Please Note
The Deadline for items for inclusion in the
April Kerry News is Wednesday, 29th March

Women's Institute
President Margaret Griffiths 670270

What a lovely relaxing evening we had, thanks to Thelma Watkin of the Red Cross who gave us an interesting talk on the origins, aims and work of this marvellous organisation. Then came the best bit "THERAPEUTIC CARE": a gentle form of back and shoulder massage. After a demonstration by Thelma we split into pairs and Therapeutically Cared for each other, it was wonderful, thank you Thelma.

Margaret Hamnet gave the vote of thanks.

Back to business: Our team are through to the Finals of the Pub Quiz (thanks to Hilary), having come in third at the last leg. So wish us luck on the 21^st February, and Hilary please do not take any risks between now and then, your WI needs you.

Myra Henery won Flower of the Month and Margaret Griffiths won the Quiz (fluke).

Many thanks to Sue Farrington and Joy Morgan for the refreshments, Phyllis Jones for bringing a Hall Key so that we could get in, and apologies to May Smith and others who were kept waiting in the cold. Also thanks to Hilda for helping me with Welsh pronunciation.

Finally Laugh of the Month:

Three men were sitting together in a bar bragging about how they had given their new wives their duties.

The first man had married a woman from Albania and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning that needed to be done. He said that it took a couple of days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes all washed and put away.

The second man had married a woman from Korea. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and cooking. He told them that the first day he did not see any results but the next day it was better. By the third day his house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table.

The third man had married a Welsh girl. He boasted that he had told her she was to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry done and that he wanted hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye.

Margaret Griffiths

P.S. The Red Cross are always in need of people to train as volunteers or Therapeutic Carers and more information is available at the Red Cross Office or Charity Shop in Newtown.

Cornel Cymraeg Ceri

Mawrth Cyntaf - Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant
March the First - St David's Day

Y Ddraig Goch
The Welsh Dragon

Cenhinen
Leek

Cenhinen Bedr
Daffodil

Mae'r Gwanwyn yn dod o'r diwedd
Spring is coming at last

Mae wyn bach yn chwarae yn y cae
There are little lambs playing in the field

Mae'r tywydd yn gwella
The weather is getting better

Highcliffe Choir

by Mary Denniss

When I decided to enter Highcliffe Junior Choir for the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen in 1973, a colleague on the staff, Joy Knight, who had taught with Dorothy Kenwrick in Germany, suggested we approach Dorothy’s mother, Mrs Pryce, to discuss the possibility of the choir members staying in the homes of the people of Kerry.  Thus began one very precious friendship with Kerry and my introduction to a very special lady, Mrs Pryce.

Throughout the years, the name, Kerry, symbolises warmth, kindness, friendship and a strong sense of community, for every choir member.

Mrs Pryce, 68 at that time, and still involved in our visits in her 95^th year, would never be defeated by a challenge that meant helping someone.  It is thanks to her and to the selflessness and caring hospitality of the people of Kerry, that over a thousand different children have visited Kerry over the years.  Many friendships have been forged, some of you knowing more about the lives of past choir members than I do!

There are so many memories and I’m sure you could add to them.  One year our coach broke down and we had an incredibly comfortable journey back to the Severn Bridge in two petrol driven coaches – with not a single child travel-sick.

Another year, the Welsh hills defeated our urban coaches and I have memories of a long crocodile of children toiling up the hill from Newtown behind a struggling coach.

Clothing lists in the early days included old trousers for sliding down the hill and members were conspicuous by dirty seats on their trousers as they walked back to their hostesses.

As our coach arrived at Kerry Village in those early days, it was met, not only by the hostesses, but by the Kerry children.  Friendships were formed and, the litigation cult not having arrived, the children played together on the school playing field.

However, now confined to your homes, choir members get enormous pleasure from talking to you, having meals with you and some even singing for you.  As for the concert, the excitement of having you there far exceeds any concerts with Mum and Dad present.  Even the older girls will say “Mrs ---- is in the audience, we stayed with her when we were younger”.

The most moving experience ever, in the life of the choir, was the unveiling of the Millennium picture and finding the choir had been included.  Robyn Davies visited us quite unexpectedly later that year.  When I told him I had found the choir all hugging each other and sobbing after the unveiling – because this was so unexpected and meant so much – he replied that the choir was part of the village life.  Certainly Kerry is very much part of the choir’s life.  At our recruitment evenings, members are asked to tell the audience what they most enjoy about choir life.  “Our visit to Kerry” certainly heads the list.

Thank you so much for producing the excellent magazine depicting life in what must be one of the most caring, friendly communities anywhere.  It has given me a chance to tell you all how deeply grateful we are for the love, practical help and encouragement you have given us every year.

It started with a very special lady indeed, and is carried on so willingly by her daughter, Dorothy, Shirley Davies and everyone else in the equally special village of Kerry.

The Litter Louts' Lament

(To be sung to the tune of “We plough the fields and scatter”, SCATTER being the operative word).

We walk the streets and scatter our rubbish far and wide
We're not a bit ashamed of it, we do it with great pride.
Our cans and bottles hit the ground; the glass ones make a noise
We don't care if the fragments cut pets or girls or boys.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

We're generous with our litter; we never use the bin.
Except to push it over and scatter what's put in.
We hate to see streets tidy, with not much on the ground.
We do our best on Fridays to show we've been around.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

Sweet wrappers and our fag ends they decorate the town;
While packets from all products we happily throw down
We do not use our pockets to take our trash away
"Why should we take the bother", That's what we litterers say.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

We like our Happy Meals and eat what we like best.
The rats enjoy the bits we dump; they're really not a pest.
Though other people grumble about the state we leave;
They moan and groan and carry on - you never would believe!
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me

We don't know what the fuss is, we're only out for fun,
Why should we not enjoy ourselves as much as anyone?
We leave our mess for others to pick up on their rounds,
And those who pay the Council Tax - Millions of hard earned pounds.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee.
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

PLEASE LEAVE OUR VILLAGE CLEAN AND TIDY

Submitted by Betty Richards

Design and Technology

Year 5 pupils from St. Michael's Primary School designed and made Fairground Rides, in a Design and Technology project. Mr. John Pryce, Managing Director of Prymec Limited (Engineering Design and Development Consultants), helped evaluate the complete designs.

Brynllywarch Hall School

upils have taken part in fund raising for UNICEF by holding a non uniform day and running a stall for pupils to buy fruit.  The staff also held a raffle.  A total of £151.43p was raised.  This money will help with vaccination projects in Niger and Madagascar.  Our sixth form have been busy getting the new poly tunnel operational and hope to reach the standard of the renowned Kerry Gardeners!  They would be glad to receive any unwanted flower pots.  These can be left at the school during school hours.  Our younger classes recently enjoyed a visit to 'Machinations' at Llanbrynmair and were fascinated by the exhibition of automata.  All the school will be taking part in a St David's Day Assembly on Wednesday 1st March.

D.C. Williams, 670276

On a recent visit to see our daughter and her family who live in Jersey we spotted this article in the local Jersey Evening Post:

HEADLINE:
`Wales has pristine scenery to which Jersey does not bear comparison'

It turned out to be a letter (from a Mr. Michael Green - resident of Jersey), in reply to a comment made by a member of the Jersey States, lamenting the drop in Jersey Tourism, and went as follows:

"I am amazed by the comments attributed to the chief officer of the Economic Development department where it is stated and I quote`that compared with Wales Jersey was a pristine environment'.  Is he really attempting to suggest that the majestic scenery of West Wales with its rolling hills and the world renowned mountains of North Wales can be described as anything else but world-class pristine scenery on top of which the Welsh coastal scenery is unsurpassed?

Then there are many castles, abbeys and the like, all of which are recognised as outstanding heritage sites and protected as such from commercial vandalism. Not so in Jersey. Therefore to compare Jersey with magnificent Wales is out of the question.

Might I suggest that this new civil servant takes time out to explore Wales in all its glory before uttering comments which are clearly without substance."

The letter went on to suggest that the decline in Jersey tourism was caused by the exorbitant cost of reaching the island, on top of the emphasis on the finance industry. It went on:

"When I came to Jersey in the early 1960's the island was considered by many UK residents as a cheap and cheerful holiday destination with its magnificent beaches and unlimited night-time entertainment, and at that time visitors came in their droves not only from the UK but also from the continent, particularly on a weekend, where Jersey was considered an inexpensive shopping destination.

The island was buzzing with excitement every summer from March to September. But not any more, with local prices rocketing in recent years, thus killing the UK and continental golden goose that laid the golden egg, to the detriment of the local economy".

Having made a number of visits to the lovely island of Jersey visiting our daughter Sally and her family, although there are now cheaper airfares available, we have to agree with Mr Green's comments.

Pat & Dennis Greenwood

Quotes from films

Pop Singers and Groups

1

The Terminator

1

Genesis

2

Moulin Rouge

2

Britney Spears

3

The Wizard of Oz

3

Spandau Ballet

4

The Life of Brian

4

Melanie C

5

Four Weddings and a Funeral

5

Justin Timberlake

6

Back to the Future

6

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

7

My Fair Lady

7

Gareth Gates

8

Fight Club

8

Westlife

9

Taxi Driver

9

So Solid Crew

10

Love Story

10

Dexys Midnight Runners

11

Dirty Dancing

12

Top Gun

13

Jaws

14

The Shining

15

The Godfather II

KERRY FOOTBALL CLUB

Kerry have had a very good month, starting with an away game at UWA.

An excellent result.  This is a hard ground to go to.  Both teams having good spells of play, chances were very few and far between.  Kerry’s best chance came on 88 minutes, when Darren Holloway put Martin Morgan through, only for UWA goalkeeper to make an outstanding save.

This again was an excellent game, with Kerry going one up, scored by Rob Bayliss, but Llanfyllin came back to make it 1-1.  The game was decided by an excellent strike by Carl Danson.

Again, a mid-week game.  These have not been the best for us this season.  Rhayader were very quick on the break, and early on in the second half went ahead 1-0.  Kerry fought back, hitting the bar, and having one cleared off the line, but pressure told, and Kerry were awarded a penalty with ten minutes to go, Steve Pryce scoring from the spot.

11^th February  Caersws cancelled because their ground was unfit.

This was always going to be a hard match.  Aber, being a very good side, running out winners at 4-2.  Kerry goals were an own goal, and Mark Morgan getting the second.  The result was to put Aber 3^rd and Kerry dropped to 4^th in the league.

FIXTURES  2.30pm Kick off

KERRY RESERVES

A very hard fought game, Kerry doing very well and were very unlucky to lose at the end of extra time.

- - - - - - - -

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Kerry Football Club are running a casino night on Saturday, March 25^th.  A Disco and Finger Buffet will also be provided.  Come and have a flutter.  Tickets on sale soon.

Mike Morgan

Players' Profiles

Martyn Morgan (left) is 28 years old and plays winger/forward position.  He lives in Newtown with his girlfriend Tina.  He currently works in Elliotts.

Martyn came up through the ranks at Newtown playing for teams from the Youths, right through to the Reserve Team.  However, he found chances to progress to the first team limited, due to the influx of players from away.

This prompted his decision to leave the club at the start of last season and he went to try his luck at Rhayader, where he enjoyed a good season.

Jonathan Reynolds (right) lives at Oakwood, Kerry with his parents Chris and Llinos.  He currently works at Maldwyn Leisure Centre.

Jaffa, as he likes to be known, started playing football in the junior team at Kerry, moving on to Newtown.

It was clear at an early age that he was a talented footballer and this was proven when Everton Football Club signed him on schoolboy terms.  Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out for him as a pro footballer and he eventually came back to Newtown, where he played, and scored several goals in the League of Wales.

He too, was finally persuaded to come back to play for Kerry, and has been a great asset to the club in the last couple of seasons, scoring some spectacular goals.

INFORMATION DAY IN KERRY

Age Concern Montgomeryshire are continuing to host a series of Information Days throughout Montgomeryshire.  On March 16^th they will be visiting Kerry Village Hall.  We will be there from 10:30 until 2pm.  Free refreshments will be provided.

Joining Age Concern will be representatives from the Police, Fire Department, Care and Repair, Greenfields and others.  Each group will have a display of information and someone there to answer any of your questions, or just to have a chat with you.  Age Concern Montgomeryshire will be on hand to answer any questions about pensions, benefits and allowances.  We will also be available to answer other questions or direct you to the best help possible.

Come along and find out more about us!

For more information call Pam on 01686 623707

Why Worry?

There are two things to worry about:
Either you are well or you are sick.
If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about,
But if you are sick, there are two things to worry about:
Either you will get well, or die.
If you get well then there is nothing to worry about,
But if you die, there are two things to worry about:
Either you go to heaven or to hell.
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.
If you go to hell, you'll be so darn busy shaking hands with old friends and colleagues.
You won't have time to worry!

Age Concern Montgomeryshire newsletter, Winter 2005/06

Where Are They Now?

Perhaps I had better introduce myself.  My name is Mike Turner.  I moved to Kerry in 1957, aged 7, having been born in Clun and arriving in the village via Clunbury and Mellington.

My parents, John and Betty, moved to Kerry to be nearer to Dad’s work with E Thomas and Son, Lime Merchants, based in Newtown.  Along with younger brother, Roger, we were the first occupants of number 3, The Gardens.  Although I can still remember the occupants of the original 14 houses, a young couple called Stan & Sheila soon moved into number 4, and are still there today!

I enjoyed a very happy childhood in Kerry and still see many of the friends I grew up with all those years ago.  My main love was football and in those days kicking a ball around was a rather nomadic existence as there was no official playing area, so we played wherever we could, until we were chased away!

After leaving Kerry School, which was under Dewi Evans’ headmastership, I attended Newtown High School until leaving to join NatWest bank in Newtown in August 1966.  Another Kerry resident, Carole Dimmock, had joined the same branch the previous month.

My parents moved to Park Close, Newtown, in 1967.  However, I still returned to the village regularly to see friends, support Kerry AFC, and indeed had the honour of playing for them for a season or so, regrettably not the club’s best years.

I had spells in Montgomery branch working with Brian Richards, ex mayor of Montgomery, who sadly passed away last year.  In 1969 I was transferred to Llanfyllin, where some of the basic Welsh learnt at High School  helped me out with the local Minister, who was a Plaid Cymru fanatic and would only converse in Welsh.

I subsequently worked in Birmingham, Mold and Prestatyn before moving back to Sheldon, Birmingham, where I met my wife, Steph.  Our wedding, in Marston Green, in 1981, was attended by many friends from Kerry, including the ‘Best Man’, Colin Pugh.  We subsequently moved to Nuneaton, where we still live, albeit we moved to the other side of town 15 years ago.  Both our sons were born here.  Robert is now 20 and is in his final year at Coventry University, and youngest Ian is 16 and takes his GCSEs shortly.  Incidentally, both of the boys were christened at St Michaels and All Angels, thanks to Rev Bryan Jones.

Although I initially worked in Nuneaton, my career took me to Coventry and onto Rugby in 1990, where I was subsequently appointed Senior Manager in 1995.  This summer I will have completed 40 years service with NatWest, so obviously I do not contemplate a change of career!  Banking has been good to me and has enabled me to work in many varied communities and make good friends along the way.

Mum and Dad returned to live in Chestnut Drive in the 80’s until Dad’s death in 1989.  He was determined to return to the village, despite his declining health, as he loved the villagers and in particular being a member of Kerry Church.  Mum moved back to Newtown but often walked to Kerry Church (via Dolfor!) with her friend, Gwen Owen.  Mum moved to Llanymynech 2 years ago to live near brother Roger and his family.

We are very happy living in our adopted home town, as within 1 hour we can be enjoying walks in many beautiful locations, including the Cotswolds, Derbyshire and Rutland.  My love of football remains and I am a season ticket holder at Nuneaton Borough and witnessed their recent FA cup run, which received tremendous media coverage.

I also undertake a treasurership for Nuneaton and District Scout Council and assist with the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby.

Needless to say, I have inherited the Kerry passion for gardening!

I still return to Kerry several times a year to visit life long friends, including Colin Pugh, Gordon Pugh, Mike Farrington and families.  I try to bring Mum to visit Dad’s grave 2 or 3 times a year, and like nothing better than taking a stroll around the village, bumping into ‘old friends’ who will always have the time of day for a chat.

Steph and I celebrate our Silver Wedding anniversary in May and on our last visit to Kerry, just before Christmas, we were told that plans were already being hatched for Nuneaton to be invaded by numerous friends to help us celebrate.  The loyalty of the Kerry folks never ceases to amaze me.

Many thanks to Sue Farrington for sending me a copy of ‘Kerry News,’ and for inviting me to do this article.  I have since read all back copies with great interest, and will now look forward to my monthly read on the internet, a great way for exiles to keep in touch with a very special place.

Michael Turner

Cash & Prize Bingo
at
The Kerry Lamb
on
Friday 10th March
7.30pm for 8.00pm start
in aid of Romanian Orphans
 

Any donations will be greatly appreciated.
For further details contact Amy Jones, 3 The Gardens, Kerry.  670629
Amy will be going to Romania May/June 2006 and is raising funds to help the orphans.
 

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY?

 Who?

Welshpool & District Model Flying club

What?

Flying of radio controlled model aircraft

When?

Every Saturday and Sunday (Weather permitting)

Where?

In a field off the A490 just outside Churchstoke

Why?

To have some fun and meet new friends in a very friendly club.

For further details contact John: 07977 536825 or Mike 01686 670372.

Happy Birthday Hazel Danson on 21 March

KERRY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

RESULTS - JANUARY TO DATE

Neil Groves, 670836

1st Kerry Brownies

All the Brownies have been working hard towards their Home Skills Badge and have promised to help around the home during half term!  The Brownies lit candles and remembered Brownies around the world as part of their Thinking Day celebrations.  Valentines cards and heart baskets full of chocolates were taken home for loved ones.  We are now taking names for our waiting list for the Summer Term.  Brownies are aged between 7 years and 10 years.

Kerry School – Season 1921 – 1922
 

Student Teacher – Percy Wilding
 

Back row – George Arthur, Martin Bebb, Pryce Corfield, Cyril Lewis, Fred Jones.
 

Middle row – Tom Passant, Ray George, Ivor Wilding, Jack Holloway, Bernard Jones.
 

Front – Harold Pugh, George Pugh
 

The first time we had a complete set of jerseys, blue and white chevrons.

 
The answers to the WORDSEARCH this month are all connected with the weather.  The answers can be found horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

The answers will be found on page 48

Kerry Male Voice Choir 1962 approximately
 

Kerry Male Voice Choir

The last Kerry Male Voice Choir was formed in 1962, when appeals were made to re-form the previously disbanded choir.

Kerry had enjoyed a long tradition of excellent male voice choirs, and the Kerry Eisteddfod, at this time, was attracting choirs from all parts of Wales and the Midlands, so local interest was on a high.

Throughout its rather short existence, the choir had several notable achievements in the competitive world, taking first prizes at Llandrindod Wells, Newbridge-on-Wye and Knighton, and second places at Kington, Llanrhaeadr and Llanfair Caereinion eisteddfodau.

Concert invitations were received from a wide area, including memorable evenings at the Goodyear Social Hall, Wolverhampton, and the Dunlop Hall in Birmingham.

Following the Birmingham concert, an invitation was received from Birmingham City F.C. for the choir to provide a programme for pre-match entertainment at the St Andrews ground, but regrettably, this was cancelled by incoming regulations imposed on football grounds.

There was also a very special day enjoyed in Lincolnshire, when the choir sang to a packed audience, and Jack and Walter Francis had a proud and emotional re-union with brother Richard and his family.  It was a truly moving scene when the choir ended a marvellous concert with the singing of “We’ll keep a welcome in the hillside”.

Percy Lewis, a gifted local musician, was the conductor for several years.  When he retired, Mrs Joy Jerman of Newtown, successfully took over, until the loss of several key members, together with changing social attitudes, again brought about the termination of a successful period of male voice choir singing in Kerry.

George Jones, Treflan, formerly of Weston
 

Photo taken in the late 1970’s approximately

Seated L to R: Barbara Colley; Gareth Thomas; Don Jones; Phyllis Jones; Jim Henery; Myra Henery.

Standing L to R: Henry Bayliss; Mrs Bayliss; Len Jones; Mrs M Pryce; John Stephens; Mott Pryce; Pryce Pugh; David Thomas; Jack Davies; Tom Jones; Evelyn Watson.

New Choir Members in BOLD

Photo taken in the 1970’s possibly

Seated L to R: Roy Owen; Harry Owen; Eddie Lewis; Percy Lewis; Mrs Theo Owen; Mrs Margaret Owen.

New Choir Members in BOLD

Members of Kerry Women's Institute produced a booklet of local walks as part of their “Pathway to the 21^st Century” project, to commemorate the Millennium.  We are grateful to them for allowing us to reproduce here one of the walks from the booklet.

WALK 1 - Approx 3.5 miles (Amended 2006)

Penaran Cottage - Lower Cwmydalfa - Brynllywarch School

 Leaving the car park along the path at the side of the Herbert Arms pub, turn left onto the main road towards Newtown and take the first road on the left into Dolforgan View.  At the T-Junction at the top of the road turn right and proceed to the bend where a stile is situated on the bank on the left-hand side of the road, at the gap between two bungalows.

Cross the stile and head straight across the top of the field to another stile.  Cross this stile and enter the field ahead, bearing right and skirting the small hill on your left head for the stile into the wood.  Cross this stile and in approximately 10 metres turn left onto the path to the top of the wood.  Cross the stile into the field beyond the wood and make for the conifer on the hill - at about 1.o'clock position.  (This is a bit of a climb, so take your time and stop and look back at the view over the village).

Keeping fence on your left follow path through the avenue of trees to a stile, which leads through the garden of Pen-aran Cottage onto a tarmac lane.  Turn left and go down the lane until reaching a sharp left hand bend, where you now take a stile in the hedge on the right hand side.  Keeping a central line proceed over brow of hill keeping fenced copse to your right and head for the clump of trees towards the centre of the field.  Still keeping a straight line, head to the stile, which is to the left of the gate in the far hedge.  Over stile and across bridge into field.

In the field cross the stile immediately to your right and keeping the same line, head towards the tall trees, through the middle of the trees to the corner of the wood and a stile at the lower edge.  Enter the wood and proceed along the path keeping the fence to your left until you meet the unmetalled farm track.  Follow this track to the right to the farm, keeping the farm on your right continue onto the tar-mac lane and follow this lane for approx 1¼ (1.25) miles to the T-Junction.  Turn left and proceed for a few yards when you will see a metal kissing gate on the bank on the left-hand side of the road (almost opposite two houses on the right-hand side).

Through the gate, and keeping wood and fence on your left, cross the field to the next field, through the school football field, still keeping fence & wood to your left, to the gate which leads down a path to the road.  Turn left onto the road and almost immediately cross the road and turn right onto a footpath through the wood and up alongside the red brick house.  Over the stile and turn right, following this road back into the village and car park.
 

To Major John and Mrs Riba Dugdale on their
 

Wedding Anniversary
 

On 22^nd February, 2006

KERRY MOTHERS’ UNION

Heather Ravenscroft, Leader, 670835

The A.G.M. of Kerry Mothers’ Union took place on January 19^th in the Village Hall.  Heather Ravenscroft was re-elected as Branch Leader, Pat McVey, Deputy Leader and Elaine English and Robbie Reynolds, joint Treasurers.  Grateful thanks were expressed to Mary Parry Jones for all her work as Secretary during the past year.  Pat McVey volunteered to act as Secretary for the current year and was duly elected.

The evening continued with a very enjoyable slide show, with background music, of a walk along part of the Gower Peninsula, undertaken by the Rev. Alan Reynolds and his wife, Robbie.  The spectacular scenery of this part of the coastline was much enjoyed by the members and thanks were given to the Vicar for a most entertaining presentation.

Two members represented the branch at the Australia Day Service in St David’s Church on the 26^th January.

On February 5^th the Annual lunch took place at Dolforwyn Hall Hotel when members and their partners partook of a very tasty three course meal.

Thursday 16^th March will see the welcome return of Margaret Walker as the guest speaker.  The meeting commences  at 7.00pm in the Village Hall.                                                                                          Pam Bex
 

to Richard Bonfield

who celebrated his

60^th birthday on February 15th

The Story of the Later Life of William Bowen and the Death of his Pig

by Harold Haynes

In the early 1920's, William Bowen, who I will refer to as Billy, lived in so-called retirement at Upper Common on the 10/- (ten shilling) pension.  Billy had worked all his younger years as a carter, hauling stone for the district road works, although severely handicapped, having only one complete leg, the other a simple wooden attachment that he fashioned himself, as it wore out.

Billy was only a tenant of Upper Common and unable to purchase his house at the sale of the Naylors' estate.  However, the property was purchased, along with No 2 Caeshenkin, by a soon-to-retire farmer, Mr Charles Jones who wished to dwell at Upper Common and so he offered Billy the option to move to Caeshenkin.

Now Caeshenkin, one mile from Kerry village as opposed to a quarter of a mile as Upper Common was, did not appeal greatly to Billy with his wooden leg and his love of meeting his friends at the Herbert Arms. However, having mastered adversity all his life, he overcame the distance, and on leaving the tavern would leave his friends, saying he was off home to make a new leg.

Billy cultivated his large garden by attaching a six inch round disc at the bottom of his peg leg.  Like all good country dwellers, Billy always reared a fine bacon pig which would be purchased as a weanling just a few weeks old, around the end of February or March  In the summer of 1929 there was a great tragedy.  The pig, now half grown, was taken ill, and in a few days, despite the veterinary's effort, died.

Now such a loss as this to a cottager is hard to comprehend today for it meant severe hardship.  However a collection fund was put in place.

The vicar, Reverend Thomas Phillips addressed the collecting book  “An earnest appeal is made on behalf of William Bowen, Caeshenkin, who has recently suffered a serious loss by the death of his pig.  I feel sure that his friends and neighbours will be glad to show their sympathy with him in a practical form, so as to enable him to repair what is to him a serious loss.

Thomas Phillips, Vicar of Kerry  August 27 1929”

The story has a happy ending.  The collection was enough to purchase a replacement pig and to cover feeding expenses.  (Harold recalled that approximately £8.00 was the total collected, which was a lot of money, as a working man earned about £1.00 per week at that time).

Billy left Caeshenkin in the mid 1930's after the death of his wife, to live with his daughter in London and survived the blitz.

This is a copy of part of the Collection Book

Received the above value with thanks.  M & W Bowen

Garden Hints and tips (March)

With spring just around the corner it is time to get to grips with the garden.  As the fresh green growth appears and the buds start to break there is much work to be done.  Let’s look at the lawn.  After a hard winter things look pretty grim, but with an application of a high nitrogen feed to encourage good strong growth, the lawn will recover.  Bare patches can be raked over and reseeded near to the end of the month.  Planting can commence with summer bulbs planted into the border or container, and division of herbaceous plants like Hosta, can be carried out, whether in pots or the open ground.  Prune dogwoods and willows, grown for strong colour, down to about 100 - 150mm from the ground.  Take some cuttings of the stems by placing them in the ground (its a bit late but it’s free).  Plant shallots and onion sets.  I prefer to start mine off in modules in the glasshouse, ready to plant out in about a month.  Remember to protect from hungry birds and mice.  Start to ventilate greenhouse and lower heat on warm days, to prevent mildew and other problems.  Maybe this is a good time, on a warm day, for a spring clean before work really starts.  If you use containers, top dress with fresh compost, with some slow release fertiliser in preparation for summer.  Trim the lawn on dry days, clean off the garden furniture and enjoy the longer days and shorter nights.  Don't forget Garden Club on the last Thursday in every month.  All welcome.       Jon Lewis

GARDEN CLUB

The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Thursday 30th March at 7-30pm.  There will be a talk on Glansevern Gardens given by Mr Neville Thomas.  New members welcome.

Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times, March 3, 1956

Nurse goes down under

Six weeks at sea lie ahead of Sister Eileen Pryce of the Pentre, Kerry, until recently a member of the Royal Salop Infirmary staff at Shrewsbury.

Miss Pryce – the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Sidney Pryce – sailed from Glasgow yesterday (Friday) in the steamship Captain Hobson and expects to reach Wellington, New Zealand, on April 15.

Two nursing colleagues have joined in this emigration “down under” and all have been guaranteed hospital posts in New Zealand (Sister Pryce hopes that these will be offered in Wellington).

A state registered nurse and state certified midwife, she will express a preference for mid-wifery in which she has specialised for more than two years.

As a sister at the Royal Salop Infirmary, Miss Pryce was awarded the Matron’s Prize for efficiency and sense of vocation.  Subsequently she was appointed district nurse-midwife at Bridgnorth, but returned to the Midwifery department of the Infirmary last year.

Her initial contract with the New Zealand health authorities is for two years.

- - - - - - -

Eileen Lewis recalls today:

Two friends and I decided to go to New Zealand under the immigration scheme.  Early in March 1956 (50 years ago – where has the time gone!) we travelled by train from Shrewsbury to Glasgow.  We shared a carriage with some sailors, and they asked where we were going.  When we told them, New Zealand on the Captain Hobson, they said, “You will have a black crew, and it’s an old ship, and you will probably break down en route”.  We laughed and thought they were joking.  We boarded the ship early on the Friday morning – yes, we did have a black crew, and yes, we did break down en route!

There were about 500 passengers on board from various parts of the UK.  We were all young – many families with young children and many single people.  Once we found our sea legs (we had a few rough seas) we had a good voyage.  There was plenty of activity on board to keep us occupied.  Meal times were in two sittings – families with children first, and the singles second.  There were eight to a table – four men and four women.  That was where I met my husband to be!

We had a brief stop in Curaçao where we went ashore for a few hours.  We also stopped at Pitcairn Island.  We weren’t allowed ashore, but the Pitcairn Islanders came on board, selling the things they had made – jewellery, baskets, fruit and various other things.

We arrived in Wellington in the middle of April, and were met by the New Zealand officials, who told us where we were going.  My one friend stayed in Wellington, where her fiancée lived.  My other friend and I went to Hokitika – a small town on the west coast of the South Island.  It was a small General Hospital.  We stayed there for six months.  We were able to hire a car and do a lot of sight seeing – Milford Sound, the Glaciers, Timaru and Christchurch.  In Timaru I stayed with a friend from Kerry – Megan Corfield, Rhiewdantin.  She had married a New Zealander.

My husband to be was sent to Invercargill to work in the forestry.  He moved to the Post Office in Wellington.

My friend and I also moved to Wellington.  We spent the rest of our time there, working as Night Sisters at the Wellington Hospital – a large General and Midwifery Hospital.  Again, we were able to do plenty of sight seeing, mostly by coach.  They had a very good coach service.  We visited Rotorua, a large Maori Settlement, the Geysers and mud pools, and many of the large cities in the North Island.

We were going to sail home from Auckland, but the sailing was changed to Wellington.  We were very disappointed that we didn’t see that part of the North Island, but I have been there since.  We sailed home on the Rangatane – a much bigger ship, and no breakdowns!  Although our passage out was free, we had to pay our passage back home - £500 each, and it took four weeks.  We arrived home in Southampton in the middle of June.

It was a lovely experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

 Eileen Lewis

KERRY BOWLING CLUB

The Bingo evening organised by Jack and Teresa on 10^th Feb proved to be popular, and with the raffle, successfully made some money for the club funds.  Thanks to all who attended.

The annual dinner was held on 17^th February, and as usual, Maureen Thomas and her team provided us with an excellent meal.  Once again, we could have done with a few more members to help fill the clubhouse, but it proved to be an enjoyable evening.  Mervyn’s photos of various club members, which had been especially modified for the occasion, raised quite a few laughs.

A site meeting has been arranged to discuss the new sprinkler system for the green, and it was hoped that work would start early in March, and be finished well in time for the green to be prepared for the opening.  A date for the opening was deferred until the next committee meeting, but is expected to be mid to late April, depending to some extent on the weather.  The first game, arranged so far, on the green will be a County Rinks competition on 27^th April.

At the time of writing, there are two games to go in the indoor league at the Flash.  After a good start in the early matches, Kerry’s team position has slipped, and they are now likely to finish in the bottom half of the table.
 

ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT

Dear Parents/Kerry Community

As you are hopefully aware, St. Michael’s School has been successful in receiving a school garden grant of £4000 from NatWest Bank.  The garden will be created on a vacant strip of land between the school fence and the roadside hedge, and will include the refurbishment of the existing conservation garden.

WHAT WE HOPE TO CREATE

Our plans are to incorporate the following features to provide an enjoyable learning environment.

Welsh Dragon – this play equipment will take the form of a long dragon made from recycled tyres.

Willow arbour/tunnel – this will be a living structure and give shelter from sun, wind and rain.

Sensory Garden – to include plants and materials that stimulate smell, sound, sight, taste and touch.

Growing Plots – sleeper-edged plots where children can plant seeds, sit and watch them grow.

Wormery – a purpose built frame for close-up study of worms.

Mini-Orchard – a small selection of fruit trees and bushes.

Log Pile – to allow the study of insects in their natural habitat.

Butterfly/Insect Garden – a garden planted to attract insects for nature studies.

Musical Instruments – a selection of large outdoor instruments made from recycled materials.

Seating – a variety of seats made and positioned around the garden, to include logs and ‘buddy’ seats, and mosaic artwork seats.

Wooden Shelter – a sheltered, ‘quiet area’ for reading or small group work.
 

Understandably, we are hoping to make best use of NatWest’s donation by encouraging volunteers to donate time, energy and skills, thereby freeing funds to buy equipment which we cannot make ourselves.  We are inviting the community of Kerry to participate in the design and development of this garden and are seeking volunteers for offers of help.  Over the next few months, we envisage having a number of ‘Working Bee’ days, on weekends, when all volunteers will meet at the proposed site to build the garden.  These dates will be set in the next few weeks as the garden finish date is June.

In order to move on to the next stage we are looking for volunteers.  We would love to have as many parents and villagers on board as are willing, and make this a community project, so if you would like to participate in this project please see ‘HOW YOU CAN HELP’ below.  Some of the goods listed below may be made by volunteers e.g. Bird boxes, tables.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer your services – earthworks, carpentry, gardening, building or creative skills, time and energy.

Donate goods -  ( Please contact us first)

We would be very grateful for any help, however small, especially on the Working Bee days, as there will be many jobs to be done.  The more the merrier’.

Please contact us if you would be willing to help or have any other ideas to be considered.  Thanking you.

Michele Lloyd, 670825

Angela Owen, 670964

Clare Walters, 670349

St.Michael’s C. in W. School, 670208

This appeared in the Newtown Crier of Saturday, March 31, 1979.  Several current Kerry residents were foresters over a period of time – Cyril & Ron George, Elwyn Pugh, Glyn Price, Reg Evans, Iorrie Davies and Charlie James.

A GLOW RETURNS TO FOREST OF THE CHRISTMAS TREES

by GEORGE TANSEY

Once upon a time there were 43 brave foresters who worked in a big forest of Christmas trees, high in the hills above a village called Kerry, in the wilds of Montgomeryshire, Wales.

They were brave to work there because the forest was dark and cold and haunted by a wicked spirit called Fungus, who sneaked around killing Christmas trees just to spite Santa Claus.

Now the forest belongs to a nationalised bunch of barons known as the Forestry Commission, who didn't mean any harm to anybody (except Fungus), but didn't quite realise what it was like to work in a cold haunted forest in December.

So, when somebody, very clever, said that Fungus, the wicked spirit, thrived on charcoal and wood ash, a stern message was sent to the 43 brave foresters that they must not light any more fires in the forest.

After that kiddies, the foresters were very sad and cold and shivered so hard that they had to walk about at lunch time eating their sandwiches and making cutting remarks.

To make matters worse, the Snow King spread his sparkling white cloak all over the 2,800 acres of the Kerry forest, and made it look like a winter wonderland.  Instead of being pleased, the 43 brave foresters just shivered all the more and said among other things that the frost was cruel now they couldn't gather winter fuel.

Then one of them had the bright idea of sending for a local Prince Charming, called Mr Ularsing Jones, who travelled about looking exactly like a district officer of the T. and G. W. U., though he was really named after an Indian missionary.

Mr Jones, who lived on the edge of the forest at Newtown, came out of his trade union castle, felt how cold it was, and said he was very sorry for the 43 brave foresters.

This was a human problem of industry, he added, because everybody liked to have at least a warm nose at lunchtime.  He was also a bit sorry for the nationalised barons because they owned a haunted forest.

But he wasn't sorry at all for the wicked spirit called Fungus.  So he put on his thinking cap, and so did Mr Alan Evans, the chief of Foresters.  And what do you think? Between them they remembered the men who look after holes in the road and are never, never without warm, cheerful fires.

That's the way, they said, and told the brave foresters they could have fires again, provided they kept them in old oil drums or tin cans to catch the charcoal and ash and provided they poured creosote in afterwards.  This was because Fungus hated creosote.

The nationalised barons hummed and hawed a bit, but eventually said,  "Well, perhaps we'll see if it works."

So there are warm smiles again in the beautiful cold white forest and the 43 brave foresters are as happy as night-watchmen and their shop stewards - who are called Beat Stewards in a forest - don't think there will be a strike among the Christmas trees after all.

Submitted by Elwyn Pugh

“People ask you for criticism, but they only want praise.”

WEDDING

On the 2^nd February 2006 in the Dominican Republic, Darren, son of Beryl and the late Derek Jarman from Llanmerewig, married Nicola Mooney, daughter to Ray and Carol from Blackpool.  35 family and friends joined them at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach resort for two weeks all inclusive, to witness the wedding ceremony and sample the local rum.  Nicola wore a champagne coloured dress, designed and made by her sister, Nina, and was given away by her father, Ray.  Nicola’s 3 bridesmaids were Isabella and Grace Mooney and Anwen Rees, and Darren was accompanied by pageboys George and Joshua Bebb and Huw Rees.  Darren’s best man was Simon Rivara.  The happy couple met in the year 2000 and now live at 2 Oaks Court, Kerry.

KERRY LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

Carrie White once again had a large interested audience when she showed more of the Willans collection of photographs in the Village Hall at the February meeting.  This time she showed some of the photos taken inside Dolforgan Hall, while it was still furnished with works of art such as statues and paintings.  Also several photos showed family members and their guests taking tea in the imposing grounds, the ladies looking very elegant in their flowing gowns and large hats.  She also repeated some of the shots of local houses, which had been identified since the previous showing.  David Pugh has discovered Mr J B Willans’ diaries at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, in which he recorded his visits to the various farms and other locations, so they should shed further light on some of the, as yet, unidentified photos.  Mr Pugh will be speaking at our April meeting.

The March meeting will be held in the village hall on Monday 13^th, at 8.00 pm, when our vice chairman John Napier will be speaking on ‘Timber Framed Hall Houses’.  These houses were built from the late 15^th to the 19^th century, and there are some local examples still in existence.  Lower Brimmon is one such example.  The talk will include details of the style of building and the layout.

The usual fees will apply, with non-members charged £2.00, which will include a raffle and tea and biscuits. 
 

“Husbands are like fires.  They go out when unattended.”

Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hungarian-born American film star.

Cucumber Sandwiches & Fishnet Tights!!

Margaret Walker's teenage dream was to be a vicar's wife.  But was life in the vicarage what she expected when she set out to enmesh and marry a would-be vicar?  Tears of laughter, tears of compassion, tears of joy and tears of sorrow have followed her through assorted flavours of Yorkshire life to Wales and into semi-retirement.  The emotions come flooding back as she recalls the tales that shouldn't happen to a vicar's wife" with an enchanting humour that is guaranteed to endear her to you.  This lovely must-read book tells of Margaret's life of devotion - to God, to vicar husband Michael and to more cucumber sandwiches than are strictly necessary.  Not to mention that one recurrent theme.  Ah, yes. The fishnet tights.  There's no escaping those fishnet tights.  Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Church..........

Yes, the above is the title of my book which is now at the printing stage and should be out in a week or so.  I shall certainly bring copies when I come to the MU, and if others want to order copies, they could phone me on 01766 515192 and I will ensure that I make another trip over to deliver them, or maybe arrange to leave them at the village shop if Hazel is willing.  They will be available by ordering from bookshops or via Amazon at £7.99 but I have copies for people in past parishes at the amazing price of £6.99 (signed too!).
Margaret Walker

WORDSEARCH ANSWERS

KERRY & DISTRICT YOUTH CLUB

After alterations to the Village Hall, the Youth Club re-started after Christmas with a new format:

7pm to 8.15pm for Primary School aged members

8.15pm to 9.30pm for High School aged members

The new timings have proved to be very successful with almost an even split between sessions.  Membership has increased and we are getting between 35 and 53 attendees each week.  The Committee would like to thank all parent helpers for their assistance during sessions.  We are still looking for a Treasurer - so if anyone would like to know a little more about what this involves, or would like to volunteer to take this on, please contact Dorinda Groves on 670836.

We will be taking the primary school aged members to Drayton Manor, and the high school aged members paintballing, for the summer trips this year.  Dates to be arranged.  Anyone registered as a Youth Club member will be welcome.

Youth Club finishes on Friday, 5th May, for the summer and will re-start early in September, provided we can fill the Committee roles at the AGM in June.  Notices will be placed on the Village Hall notice-board, in the Kerry News and in the Post Office detailing the date and time of the AGM.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Dorinda Groves, 670836

KERRY – a healthy community?

Do you ever find yourself wondering where the world is going?  At our local level, in our fast changing world, will village and rural life survive as we have known it?

Recently Robbie and I managed to get tickets for a sell-out night at Theatr Hafren.  It was the annual drama competition for Montgomeryshire Young Farmers Clubs.  The 21 branches compete on stage for various trophies, and this year they had to produce a pantomime.  It was an hilarious evening in which many from Kerry and neighbouring Dolfor were involved.  It was more than that, it was an opportunity to reinforce the ties of community and county which produced memories that will sustain our younger members.  Well done the Young Farmers Clubs!

In Kerry the Youth Club who meet in the Village Hall now has a junior and a senior section.  I have been impressed on my occasional visits, by the way everyone gets on so well with everyone else, from youngest to oldest.  The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and not something I have come across too often in other places.  In fact my last direct experience of youth work in the city was finding myself more of a United Nations peace-keeper in trying to keep warring factions apart.  Well done locally to Colin Pugh and the supporting parents who provide such a club.

A strong community life is not something that can be taken for granted these days.  Somebody has to care.  Somebody has to give of their time in order to make something happen, otherwise we just end up pursuing our own personal and private agenda.  May we be that “somebody” who cares.  There is a lovely phrase in one of our prayers about “the common good”.  About building a life together that promotes the well-being of the whole.

One thing we have tried to do at St. Michael’s Church is to promote an annual Village Service.  Here there is an opportunity for different sections of the community to be together.  This year the service will be on Sunday, 28^th May at 10.00am.  The theme will be sport, since from aged 7 years to 70, many are involved in local sports, even if only from an armchair.  Even I have been known to kick the odd football and wield a racket!

Please make a note of the date in your diary, and invite others to share in this village occasion for the “common good”.

Alan Reynolds, Vicar.

SERVICES AT ST. MICHAEL’S DURING MARCH

During Lent there is an extra mid-week service of Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 10.00am.  There is also an informal Lent meeting on Wednesday evenings in the Vicarage at 7.30pm.  Both begin on 1^st March.  Everyone very welcome.

WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE

is on Friday, 3^rd March

at 2.00pm

in St. Michael’s

Family History

We had an email recently from a lady named Janie Goldring from Southsea, Hants who came across the Kerry News website and wanted some information regarding her ancestors who originated in Kerry.  We passed her enquiry on to Richard Sims from Kerry History Group who managed to help her out with some research. 

Janie's great great grandparents were Leah Walker and Edward James and in the 1861 census they were listed as working as coachman and housekeeper in “The Moat” for  William Morgan who was Vicar of Kerry, and his wife.  In fact they were married in the same year in Kerry Church.  Edward James' family ran the Boot Inn.

Janie established on the census that Edward was born in Kerry and was trying to find out when he was born and his mother's name so that she could move on with her research.  Edward's father on the marriage certificate was Richard James (sawyer) and Leah's father was Joseph Walker, farmer.  She was born at Moreton Say.

Edward and Leah had a child Leah Loiusa who was Janie's great grandmother.  She was born at the Moat and went on to marry John Rogers.

Richard Sims managed to establish that Edward was baptised in Kerry Church on Feb 27^th 1828, the son of Richard and Margaret James.  He had a sister Mary who was baptised Nov 1829 and a brother John who was baptised Jan 1832.  His father Richard died Feb 1833 and on the 1841 census, Edward was living with mother and sister in Lane House, Kerry.

Richard James was married in Montgomery, May 1827 to Margaret Howells.  Richard was baptised Jan 1791, son of Francis and Mary James.

Editors’ letter

Six people have now requested that we post them a Kerry News each month.  If you would like to use this service, please see below for details.  We do have a few back numbers, which we can post to you for the cost of postage and packing.

Thanks again to “Sue’s Team” for collating and stapling the February Kerry News – Marie Hussey, Sheila Holloway, Shirley Davies, Heather Chaney, Jean Morgan (the Shop), Tony Farrington, Les Danson and Phyllis Jones, and also to Betty Richards & Pam Bex for proof reading.  If you are able to help, please let Sue know.  The more volunteers that we have would mean that “your turn” would come around less frequently.

Thanks to all of you who have sent in contributions.  We rely on you to make Kerry News an interesting read.

To date, the sum of £100+, has been received in the donation box in the Post Office, for the February edition.  Thank you to everyone who has given so generously.

Please remember to include a contact name and telephone number in your organisation’s report.

Submission for entries can be handwritten, typed, or, if possible, on floppy disc in WORD format.  An envelope is available in Kerry Post Office for you to leave your articles or you can deliver them to either:

Joy Morgan, 9 Dolforgan View, Kerry or

Sue Farrington, Ashleigh, Dolforgan View, Kerry. 

Alternatively you can email them direct to:

mejm@btinternet.com

or

sue.farrington15@tiscali.co.uk

The “Kerry News” will also be published on our website:

www.kerrynews.mid-wales.net

Postal Service

The Kerry News, is of course, free, but if you would like the Kerry News posted to you each month, we are able to do this service for a charge of £7.00 p.a. (UK), to cover the cost of postage and packing only.

Please send your cheque, made payable to Kerry News, with your name and full postal address to:-

Mr L Danson, Kerry Post Office, Kerry, NEWTOWN, Powys, SY16 4NU

DIARY OF EVENTS

IF YOU WANT YOUR EVENT MENTIONED IN THE DIARY

PLEASE ASK US TO INCLUDE IT

Published by Kerry News

BRYNLLYWARCH HALL SCHOOL
We currently have a vacancy for an
`Evening Cook'
The post will be for 4 evenings per week Monday to Thursday - 4pm to 8pm.
Total of 16 hrs per week @ £5.83
Term time only.
Tel.: 01686 670276 in the first instance.