Monday, June 7, 1937

l In Memory of A Pastor, Llanfihangel Gobion Ceremony

Tributes to the memory of the Rev. William Jones, who was Pastor of Mozerah Calvinistic Methodist Church, Llanvihangel Gobion, near Abergavenny, for 41 years, and Mrs. Jones, were paid at a large gathering of members of the church and visitors, when a memorial tablet and a reading desk for the rostrum of the church were unveiled.

The donor of the brass tablet is Mr. Cyrus Davies, Ebbw Vale, a brother of Mrs. Jones; it was unveiled by Mr. Jonathan Davies, of London, a nephew of Mrs. Jones. Mr. E. Watkins unveiled the reading desk.

The Rev. G. Humphrey Evans, who succeeded the Rev. William Jones as Pastor of Mozerah, presided, and was supported by the Rev. Howell Williams, Cardiff, the Rev J Breese, Abergavenny, the Rev. E. Symons, Goytre, and the Rev J. J. Thomas, Llanover, all of whom paid a tribute to the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jones.

A number of members of the church spoke in feeling terms of their admiration for the departed pastor and his wife, among whom were Mr. W. Griffith, Mr. Davies, Pontygoytre. Mr. |Thomas, Argoed, and John Owen y Fenni.

Solos were sung by Mr. A. Sheddick and Miss Bryn, Ebbw Vale.

l Where Men of Monmouth Fell

Two former officers of the 1st Monmouths who rose to command the battalion are now paying a visit to the battlefields of France and Flanders.

Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Evill, D.S.O, T.D., D.L., of Chepstow, and Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. L. Thomas, M.C., T.D., D.L., of Newport, with Mrs Evill and Mrs Thomas, are now holidaying on the Continent.

Colonel Evill succeeded to the command of the battalion on the disastrous May 8, 1915, when the 1st Monmouths were cut up. Colonel Thomas was also serving with the battalion at that time, but was not in the May 8 engagement.

They will see many of the too-familiar places: but they will find that the passing years have wrought great change. No doubt they will visit the 1st Monmouths memorial on the site, near St. Jean, where the battalion made a great stand, and will also see the battalion’s beautiful memorial window in the English Church at Ypres.

Both colonels have paid visits to the battlefields previously.

l Action Wanted Not Words, Future of Drama in Monmouthshire

Eighty representatives of affiliated bodies attended the annual meeting of Monmouthshire Drama League. Mr. T. J. Webley presided.

The annual report was presented by the Secretary, Mr. D. L Jones.

The election of officers resulted: Chairman, Mr. T. J. Webley; Executive Committee, Mr. Roger Carter, Miss. G. Gethin Davies, Mrs. Parish, Miss Shepherd, Mrs. L Griffith Jones, Mrs. C. A. M. Powell, Miss Macdonald-Tyler and Mr. C. Talbot Thomas.

The Chairman dwelt upon advisory visits that had been made and on the Festival. The Committee hoped to do more and talk less about the art, he said: “We are talking too much and not doing enough.”

The League intended “to secure the services of the Arts League Travelling Theatre. Schools for producers would be organised along new lines.

Mrs. Rathbone and Miss. K. V. Barry gave interesting reports on their work as advisors, and Mrs. Powell and Mr. Bert Burrows gave instructive reports on their visit to the Old Vic. They stated that the journey, though expensive, was worthwhile. The Standard of South Wales compared quite favourably with that of other areas.

The meeting terminated with a good performance of “A Rogue in Bed”, by the Blackwood Players.

l Engine Shed Blaze, Men Escape at Penhow

Damage estimated at approximately £200 was caused by a fire in the main engine shed at Penhow Quarries, the property of the Penhow Quarries, Ltd. No one was injured, but the shed was gutted.

The fire broke out while the men were working in the shed. It is understood that the engine, which drives the motor for quarrying, caught fire when it was being filled with crude oil.

Newport Fire Brigade under Second Officer Roberts and Superintendent Scott, were soon on the scenes and although they were able to prevent the fire from spreading, they were unable to save the shed, which burned fiercely.

The workmen were able to leave the shed safely.

l Facilities For Parking, Complaint Made at Chepstow

“Chepstow’s parking facilities are inadequate. Motorists have to search all over the town,” declared Councillor H. John at Chepstow Town Council.

He asked those gathered that better facilities be granted.