp). Elfin M. Edwards 3, Cae Mair Beaumaris LL58 8YN Tel: 01248 810340 E-mail: [email protected]

Treasurer (Temp) Colin Ll Dixon 2 Belmont Drive Bangor LL57 2HS Tel: 01248 362032 E-mail: [email protected]

Welsh Affairs John Bryan Jones Heulfryn 7 Victoria Rd Old Colwyn LL29 9SN

Tel: 01492 515558 & fax E-mail: [email protected]

Committee members Barry A Wynn 7, Ffordd Islwyn Bangor LL57 1AR Tel:01248 353851

Co-opted member responsible for IT Don Parry-Jones 21 Laurel Avenue Bangor on Dee Wrexham LL13 0BQ Tel: 01978 780005 E-mail: [email protected]

Co-opted members with responsiblities for recruiting younger members

Paul D Smith Patrick R Hemphill 5 Parc Derwen Springhill The Green George Lane Glemsford LL16 5TJ CO10 7SB Tel: 01824 708017 Tel: 01787 282307 E-mail; [email protected]

2 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

As another General Meeting in April approaches, I wish all O.D.A. members a belated “Happy New Year” and trust that you all will enjoy good health and the continued friendship of good memories of our past together. After nearly 12 years as your (unelected, dragooned!!) chairman, I shall be standing down at this year’s meeting - together with another sterling worker for the cause, Colin Dixon, our acting treasurer. When, under the vigorous prompting of Alun Jones, we resurrected our Association, we had misgivings as to how long it would survive in its new form - happily , we have continued to flourish, due to the support of you the members AND an enthusiastic and energetic committee. It has been a privilege to be a minor part of this process, and I sincerely thank you all for the tolerance and support which you have given my puny efforts. Truly, stalwarts in the ongoing work have been the Editorial Team, led by Phil, the vast amount of time and expertise of Don Parry Jones in producing the comprehensive web-site (a mystery to me, as a minor user of computer knowledge - yet NOT a complete dinosaur!), and Hefin in defining, sorting and liaising with Don and various other bodies as he catalogued our considerable archive material. These have been time-consuming tasks, and our debt to them ALL is truly considerable - da iawn, hogiau, diolch yn fawr I chwi gyd. (Acting) Secretary Elfyn has proved the recent lynchpin of the ODA, bringing a new enthusiasm and efficiency to our overall administration - hopefully we can persuade him to continue his work on our behalf. At committee meetings, a subject always on the agenda is recruitment / new membership, and I can assure all members that we try and find any means of a practical nature to entrap younger Dominicans; encouragingly, membership is not undergoing any sharp dip, it would seem - in spite of our still advancing ages. We thought that this year the invitation of the Head Boy and Head Girl to our dinner would be innovative and possibly productive - I do hope that they will respond to our invitation to be our guests. Tony Gray, the former Welsh rugby international and coach has accepted the invitation to be “Guest Speaker”, so that should provide stimulus for attending the dinner. Once again, thank you all for your support and courtesy to myself, and to the hard working committee of YOUR Association - please do not throw too many hard boiled eggs, or tomatoes at me at my swansong at the General Meeting! I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in April. Hwyl, semper in excretum but “nemo me impune lacessit”. Gareth Griffiths

3 LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY "The old school isn't the same now as it was in our day". How often have we heard that one when we see an old school chum after all those missing years of earning a living, having a family, picking up life’s' bruises and collecting the physical and emotional scars that go with post Friars experiences. The other day, I went to the very well presented Training Restaurant at Coleg Menai. After a splendid evening of good food and attentive and friendly service, I suddenly became aware that I was sitting facing what used to be the blackboard wall in "Dickie" Davies' room where once I had wrestled for hours with the complexities of History and only a few feet away from where "Humph" once reprimanded me for sticking pins into his candle wax effigy during a French lesson. On our way out, I passed a group of young students sitting outside Boss’ old office. "I often sat there waiting for the cane" I quipped cheerily. This was met with blank stares, and when I went on to explain how, in my day, the headteacher would inflict corporal punishment on pupils, often for trivial crimes, I thought I saw their expressions mellow into something like pity. Then again, I could be wrong, perhaps their pity was directed at me, a somewhat deranged old chap rambling on about some fantasies or other. The point is that each generation has its own memories unique to itself and their peers and future school leavers cannot be expected to grasp what school life was like in previous decades and the further away they are from them the more inexplicable they become. Life moves on. So it is with our Association. How much do school leavers from the 1980s' onwards empathise with the old Friars School of the 1940s' to 1970s'? Probably not a lot, but what we do have in common is our bonds of friendships made during those schooldays, our values established in those years, and perhaps above all, our growing appreciation with age, of our sense of belonging to a special group of people who have made a considerable contribution over centuries in time to society in its wider sense. All this sounds a bit vague perhaps, but when we think about where we are and what we have done (or are doing) with our lives, then these values do count for something in my view and why it is a good thing we have an Association, some framework for helping us to keep in touch and remind us where we started from.

4 This may be a difficult concept to put over to the pupils in Friars School today but undoubtedly this message will ring a more strident bell in their ears as they progress in life. We need to see that The Old Dominicans are always here for them. I look forward to meeting you in huge numbers at our General Meeting on April 16th and at the Dinner in the Carreg Mon Hotel. Hwyl fawr i chi i gyd ac edrychaf ymlaen ich gweld ar 16ed o Ebrill.

Foedero fraterno Elfyn M Edwards

From the Archivist

I would like to thank members who have sent me some of the missing copies of the "Dominican" and also photographs of school days of many years ago. I would also like to thank Mr. Bill Lewis and his wife Margaret who both taught at Friars until their retirement for their contribution to our collection. They have given me a collection of photos from Friars and also The County School for Girls which in time will appear on our web site. If I may appeal once more for any photographs or other memorabilia including copies of the Dominican of which we still have gaps in the collection so that we can share with our fellow members. I can assure you that all items will be returned to you if that is your wish . My thanks also goes out to the members of the committee for their encouragement and continued support. Finally I would like to thank The Head Teacher, Mr. Foden and his staff for the help given and their contribution from their own collection .

" Foedere Fraterno " Hefin Williams

A Message from the Headmaster

II’m not sure where 2010 went but gone it has. Our examination results last summer were the second best ever. Our pass rate at A level was 99% (also our second best ever). As the competition for university places remains stiff, it is very pleasing to see that three of our sixth formers, Andrew Wieteska, Helen Griffith and Glyn Stevens have been offered places at Cambridge. We had 239 pupils in the sixth form in September, the largest number since I have been at the school. Our numbers further down the school are also very buoyant and we are now full for new admissions next September.

5 Old Dominicans may wonder why I go on about pupil numbers to the extent that I do. This is because schools are financed according to the number of pupil on roll and some secondary schools in the south of the county are likely to shrink to such an extent over the next decade that their very existence may be threatened. Fortunately, our success means we are not in that position. A very well-supported harvest festival service was held in the school with a significant number of donations of food being made which were passed on to the Bangor women’s aid. The service in the Cathedral and the senior citizens’ Christmas party were both well attended but unfortunately Iorrie Williams, our former caretaker and a well known character in the community, is gravely ill and will not make it to 40 years as MC in the latter. Further sad news for the school was the death of Ben Muskett, a former Head Boy, who was killed in a car accident near Ganllwyd. Ben was an extremely talented musician and a fine ambassador for the school. We are looking forward to the half term holiday which starts on Wednesday (or was it Thursday ?). The school calendar has been plunged into chaos as a result of the efforts of our political masters. Council, without consultation with schools, changed the dates of the summer holidays to accommodate the Royal Welsh Show and leaving us to find three more teaching days earlier in the year. After some juggling with the dates of the February half term and staff training days, we had our week’s holiday going from a week, to two days and back up to a week, the Assembly then decided that if you lost school days as a result of closures owing to the snow, you would also lose training days. We then had the addition of an extra day for the royal wedding. My staff are confused so goodness knows how parents are following it. We expect soon to find that in Gwynedd the spring bank holiday has already been – at Christmas. One final piece of good news is that the footpath which runs across the school field and which I have been trying to have diverted since 1997 is finally moving to outside our boundary. This should reduce trespassing and dog fouling significantly. It was always a nonsense having a path running across the football pitch and we are pleased something has finally been done about it. I hope all Dominicans have had a good start to 2011 and that this continues for the rest of the year. Neil Foden

Wow! 239 pupils in the sixth form in September 2010, that is about the same number of pupils in the whole School when I left in Spring 1947. Ed.

6 Thoughts from the editor

Dominicans, friends and fellow readers, It is always a pleasure to read through the offerings that come our way in the setting up of various editions of The Dominican. As others have said previously, we share something indefinable but yet lasting from our time at our Alma Mater in Ffriddoeodd Road. Also true is the fact that the majority of us are fast approaching our sell by date. As Ifor Williams once said, “The only historian who tells the truth is the Registrar of births, marriages and deaths”. Yet, as we approach the inescapable, we still strive to leave a mark so that others can follow in the Dominican footstep. As you will read in this edition there are concerns about recruitment and retention. Many attempts have been made to encourage younger Dominicans to join the ranks without a great deal of success. The obvious route through Ysgol Friars seems a cull de sac, but one hopes that an opening can be found. Maybe this year’s invitation to the head boy and head girl to join us at our annual dinner will bear some fruit. One often harks back to the “Old Boys” fixtures that were looked for landmarks in school sporting life in the past. Can some sporting event be created and a trophy offered which might rekindle these connections? Maybe one other route to consider might be Twitter or Face book? As one correspondent writes in this issue, “some of us are not quite IT literate enough”, but without a doubt these social networks are a great attraction amongst the younger population. They provided up to date coverage of recent events throughout the Middle East, and were the main means of communication. Maybe we should explore this way forward with existing pupils of Ysgol Friars? There is no doubt that the success story from activities must be that of the Rucksack Club. In all weathers and variable numbers these events are great social occasions for the participants. If anyone is available for any event they would be most welcome to join us. The programme is very varied to suit all capabilities. For future editions of The Dominican we welcome contributions of any length, but especially with pictures. These contributions will not be marked for spelling or neatness. Detention with Sharkey or Ned Darke will not be imposed. It goes without saying that the retiring officers of our association deserve a large pat on the back for the work they have done in recent years. There must have been occasions when they wondered if their efforts would bear fruit. Congratulations to one and all for this sterling effort. Do we have volunteers to fill the gap? The team effort at present is second to none and this takes away pressure of office. We all support each other. So let’s have some willing, younger participants to rally around the colours at the AGM! Meanwhile we look forward to meeting you all there or at our Dinner at Carreg Môn on April 16th.

Foedere fraterno Clifford Jones

7 Where do you read yours? The Youngest Old Dom on Y Wyddfa After a report on Hafod Eryri in a previous Newsletter Peter (Spud) Hughes wrote to tell us that he had been taken to Snowdon Summit in June 1937. The firm "GREGORYS" of Caernarvon were involved in the construction of the now old cafe designed by Clough Williams Ellis. Peter’s father was the onsite foreman for the project and at the completion of the building he took Peter and his mother to the summit. Peter was six months old. This must be a record.

Here they all are at the top.

8 William Owen Einion Pritchard (1945 - 1948).

In the summer issue of 2010, there was a plea from the Editor for contributions on any interesting/unusual achievements of Old Dominicans since leaving Friars. The following is a synopsis of one Old Dominican that interested TV Wales Cymru to produce a television documentary on his life, his teaching career and having a ‘hobby’ as a sheep farmer. This review has the permission of the individual concerned to publish as an article in the Old Dominicans Association newsletter. It made interesting viewing on TV and hopefully may be of interest as to what one Friars educated individual has made of his life after leaving Friars in the late 1940’s.

The Old Dominican who attracted the TV interest was one William Owen Einion Pritchard (1945 - 1948).

Einion, as he was known to all friends, arrived as a late pupil at Friars from the Sarn area and Botwnnog Grammar School, South Caernarvonshire in 1945. On leaving Friars, Einion took History as a degree course at The University College of at Bangor, graduating as a History teacher in 1953. Einion undertook National Service (1953/55) in the RAF as a Russian language translator stationed in Germany. On his demob he took up a teaching appointment in the Birkenhead area prior to moving to the Minchinhampton area of the Cotswolds in 1958. Throughout his family life in the Cotswolds (now 50+ years) Einion and his family (wife Jean, son John and daughter Cathy) always found time in the long summer school holidays to return to his roots in the Sarn area of Caernarvonshire. It was while, on these annual visits, he renewed an interest in ‘sheep farming’. This interest was a continuation of something his father had done in the 1930’s. In 1986 the BBC Wales Cymru TV Company produced a half-hour Harlech/S4C documentary titled:

‘Awyr iach (Fresh air)’. Theme: Why did a ‘boy’ from Lleyn living next door to the Princess Royal in the Cotswolds breed sheep instead of horses?

The documentary was exclusively for Wales TV and in the Welsh language. Einion put into practice the advice and guidance of an established Lleyn sheep farmer and friend Gwilym Williams. He started in a small way in 1978 with three in lamb ewes of the Lleyn breed. He purchased a small grazing field alongside his bungalow at Minchinhampton and started his hobby of breeding his flock. Eventually his hobby developed over the years to a flock of around 40 ewes and lambs.

9 At ‘lambing time’ his small flock of sheep could be expected to treble in number with each sheep producing two lambs on average. He became a respected member of the local farming community, attending markets and sales. On taking early retirement from his teaching post in 1986, the County Surveyors Department requested his services for Road Safety Education in schools. He also became involved as area course organiser for the ATB (Agricultural Training Board). It is of interest, that the field he owned for his small sheep flock adjoined the land farmed by his neighbour Princess Anne and Mark Phillips. - Hence the TV interest and the filming of the documentary. The documentary covered his life in the Cotswolds. When asked, whether, he had any wish to return to North Wales and the Lleyn area, he stated that there was a ‘longing’ but it was not a practical option, as he had taught in the Minchinhampton area for almost 35 years. He and his family were known and accepted and he now mixed with the parents and their children, whom he had taught. The area had a very ‘strong pull’ on his settled way of life. - Although, with age catching up and his flock of sheep now much smaller, he regarded the ‘Lleyn sheep’ he saw daily, as a reminder of Wales, Lleyn area, Bangor and his first language Welsh. We thought that the story of Enion, History teacher, Welsh sheep small holder in the Cotswolds, hopefully would be of interest to Old Dominicans and those in particular who can remember Einion from their school days. It is also quite remarkable that Einion, having been away from Wales for nearly 60 years, living in England with English as his everyday language, could return to the Welsh language so fluently and without hesitation in the TV documentary. - Einion doing the majority of the talking all in Welsh. For those who remember the Pritchard family in Bangor, they had considerable influence on the Bangor community for a number of years. ‘OT’ as his father was known, being Headmaster of Glanadda School, local city councillor and Mayor of Bangor. The families involvement over the years in the teaching profession, local community affairs and an interest in sheep going back to the 1930’s, may have influenced Einion in his enterprise into ‘sheep farming’ in the Cotswolds. Thank you Einion, for allowing the publication, of this brief resume, of your life in Minchinhampton, the Cotswolds.

Bill Cunningham. (1943-49).

10 The following is a Welsh synopsis of the Wales Harlech/S4C TV documentary on the life of Einion Pritchard (sheep farmer) in the Cotswolds.

Mae’r canlynol yn grynodeb o hanes hen “Ddominican” a ddenodd BBC Cymru i gynhyrchu rhaglen deledu ar ei fywyd fel athro, ond yn arbennig fel ffermwr defaid. Daeth Einion, fel ei adnabyddwyd, yn ddiweddar i Ysgol y Friars o Ysgol Botwnnog ac ardal y Sarn ym Mhen Llyn. Wedi ymadael, graddiodd mewn hanes ym Mhrifysgol Bangor yn 1953. Treiliodd ei wasanaeth milwrol yn y Llu Awyr yn bennaf fel trosydd yn yr Almaen. Wedi dychwelyd, bu’n dysgu ym Mirkenhead cyn derbyn swydd yn Stroud, a mynd i fyw i Minchinhampton. Yn achlysurol yn ystod ei fywyd o dros hanner can mlynedd yn y Cotswolds, cafodd Einion, ei wraig Jean a’i blant John a Cathy, gyfle i ddychwelyd i Ben Llyn, yn benodol yn ystod gwyliau’r haf. Yn ystod yr ymweliadau hyn, ail-daniwyd ei ddiddordeb mewn defaid, yn hyn o beth yn dilyn diddordeb ei Dad. Daeth y BBC i ddeall ei fod wedi cychwyn codi praidd o ddefaid Llyn a daethant a rhaglen dan ofal Dei Tomos i weld beth a wnai hogyn o’r Sarn ohoni ac yntau’n gymydog i’r Dywysoges Anne a Mark Phillips. Dilyn cyngor ffermwr o Lyn, sef Gwilym Williams a wnaeth Einion, gan gychwyn gyda thair ddafad. Prynodd borfa fechan ger ei dy a chyn bo hir datblygodd braidd o agos i ddeugain dafad. Daeth yn aelod parchus yn y gymuned ac yn adnabyddus trwy fynychu marchnadoedd a sioeau lleol. Pan dderbyniodd ymddeoliad cynnar yn 1986, cynigiwyd swydd iddo gan Adran Arolygaeth y Cyngor fel Swyddog Diogelwch Ffyrdd i’r ysgolion. Daeth hefyd yn drefnydd cyrsiau i’r Gwasanaeth Hyfforddi Amaethyddiaeth – digon i’w gadw yn brysur a heini. Bwriad y rhaglen “Awyr Iach” oedd darlunio amrywiaeth ei fywyd yn y Cotswolds, gan roi sylw arbennig i’w agosrwydd i’r Teulu Brenhinol. Pan ofynnwyd iddo os oedd dymuniad ganddo i ddychwelyd i Lyn, mynegodd hiraeth ond, wedi 35 mlynedd yn Minchinhampton, nid oedd bellach yn opsiwn ymarferol. Roedd ef a’i deulu wedi hen aymdoddi i’r gymuned leol, ac heblaw am hynny, yr oedd llawer o’i gyn-ddisgyblion yn byw c yn gweithio yn lleol. Bellach, gyda thraul y blynyddoedd, y defaid oedd ei brif gyswllt gyda Llyn a Bangor. I’r rhai ohonom sy’n cofio Einion a’i ddiweddar frawd Ailwyn ym Mangor, fe wyddom am ddylanwad y teulu. Roedd ei dad ‘O.T’ yn Brifathro ar Ysgol Glanadda, yn gynghorydd a Maer y Ddinas. Dilynodd Einion ddiddordebau ei dad mewn addysg ac amaethyddiaeth, diddordebau a’i cynhaliodd trwy ei fywyd. Diolchwn iddo am ganiatau i’w stori gael ei hadrodd.

Wynn Williams (1943-48)

11 "Welsh Pirates of the Caribbean" and a Te Bach

The Welsh Society of Western New England (WSWNE) held its annual Fall Gathering on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the All Saints' Episcopal Church hall in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Instead of our usual luncheon followed by program format, we scheduled our program first to be followed by afternoon tea. WSWNE President Tom Bernard astounded the membership by entering the hall in full pirate costume (see photo). He then proceeded to give a fascinating talk on "Welsh Pirates of the Caribbean. The idea for this talk came when his Caribbean vacation included visiting a pirate museum. As Tom said of his eye opening experience there, "It is somewhat remarkable that during the 'Golden Age of Piracy' in the Caribbean during the 18th century, three of the most prominent pirates were natives of Wales - Howell Davis (1690 - 1719) started out in piracy in 1718, but tasted just 11 months. He was captured by Bartholomew Roberts, more commonly known as "Black Bart." Before his death. Roberts (1682 - 1722) managed to capture 470 ships in three years along with over one million pieces of Spanish gold. He was also the first pirate to come up with a contract, or “pirate's code”. Many other captains modelled their codes after Roberts', according to Tom. Henry Morgan (1635 - 1688) was one of the lucky few who retired from piracy. He helped the British Navy capture Jamaica and Panama before being named an admiral, the governor of Jamaica and a knight. "For most, it was a short but merry life," Tom noted. Considering that there were thousands of pirates from many countries of Western Europe, one would hardly expect that three of the top swashbuckling leaders who have gone down in history would be from the small country of Wales”. The origins, early lives and piratical careers of the Welsh pirates were many intriguing anecdotes added. Differences among pirates, privateers, buccaneers and freebooters were explained and, along with other pirate terms, were examined for current linguistic derivatives via an audience participation quiz. One interesting coincidence, and perhaps a linguistic connection to Wales, is that during the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, we find Mona Island and a much travelled pirate seaway called the Mona Passage (between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico). Mona was also the former name for (the largest island of Wales) where there is also a sea passage (the Menai Straits) between the island and the Welsh mainland. Tom Bernard (1941 - 49)

12 Scientists discover new element (Governmentium)

Oxford University researchers have discovered the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called pillocks. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a re-organisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each re-organisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as a critical morass. When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many pillocks but twice as many morons.

Things have not changed much in 199 years have they?

DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S DESPATCH FROM SPAIN TO WHITEHALL AUGUST 1812 Gentlemen

Whilst marching from Portugal to a position which commands the approach to Madrid and the French forces, my officers have been diligently complying with your requests, which have been sent by H. M. ship from to Lisbon and thence by dispatch rider to our headquarters.

We have enumerated our saddles, bridles, tents and tent poles, and all manner of sundry items for which His Majesty's Government holds me accountable. I have dispatched reports on the character, wit, and spleen of every officer.

13 Each item and every farthing has been accounted for, with two regrettable exceptions for which I beg your indulgence . Unfortunately the sum of one shilling and nine pence remains unaccounted for in one infantry battalion's petty cash and there has been hideous confusion as to the number of jars of raspberry jam issued to one cavalry regiment during a sandstorm in western Spain. This reprehensible carelessness may be related to the pressure of circumstances, since we are at war with France, a fact which may come as a bit of a surprise to you gentlemen in Whitehall. This brings me to my present purpose, which is to request elucidation of my instructions from His Majesty's Government, so that I may better understand why I am dragging an army over these barren plains. I construe that perforce it must be one of two alternative duties, as given below. I shall pursue either one with my best ability, but I cannot do both.

1 To train an army of uniformed British clerks in Spain for the benefit of the accountants and copy-boys in London, or, perchance

2 To see to it that the forces of Napoleon are driven out of Spain..

Your most obedient servant

Wellington

The Battle of Y Dalar Hir. 5th June 1648

When Friars school was founded in 1557, all pupils were required to have a bow and three arrows, and on Thursday afternoons they practiced archery, in the following years it is reasonable to assume that in addition to archery they would also be expected to become proficient in swordsmanship. The pupils would in those days be brought up in the Catholic Faith, so it would not be unreasonable, therefore that numerous “Old Dominicans” would, in the Civil War years following 1642, have enlisted in the service of the King, as . At the end of the First Civil War in 1645, there was an uneasy peace, which led in 1648 to two uprising in North Wales. The first in May of that year was led by Sir John Owen, and the second in September by Colonel Richard Bulkeley in Anglesey. To these might be added sundry plotting and subversive incidents

14 which intensified with the advent of Restoration. No doubt former Friars boys were involved in these events. Unfortunately we have no records of the School or of Bangor in this period. Tradition claims that a cottage not far from the present A5 near Pentrevoelas was the assembly point for Major General Sir John Owen’s Cavaliers, some two hundred horse and foot made their way surreptitiously to the rendezvous, messengers arrived with news that small parties of Royalists were making their way from mid-Wales to join the uprising. Sir John’s troops then moved to Dolgelley to meet these other volunteers. In early June, Sir John came down from the hills and headed for where the Parliamentarian, General Mytton was in command, Mytton, anxious to crush the uprising before it attained dangerous proportions sent a message to Lt. Colonel Twisleton, governor of Denbigh, instructing him to raise as large a force as possible and ride to reinforce Caernarfon. On Saturday 3rd. June a small force of Parliamentarians were making their way along an old road which is now practically obliterated by the woods in Glynllifon Park, when they met the advance party of the Royalists. The High Sheriff of Caernarfon, William Lloyd at the head of twenty horsemen bore the brunt of the encounter and he was severely wounded, captured and later died. General Mytton, with sixty foot, by skilful manoeuvre retired to the safety of , where he immediately sent an urgent message to Twisleton, urging him to hasten to his aid. Sir John began to lay siege to Caernarfon until he learned that a force was on its way from Denbigh to relieve General Mytton in Caernarfon.

Site of the two engagements of 1648, Y Dalar Hir and Beaumaris

15 Leaving a small detachment at Caernarfon to stop the Parliamentarians from emerging. He led the rest of his men to meet the enemy. Twisletons force crossed the Conwy River by the bridge at Llanrwst, made their way down the valley where they met up with reinforcements from Conwy, commanded by Colonel John Carter, thence through Bwlch-y-Ddeufaen, dragging two small field-pieces with them, crossing the bridge at Abergwyngregyn and across the coastal plain towards Bangor. As they crossed the shallow waters at Aber Ogwen, Sir John’s men saw the enemy troops and advanced to meet them on the meadow lands about Y Dalar Hir. The following is a contemporary report sent to the Speaker of Parliament, describing the battle Written by Colonel John Carter, Governor of Conwy and Lieutenant Colonel Twisleton, Governor of Denbigh, who commanded the joint Parliamentarian Force.

‘Honourable Sir, The sad distempers of these times had reached these countreyes in a great Measure, and threatened sad things to these Parts, had not God been pleased to give the Enemy a blow, and such an one, as we hope will crush and destroy all their hopes in these Parts; and it is exceeding seasonable, all circumstances considered, the relation whereof we leave to this bearer, whose favour and courage, much conduced to the service; Sir John Owen hearing of our march, and suspecting our intention, which was to joyn with Generall Mytton, he as he since confessed, resolved to engage us to hinder it, and accordingly marched with all the strength he could make, which was of Reformados and Fightingmen about 250, all well appointed, and of Countreymen a numerous many, and met us between Bangor and Aber in a very faire plain upon the Sea-side; where he found us ready to entertain him, having had intelligence of his advance, we were horse and foot 200 and upwards, the dispute was desperate and hazardous, but at last (although at first our forlorn was routed) through the resolutions of the Officers and Reserves, the Routed Partie rallied, we utterly routed the Enemy, killed and tooke many; and with no few knocks to our selves; this indorsed list shows you the names and qualities of the Prisoners and their number; we dispersed also all the Clubmen that were gotten together, there is some horses of the Enemies gotten away which we could not immediately pursue, our horse being wearied in the fight and march, but intend to give them little rest in these Parts. We thought it our duty to present you with this accompt, wherein we would ascribe all to that good hand of God that fought with us and for us. We are, Honourable Sir, Your most humble and faithfull Servants, JOHN CARTER GEORGE TWISLETON.’ Both sides were without distinctive uniforms and their war-cries were very similar, the Royalist’s was “Resolution” the Parliamentarian’s “Religion”, thus confusion resulted. No doubt the Parliamentarians also used their cannon to

16 good effect. Although the engagement was but a minor skirmish it resulted in the capture of Sir John Owen and many of his followers it was undoubtedly important and attracted the attention of the House of Parliament. Had the battle gone the other way the uprising in North Wales might have undergone considerable change with the Royalists of Anglesey joining forces with Sir John’s men. Cromwell, fresh from his capture of Pembroke might have been forced to enter North Wales and delay his surprise attack on the Duke of Hamilton at Preston, this in turn could have had a different outcome.

When the members of the Rucksack Club walked over the peaceful meadows of Y Dalar Hir, last April, it would have been hard to imagine the clash of arms and the discordant war-cries that filled the air here on the 5th June 1648.

For further information see The Landmark Collector’s Library “North Wales & in the Civil War”

PWJ

The Presentation

Three of us found ourselves delegated to make the presentation of the Annual Old Dominicans Prize at the Ysgol Friars Prize giving Ceremony at 7.30. p.m. on Thursday, 3 February 2011.

We met outside The Pritchard Jones Hall and joined Cllr. Dorothy Bulled M.B.E., Mayor of Bangor, in the front row. The programme was introduced by the Head Teacher, Mr Neil Foden .The prizes covered all the years from 7 to 13 and were divided into five classes viz Academic, Endeavour, Sport, Creative and Citizenship. Between each presentation there was an item of entertainment, displaying a whole range of skills and talent. A dance routine was spectacular and soloists showed why they were in the Wales Youth Choir. The Old Dominicans’ Prize of two hundred pounds was awarded this year to two students, one hundred pounds each went to the two pupils who had shown the most Improvement from GCSE to Advanced Subsidiary Level.

The Head Teacher thanked us for attending the ceremony. It was an enjoyable and impressive evening

Elfyn, Hefin and Warren.

Unfortunately the only picture we have of the Presentation was not fit for publication, however we thought you should see it so we have put it on page 33. Ed.

17 MEMORIES OF 1957 – PART 2

In the first part of his memories of 1957 Tom Jones recalled some of the things that happened in that year by which his Welsh roots fostered and nourished him at a time of change in his life. In the present article he recalls some of the things that were to influence his future development.

If the Welsh Society provided me with a comforting connection with my past, my future was much influenced by another student group which I joined. This was the small but active Presbyterian Association (CUPA), where I enjoyed fellowship with a friendly, caring and non-arrogant group of people, many of them understandingly being Scottish. Christianity in Cambridge at that time was in the ascendant, and it was heartening to see so many young people hastening to church on Sunday mornings. There were two main Protestant student groupings – the evangelical Christian Union, almost a denomination in itself, and the Student Christian Movement (SCM). The latter was a loose amalgam of people with allegiances to their own denominations but who wished to work and study together ecumenically to extend the influence of the Christian Gospel in - and beyond - everyday life. I understand that it is now sadly extinct but for the SCM press. CUPA was more orientated towards the SCM, and we attended services and meetings in numerous other churches besides our ‘home’ Presbyterian one. Foremost among these were late Sunday evening services at Great St. Mary’s, the University Church, where the vicar was Mervyn Stockwood, a future Bishop of Southwark whose fame at times bordered on notoriety! His was a robust Christianity: no ‘Please be seated’ between hymn and sermon, just a sternly barked ‘Sit Down!’ He invited to speak at his church a host of literary, political and intellectual celebrities of the time if he felt they had something worthwhile to say to those aspiring to live the Christian life. They were not all necessarily Christians themselves, though, to be fair, if they were not, they came on a weeknight and spoke from the floor rather than ‘six feet above contradiction’ from the pulpit! One of these speakers in 1957 was Aneurin Bevan. The church was packed to the rafters to hear this ‘enfant terrible’ of British politics; one student, a tall man with a very public school demeanour, could only be accommodated standing up in the redundant-for-the-evening pulpit. He totally stole the limelight when, in response to a strident and finger-pointing ‘In my view the public schools stand condemned’ from Bevan, he slowly withered until just his forehead projected above the pulpit! Both CUPA and SCM offered great fun in addition to their more serious side, including a certain role as dating agency, though the men students benefited less from this because they were in a 10:1 excess over the women! But I spent many happy hours Scottish dancing, country walking and eating communal breakfasts as well as participating in weekly study groups and prayer meetings. And there were also the vacation trips.

18 Cambridge has slightly more weeks of vacation than of term. If I had my time again I would probably seek to put those weeks to more enterprising use than I did. But we were actively discouraged from spending more time than we had to on academic work in term-time for fear of losing out on some of the other things that Cambridge had to offer; hence students of subjects like mine, with lots of facts to learn, depended on the vacation for consolidation of the previous term’s work. And I did so enjoy being back in my old familiar surroundings for as much of the time as possible! However there were a couple of holiday highlights in 1957 and one of these - the annual April CUPA group holiday, that year at Plas-y-Nant Holiday Centre in Betws Garmon - brought together very happily my Welsh and my Cambridge identities! We walked by day and entertained each other in the evening with games, concerts and conversation. I particularly remember a very wet and gusty transit of Crib Goch en route for Snowdon summit. I might have been the owner of Snowdonia so great was my pride as a ‘local’ in showing it off to my Scottish and English friends, weather and all! The other holiday highlight was a week’s stay in Haverfordwest with a maiden aunt, who was everything an aunt should be to young people – and remained so until her death at 98 in January, 2000! Pembrokeshire had previously been unknown territory to me, but in that week we visited its every nook and cranny, with me driving her car and she reading out loud from Maxwell Fraser’s guidebook to the area. I have subsequently been on holiday to this most fascinating corner of Wales well over twenty times, and my children have become as addicted to it as are my wife and I. But perhaps the most formative of my experiences in 1957 was a fortnight spent in September in Halton, a huge council estate on the southern outskirts of Leeds, as part of a mixed denomination SCM group of some 25 students. The Anglican priest there, a Canadian called Ernie Southcott, had been developing the house church concept among his own flock – not only weekly discussion groups in people’s homes, but also regular communion and other services in their front rooms, to which they would invite non-church-going friends. He was wishing to extend the idea to the other denominations on the estate and also to non-churchgoers. During our two weeks’ stay we visited between us, in pairs, almost every household, informing people of what was going on and inviting them to events in people’s homes. I’m not sure how successful the venture was in the long run – the place of the church in society has subsequently become less, rather then more, prominent, and co-working between churches not really any better overall – but in the short term the project probably did help Ernie’s efforts, and for me it was a revelation to savour something of what life was like on the inside - we stayed in parishioners’ homes - of what would now be called a ‘sink’ estate and to see just how much good as well as bad existed there. About two thirds of our team went down with Asian flu during the fortnight, but fortunately recovery was quick, and I managed to escape it altogether! The Roman Catholic church was not part of the project but we were all delighted that at the opening welcome meeting the young local MP was present and he was a Catholic – name of Dennis Healey!

19 Finally, in December, came another opportunity to learn some sociology when, en route for home for the Christmas vacation, I spent three days at Cambridge House in Camberwell. This had been set up a couple of generations earlier as a centre where recent Cambridge graduates could live for a while and be of practical help to their less privileged inner city contemporaries, running youth clubs, craft workshops, football teams and so on. The House ran regular short ‘taster’ course for small groups of undergraduates to increase their awareness of inner city provision and issues. One morning was spent visiting one of the country’s first comprehensive schools, Tulse Hill, and another observing the law at work from the Visitors’ Gallery at Tower Bridge Magistrates’ court. We spent the evenings analysing our experiences of the day, with healthily provocative guidance from the warden. These few days, added to the Halton experience, probably taught me more of direct relevance to my future career as a GP than the whole of my anatomy and physiology studies! So that was 1957 for me, a year for the school of its 400th anniversary, and for me of my 21st, but also a year of blossoming self-confidence, good friendships, life-influencing experiences, and very happy memories. But what, you may ask, of romance? I’m afraid that you’ll have to wait until the right year comes round, one that really was among my highlight ones! Tom Jones (1947-1955)

The IT World To fully appreciate this you have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello and too old to REALLY understand computers. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on. If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO PHONES TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: Thanks, I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou. ABBOTT: Your computer? COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one. ABBOTT: Mac? COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou. ABBOTT: What about Windows? COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows? COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

20 ABBOTT: Wallpaper. COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software. ABBOTT: Software for Windows? COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything? ABBOTT: I just did. COSTELLO: You just did what? ABBOTT: Recommend something. COSTELLO: You recommended something? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: For my office? ABBOTT: Yes. COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office? ABBOTT: Office. COSTELLO: Yes, for my office! ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows. COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need? ABBOTT: Word. COSTELLO: What word? ABBOTT: Word in Office. COSTELLO: The only word in office is office. ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows. COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows? ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'. COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: I need money to track my money? ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer. COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer? ABBOTT: Money. COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer? ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge. COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much? ABBOTT: One copy. COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money? ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money. COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money? ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

21 (A few days later) ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off? ABBOTT: Click on 'START'...... It’s so simple, my Grandchildren can not understand why I am so thick.

The Rhosneigr Romanticist

William David Owen was born, raised and married on Anglesey and worked for a time in Gloucestershire, Derbyshire, and London, finally settling in Rhosneigr where he lived until his untimely death in 1925 at the age of 51. Owen wrote two romances (and possibly others that have never come to light) and both were originally serialised in the Welsh Language newspaper, ’Y Genedl Gymreig’ [The Welsh Nation] just before the start of the First World War. In ‘The Rhosneigr Romanticist’, these stories are published in English for the very first time (in abridged form) together with a collection of contemporary reviews and critiques shedding light on the legend and the author. In addition, a detailed biography of W.D.Owen himself, reveals an ambitious man, who drew inspiration in his writing from his early years as a schoolteacher, from the community he later served as a solicitor and of course, from his many family influences – including links through his sister to Florence Nightingale.

Elin Cadwaladr

Elin Cadwaladr is Owen’s first, but little known, romance. It is principally set around Rhosneigr and the Anglesey parish of Llanfaelog, which Owen parodies as ‘Bryn Siriol’ [Pleasant Hill]. Contrasting the traditional way of life, with the growing popularity of the new holiday village, he weaves a tale amongst petty parochialism, national politics and the relentlessness of tuberculosis, from which he himself eventually died.

Elin Cadwaladr tells the story of David Charles, a young preacher, and his sweetheart, Elin. They drift apart when he goes to and becomes involved with Politics. He serves for a short while as the minister of a prestigious chapel in a London suburb but loses his religious conviction and begins to practise law. He is chosen as a parliamentary candidate but, shortly before the General Election, Elin becomes seriously ill. David’s return to Anglesey leads to a momentous decision which changes his life forever. The following extract is from chapter one:-

Bryn Siriol is a village, and also a parish, in the hundred of Hirfon, on the island of Anglesey. Although the parish boundaries are more than five miles from the sea, there are places in the district from which its shores can be clearly seen on fine days. But Bryn Siriol is an agricultural district. Until recently its inhabitants took little interest in the splendid sands of the Big Beach. But after it became a Mecca for strangers from the

22 towns of England, in search of health, and after a trim little townlet was built on the sandbanks, some enthusiasm was kindled in Bryn Siriol. The price of butter went up. The price of eggs rose too. The people of the parish are people who work hard, and live hard. They laugh when they see the Englishmen of the Big Beach walking miles in all weathers through the heather and ferns after a small white ball. They laugh just as heartily when they hear the English talking about health rules and the relationship between sick cattle and consumption. But let no-one jump to the conclusion that the people of Bryn Siriol lack sense. They are astute and thoughtful people; men of mental abilities stronger than the usual amidst country folk and wise, skilful women.

Madam Wen

Owen’s best known novel, however, is ‘Madam Wen’, which was published in book form barely a fortnight before he died. It is based on the Anglesey legend of the same name and tells the story of the love of Morys Williams – an honest country squire – for Einir Wyn,a beautiful and intelligent woman of society who, unbeknown to him, leads a double life as the leader of a band of robbers and smugglers. After a number of daring adventures, there is dissention in the ranks, resulting in a clash of leadership and a murder, with devastating consequences. An extract from Owen’s dramatic foreword to his novel gives some insight into the romantic adventure to follow:-

Tradition had little to say about the career of Madam Wen and what it did say was misleading. Were it not for a discovery that was made some time ago it would not have been possible to write the chapters which follow. To search for the home of Madam Wen one must go to the south-west of Anglesey, to an area which could be called the District of the Lakes. There are three lakes of substantial size, the biggest of the three being Traffwll Lake. To the south side of the lake and half encircling it, are the fields of Traffwll. Here, years ago, the gorse grew tall and thick, forming a dense forest, and, in the shadows of that dark forest lurked Madam Wen’s cave at the edge of the water.

Late one summer’s day, a man from the area was sitting on a tree trunk near the cave gazing at the silvery face of the lake. His meditations may have strayed back to childhood, when any mention of Madam Wen endowed the cave and its surroundings with a kind of magic. Whatever the reason, he was overcome by an urge to go and explore the cave. It was somewhat stealthily, and fearing that someone would see him, that he took a mattock and a spade, went to the cave, and started to dig at the far end. It did not surprise him in the least when the tip of the mattock went straight through, revealing the true entrance to Madam Wen’s underground hiding place...

Available to purchase at Amazon.co.uk or direct from rhosneigrpublishing.co.uk ISBN Number 9780956296207 £14.99

23 THE OLD DOMINICAN RUCKSACK CLUB NEWS

ODRC Walks Programme 2011

April 15. Meet at the FREE car park (L after the main Llanberis junction from Bangor) on lakeside next to the public toilets SH580602. At 1030 hrs. Walk includes Llyn Padarn Country Park, optional visit to the old Quarry Hospital and Cafe, Return via the old Llanberis railway track. With Elfyn May 13 Meet Ken in the car park above Deiniolen SH 597631, the start of the track to Marchlyn Mawr at 0930 hrs go up to Marchlyn Mawr over, Elidir Fach and back to the car park. (This time we must pray for fine weather) May 27 Three gorge walk from Ffestiniog 6-7mls easy/moderate woodland circuit superb falls and bluebell show in Spring. Elfyn June 10 Meet with John Pilling in the car park on the right in centre of Bethesda Grid SH 623669 at 0930 hrs. Walk up Yr Elen, 3000 ft. Via Cwm Caseg returning by Cwm Llafar, a little steep scrambling above Llyn Caseg.

June 24 Summer Lunch

July 8 Meet at 1030 hrs. by the gate leading to Gelerts Grave in Beddgelert, grid ref:- SH592481, there are a number of Car parks about the village. For circular walk includeing Aberglaslyn Pass, Cwm Bychan and Llyn Dinas 5- 6mls easy/moderate.With Elfyn. July 22 Meet in Dolwyddelan Station Car Park at 1030 hrs walk to Gwybrnant cicuit 6/7miles includes some boggy ground . moderate. This walk can also include a shorter easy woodland walk 3/4mls to Lledr gorge and return. With Elfyn August 12. Meet at 1030 hrs in the Roadside Car Park on the Left at SH611493 just before Llyn Dinas walk to Hafod Owen over Lake Path and minor road then return via open hill path 3-4mls easy. Elfyn August 26. Meet at 1030 hrs at Fachwen car park SH590611 walk to Deiniolen return via Dinorwig 4/5mls easy good paths and minor roads. With Elfyn. September 9. Meet at small Car Park at SH652413 by Llyn Mair at 1030 hrs on B4410 North of Plas Tan-y-Bwlch. Walk via Hafod y Llyn through easy woodland and lakes walk 4/5 mls. With Elfyn. September 23 North Anglesey Meet at Cemaes Bay Car Park, SH373936 at 1030 hrs - Llanbadrig – Llanlleiana – Dinas Gwynfor – Cemaes – Pleasant circular coast walk With Hefin & Elfyn October 14 Turn right off the A4085 at Pont Cae’r-Gors and follow the dirt road South to the Car park at SH572502 by 1030 hrs for a circular walk in the forest including lunch break at Llyn Llywelyn picnic area and a look at

24 Glyndwr's Cave. Easy/moderate walk on forest tracks and short hill climb. 5/6mls with Elfyn October 28 Meet at Tyn Llwyn Forestry Car Park and lookout SH765583 (Go left up hill at the Ugly House for about 1.5K ) for a woodland walk including lunch stop at Swallow Falls. Easy 4/5mls. Superb in Autumn colours. With Elfyn.

December 9 Christmas Lunch

WALK REPORTS

5 November 2010. Afon Cunfal walk

Five stalwarts braved the inclement forecast to meet at the square in Llan Ffestiniog on Friday November 5th with not a firework in sight. The Afon Cynfal was in full spate after several days of heavy rain. Reputed to be one of the most spectacular gorge walks in Wales it did not disappoint. The autumn colours were dazzling and the roaring river made the famous Cynfal Falls a spectacular sight as we scrambled down a steep flight of steps to almost touching distance of the torrent. Pausing at frequent intervals to photograph the gorge, we crossed the river by an ancient bridge to go upstream to the viaduct that carries the now defunct railway line to Trawsfynydd, a marvel of Victorian engineering in itself. As we walked downstream again, we had a bird’s eye view of the narrow gorge brimming with foaming waterfalls and overhung with multicoloured trees. Gareth spotted a log just made for a lunch stop much to Hefin's relief and Jim (the mascot) enjoyed the leftovers if not the views. Further downstream we walked until we reached the bridge at Dol y Moch (no pigs presented themselves). Elfyn pointed out Plas Dol y Moch beyond, a place with an interesting history, not the least as the home of the notorious Lord Haw Haw, who, during the last war, broadcast Nazi propaganda, and had promised Hitler the use of the old mansion as his UK summer residence should he invade these islands. Our minds boggled at the thought of this lovely place being a base for a jack booted empire We hurried on through sweet chestnut woods back to Ffestiniog, whilst Warren related another tale concerning this valley and about the spectacular rock pinnacle called The Pulpit which we passed near the Cynfal Falls, “The very 25 obvious feature usually referred to as the "The Pulpit" has a very interesting story related to it in the local area. Apparently in the Elizabethan era a member of the local lesser gentry was a well known and successful mercenary He served with Sir Phillip Sidney in the Low Countries..Returning home after an operation there would be a " Honeymoon" period with the wife. She was also from the "Gentry" and after a few weeks she found her husband "to be in the way" and would chase him from the house. In order to avoid the tirade he would run through the woods and jump onto the pulpit. When one looks at the gap between the bank of the river and the pulpit, he must have been quite a man and may have been too much of a man for his lady wife. It is easy to imagine him setting out on the road to Dolgellau at the start of another military operation and with a smile on his face waving to the pulpit. Elfyn

3 December 2010 The Christmas lunch

The ODRC Christmas Lunch was once again held at the Victoria Hotel in Menai Bridge. Although the day dawned to a hard frost and a slight covering of snow it had almost all cleared by lunch time. We had a good turn out, the Hotel Staff were as usual very welcoming and attentive and the food was as good as the company was enjoyable. After lunch Warren gave us a very interesting informative and cheerfull description of his recent visit to Korea, organised by the Korean Veterans Association. It should have been an illustrated talk, however this time, although the projector was working, by a misunderstanding Warren had neglected to bring the DVD, he thought that he had already given it to Phil. Better luck next time we hope. Our thanks to Elfyn who organized it all.

26 14th January, 2011. Mynydd Llwydiarth and Red Wharf beach walk.

Nine walkers met on a blustery but dry day on the beach car park, Pentraeth, Ynys Mon, and greeted the first walk of the new year with customary handshakes all round and hugs for the ladies. Jim accepted a pat on the head or occasional biscuit instead. With the wind at our backs, we made good progress towards Llanddona noting the flocks of wading birds which make this beach a twitchers paradise. I once saw an amazing looking green heron here and thought my eyes deceived me until I rounded a bluff and saw a battery of cameras pointed at it. Twitchers from all over the UK had come to spot the American migrant sheltering in the bay. From Wern y Wylan, the beach is too boggy to easily progress so we took to the sea wall with a small herd of cows and an inquisitive bull taking an interest in our progress. The wall is now part of the new Anglesey Coast path and is considerably preferable to squelching through the old muddy route. We crossed a stream on a new bridge (picture) then turned inland at Llanddona beach to circle back through mixed woodland then the conifer woods of Llwydiarth Forest. At this point, Hefin could stand the suspense no longer and so we stopped for lunch. The forest is home to a rather unique little colony of red squirrels, although we could not confirm any sightings on this trip. They are an indigenous group on Anglesey. and because of their isolation have developed some special characteristics such as yellowish ear tips and tail tip. (Although I can only repeat what I was told by a park warden and readers may care to challenge this). It was though, good to know that the island is home to a thriving population of these endearing little animals which are now threatened with obliteration from our woods thanks to the invasive greys. Some of us remember when the woods around Bangor were alive with them. Sadly they have now vanished. As we reached the high point of the walk, we could see the whole east coast of Anglesey below us with Point Lynas lighthouse in the distance. Ken noted that it was once manned by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board. Now of course it is automatically lit and controlled by computer. Some argument ensued on arrival back at the beach regarding the mileage we had covered. I said six miles, Hefin said seven and a half, and Jim covered probably fifteen or so.

Elfyn

27 The Party on the new footbridge Red Wharf beach.

28 January 2011 Conwy to Penmaenmawr

We met on Conwy Quay for a very pleasant walk under clear blue skies, it was cold with ice on the beach in places.We had a look at the memorial plaque to the builders of the Mulberry Harbours and Iorys Hughes. At Penmaenbach I showed the party a photo of the disaster which occurred at this point in January 1899 when a very bad storm breached the sea wall and a goods train ran into the resulting hole, both the driver & fireman died. We were joined halfway by 2 other members & a dog who had walked from Penmaenmawr to meet us. .We all had lunch by the Iron footbridge then continued along the beach to Penmaenmwr. and up to the town to catch the bus back to Conwy.

28 Four of us had, earlier, taken the Bus from Llanfairfechan to Conwy. We arrived at Pen quite early after a very pleasant walk around Penmaenbach so we decided to walk back to Llanfairfechan. The long pull up the Penmaenmawr Headland alongside the dual carriageway was quite disturbing as the traffic roared past. Two of the party had never walked over the Old Road, so we decided that it would be safer more pleasant and interesting to do so. Whole new vistas opened up and our proximity to the buttresses looming above us made it plain why Edward 1 found the mountain such an obstacle to his advance and why the Peregrine has found it to be such a safe haven. Peering over the edge down to the sea one could understand why the early travellers thought the passage “Horrendous”. We must have been feeling romantic for we started to discuss the story of a courting couple who lived in the seventeenth century. Sion Humphreys lived in Llanfairfechan. His sweetheart lived in Glan Conwy. Sion set off to one day to meet her in Conwy Fair. It must have been very stormy as the coach went off the road and the ferry sank in the River Conwy. Sion survived as did his sweetheart. So also did the Vicar of Llanelian, who was taking a midwife over the mountain on horseback. When the horse slipped and plunged over the edge. Both horse and midwife were killed. Pennant believed the story, but Hyde Hall some years later doubted it. We argued as we strolled to Llan, arriving in good humour. Ken & Warren

11 February 2011 Llandudno Junction to the Great Orme

Six of us set out, after some discussion about the start time, on a fine morning, there was no wind and the sea so blue with not a ripple on the surface.of the water. We first stopped at the Arch commemorating the opening of the Conwy Tunnel by the Queen in 1991, where we had a group photograph Alun joined us at the Quay Hotel in Deganwy, having turned up in Llandudno Junction at the correct time only to find that we had already gone, thank goodness for mobile phones. It was difficult to imagine how the old silted up quay with the old dilapidated buildings and workshops looked now it is filled with the new upmarket development. We continued on to West Shore and had lunch near the beach. At the start of the Marine Drive we debated whether to take the path to the left, up the Monks’ Path to the summit of the Great Orme, or the one on the right, along the aptly named “Invalids Walk”. We decided that this was right for us and made our way passed a herd of Goats to Haulfre Gardens and on to Llandudno and the bus for home. Everyone remarked on the fine weather and glorious views which we had seen.

Ken.

29 The A Team under the Commemorative Arch.

Alun joined the herd of famous Great Orme Goats

30 25 February 2011. Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island.

Down in the forest ready for the off.

A wild and windy night on Ynys Môn was followed by an equally wild and windy day though, mercifully, the promised rain did not materialise. Eleven walkers met on the Malltraeth Road car park of the Newborough Forest and battled up the Cefni Estuary towards Llanddwyn Island. As we rounded the huge dunes on to the vast expanse of sandy beach known as Traeth Penrhos, the fierce wind blew the sand into our faces and looking back at the party a scene from Laurence of Arabia came to mind. Eventually, we reached the huge bones of an old ship in the sand which Warren informed us was the remains of the coal supply ship which served the people of southwest Anglesey until she ran aground in a storm sometime between the wars. He assured us that the good Citizens of Newborough were not short of coal for some time afterwards. At last we reached Ynys Llanddwyn and took shelter and lunch on the remains of the old causeway which once joined the island to the mainland. By this time the tide had advanced and huge waves pounded the rocks nearby with nature giving a free display of her powers.

31 The rocks we sat on were composed of pillow lava, an unusual sight on this coast with their subterranean lava bubbles of eons ago seemingly frozen in time. They are so popular with geologists that wardens have to warn off potential geological vandals with sharp hammers from destroying the very fabric they came to see. As St Dwynwen’s day had passed we saw no romantic couples on the island, just a small group of mountain ponies and one or two of our walkers who ventured up to the lighthouse summit. We returned through the woods and to our astonishment saw that we had walked a total of 10.5 miles that day. Tom,the boy, and Jim the dog slept well that night.

Elfyn

Lunch on the rocks.

32 The Presentation in The PJ Hall Left to right, Elfyn, Warren & the two recipients. Kelvin Cheung. and Thomas Lacey We have made a note to find another photographer For next year We can not win ‘em all

33 We regret having to report the death of the

Following Old Dominican.

Our sincere condolences go to his family.

John (Jack) Renshaw 1930 To 2010

Jack arrived in Friars in 1945 having come to live in Llanfairfechan from Oldham,when his father’s work brought him to North Wales. We met on the train and soon became firm friends, Jack was a keen Scout and we soon realized that we both enjoyed walking in the hills. Arnold Lewis, also from Llanfairfechan was another keen hill walker and we began to climb together. In 1946, with the help of Mr. Coulter, we and some other like minded boys formed the Dominican Rucksack Club. At Easter 1947 I left to do my National Service in the Royal Marines Commando, leaving Jack and Arnold to carry on climbing for the next couple of years. Then they were off to University, Jack to Sheffield where he joined the University Climbing Club and improved his rock climbing skills on the local Gritstone cliffs. On completion of his education it was time for him to do his National Service, he joined the Royal Artillery and was posted first to Germany and then to Korea. In 1954 during his National Service Jack had married the love of his life, Sulwen, also from Llanfaifechan. On completion of National Service we climbed again together, Arnold was by now in the Royal Navy, so we did not see each other so often. Especially as, unfortunately, both Jack and I had to work for a living. .He qualified as an Accountant with a firm from Llandudno. Jack and Sulwen moved to Old Colwyn where their first child Heather was born. In 1957 Jack joined the National Coal Board as an Auditor and moved to Wrexham where their second child, Elaine was born. They later moved to the Lake District then Staffordshire before moving back to Llanfairfechan in1976 Sulwen conducted the Traeth Lafan Choir and Jack organized a number of Choral tours for them at home and abroad, including a very successful trip to

34 Malta. They were enamoured by the Island and bought an apartment in Gozo where they spent a great deal of time. On occasins Jack and Sulwen invited me to join them and we had a number of spectacular coastal walks together. By now Jack and I decided that our climbing days were over but we could still walk the hills and when the ODA was reformed in April 2001 and the Rucksack Club was reconstituted as The Old Dominican Rucksack Club, we again walked on the hills with a number of our old companions together with some new found friends. Unfortunately, Jack developed emphysema and I, arthritis, so our walking became restricted, still, we could cheerfully reminisce on the good old days. Sadly Jack passed away suddenly, at home, on the evening of Tuesday 2 November 2010. He had been in ill health for the past couple of years, but he never complained. Over the past few weeks his health had deteriorated but we did not think it was as bad as it must have been. His funeral in St Mary’s and Christ Church, Lalnfairfechan, on Wednesday 10 November was well attended by his family, friends and old school mates, which showed just how popular he was. His eulogy was given so well by his eldest Grandson Jack would have been very proud of him. Our thoughts go out to Sulwen and the family. Jack, old mate, you are gone but you will never be forgotten. PWJ

And from Arnold Lewis Es geht mein Herr?. The private joke, gleaned from avid reading of Victorian Alpine first ascents, used to bolster confidence when making first ascents on Pen Penmaen and the Carneddau. As follows. ‘I traced the line to Hans the guide who said “Es geht mein Herr”. I studied the chosen line again and said slowly “Yes Hans, it will go”’. Used in later years when exchanging Xmas Cards with or telephoning Jack, as a reminder of our climbing partnership, which knew reality in the period 1945 to 1954. When you have shared a rope with someone and when acting as second, potentially held each other’s life in one’s hands, the friendship and trust in each other is very intense. Of his academic school record I remember little as I was in the Upper Sixth when he came to Friars, but I do recall vividly the

35 slightly gawky bespectacled member of the Rucksack club who showed a natural talent for climbing steep rock when scrambling or bouldering. He could get up things that I could not, so as our climbing friendship developed, I planned the routes and Jack executed them. After all, against their better judgment, my parents had been persuaded to buy me a proper climbing rope for my Eighteenth Birthday whereas Jack’s parents would not. This gave me an edge! On the 27 September 1949 I had returned from climbing in Chamonix in the Alps and felt fit. Jack never seemed to train and for some reason was always ‘on form’. The previous day we had put up a new route on Pen Penmaen which we thought might be Very Severe. Since neither of us had climbed an official guide book VS how could we judge?. So we cycled the fifteen miles up to Ogwen Lake, abandoned the cycles and via the Heather Terrace headed for Belle Vue Bastion on the east face of Tryfan. We led alternately up the initial pitches of Grooved Arete and just before the difficult bit walked over to the Terrace Wall and gazed with some trepidation at our objective. We changed into rubber gym shoes, as the grading VS was for that category of foot ware. I led the first easy pitch onto what the Guide Book calls ‘the slab on the edge of all things’. The exposure here was impressive to say the least. Jack came bounding up and made the second private joke. “What exactly is the difficulty here”. He led up the slab and disappeared over the left wall, the rope running out smoothly and then a pause. His voice comes down to me “gets a bit thin here” which is guide book speak for small holds, few of them and awkwardly placed. He is working out the moves and the rope begins to flow again. Safely belayed he calls “Climb when you are ready”. I get to the difficult bit and call for a tight rope. I admire Jack’s cool nerve in leading this pitch. I arrive at the stance and the third private understated joke “Good lead, Hans”. The third pitch is comparatively easy and ends on Belle Vue Terrace itself, which we had first reached by the easy way in 1948 (see photo). The rest of the day was magic. We climbed The Cheek, completed Grooved Arete and ran down to Ogwen, rescued the cycles and headed for the 2 d (old money!) cup of tea at Mervyn’s wooden shack at the end of the Lake. Mervyn says “ What did you do today lads”. I replied “ Jack led the Bastion”. The moment’s pause and the tone of respect for someone who has joined an elite band “Well done indeed”. Jack gave his usual modest smile Quintessential Jack, this indeed was typical of many ascents in Wales and Scotland. In the seventies, Jack occasionally accompanied my sons and myself when we made forays into Wales to revive the family interest in climbing. Ever the same, a great friend, I feel he has un roped and gone climbing on but no longer the information “ Gets a bit thin here” to reassure us.

Es geht Mein Herr!

36 The THREE appeared again at Christmas in various guises. But I think we have finally tracked them down complete with golden crowns and their pet dragon.

Somewhere on Ynys Môn.

37 New Members

William Merfyn Williams, 26 Maes yr Hafod, Menai Bridge, Ynys Mon, LL59 5NB.

William Henry Davies 24 Alverstone Avenue Claughton Birkenhead CH41 0BT [email protected] 0151 653 8401

Keneth Hughes 24,Caerhun Caerhun Bangor LL57 4UG [email protected] 01248 360040

38 If you have enjoyed reading what we have produced in this Newsletter please send along your own contribution!

No later than the end of June 2011 for the Summer Edition.

Recollections of your National Service, Interesting experiences in your lives, “A year to remember”, Short news items particularly welcome. And please include any interesting photographs such as “Where do you read your Newsletter?”. (See Page 8 in this edition).

Don’t forget to let us know if you change your address.

Editor Clifford Michael Jones, Manor Lodge, Aston Ingham, Ross on Wye, HR9 7LS. Tel: 01989 720 575 E-mail [email protected]

Assistant Editors Phil Williams-Jones E-mail [email protected]

Warren Martin E-mail [email protected]

Archivist Hefin Williams E-mail [email protected] Telephone 01248 714471 Check out The Old Dominicans Web Page at http://oldda.synthasite.com Also the School Web page at http://www.friars.gwynedd.sch.uk

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