1 2 ODA Contacts President Mr. Cledwyn Jones

Chairman Warren D. Martin ‘Kwetu Bach’ 4 Gorwel LL33 0DS Tel: 01248 680398 E-mail: [email protected]

Secretary Elfyn M Edwards 3, Cae Mair LL58 8YN Tel: 01248 810340 E-mail: [email protected]

Treasurer Gareth V Williams Llwynysgolaig Ffordd Gwyllt Llanfairfechan LL33 0ED Tel: 01248 680770 E-mail: [email protected]

Welsh Affairs John Bryan Jones Heulfryn 7 Victoria Rd LL29 9SN Tel: 01492 515558 & fax E-mail: [email protected]

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

Information Technology Don Parry-Jones 21 Laurel Avenue Bangor on Dee Wrexham LL13 0BQ Tel: 01978 780005 E-mail: [email protected]

Co-opted members with responsibilities for recruiting younger members

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

The Newsletter Editorial Team and Archivist

(See page 43 for contact details)

3 IMPORTANT NOTICE

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET PAID YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FOR 2013/2014. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NEWSLETTER YOU WILL RECEIVE.

The annual subscription is £12.00 and should be paid by the 1 April each year by cheque to The Treasurer, Gareth V Williams, Llwynysgolaig, Ffordd Gwyllt, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0ED.

Or fill in the Bankers Order on page 41 and send it to your bank.

If you have already paid, please disregard this notice.

Thank you.

One other thing, we would like to have an up to date list of all our members email addresses. Please send an email to [email protected] Put ODA in the subject line and your name and current address in the message. Thank you.

Please note that the views expressed by our contributors are not necessarily the views of the Association

4 Chairman’s Notes

The Editor called and told me that I was holding up production! Surely not. I had plenty of time and many things to do and then it dawned that where as I did have many things to do I did not have much time. So I quickly beat a retreat up to the office to strike the iron whilst it was at least partly warm! Already having successfully negotiated myself out of taking part in a planned walk, it had already been moved from the depths of Ffestiniog to the milder shores of Newborough. Good decision .Now as I gazed out of the window faintly through the driving rain and the dark and heavy clouds a glimmer of light appeared over . Should I have been with them? No .To the task in hand. What can I say to you all about our weekend .Elfyn will report on the General Meeting and Gareth will update on his report. It is difficult to describe my feelings leading up to the meeting .Perhaps; they could be compared to those of a young recruit approaching his first parade or those of a young groom about to take the first steps towards the Altar! An enormous desire to please but some considerable apprehension and doubt. However, due to the excellent work of the committee ,for which I am extremely grateful ,although there are still niggling doubts as to what they are up to, the meeting went well and I would like to thank you all for your confidence and acknowledgement of what we have done. So on to the evening and a lively noisy gathering .Perhaps I am getting better I didn`t feel that I had to shout so loudly and the tables soon began to form. There was much chatter and the taking of many photographs. There was one moment of panic when it did look as if Alun was about to do a mischief to himself!! It was a delight to witness and to listen in to the conversation between our President and our guest speaker. Full of wisdom tempered with humour which continued into Tom`s speech .It was quite wonderful to hear his recollections of school and I feel was most appropriate for an O.D.A. dinner. I was very pleased to hear that he was a member of that large club who were terrified of Ned Darke! As I drew the gathering to a close I realised that my memory was not as good as his and had to admit that Mrs Noah did not appear in Captain Brassbound`s conversion .As is usual the conversation continued and it was good to see our two young guests very much involved and enjoying themselves. Many thanks to Medi for steering them through the evening `s proceedings. We have an interesting future in front of us. Will our two young recruiters (comparatively young) be able to bring in about 25 of their Ilk and so ensure that we can have a seamless transition to the next committee. I hope so but if it not possible then we will have to face up to what many organisations have to meet and think carefully about our future. Myself I feel that a planned withdrawal is much preferable to a collapse or even worse a fade out.

5 For the moment we can together look forward to our next Summer gathering and some more pleasant moments in each other’s company. May I assure you that your committee will do its utmost to carry out your wishes as expressed and once again a heartfelt thank you for your support. Warren

REUNION DINNER 2013

Dr. Tom Jones. His speech was quite wonderful. To listen to his recollections of school life was most appropriate for an O.D.A. Reunion dinner

6 It was a delight to witness and to listen in to the conversation between our President and our guest speaker. Full of wisdom tempered with humour

The evening was full of enjoyable conversation, retelling of happy memories, and as usual in excellent company.

Many thanks to Medi for steering our young guests through the evenings proceedings. Amy and Leon gave us a very heartfelt “Thank you” at the end of the proceedings.

7 Secretary’s Notes Anyone who has ever belonged to an organisation, be it political, a sports club, or social or fund raising charity, will know that, in reality, the whole thing is actually run by a small handful of willing volunteers who then depend on a much larger general membership for periodical support. In our case, the ODA Committee could be described as a “handful” and occasionally “willing”, so it was particularly pleasing that 42 members turned up to our General Meeting at the Carreg Bran Hotel on May11th. Only a few enjoyed the buffet lunch on offer (was it too expensive at £9.50 ?) Then the meeting heard how the ODA had been active over the past two years, including a number of social events such as the Presidents Lunch, a Summer Lunch, and fortnightly walks with Rucksack Club followed by two Christmas lunches. The President, Cledwyn Jones, had presented the ODA Awards, and spoken at several functions with considerable charm and wit. Our main function, though was keeping members in touch with the regular Newsletters and several members expressed the view that they were the “life blood” of the ODA although more content needed to be relevant to our members from the 60s and 70s. Our chairman, Warren Martin, urged members from post 1950s to make contributions to the newsletters or the present ODA could well fall by the wayside again as our present (1950s vintage) committee have all limited “shelf lives”!! On this last point, it was agreed that two years between general members meetings is far too long a time period for many of us, so the concept of Annual General Meetings would be introduced with a Members Dinner and Members Lunch on alternate years. The ODA Friends have had a successful if limited beginning with a number of close friends, wives , and relatives of members joining in activities. Please encourage such people in your lives to join and keep the ODA solvent. Don Parry Jones paid tribute to our archivist, Hefin Williams, the archives now containing the very first Dominican magazine dated 1908 and they were attracting enquiries from several sources including one lady from New Zealand looking for information about her grandfather for which Hefin was able to be of assistance. Summing up, the chairman reiterated the need for our members, younger and older to make the newsletter, and therefore the ODA, their own “baby” by using it, and playing a part in it. Judging by the warm reception and the subsequent very successful evening and Dinner, his comments have not fallen on deaf years. Elfyn 8 The Chairman opens the Biennial General Meeting and is listened to patiently by the members

Photos by Alun Jones

9 Message from Editor Dear Colleagues and Readers Time waits for no man! It seems only yesterday, in this old man’s mind, that we were leaving Friars School for the last time. That was in 1953! Where have the last 60 years gone? Water under the bridge flows all too swiftly and silently for us to realise how quickly we age. This was certainly brought to mind at the recent ODA Biennial Dinner. As you have read from Chairman’s Notes, it was an evening of pleasant socialising and chatter. Two things brought a realisation of time; one was a fellow diner and the other an honoured guest. The fellow diner was Gwyn Rees Jones of the famed engagement process in Northern Ireland where we were posted to after training. The other was Leon Scrase, the Head Boy of Friars School, or should I say, Ysgol Friars? Gwyn was with me when we were both required to serve our time on National Service, as we entered Park Hall Camp, Oswestry for the initial shocks. 60 years ago almost to the day (give or take a month or so). Then there was this young man, Leon. He was extremely mature to face the august gathering of sages at Carreg Bran. Could we picture ourselves in the same position in 1953? If you want proof of the stature of modern youth then we have it here. No need to fear the future. These must have been the same thoughts that Philip of Macedon had when he faced the Greeks. Recently on a trip to Vergina where Philip’s grave is buried in an enormous tumulus I caught sight of the double headed eagle of Friars’ fame. I hasten to add, though, that it was not part of his burial site as such but of the Byzantine Empire that followed. It has always been a curiosity for me that some historical mistake added that emblem to our crest. I think the Seljuk Turks of the eleventh century started using the double headed eagle. What does Wikipedia say? The double-headed eagle is a common symbol in heraldry and vexillology. It is most commonly associated with the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Russian Empire and their successor states. In Byzantine heraldry, the heads represent the Emperor having authority over both secular and religious matters; Byzantine emperors were regarded as Christ's vicegerent on Earth. It also signified the dominance of the Byzantine Emperors over both East and West. In the Holy Roman Empire's heraldry, it represented the church and the state. Several Eastern European nations adopted it from the Byzantines and continue to use it as their national symbol to this day. But interesting that the eagle could look both ways and cover the temporal and spiritual world. This, no doubt, gave Friars’ masters a distinct advantage in life. It was often claimed that some had eyes in the back of their heads. Whatever the cause or reason, it always has been a matter of pride to belong to Friars School. It gave everyone an edge. This continues, we hope, with the current cohorts of pupils passing through its gates. As Warren rightly points out, the present ODA will not last forever and we must think of the future, leaving something of value as an inheritance. Long may the ODA continue and the Friars’ traditions continue to prosper. Cliff Jones

10 An extract from the Archives

The House system at Friars was first introduced in 1908 by the Head Master Mr. William Glynn Williams.

There were six houses in total, namely: Arvon : Colours Red & White. Menai : “ Green. Ffrancon : “ Dark Blue. Glyder : “ White. Ogwen : “ Black & White. Quellyn : “ Maroon.

At the end of each term the “Platt Shield” was awarded to the House that gained the highest number of points in the following, Football, Cricket, Field Sports, Gymnastics, Swimming and shooting (Archery). Due to the absurd inequalities in strength it was decided in 1911 to reduce the number of houses to four namely Arvon, Ffrancon, Glyder and Quellyn. In 1954 when Mr. Merfyn Williams took over the headship at Friars the welsh spelling of Arfon and Cwellyn was introduced. For your information. Ivor Williams (Boss) was a member of Arvon House during his years as a pupil at Friars. Sadly the house system has now disappeared; the modern school now uses various colours.

. *****************************

Archive appeal

Do you have any photos or documents etc. that could be archive material? If so could you please contact me by e-mail, telephone or letter please.( My contact details can be found on the back cover of the News Letter). All items will be returned to you post haste if you so wish)

Hefin Williams

11 Correspondence

Dear Mr Martin,

I do not know if we have actually met but greetings anyway! Wasn't it a bit mean and petty to write, edit, print and publish the rather unflattering article on "Boss"? (Page 11, by Roy Thomas). I was at Friars during his time and I thought and still think he was a good headmaster, undeserving of such a character assassination Yours sincerely, Charles Fisher MB. (Friars School 1938 - 1944).

Dear Dr Fisher.

You may not recall that you sat next to my wife at our reunion dinner two years ago. I understand that your grandfather was the G.P.at LLanfair.P.G. If I am right my grandmother was a patient of his and so our lives have touched. Thank you very much for your e-mail. I have taken some time to take a few soundings before replying. Not one of my contacts has seen the article in the same light as you. We do not think that at any time did Boss exaggerate his own abilities and the fact that Roy thought that his achievement had been greater than he thought, was just part of the school "mystique". I well remember that we were convinced, in my time, that one of our teachers had kept goal for Bolton Wanderers. I doubt it! None of this detracts from the fact that the view of most ex-pupils, that I have come across, was that Boss was a great character and a great headmaster and of course very much of his time. In struggling to put together the News Letter we have taken the view that the O.D.A. is a broad church and that all of our members are free to express their views indeed you will recall that we insert a note to the effect that the News Letter does not reflect the views of the O.D.A. I must apologise if the insertion of the article has upset you but even after several readings I do not see it in the same light as yourself. To me it is just another aspect of the enigma that was Boss! Personally I would love to know more about his time in the Army. I remember his words, "There I was Martin, at the bottom of the Gang Plank in Mesopotamia. - Gunner Williams!" This was a great help to me in convincing my Dad that perhaps it was not such a bad thing to become a Soldier. Finally, I would like to say that we are always pleased to receive comments about the News Letter and to see that Members do read it!! Sometimes the lack of response can be slightly discouraging Many thanks and best wishes. Warren Martin. (Chairman ODA)

12 Dear Mr Martin, Very many thanks for your E mail. You are quite right - memory is fading a bit lately! But I do remember a very pleasant evening with excellent meal to match. It was my father who was a GP; based and domiciled in he had several patients in Llanfair PG. (GPs did home visits in those times! Lots of them!) He himself was an old Friars boy when he and his family lived in Llanfairfechan, He belonged to the OTC before being sent to France with the BEF where he managed to survive by virtue of being shot through the leg. After this he spent time in an army convalescent unit in Bristol (Ashton Court) where the high spot of the day was answering questions about the regularity of his bowels. He then went to Kinmel Park to teach musketry after that and, when demobilised, he qualified in Medicine in Liverpool where he was a contemporary of Henry Cohen whose story is, I'm sure, well known to you. A flawed genius if you like! My own story is much less interesting. I left Friars in 1944. Four years Royal Navy including time as a submariner and no, nobody shot at me in that time! I qualified in medicine in Liverpool in 1953 (After a bit of a delay!) Hospital jobs in Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral, followed by emigration to Australia under the "Assisted Passage" Scheme. A year's GP in Melbourne and a slightly longer stint in the Kimberleys in NW Australia with the Flying Doctor Service which was wonderful but no place to rear young children. My wife Shirley (also a Liverpool- trained physiotherapist) and I now live in Chester and our three children live in, respectively, Tokyo, Chester and Sussex. The first two are Australian-born. Reverting to the journal, one of the few that I recognise is J Arnold Lewis who was, I think, an accomplished rock climber. "Ned" Dark taught us maths, and very well too apart from his rather strange habits. I didn't know he ever held military rank: the ATC Officer when I was there was Mr Jones -Owen, known to us, for obvious reasons, as "Stumpy". Many thanks again for your E mail. Yours sincerely, Charles Fisher.

To clarify things we publish these short extracts from the first copy of the Dominican, of the Summer 1908. School Notes. The following were the results of the Welsh Central Board Examination held at Midsummer, 1907. Honours Certificate. Ivor Williams, 1st in all , distinguished in Latin, Greek and History. We unreservedly congratulate our School Captain Ivor Williams upon his position on this list. As top boy in Wales, he wins a gold medal and a scholarship of £80 a year to Jesus College, Oxford. May he uphold with distinction the credit of his old school.

Little did they know then that he would return 27 years later as Headmaster

13 A gathering of Old Dominicans back in 1996.

A number of our readers might be interested in this photo,taken in the British Hotel on Monday, May 6th, 1996 which in a sense is a precursor of the present ODA. A number of the lads were suffering from the feeling of Friars nostalgia, and were missing the feeling of fellowship, they were looking for a way of keeping in touch. No doubt you will be able to recognise and name many, if not most of then. Regrettably there wasn't the commitment or organizational ability to do what has been done so capably by the founders of the present ODA .However,the spirit was there at the time and maybe it lit a spark that lasted long enough to engender a further successful attempt.

Picture sent in by Tom Bernard, extreme left front row.

We have the names of a number of those on the picture but Hefin, our Archivist will be pleased get them all. If you recognise any or all please go get in touch with him.

14 The New Broom Perhaps the most exciting thing that happened when I was at Friars was the 1954 change of Headmaster. Ivor Williams retired in the March. He was still a superb, albeit idiosyncratic, teacher of Latin, but, dogged by ill-health and loneliness, out of steam as far as imaginatively running a school was concerned. Even we sixth-formers knew that a new broom was needed to make the sweeping changes the school needed. It came in April in the person of Myrvin Elis-Williams, himself a pupil in the Friars sixth form when Ivor had become Head in 1935, and, like him, a Jesus (Oxford) classicist. But Myrvin was a fit man, only 16 years older than we were, married with two young children, and with a background of education management as well as teaching. We watched with excited anticipation as, with Mr. J. R. Griffiths (Mochyn, the Deputy Head) at his right hand, he mounted the stage for his first Assembly. He told us that when he himself had started at Friars 25 years earlier Mochyn had been one of the first teachers he’d met. Subconsciously we may have felt the hand of apostolic succession on us! Myrvin a pupil when Ivor arrived, Mochyn one of his teachers; now Myrvin was succeeding Ivor and Mochyn was soon to retire. I felt confident that, whatever changes might be about to happen, the essential ethos of the school would remain the same. Our more immediate concern, however, was to devise a good nickname for the new Head - ‘Boss’ would have been unthinkable! But despite looking hard at some good feline possibilities (his initials were MEW!) we never came up with anything lasting, and in later years, once the memory of Ivor had faded sufficiently, ‘Boss’ did become Myrvin’s appellation too. But we itched for change, and change came. Within a week seven prefects had been appointed, drawn mainly from the Upper Sixth, with fifteen Lower Sixth monitors as part of succession planning. One of our responsibilities was to choose and read a Bible passage at Assembly each morning, alternately in English and Welsh; another was to help supervise younger boys and to be good role models for them. Our main privilege was a room in which we could relax, make hot drinks, park our belongings, and - now and again! - study. The first room on the left in the Annexe, it was too small for use as a classroom and had been functionless for years, probably since there had last been prefects! Its windows were small, one of them overlooking the dense Plantation, the other the side of the main school building, so it was dark and dingy. It had a fireplace, but the only use made of this was for its chimney to be the main outlet for the olfactory traces of the one regular smoker in our midst! The room was a poor thing, but our own, and we were responsible for keeping it clean! Once a week, after an early ‘double Physics’ class with Jack Lowe, we would entertain to morning coffee in it the seven feisty ‘County School’ girls who came to us in the absence of an A Level Physics teacher of their own. A simple but most welcome extension to the social life of the Sixth Form! The next of that term’s changes that affected us were aimed at making our Sixth Form education more rounded, particularly that of the science students - a weekly Eng. Lit. class with George Dobson, Myrvin’s own Philosophy classes,essays to write on topical issues, and a pile of paperbacks to circulate on subjects like literary criticism, religion, history and politics, also

15 some good 20th century fiction. Music had never been taught at Friars until 1952 when Ivor had appointed Cledwyn Jones, primarily to teach RE but with a little music thrown in. Rugby football had only just returned to the school and still had a low profile. Myrvin considerably raised the status of both music and rugby and before long the school had a choir able to give concerts that delighted, and a rugby team capable of beating HMS Conway! I was fortunate in spending a third year in the sixth form, thus quadrupling the benefit I obtained from the new Head! The first term was spend boringly, but successfully, in honing my knowledge of pre-medical sciences for the Cambridge entrance examination in December, but the next two terms were an absolute delight and - if education is of the person - perhaps the most lastingly valuable part of mine at Friars. In this ‘virtual gap year’, without any more A Levels to worry about, Myrvin enabled me, not only to continue his sixth form general studies, but also to learn German, from scratch to O Level, with R.J.(Screwball) Evans, to join Cledwyn Jones’ small O Level music class and sit the exam, and even to attend some A Level RE teaching. He gave me too the invaluable experience of being Head Boy for these two terms, my predecessor in the role thus being able to devote his whole attention to A Levels. To put it in the correct educational visionary language, I had ‘a rounded and happy learning experience tailored to the needs of the individual student’! With this as his vision, Myrvin, our new broom, would go on in the coming years to make many more changes, at least some of them sweeping ones, that would do nothing less than transform secondary education in Bangor. But that’s another story…..

Tom Jones, March 2013 (Friars 1947-55)

The Foundation Prefects 1954 Can you name them all?

16 The shortest National Service on record by Norman Roberts1948 – 55.

In the dim distant past I received a command to go to Wrexhan, from my home in Bangor, to attend a medical examination prior to being called up for National Service. Using the free rail pass provided I arrived at the appointed place on time. After a while I was ushered into another room to be met by a white coated doctor. He asked my name and address and checked to ensure that I was on his “wanted list. He then looked me up and down. “Turn around young man and go home,” he said. That was the end of my National Service! - Shortest on record? To those of you who do not know me you may need an explanation, I wear a surgical boot and a calliper on my right leg, (spina bifida), even when I was at Friars, and I was no use to the Navy, Army or Airforce. Now how about some more real stories about your National Service?

Norman Roberts.

School Reports.

I was looking through my School Reports recently, I am not telling you that any of the following appeared, you may judge for yourselves.

1. Tries very hard = Thick as two short planks/ 2. Has difficulty in concentraiting = Daft as a brush. 3. Quite lively = Classroom nusance. 4. Strong personality = Won’t do as he is told. 5. Good sense of humour = Acts the goat in class/ 6. A most responsible lad = Often responsible for disrupting the class. 7. Vivid imagination = Full of all sorts of excuses. 8. Easy going child = Lazy.

Norman Roberts

My humble apologies to Norman, for the delay in publishing this. At the time it arrived we had a full edition and it was in long hand, so I am afraid it was filed away and forgotten. Ed.

17 Arfon Evans shares more of his memories with us – continued from the Winter 2012 edition.

I left Jurby on the 23rd of Sept. and the brand new accommodation would be used one more time before RAF Jurby closed. As we were driven by motor transport to Douglas with our kit I reflected on events which set me on this road. I left my navigator colleagues behind as they were going to Canada. Some of the pilots were going to Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), the rest including myself were bound for Coventry. However everyone, regardless of destination, had suffered overseas jabs. We had been told that we might have some reaction to these jabs, however, I was the only one. I awoke the following morning and found that I was blind much to the consternation of the others. They insisted that I should stay in bed and they would report the matter to the medical people and off they went at 7-50 am. By 9-45 am no one had come to see me and by then my eyes were clearing, so by 10-15 am I could see again. By 10-30 I joined the rest at lectures much to their astonishment, more so when I told them that no one from the medical section had visited me. Probably a type of "Gulf War Syndrome" which did not interest the Medical Officer of those days. We sailed for Heysham in the morning, thankful that we would not be staying in the Army barracks at Liverpool. We arrived at RAF Ansty near Coventry early in the evening. We were taken upstairs where we were accommodated two to a room; the rooms ran off a central corridor. We joined other lads who had come from another RAF station, and my new room mate was a fellow called Clough from Middlesborough. We were at No 2 Basic flying Training School which was run by civilians, all of course ex RAF. There were in total only about 12 RAF personnel there, from a Squadron leader who was in charge to the drill sergeant. Yes we were still marching even though we were acting pilot officers and would continue to do so for the next twelve months as Saturday morning was for drilling and marching. However it had its compensations as we were now paid about £18 -00 a month with flying pay, which was a change from £1/8 shillings a week. We would also be paid via a bank account which was opened for us. My Bank was Lloyds Bank, Cox and Kings Branch in London The following morning we were divided into two sections. One section would fly in the morning and ground school in the afternoon, and the other section would be vice versa. Clough and I were in different groups but had the same flying instructor. The aircraft which we had to fly was the De Havilland Chipmunk of Canadian design, still using the Gypsy Major engine as used in the Tiger Moth. We started the flying course when we met our flying instructor for the first time and shown how to check all aspects of the aircraft whilst on the ground. All moveable parts and visible cables were checked, also tyre creep. Since an aircraft landing at speed causes the wheel to turn from stationery to spinning, with immediate effect, in turn could cause the tyre to move around the hub. This could cause a break in the air connection to the inner tube and cause tyre deflation, which when running down the runway and braking could be a very lively

18 experience. We would also be shown how to prime the engine, which in effect is a choke, which is done manually outside through two holes in the engine canopy. We did not wear flying suits simply parachutes and flying helmets, health and safety was unheard of in those days. I climbed into the front seat where the master switch is situated; you could not fly solo from the rear seat, because of the master switch and the plane's balance. I plugged in my headset, strapped myself in and was told to open the throttle about an inch. Next I was told to pull a ring on the top right of the cockpit which fired the engine. This was the Coughlan starter which consisted of a revolver containing six twelve bore cartridges, without the lead pellets of course, the resultant gases pushed down the cylinders and usually the engine fired. The instructor called for taxi clearance etc. and the brakes were released. The first part of the lesson was taxying since the engine canopy was hiding your view directly in front. This meant swinging the nose from side to side using your differential brakes, braking lever part on and swinging your rudder pedals from left to right. Since we all had Tiger Moth experience it was not long before we put that experience to good use. I found my instructor to be a bad tempered sort with a short fuse and not at all likeable. However I got on with it and after seven and a half hours I went solo on the 8th October 1952, which was about an average time. There was a time limit to the number of hours you could spend on attaining proficiency, if you ran out of hours you were up for the chop test. Two weeks later Clough told me he was up for the chop test, which he subsequently failed and was on his way. How much his instructor's attitude was the cause no one could say, but there were consequences at a later date. Another event which for a green 18 year old from Friars opened my eyes was a discussion with a very posh student from Wimbledon who announced that he had access to the tournament there every year. He also announced that as far as he was concerned anyone who came from the country West of London or East of Dover was a wog, consequently I was in that category. Fortunately for my blood pressure he came up for the chop two weeks later, which he failed, and was on his way. The chop test was always held by the Chief Flying Instructor who also assessed the instructor’s competence at the same time. I I thought I was coming along OK; I had no problem landing the required three point landing with a gliding descent. The majority of our landings were three point stall landings where at about 20 ft above the ground you started pulling back your control column and gradually lowered your height and speed to stall on the ground. The major fault with beginners was rounding out too high and stalling from 20 ft up which was not good for an instructor’s blood pressure who had to take drastic remedial action by crashing open the throttle to regain control. The sooner the student learnt to do the same thing if called upon, the better for his immediate future. Forced landings for me were not a problem either, which were a necessary part of the training, as an engine cutting out on take off would require an immediate forced landing. Remember in those days parachutes required about 500 ft to open and land one safely.

19 Six weeks ahead of us was another course and we found that when they completed their course there would be no replacements. So when we completed our course in December the place would close permanently. We had our ground school exam at the six week stage which we all passed. Once again the pass mark in each subject was 50%, but you had to have an average pass mark for all subjects of 60%. So theoretically you could pass everything and still fail, on top of that you also had to answer all the questions, no choice, therefore no lee way. My average mark was 62% which was somewhere near the bottom, so not so scintillating. The senior course left and we had the place to ourselves. I was confident in my flying and I thought I was getting on quite well. Then almost eight weeks into the course my instructor announced that he had put me in for a chop test. No warning previously about my flying ability, so I smelt a rat, there was something fishy here. My instructor had already got rid of Clough and I was suspicious of his motives. Could it be that since the place was closing down he had another job lined up and losing me as well meant he was free to leave. The next morning I went up with the Chief Flying instructor. Off we went and within 45 minutes we were back and I was happy as everything worked out well. He appeared to be in a good mood, but told me to report to his office that afternoon. When I arrived at the office and being told to enter, I marched in and saluted the Chief Flying Instructor. Also standing in the corner and looking very glum was my flying instructor. From the look on his face he was not a happy bunny, it appeared that he had been reprimanded, so what came next did not surprise me. I had survived the chop test and 45 minutes had been enough to prove my competence. Then he told me to improve my ground school marks when the exams came at the end of the course, even though I had passed. Then he asked me if I wanted to change my instructor? I reasoned that judging from my instructors face, putting me up for a chop test again would be the last thing on his mind. So I said that I would stick with him, which the CFI found difficult to understand, but he agreed anyway. Then I was told to return to "flights" to fly for half an hour or so. On returning there, I was met with smiles all round, even from other instructors as they had intimated that they were not happy with their fellow instructor's demeanour. The following morning I flew with my instructor and there was a complete transformation. He was civil and polite and as the days went on he complimented me on my landings, "greased landings" as he called them. A week later I was to fly at night for the first time, this time with another instructor. For me it was magical, Coventry at night from the air, the first time I had seen a city at night from the air. After a circuit my instructor told me that he could not understand why I had been put up for a chop test. After an hour and twenty minutes of circuits I was told to go solo and then I spent the next 35 minutes flying circuits till I was told to come in. A week later I was to fly for an hour and a half at night with another instructor, when I asked if I could go solo, he declined, saying that I had proved my capability. Two days later on December 10th I had my final Flight Test which was a success. The following day I flew my last flight of the course which lasted

20 for an hour and ten minutes. I spent the time doing stalls, spins and aerobatics the Chipmunk was a joy to fly. By now we knew 20% had failed the course during the last three months. Never the less we were looking forward to our next posting, which we knew would be either on single engine Harvard’s or the twin engine Airspeed Oxfords. Then we learnt our fate, all of us except one would be sent to Inverness in the North of Scotland flying Oxfords. The exception was our friend with the car, now a Lagonda re-engined with a diesel engine. He would be posted literally up the road to Tern Hill Shropshire to fly Harvards. He had been taking the CO to Silverstone to meet Mike Hawthorn and Stirling Moss, so his posting looked very convenient. He had also scrounged a couple of brand new Chipmunk disc brakes which he took with him. Hence, I contend, new racing cars then started fitting disc brakes, but I could never prove the original disc brakes started life as Chipmunk brakes from RAF Ansty. We all moved on and we never met or heard from him again. The good thing for us was that we had five weeks leave, from 15th Dec till we reported to RAF Dalcross near Inverness on the 19th Jan.1953. Arfon Evans 1945-52

A de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk as flown by Arfon Over the Midlands.

21 Where do you read yours

Elfyn reading his newsletter in Dubrovnick, Croatia or more correctly, reading it out to Marin Drzic who seemed unimpressed with it.

22 "THE HOME CWM" (Cwm Idwal).

By "Taff" Richard Glyn Williams. Former Friars Boy in the early 1920s. First published in the October 1967 Bulletin of the Mountaineering Club of . This copy kindly provided by John Pilling who wrote an article on R G Williams in the ODA Newsletter of December 2007.

Con. was away for a few days so one evening this last summer, I stole up to my favourite Cwm. I arrived late and found the horde gone, to wine and dine, or perhaps to target practice at the local. The old Cwm was mine once more, as it had been a thousand times before in the past, and I strolled to the Slabs, and 'bimbled1 up' in chase of the sun. The whole art of 'bimbling' is aimless wandering, with countless stops en route. A pipeful by the twin cracks a traverse onto "Charity" and a pause beneath "Holly Tree Wall", which I, regretfully, cannot climb solo. Then scrambling, dodging, weaving here and there, I arrived at Quartz Platform half an ounce or so later, and it was obvious that the sun had won the race, so I traversed to the foot of the West Gully and came down by the Permanent Stream, There was no, need to hurry. I played on all sorts of things where I had left the mark of youth, found a few long forgotten problems and discovered a path or two where once there was no path. Beside the Llyn in the late twilight I relaxed into sleep to await darkness, and I opened up my treasure box of memories beside the placid water. My pipe died away and I saw, half a century ago, a child at a picnic, more interested in the lemonade bottle than the view. We had come horse-drawn, from Bangor, and I vaguely remember my father passing a remark about the notorious Devil's Kitchen, and little thought that one day I would be climbing it. In fact, the setting made little impression on me for many years, then one day, with a friend, I returned in earnest. Sans rope, sans boots, sans everything. We had but the will to climb. There were no adventure schools in those days, not even a youth hostel at Idwal Cottage. There were no queues at the foot of the crags, and there was nobody to tell us how to do this there, that and the other - it was just Paradise. And there was nobody to tell us we should not climb alone or un-roped, which was just as well, for that is just how we had to start. Months later came my first pair of boots, alleged 1914-18 army surplus, ll/6d. nett, home nailed, 4/6d. extra, with soles of first rate brown paper. Dare I tell you of my first day with them? Hope, Charity, an abortive struggle in Javelin Gully, and, of all things, albeit by accident, a first ascent on the upper cliffs. A good day's solo. J. M. Edwards officially bagged my climb a year or so later and recorded it, quite rightly of course, for I had not. Nearby on the upper cliffs was the "Lost Boot Climb" by a Manchester University Party. Edwards inadvertanly claimed that later as the Grey Slab. Both were preceeded by my great friend and Mentor, Pentir Williams, who had strolled up it alone in a pair of rubber-soled town shoes, about two years previously. In time, we acquired slightly better equipment, and we were joined by a few more friends, and by degrees we became more ambitious and travelled further afield, but we always contrived to keep the party happy and we climbed for the sheer joy of it. We now began meeting other climbers, and we had the privilege of seeing some of the best practitioners of the day at work. But the great days and fondly remembered incidents incidents mostly took place in the old home Cwm. Here it was true to say we got the most enjoyment and really 'lived'.

23 Some things stand out. the grace and delicacy of Colin Kirkus upon the first pitch of Holly Tree Wall, the perfect rhythm of Jack Cooke flowing effortlessly up the Tennis Shoe, climbing always several moves ahead, while the double-jointedness of Pentir's ankles on holdless slabs had to be seen to be believed. I can picture him now, stockinged feet, poised in perfect balance on the crux of the Rowan Tree Slab. I seldom saw him abseil, he had mastered the art of climbing down too well to need to. Another I think of, frightened us at our own game by following our party, unroped, up Javelin Gully. He was on his first climb; his name — George (Scotty) Dwyer. I first remember Dickie when returning with a friend from the Devil's Cellar. He was appalled at our filthy and muddy state, and enviously wanted, the recipe. When together, Dickie and I usually ran into trouble; we were almost ostracised after a midnight frolic upon Holly Tree Wall. Another time we were actually shot at with a Sten gun. Dickie said he's lost a hair or two. I haven't seen the third member of the party since! A good day with Dick, I recall, was on the Devil's Buttress, where he gaily sped out of my sight and ran out of rope and ledges. The acoustics were bad, but fortunately we had wives at the bottom looking on, and they could hear everything. The problem was solved - we cursed each other by remote control. A bathe in Llyn y Cwn was the rightful conclusion to a grand day. The Kitchen Cliffs held me in their sway and the Hanging Garden provided me with some uncalled for thrills. I once got panicky when but a few feet of the top, while leading. The whole cliff seemed to sway! I wedged myself into the corner and struggled to fill my pipe and managed to light it. The tension eased and I seemed to walk up on a cloud of smoke. Best of all was the Appendix, where my old friend the “Tiger” introduced me to the most rickety stance I have ever trembled on, safeguarded by a rusty piece of iron which he skewered into the mud. We named it the Appendix, incidentally, as the least obscene name we could think, of that suited it. It also was an Appendix to Edward's summary of the cliffs that had just been published. Other memories - a starlight bathe in the Llyn after a night attack on Y Garn in October; Christmas Eve, alone in my bag beneath a boulder, with an early morning dash to the Slabs for five flat out solos to shiver the frost out of me - the Great Frost of '39-40, when the ice bore for weeks on end,, and the sudden storm of frozen rain that sheathed everything in a casement of ice, that made crampons almost essential on the road. As the only inhabitant at the Hostel, Con had to be rescued in the morning by a party who had to chop the doors open from the outside. You have got to know the Cwm really well before you can claim to love it - to have seen it year in, year out, in fair weather and foul; to have seen the ice scudding across before a hurricane of wind in a sudden thaw; to have seen every crag stand out whitened by the water cascading over it in the darkness of a winter night, as I once saw, on a memorable rescue effort. Then tragedy and self seemed so futile and insignificant amidst the turmoil of a fantastic storm. What a contrast to the calm of a peaceful summer evening! Yes, I owe a lot to the Cwm, - the happy times I've had, the fine friendships that have endured, and above all, the wife I found, - for did we not first meet at Idwal? I awoke from my reverie. Darkness had come and I sat spellbound, watching the most wonderful skyline I know, shimmering, and almost dancing, in the starlight.

24 The Cuillin, Ben Loyal, and Rum, Skylines supreme and sublime, But for me the rim of Idwal's grand Cwm, Is engraved in the heart for all time!

Cwm Idwal

Some of you may remember a photograph above Mr J. R. Griffith’s desk in the Geography Room,It showed sun beams shining through the Devils Kitchen cliffs on to Llyn Idwal, I suspect it was one of Mr Coulters magnificent works.

Con = Taff’s wife Connie Williams nee Alexander the YHA’s first full time warden at Idwal Cottage. Emyr Pentir Williams former Friars boy and owner of Electrical Shop in Bangor.Dickie Morsley, Llandegai. Both very accomplished local climbers

In the early days Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel was the base for the majority of up and coming climbers, they were a close knit community and even had their own ballad, possibly penned by Taff. As far as I can remember it went something like this,

From Ogwens nail scarred mountains to Bangor’s shingly strand On hill and peak you’ll find us we’re Idwal’s happy band From peak to peak our echoes are ringing crystal clear Drowned only by the snores of the hardy mountaineer.

25 Presentation of the O.D.A. Award 2013 to Ewan Mortlock.

It seems only a month ago but it is actually a year since we arrived at the wrong rendezvous at the wrong time. But this year on Tuesday the 26th: of February three of us arrived at the P.J. Hall on time and were pleasantly surprised to find our President and his wife waiting for us. This year there were seven year categories ranging from Year 7 to Year 13, the Cross Country Memorial Shield as well as the O.D.A: Award. All the Year awards were sub-divided into Academic, Endeavour, Sport, Creative and Citizenship. Between each set of awards we were entertained by the Pupils. Gemma Simmonds played a Mollenhauer violin solo with much gusto. Year 8 followed with a dance routine in the modern idiom entitled "Footloose". A gifted young musician, Morgana Warren-Jones sang "Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal" by Quilter and Year 11 produced a Sax Quartet playing "My Darling Ploughman Boy" by Harvey. Finally Daisy Hung played a Chopin interlude, "Raindrop Prelude" with considerable feeling. The O.D.A. award, presented by our President went to Ewan Mortlock for the most Improved Student to Advanced Subsidiary Level. The evening was brought to a close with the Ben Musket Memorial Prize went to Daisy Hung for outstanding performance at G.C.S.E. level in Music. All the Year Awards were presented by the Mayor of Bangor, Cllr: Bryn Hughes. Our President, Mr. Cledwyn Jones, Hefin Williams, Gareth Williams and I wish to thank the Head teacher, Mr. Neil Foden for the opportunity to be present at a very enjoyable evening. Warren Martin

Ewan Mortlock receives his award from our President on the stage of the Pritchard Jones Hall. Gareth & Warren look on.

Photo Hefin Williams.

26 The Old Dominican Rucksack Club News Walk to the Aber Falls 8 February 2012

As our chairman was unable to join us and lead the party, a leaderless walk was hastily organised for this day and six members arrived in Aber village including our stalwart walking companion, John Pilling and wife. As John has been unwell for the past few weeks, it was real pleasure to have his company (and invaluable local knowledge) again. A brief stop to check progress on an ancient settlement site excavation by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust proved the above point. A cold but spectacular waterfall was in full spate showering our lunch stop so we beat a quick retreat up the north slope of Llwytmor Bach and much to our surprise passed a mountain biker coming down. The return walk down past the bridge over the Afon Goch and back to the Hen Felin Cafe in the village was uneventful. There we again met John who dined royally while the rest of us tucked into tea and scones. Is this a sign of advancing age when the après walk is almost as enjoyable as the walk itself? Elfyn

Gareth Williams, John & Iona Pilling, Hefin Williams, Elfyn Edwards & Jim

27 Walk on the Orme 22 February 2013

Seven of us plus Jim the dog turned up in West Shore for the walk up the . We made our way towards the Marine Drive past Alice in Wonderlands monument, then we turned right onto the monk’s path, which according to legend was used by the Monks of the local Abbey to ascend to their upper pastures on .the top of the Orme. No matter how dry the weather the grass on this path is always green. The weather was cloudy with odd snow showers, views of the distant mountains where limited but snow could be seen on the high Carneddau. After crossing the summit of the Orme we descended past the old Copper mines, through Haulfre Gardens and along Invalid’s Walk back to our starting point, Not many had known of the Invalid’s Walk. The day had been enjoyed by us all. Ken

On the Monks Path With in the distance.

Lunch on the Orme

Photos by Cliff Jones

28 Saint David’s Day St. Cwyfan walk.

What better incentive than a clear, crisp national Saints day to encourage us to get out onto the new Wales Coastal Path. It was Alun Jones' need for a last walk in North Wales before his return to his London home that prompted this extra event in our calendar. We met near the old bridge in quite close to the Anglesey home of our two young Royal couple, though they declined to join us (I jest !) Seven members and Friends walked towards Llangwyfan along the coastpath and lanes eventually reaching the beach at Porth Cwyfan. The tiny church of Sant Cwyfan iin the bay is cut off at high tide. Founded in the 7th Century, this iconic old buiding was the backdrop to our lunch stop on the beach. Returning to Aberffraw, we met Bryan and Heulwen Jones who then did a tradtitional Welsh "Hanner Coron" walk! Courtesey of Hefin, we walked half way to Llyn Coron returning to Llys llywelyn heritage centre and cafe. Aberffraw has a long and interesting history of which Llys llywelyn is a mine of information. From Rhodri Fawr and Llywelyn Fawr, Aberffraw was the seat of government for many centuries though little remains if the palace today. For more information, please visit this centre for yourself. The cafe also do a very good teacake! Elfyn

Llangwyfan the church on the island.

29 Moelfre and Din Lligwy Walk 6 March 2013

Somewhat thin on the ground this day, six stalwarts braved an inclement forecast to walk from Moelfre village along the Wales coast path towards Lligwy Bay. We soon met the substantial figure in copper and bronze of the late Dick Evans, for many years the skipper of the Moelfre lifeboat and responsible for saving many lives in the treacherous waters of Liverpool Bay. A new lifeboat had been launched the previous day and it had New Zealand connections so had been named the Kiwi. I believe that all the crew wore black shirts with a silver fern emblem for the launching ceremony. An unusual easterly gale whipped up the sea as we lunched on Llugwy beach with no one else in sight (we wondered why?). Along the minor road to the Romano British Iron Age settlement of Din Lligwy, surely one of the best preserved of its kind in the country. We examined the oval and rectangular walls of what had once been a substantial and well organised settlement. Its ancient stone testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors. How many of our present day constructions would be standing in 2500 years? We moved on to the burial chamber nearby dated at the same period with a capstone weighing over 25 tons. No escape from that one we thought! Somewhat overawed by our experiences we retired to the safety of Ann’s Pantry in Moelfre for a welcome "cwpaned". Elfyn

RICHARD EVANS, former coxswain of Moelfre lifeboat, Anglesey. Who twice won the Gold Medal of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, during 50 years as a lifeboatman

30 Amongst the ruins of the ancient

Romano British Settlement of Din Lligwy

Lunch - Elfyn and Jim wait hopefully for a handout.

31 Llanfairfechan walk 12 April 2013

It was raining steadily as Gareth corralled the five of us to put on maximum waterproof clothing. No mention of a coffee despite the Pavilion being only twenty five yards away. We knew, once in we would never come out! Gareth strode off along the Promenade as we soon spread out. Steadily up the hill towards Tyddyn Drycyn and then through the woods that clad the lower reaches of Mountain. Several stops were required as we were very concerned about the dangers of Internet Banking and online transactions! Many tales of “nearly being done” and difficult conversations with Bank Officials and Security Men! The exchange of several pieces of advice had to be studied in some detail. Just as well; we hardly noticed that we were getting soaked! Thick mist engulfed us as the rocky cliffs above disappeared. We moved on. By now not too sure exactly where we were. Then Hennar Farm appeared and as we moved upslope the Pen Cliffs re-appeared. Even better a fallen tree across the path provided good seating for a lunch break.

Good views of large snow fields at Garreg Fawr, Moel Wnion and beyond confirmed our “Chinese Parliament” decision that it would not have been a good idea to go over the top to Roewen. Open country and the prehistoric path to the Druid’s Circle but we headed down to Tan Y Graig and on to Mount Road. Here we were adopted by a dog. A brown shaggy version of a sheepdog. Backwards and forwards carrying a stick. Ty’n Llwyfan Farm seemed a good

32 place to get rid of him. He was not interested and stayed with us down to Nant y Coed and on to Terrace Walk. Just outside Ty Pitch (a place where the feet of Geese were covered in tar before the long drove to London) we were joined by three elderly gentlemen and three ladies. They had come over the top and were covered in mud as all had slipped in the snow. They thought we looked far too pristine! The dog liked them. They threw sticks. We disappeared down the Ninety Nine Steps and to the Promenade as quickly as possible! Having dis-robed from the wet clinging garments the Pavilion beckoned! Hot drinks brought back long forgotten recollections of the young ladies of Cae Top School. I really wonder about these Bangor Lads! Despite the small number it had been a good day. Outside Gareth shouted “look!” There was the dog and people throwing sticks! We fled. WARREN

April 26 2013 Ogwen walk.

We set off on a fine spring morning crossing the River Ogwen at shaky bridge onto the old Cochwillian Corn Mill that was originally a Fulling Mill and is now a family home. Onwards to Cochwillian Hall originally built around 1465 by William ap Gruffudd and during the reign of Charles II was owned by John Williams Archbishop of York. We continued down the valley towards Half Way Bridge and enjoyed lunch on the bank of the Ogwen. We then walked back towards Llandygai along the bank of the river with the sun shining through the trees that added to the beauty we have in this area… The walk was disrupted by a sheep that was well entangled in barbed wire and thick bramble. Our chairman Warren expertly held the poor animal between his legs in a very firm head lock. (Comments from a fellow walker). “I wonder where he learnt that expert grip on a sheep”. He was assisted by John Pilling in disentangling the much stressed animal who once freed went off without a bleep of thanks. Hefin

From the left John Aneuryn, his Brother Michael, Gareth, Hefin, Ken, Warren, John and his wife Iona on the old A5 at the start of the walk.

33 Warren proposes a toast to the Lunch below Halfway Bridge salmon in the pool.

ODA Reunion Walk to Mynydd Bodafon, Anglesey, May 10th 2013

Those brave souls who ventured out on a very wet and windy spring morning to join this walk at were not to be disappointed. As if on cue from the Almighty, the rain eased, the clouds parted to allow a fitful sun to appear, and the ferocious wind of the small hours abated to a lively May breeze just as we met in customary ODA fashion with "bloody awful weather for the time of year isn’t it?" Walking roughly North East alongside the A565 we came across the interesting monument and plaque dedicated to the Morris Brothers Lewis, Richard, William and John which Colin examined for us. All famous 18th centaury Welshmen. Turning West we crossed into a sheltered wood with an old ruin “Ty Sebon”, (sebon = soap) conjuring up questions as to its origin. Warren and Alun then collected some unusual fragments of eggshell which in the absence of any alternative we decided must have originated from the last Anglesey Dodo. We welcome any other suggestions. A steepish pull and we were at the summit of Mynydd Bodafon where a windswept party paused briefly to take in the 360 degree views before retreating to Bodafon Lake and lunch in a more sheltered spot. Here, Warren gave a fair impersonation of a struggling turtle on its back unable to escape the clutches of a clinging gorse bush. The return across the fields was largely muddy but uneventful and we then located an excellent cafe in Brynrefail where local ladies entertained us to tea and goodies. Our reunion walk was complete. The first pleasurable event of a memorable ODA weekend. Elfyn PS The Chairman did eventually make it to his feet with some assistance!

34 Colin examines the plaque The Chairman is entangled To the Morris Brothers in a gorse bush Just above the Pilot Boat Inn

On the summit of Mynydd Bodafon. The reunion lunch on the hillside

May 24.2013 Castle

Five of us had a very interesting walk with good views. We did manage to see what was left of the castle walls, which had been made stable last year. The ditch & bank on the north east side was still very visible. At the top the wind was very strong and cold.

Ken

See article on Deganwy Castle in the Spring 2013 Newsletter

35 When Ken took us up to Deganwy Castle he showed us a Plaque put up by Cadw .It gives no information about the Castle but a very illuminating description of part of its History. Deganwy Castle was often on the front line between Welsh and English hostilities. As Henry III rebuilt Deganwy Castle one of his Noble men wrote a letter home……..

Wish you were here?

“His Majesty the King is staying with his army at Gannock {Deganwy} for the purpose of fortifying a Castle which is now built in a most strong position there: We are dwelling round it in tents, employed in watchings, fastings and prayers, and amidst cold and nakedness. In watchings, through fear of the Welsh suddenly attacking us by night; in fastings, on account of a deficiency of provisions, for a farthing loaf now costs 5 pence; in prayers, that we may soon return home safe and uninjured and we are oppressed by cold and nakedness, because our houses are of Canvass and we are without winter clothing”.

From a thirteenth Century Document .

This raised many smiles particularly amongst those who had served in the forces. An old soldiers moan is the same wherever and whenever.

Newborough forest walk June 14th 2013 or How to get your leg over in the woods!

Flaming June? Well, not quite, more like an Autumnal day masquerading as midsummer. A circuit of the forest and dunes was envisaged by the six hardy ODRC walkers who battled their way through wind and sharp showers. At last we met the beach and , sheltering among the ancient pillow lavas to lunch and admire crashing surf and wild empty beaches. Another stop to observe the new platform and boardwalk and then back along the "Trim Trail". Our treasurer, Gareth, and John Aneuryn Jones challenged their bodies at this point by vaulting the climbing frame, giving fresh meaning to memories of leg overs in woods of bygone days perhaps! Around nine miles altogether on a typical ODA walk complete with wonderful scenery, lots of fun and inclement weather followed by unexpected sunshine.

Elfyn .

36 Ynys Llanddwyn, sheltering among the ancient pillow lavas to lunch and admire crashing surf and wild empty beaches.

Another stop to observe the new platform and boardwalk and to gaze out over the cold bleak sea.

John Aneuryn Jones challenged his body at this point by vaulting the climbing frame, giving fresh meaning to memories of leg overs in the woods of bygone days perhaps!

37 ODRC Walks programme. July to November 2013.

July 26 Meet Elfyn in Lay by South of Llanberis on Nant Peris road at 1030 hrs. Grid SH596587 Circular walk around Llyn Peris via Dinorwig old quarry and return via Dolbadarn Castle and woods. 5 miles easy/ moderate walk. August 9 Meet Elfyn in first CP (free) at Llyn Padarn Lakeside 1030 hrs. Circular walk through Doctor woods and Cae Du moor to Caenant and return via Bryn Bras castle and Cwm y Glo. 8miles easy/moderate walk August 30 Park on Conwy Quay at 1000 hrs and meet Ken to walk the shore line to Penmaenmawr. Return by Bus. Remember your bus pass/ September 13 Meet Elfyn in CP rear of Joe Brown’s shop 1030 hrs. Circular walk around the upper Llugwy Valley and return via Pont Cyfyng and woodland. Easy 6 miles. September 27 Meet Elfyn at Taly Bont near Hendre riding centre Grid GH625713 at 1030 hrs. Circular walk towards Rhiwlas then along the Roman road towards Aber and return via along old lanes . 5miles easy. October 11 Meet Elfyn at Bethesda village CP at 1030 hrs. for a circular woodland walk up the Ogwen Valley returning via Maes y Nant along old tracks. Boggy in one section, otherwise moderate walking approx. 6 miles. October 25 Meet Elfyn in CP at Grid SH652413 alongside Llyn Mair (turn L at Oakley Arms, Maentwrog) at 1030 hrs. Circular walk around Llyn Mair woodlands in Autumn colours. Easy 5 miles November 8. Meet Ken at car park opposite Ty Hwnt ir Bont cafe in Llanrwstat 1000 hrs walk up to Betws y Coed via road and woods. Bring bus pass to get back. November 22 Meet Ken in Cadnant Park just over the railway bridge before getting to Conwy, at 1030 hrs. For a walk up Conwy mountain.

38 We regret having to report the death of the

Following Old Dominicans

Our sincere condolences go to their family's.

Robert Gwyn Davies. Died on the 13th of December 2012. At The Royal Hospital London, aged 84.

Robert Gwyn Davies entered Friars in 1939 having come Top of the Scolarship examination in Bangor and second best in the Old County of Caernarfonshire, apparently, to everyone’s surprise, as he was a “character” at Cae Top. Gwyn was a member of the Bangor Scouts, whilst in school and although he enjoyed cycling to Nant Gwynnant, and camping there he was not keen on mountain walking. He did however like boxing and trained with his pals Elwyn Pritchard, a Bobby Phillips, at “Jimmy’s Club”. He had a very relaxed attitude to homework and arrived in the 6th Form without Matriculating and Boss only accepting him after some pressure from Gwyn’s elder brother, Hywel, also a former Friars student. He seemed to take to Latin and Greek and won the “Top School“University of Wales Scholarship which ensured a whole day off for the rest of the school. Graduating at Bangor and receiving an M.A. at Liverpool. During his time at the University he made a name for himself as a very competent Boxer and fought against many opponents in England and Scotland. He spent his National Service in the Intelligence Corps in Egypt. After demob he enjoyed some free time then returned to UCNW to do a course in Palaeography. Then, in 1956 he returned to Liverpool as Assistant Librarian .This was followed by a period at Swansea and in 1965 he moved to Bangor as Arts Librarian. A few years later I was to get to know him and his family and to realise that he was the elder brother of Geraint who was two years ahead of me at Friars. His daughter and my daughter became firm friends and as a consequence I spent many hours enjoying his sense of humour, his knowledge and his piano playing, completely self taught, he was able to pick up any tune by ear and also to jazz

39 it up. However it was his National Service stories which gave a considerable insight into his attitude to life. Quickly promoted to Sergeant, he was posted to a leading Infantry Regiment in the Canal Zone and turned up for his first Guard duty complete with his pyjamas!! When demob came he was put in charge of a Draft of Demob happy Squadies on their way home. His survival was miraculous. He retired in 1982 when the Arts facility at Bangor finished and he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement spending many happy hours with his family, old friends and acquaintances in Bangor. He was not a member of the O.D.A. but in later years was convinced that he was having attended many functions as a guest of his old friends. He was a true gentleman, modest about his own achievements and always full of praise for other people’s attainments. Very proud of his Friars connections including the fact that his wife was a Language Teacher at the New School as is his daughter at the present day.

Warren Martin with assistance of Gwyn’s daughter Rhiannon

William Aerwvn Evans 3rd September 1936 - 24th May 2013

Aerwyn grew up in Fron Square Upper Bangor where he attended Cae Top School before going on to Friars in 1948. He was given the nickname of {Fatty) Aerwyn during his years at Friars but quite honestly he was far from being fat but a very strong powerful young man, a gentle giant would have been nearer the truth to describe him, Aerwyn was well known during his school years for being the holder the Welsh School Boy's Championship record for throwing the discus, javelin and putting the shot, a record that stood for many years. I believe the record for his discus throw still stands to this day. When ever there is an Old Boys Reunion his name will come up with affection as the lad who excelled in the three disciplines, R.I.P. Old friend. Hefin Williams

40 CYMDEITHAS Y CYN-DDOMINICANIAID THE OLD DOMINICANS ASSOCIATION

STANDING ORDER INSTRUCTION

TO BANK:- ...... (BANK) ADDRESS...... POST CODE,,,,, ,,,......

ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED: ACCOUNT NAME:- ACCOUNT NUMBER:-. Sort Code:-

BENEFICIARY DETAILS:

BANK...... HSBC BRANCH: ...... 274, STRYD FAWR, BANGOR, GWYNEDD, LL57 IRU, SORT CODE; ...... 40 - 09 - 03 ACCOUNT No.: ...... 71565907 ACCOUNT NAME:...... THE OLD DOMINICANS ASSOCIATION,COMMUNITY ACCOUNT.

PAYMENT DETAILS:

AMMOUNT OF PAYMENT: £12.00

DATE OF FIRST PAYMENT:

DUE DATE OF PAYMENTS: 1st APRIL ANNUALLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (UFN):

SIGNATURE: DATE:

It is understood that this Standing Order will cancel any previous Standing Order to the Old Dominicans Association.

Please fill in, detach and give or send it to your Bank.

41 42 If you have enjoyed reading what we have produced in this Newsletter please send along your own contribution!

No later than the end of October for the Winter 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?”.

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]

Production Editor Phil Williams-Jones E-mail [email protected] Assistant Editor Warren Martin E-mail [email protected] Archivist Hefin Williams E-mail [email protected] Tel: 01248 714 471

Check out The Old Dominicans Web Page at http://oldda.synthasite.com Also the School Web page at http://www.friars.gwynedd.sch.uk

43 44