Month: July 2020

A New Church in Treharris

The article transcribed below appeared in the Western Mail 125 years ago today (30 July 1895).

NEW CHURCH AT TREHARRIS

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE

On Monday afternoon, in brilliant weather and in the presence of a large concourse of people, the foundation-stone of a new church – to be called St Matthias – in Cardiff Road, Treharris, was laid by Mr. Frederick Harris, of Collingham Gardens, London.

Until the introduction of the Rev. Daniel Lewis into the Rectory of Merthyr, Treharris, constitutes part of the parish of Merthyr, was unprovided with Church ministrations, but immediately the rector was appointed services were instituted in the schoolroom and the district furnished with a resident clergyman, the priest at present officiating being the Rev. R. David.

The new church, which will provide accommodation for 365 worshippers, will cost about £3000.  It is to built of native stone with Bath stone dressings in the simple Gothic style.  Mr J. L Pearson, the eminent architect, of London, has prepared the designs, and the contractors are Messrs. William Cowlin and Son, of Bristol.  The duties of clerk of the works are being discharged by Mr. H. Cana.  There will be a nave, a north aisle, a chancel, an organ chamber, and two vestries, with an ornamental bell turret at the western end.

The site upon which the church will stand has been gratuitously given by Colonel Lockwood, who has also subscribed a very handsome sum towards the building fund.  Among the clergy present at the interesting function of the stone-laying were:- The Rector of Merthyr; the Rev. G. A. Jones, St. Mary’s Cardiff; the Rev. Lewis Jones, Cadoxton-juxta-Neath; the Rev. W. G. Kirkham, Blackwood; the Rev. J Lewis, Troedyrhiw; the Rev. D. Leigh, rector; the Rev. W. Jones and the Rev. D. E. Jacobs, Llanfabon; the Rev. T. Jesse Jones, rector of Gelligaer; the Rev. J. R. Jones, Trelewis; the Rev. G. Davies, Aberdare Junction, and the Rev R. David, Treharris.

In order to perform the task so kindly undertaken by her, Mrs. Harris was presented by the building committee with a silver trowel, the contractors presenting her also with a pearwood mallet and an oak level.

A short religious service was conducted in connection with the ceremony, which was closed with the singing of “The Church’s One Foundation,” followed by the Benediction.  In the course of the proceedings the Rector of Merthyr thanked Mrs. Harris for her kindness in laying the stone and for the goodness which she and the family had always exhibited in relation to the progress of Church work in the parish.

Mr. Harris, on behalf of his wife, acknowledged the compliment, and said it had been a great pleasure to Mrs. Harris and himself to have come down to take part in the work that day.  It would be a source of much gratification if they were able to come down to the consecration, and it would afford them considerable pleasure if the church were attended by a large congregation.

Photo courtesy of http://www.alangeorge.co.uk/index.htm

Many thanks to Tracy Barnard for transcribing this article.

Death of Penry Williams

135 years ago today, Penry Williams, the famous Merthyr-born artist died in Rome. The article transcribed below appeared in the Cardiff Times on 8 August 1885.

DEATH OF PENRY WILLIAMS, THE MERTHYR ARTIST.

LETTER FROM MR C. H. JAMES, M.P.

We have received an intimation that Mr Penry Williams, the artist, died at Rome on Monday morning last, in his 86th year. Mr C. H. James, M.P., writing to, us from Brynley, Merthyr, thus speaks of the deceased painter:- “He was Merthyr born, and attained considerable renown in his profession, several of his works having got into our National Galleries, and into many of the houses of lovers of art in England.”

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

A recent “History of Merthyr” states that Penry Williams was the son of William Williams, a house painter; and after his childhood had passed, with its indications showing the bent and genius of the lad, he began to assist his father, until his remarkable skill in drawing and painting attracted the notice of Mr W. Crawshay, who eventually acted the kind patron, and sent him freighted with letters of introduction to influential people in London. Amongst others he was introduced to Fuseli, then keeper of the Royal Academy – one of those kind-hearted and eccentric men who are apt to be misjudged until thoroughly understood. Penry showed him several sketches he had taken amongst the Welsh mountains, to the great delight of Fuseli, who insisted on purchasing them, and from that time became his staunch friend, and gave him the entrée into the academy until he had won his right to enter there by an exhibition of his artistic powers. This he did in a short time, and steadily worked his way upward to renown.

Years passed in the tedious and often painful struggle for a secure position in the world of art. Every now and then he would visit Merthyr, and the seats of gentlemen who had shown an interest in his welfare, and from them always received hearty welcome and good commissions. For Sir John Guest he painted some charming pictures that were the special favourites when exhibited at the British Institution in Pall Mall: and others of our leading iron-masters were only too proud to possess some of his gifted productions. From that era we trace his career, and see him in the most delightful scenes of England, studying the ever-changing beauties of nature with an eye that never tired and a love that never faltered. Amidst the lonely mountains of his own home, in the ravines of the North, among the bosky shades of Tintern, and then again on the Continent amidst all that nature has perfected in its witchery of beauty, and man has made classic and immortal, there was he to be found perfecting his artistic powers until they ripened in fair proportions, and he became known and famous.

Sir Thomas Lawrence, Gibson, the sculptor, Sir Charles Eastlake, and many others of the gifted band were proud to call him friend, and began a friendship that ended only when, one after another, these peerless men passed away. The story of his efforts and of his triumphs is a long but a triumphant one, for the lad who painted Merthyr signs, and knew many of life’s hardships in his youth, eventually reached the highest eminence, was singled out and patronised by royalty and, far more than this, besides distinction and approval from royal hands, became one of those world-honoured artists of whom Britain is justly proud.

A brother of Penry, deaf and dumb, exhibited singular ability in youth as an artist, but he died ere a prominent position had been won.

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Merthyr’s Chapels: High Street Chapel

Our next chapel is one of Merthyr’s most famous chapels – High Street Chapel.

The oldest English Baptist cause in Merthyr started in 1807 and from 1813 was originally housed at Bethel Chapel in Georgetown (see http://www.merthyr-history.com/?p=2963). By 1840 the congregation had grown, so a new site was acquired in the High Street and a chapel designed by T H Watt of London was built at a cost of £2000, and the new chapel opened on 8 June 1841.

A painting of High Street Chapel completed at around the time the chapel opened

Around 1858 a disagreement occurred regarding the appointment of Rev George Ward Humphreys as minister and a number of the congregation left to set up their own cause eventually becoming Ainon Chapel in Georgetown. In 1885, a further disagreement occurred and a number of the congregation left High Street Chapel. They went on to start their own cause at Morlais Chapel.

The chapel was home to many organisations at this time: a Christian Endeavour, Band of Hope and Sunday School.  There was a young ladies sewing class, and the ladies of the Dorcas Society at the chapel made baptismal gowns. Tonic Sol-fa lessons were also held which led to the formation of the church choir. The chapel members were also at the forefront of charitable organisation, supporting, among others: the Merthyr Tydfil Mission Fund, the Children’s Hospital, the Deaf & Dumb and Widows & Orphans fund, the Indian Famine Fund and the Baptist Foreign Mission.

In 1899, it was decided to renovate the chapel. Meetings were held and on 8 June 1899, the tender from Mr John Jenkins Canal Wharf, of £1.592.10d was accepted for the renovation of the building. A new pipe organ was also installed at this time built by Messrs Harrison, Durham at a cost of £400.

The interior of High Street Chapel showing the magnificent Harrison organ

The cost of the renovation would eventually cost £2,300. Fundraising events and collections were held, but only realised a fraction of the cost. The remainder was met by mortgaging the building. While the renovations were being done, the congregation met in the Town Hall.

In 1928, it was decided to build a large school room behind the chapel. Four cottages were bought for £365, and the school room was built by Mr Warlow at a cost of £939.4s.8d, and it was formerly opened on 4 July 1929.

Members of High Street Chapel outside the School Room in 1981. Photo courtesy of the Alan George Collection.

High Street Chapel continues to prosper today.

From Cefn to the Café – Remembering Jane Freeman

Anyone over a certain age will fondly remember the long-running BBC comedy series ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. One of the longest serving and best remembered characters was the ferocious Ivy in the café, often bellowing ‘What the blood and stomach pills?’ before usually bashing Compo over the head with a tin tea-tray. The magnificent actress who turned, what could have been a one-dimensional character, into one the country’s most well-loved comedy creations was Jane Freeman.

Jane Freeman was born Shirley Ann Pithers in Brentford, Essex on 12 June 1935, to Arthur, a railway engineer, and Joan (née Dewhurst). Her father died in an accident on the London Underground when she was nine and, in 1945, she moved to Merthyr Tydfil when her mother married Russell Evans, a solicitor, and the family settled in Cefn-Coed, with the young Shirley taking her step-father’s surname and adopting Jane as her first name.

Having enjoyed acting in plays at Vaynor and Penderyn School (notably in Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’, playing the role of Malvolio!), she trained at the Cardiff College of Music & Drama (now the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama).

The programme for a 1951 production of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ at Vaynor & Penderyn School. In the cast list is Jane Evans (Jane Freeman) as Lady Bracknell. Courtesy of http://www.alangeorge.co.uk/index.htm
A photograph from the production. Jane Freeman is unmistakable at the centre of the front row. Photo courtesy of http://www.alangeorge.co.uk/index.htm

After graduating in 1955, she moved to London before joining the Gloucestershire-based all-female Osiris Repertory Theatre touring company, changing her name to Jane Freeman. In her 18 months with Osiris, Jane played around 40 parts in roughly 1,000 performances.

In 1958 she joined the Arena Theatre, Sutton Coldfield, where she began to attract attention, and was seen as Margaret More in the inaugural production of the Welsh Theatre Company – Robert Bolt’s ‘A Man for All Seasons’, at the New Theatre, Cardiff in 1962.

Following repertory theatre in Dundee (1966-7), she joined Birmingham Rep (1967-78), where Michael Simpson arrived from the BBC to become its artistic director. They married in 1971 and Simpson returned to the BBC, eventually directing Freeman in two Play for Today productions – as a snooty seaside landlady in ‘The Fishing Party’ (1972), in which John Comer also appeared, and as the mother of Alan Bleasdale’s Liverpool schoolboy of the title in ‘Scully’s New Year’s Eve’ (1978).

In 1971 she was cast in the new BBC Comedy ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ opposite John Comer as Ivy and Sid –  owners of the local café. Appearing in the very first episode, she went on to appear in 274 further episodes of the series over 37 years – the only cast member besides Peter Sallis to appear throughout the entire run of the series.

John Comer and Jane Freeman and Sid and Ivy.

Although best known as Ivy, Jane made many other TV appearances, most notably in the first series of ‘Blackadder’ (the first series actually being called ‘The Black Adder’) as the peasant woman Tully Applebottom, who almost committed bigamy with Rowan Atkinson’s Prince Edmund, to spare him marriage to Miriam Margolyes’s Infanta; and also as Mrs Kimble in ‘Silas Marner’ in 1985.

Despite her television fame, theatre remained her first love. When television filming commitments allowed, she could be found playing a number of strong, usually northern, matriarchs in ‘Billy Liar’ (Nottingham Playhouse, 1980), touring productions of J.B. Priestley’s ‘When We Are Married’, Michael Frayn’s ‘Noises Off’ (1987) and Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke’s ‘Situation Comedy’ (1989).

She scored a personal success as the sharp-tongued Emma Hornett (a role made famous by Peggy Mount) in Philip King and Falkland Carey’s ‘Sailor Beware!’ at the Lyric, Hammersmith (1991), subsequently touring with it in 1992 and 1993. Later theatre appearances included Pam Gems’ ‘Deborah’s Daughter’ (Library -Theatre, Manchester, 1994) and tours of William Ash’s adaptation of Emily Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Height’s in 1995 and again in 1998.

After her husband Michael’s death in 2007, Jane continued to work, despite suffering a neurological condition that affected her hands and feet, and she passed away after a battle with cancer on 9 March 2017.

Co-operative Stores for Bedlinog

The article transcribed below appeared in the Merthyr Express 110 years ago today (16 July 1910).

CO-OPERATIVE STORES FOR BEDLINOG

OPENING CEREMONY

The Dowlais Co-operative Society opened their first branch establishment on Thursday week at Bedlinog. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr. Hugh Jones, Dowlais (chairman of the parent Society), in the presence of a good gathering of delegates from other Co-operative Societies in Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire, and local members. Mr. Jones, who was presented with a silver key by the builder (Mr. Horace J Davies, of Bargoed), congratulated the architect, the contractor, and the Bedlinog members upon the erection of the handsome and spacious building they were opening that day. Forty delegates sat down to luncheon, after which congratulatory speeches were delivered by the Chairman, the Contractor (Mr. H. J. Davies), Mr. T. Andrews, J.P., and other representatives.

In the evening a large gathering took place in front of the shop, and Mr. H. Jones presided. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, explained the objects of the co-operative movement. The idea of organization for the sake of profit-sharing was scouted, and the idea of service emphasised. The provision of good, wholesome food, suitable clothing, and other necessaries at reasonable prices regulated their conduct. Some object to Co-operative Societies taking up trade, holding that it was the province of individuals. Under the individual system, the idea of service vanished, and the accumulation of profits loomed largely, to such an extent that in order to swell their profits, adulteration of goods has been resorted to, and the Government has been compelled to legislate to check the evil. The private trader must now sell margarine as margarine, and not as butter.

Humane conditions of employment for men and women was another object of the movement. Under private traders, human beings were mere machines, utilised for accumulating wealth for their masters, shop assistants and apprentices were subjected to inhuman conditions in the form of low wages, an insanitary living-in system, bad food, and impositions. Co-operation, Trade Unionism, and the Labour movement are proceeding on parallel lines with the same objects in view, of securing for the industrial classes their fair share of the wealth they labour to produce and distribute, and by so doing reduce to a great extent the unnecessary suffering and poverty which exists.

Mr. T. Andrews congratulated the Society upon its courage and enterprise, and exhorted the Bedlinog people to respond in a like spirit. He urged greater loyalty on the part of existing members, and invited others to join the movement. Let them adopt, like the Jews of old, the policy of transmitting to their offspring the spirit of faithfulness. This movement, which was started in a small way, had by today assumed huge proportions. Its branches were spread all over the land. Hardly a town existed in this land but had its co-operative society, and in some towns the movement was powerful. It was one of the most powerful movements recorded in the history of human activity. Its trade was immense. It was the greatest trading concern in the world. It produced boots; it manufactured cloth and cotton, and made clothes and dresses. It possessed several flour mills, soap and candle and chemical works, jam and pickle factories, tea gardens, cocoa, coffee, and sugar plantations. creameries, orchards, and gardens. It had established convalescent homes and subscribed large sum of money annually to hospital and other charitable purposes.

Councillor John Davies (miners’ agent), Dowlais, urged all Trade Unionists to become members. The co-operative movement, he said, was the twin sister of Trade Unionism. It was the bounden duty of every Trade Unionist to become a co-operator, because this movement sought to secure for workers fair conditions of labour; good, wholesome food to sustain them good clothes to protect and adorn them; and a just share of the wealth they produced and distributed. This movement assisted all classes of workers.

Inspector John Edwards, Dowlais, advised all to join the Society. It was a movement started by workers and carried on by them. The Society was started by railwayman, but all classes of people were admitted. Mr. W. Payne, Dowlais, also spoke, and at the close of the meeting the Chairman invited non-members to join the Society, which can be done by paying an entrance fee of one shilling.

The architect of the premises was Mr. Springall, of the Co-operative Wholesale Architects’ Department, Manchester, and the contractor Mr. Horace Davies, Bargoed; and both gentlemen have given every satisfaction in the carrying out of the work. During the afternoon, tea was provided, and a large number of adults and children sat at the tables. The Bedlinog members and their children had free tickets, while non-members paid sixpence each, and the children threepence each.

Bedlinog Co-operative Stores in 1932. Photo courtesy of http://www.alangeorge.co.uk/index.htm

Cyfarthfa Fountain

The article transcribed below appeared in the Merthyr Express 100 years ago today…

Fountain at Cyfarthfa Park

FORMAL PRESENTATION BY COL. J. J. JONES

On Tuesday afternoon the handsome water fountain presented to Cyfarthfa Park by Col. J. J. Jones, J.P., Cefn Coed, and his family, was formally presented to the Borough. The weather was exceedingly inclement, and during the whole of the interesting ceremony rain fell heavily, especially when Miss Jones turned on the water.

The fountain is planned with a circular basin 16ft. diameter, from the centre of which rises a circular pedestal 2ft. 6in. in diameter surmounted by three figures carrying a cornucopia, from which a jet of water issues.  Around the base of the pedestal are carved dolphins and birds from the mouths of which sprays issue. Four winged cherubs riding on dolphins are placed around the basin, sprays issuing from the dolphins’ mouths.  From the water line to the top of the pedestal is 9ft. 10in. A very pretty effect is produced when the fountain is in full play. The work has been carried out in Clipsham stone, a similar stone being used on most of the Oxford colleges.

The work has been executed by the well-known firm, Messrs. Martyn and Co., of Cheltenham. The architects were Messrs. Johnson and Richards, of Merthyr. The fountain work was done by Mr. E. P. Davies, builder, Dowlais.

The Mayor called upon Col. Jones to present the fountain to the park and to the inhabitants of the Borough.

Col. J. J. Jones, referring to the pouring rain, facetiously remarked that he was afraid that the people would be of the opinion that the fountain was a superfluity which they might very well do without. (Laughter.) For some years past his sister-in-law Mrs Jones, his nieces and himself had thought of presenting something useful to the Borough, and their chance fell upon this fountain. They thought that looking at the long connection of the family with Cyfarthfa, that it would be most appropriate to place the fountain in Cyfarthfa Park. (Applause.) He was glad they had the consent of the Corporation to erect it there, and it was with great pleasure that he handed the fountain to the town. (Hear, hear.) He was very glad indeed to have had the great skill and experience of Mr. Richards, the architect, to guide them in selection of the design, and also to carry out the work. He devoted a great deal of time and attention to do it, and he was sorry that an engagement in London prevented Mr. Richards from being present at that ceremony. The firm who undertook the work were to be congratulated upon its neat design and beauty. Col. Jones referred to the fact that during the preparation of the fountain his sister-in-law, Mrs. Jones, had passed away, and Mrs Jones was, unfortunately, unable to attend that day. He therefore, had pleasure in presenting the fountain to the people, and a thing of beauty in the beautiful park. (Applause.)

Councillor Dd Jones, Chairman of the Parks Committee, formally accepted the gift on behalf of the Corporation and the inhabitants of Merthyr. He said he was glad to find they had such men as Col. Jones come forward and help to beautify the park and increase the pleasure of the people. He trusted others would follow in his footsteps.  (Applause.)

Miss Olive Jones then, amid applause, turned on the water.

At this stage the Mayor said he regretted the absence of Mr. H. Seymour Berry J.P., who had written to say that he was quite unable to fulfil his promise to attend and take part in that interesting function.

His Worship the Mayor moved a hearty vote of thanks to Col. Jones and his family for their generous gift to the townspeople, and said the people of Cefn, who were outside the Borough, would also be able to appreciate it when they visited the park. The name of Col. Jones’ family would now be enrolled in the history of the Borough, and whenever the present and future generations inspected the fountain, they would always refer with pride to the family who were so well known at Cefn.  (Hear, hear.)

Councillor Parry, in seconding the vote, said he appreciated the fountain because it was so near the Castle School, and the scholars would be able to admire the work of the sculptor. (Hear, hear.) It would be an incentive to the scholars to make progress in art, and visitors would, he was sure, also appreciate it very much. The inhabitants of Merthyr would always be grateful to Col. Jones and his family for such a handsome gift.  (Applause.)

The proposition was carried with acclamation, and Col. Jones having responded in a few, well-chosen words, an interesting ceremony in the history of the Borough concluded.

Many thanks to Tracy Barnard for transcribing this article.

Cyfarthfa Park Fountain in the 1920s. Photo courtesy of http://www.alangeorge.co.uk/index.htm

Merthyr’s Lost Landmarks: St John’s Church, Penydarren

by Laura Bray

St John’s Church, Penydarren, has been a local landmark for 150 years.  It was built in 1858 on what was then the edge of Penydarren and over the years its fortunes have waxed and waned; now it is not a church at all, but flats.

St John’s Church and Vicarage in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of http://www.alangeorge.co.uk/index.htm

The original church was designed by a Mr Brigden of Dowlais and was constructed of patterned stone rubble, with the north entrance under a stone gable. However, with 40 years it had fallen into disrepair and was too small for the growing community which it served, so a concerted fundraising effort was embarked upon to rebuild it. The vicar, the Rev D Evans, realised that the church also needed a hall, but because of the topography of the site, this needed to be underneath the church, which doubled the cost. But the vision became a reality in 1907 when the Bishop of Llandaff laid the foundation stone, and then dedicated the new building on 10 October 1908.

The Interior of St Johns Church. Photo courtesy of the Alan George Archive

The church was designed by the architect Mr Bruce Vaughan, in the Early English style, with faced stonework, arches and windows of red Ruabon brick and 5 light traceried windows. It boasted a nave of 65′ 6″ long by 28′ wide, with two aisles, a south chapel, chancel and choir vestry and could now hold nearly 600 worshippers. The church hall was of similar proportions, with facilities for classrooms.

Not surprisingly such grandeur came at a cost – estimated as £6500, over £750,000 in today’s money, no small achievement.

But as mentioned, such are the vagaries of fortune and while St John’s remained a functioning church, its fabric was gradually neglected over the ensuing decades. Fast forward to the late 1970s and the Rev Bill Morgan took over and began another restoration project, giving the building a much needed facelift and putting in new stained-glass windows. It was rededicated by Bishop John Poole Hughes in the early 1980’s. Lamentably, the church never really recovered its former grandeur and as the 21st century began, the church was slowly closed and boarded up before being sold in 2009 and subsequently demolished.

St John’s Church in the 1970s. Photo courtesy of the Alan George Archive