John Rees (Feb/2002) - John and I were Crosville bus conductors
Dear John, My nostalgia quotient (NQ), went sky high when I recently discovered your
excellent web site. Not only that, it looks like we are just round the
corner from you once again, American scale this time. We probably have
lots to talk about but my fingers might go raw if I try on this machine. I
have ended up at UNCG after academic stints in Texas and Syracuse. I also have
three children. Hwyl, John
Graham Pickton (Feb/2002) - Another Crosville Link..
Dear John, Martin Williams told me about your web site some time ago and I looked at it with considerable interest.
Unfortunately, inertia has ruled but I hope you will still find the following of some interest.
I am not a native of Barmouth but have spent a good few years here. For the last seventeen years
I have been living in Llanaber (Swn-y-Mor - do you know it?) but I was also here from 1939 to
1948, having been privately evacuated. We lived in "Ambleside" from the beginning of 1942, the
end of a terrace of three houses at the top of the hill, coming into Barmouth, from Aberamffra
harbour. Before that we were in Fairbourne and Barmouth Junction, as it was then called.
I went to the County School, finishing in the summer of 1945, before starting at UCW Aberystwyth
to do an honours degree in geology. Like you, I needed a source of cash and I also rather fancied
a job as a bus conductor. So I was very pleasantly surprised when Will Meirion called at the house
with a message from Mr. E.R. Edwards ("Evan bach"), asking if I was interested. I was off like a
shot! I worked that summer and the following three summers,finally handing in my bag and punch, with
a heavy heart, at the end of the 1948 season.
This was before toastracks came to Barmouth, while the idea that double-deckers might appear some
day seemed very far-fetched! The best buses, in my time, were the KA's (Leyland Tigers). We only
ever had two - KA42 and KA139. It was always a pleasure to travel in them. The worst were the B's,
noisy and uncomfortable. But whatever the bus, I can honestly say that, in many ways, it was the
most enjoyable job I have ever had. Admittedly, it wasn't the best paid!
I look back on those days with a great deal of nostalgia. It was like belonging to a club, with a
great sense of camaraderie. Although I also greatly enjoyed my time at Aber, I used to look forward
impatiently to the start of the summer. I knew both your father and your grand father well. I think
your parents got married during that period and I remember being envious of Emlyn marrying such a
good-looking girl. I can see Guto as though it were yesterday, peaked cap jauntily tilted to one side.
Do you, by any chance, have a copy of a photograph of the staff taken in 1948? (Webmaster's note: yes I do - see the following link: http://home.att.net/~pughimag/crosville_staff.htm) It was arranged by
me and Ned Edwards (E R. Edwards son, who still lives in the family home in Llanaber, "Bod Gwilym".
It was difficult to get everyone together and we finally made it on a Sunday morning. This is why
Bob Jones wouldn't put his uniform on! The bus which forms the background is KA139. I am the fifth
from the left in the back row.
Sadly, many of those in the picture are no longer with us. Apart from me, Ned Bod Gwilym is still
going strong(now known as Ted), Stan Corps is now in sheltered accomodation in the town and Jack
Hughes was still O.K. last time I saw him. If you have got the photograph you will note the tilt
on your grandfather's hat! I expect your father has got a copy. I am not state-of-the-art here
and do not possess a scanner (yet) so I can't send one.
They were very happy days and I remain very grateful indeed for the friendship and the help that
I was given.The experience gave me a good start in life and I was proud to belong to such a group
of friends, Yours sincerely, Graham Pickton
Janie Tomlinson (Jan/2002) - Janie worked with my mother in Barmouth
Dear John, I read your site with interest. I am Janie Tomlinson (Nee Trick), grand daughter
of the late Dennis Lloyd (Lloyds Stores opposite Josie Griffin's place).
I am married to Michael, one of the five great grandchildren of the late David Ellis Davies
as mentioned by Dave Linton ( 9/99 ). David Ellis Davies also owned Bryn Mynach (latterly Tower House School),
Gors-y-Gedol Hall, The White Cinema & The Green Garage among others.
I also note with interest some names I have not heard for years - Aneurin, Pam, Michael Kay.
I met Adrian some years ago at Dolgellau Hospital . I left Barmouth in 1970 and have
spent the last 32 yrs living in Cardiff in between globetrotting as my husband was a
Master at sea ,including a most interesting period living in St. Lucia.
It is a very small world - last Sunday we had a party at our house - Megan Hughes, one of
Hugh John Hughes' daughters came and brought with her a long school photo. When showing
it around to the other guests, one said he was at University with some of the Ardudwy Teachers.
Another couple said that Rhyddid Williams had taught them after he left Harlech.
I remember your grandparents and parents, especially your mum who used to work at Garrie Thomas's Wool shop .
What ever happened to Olive Hughes, Mary Evans & Ruth Williams?
Keep up the good work, Best regards, Janie Tomlinson