Tribute

The following piece was contributed by Mrs Maureen O’Driscoll from Llanishen. It was written by her husband Michael, shortly before his death in 1991.

A Tribute to the People of Newtown

Newtown has many memories for myself because it was the place where I was born. It was surrounded by bridges, railways and docks and you could always hear the sound of hooters and trams. It had many little streets and small shops where you could buy sweets, pop etc., that’s if you bad the money from running errands for about Id or up to 6d.I can remember the names above the shops, to name a few there was ‘The Clements’, ‘Emmie Daley’, ‘Liz Brien’ and ‘Dear old Aunty Emm’ who would save your money for you for Christmas and your savings card was always marked.

I am sure many ‘Newtowners’ will know what I am on about, you may have done the same. Newtown, it had its happy times and sad times. Sad if someone got drowned in the docks or canal.Happy if there was a wedding, you could hear them singing in the ‘Cambridge’ or the ‘Duke of Edinburgh’ as well.The doors of all the houses were always open if it was a bright and sunny day. The neighbours would sit out on the door step and drink a cup of tea or two and have a talk, or watch the children playing up and down the street, some would often stroll over to the ‘Bob Tail’ or the ‘Howard’ just a stretch of empty ground. Or end up sitting on the ‘Welchie Wall’ which had a tall brick chimney stack it stood out like a Monument. Once you saw it you knew you were home.

The people nicknamed it little Ireland because they came over by boat and settled there. Some men-found work over the ‘Dowlais’ also on the decks. it had its Church which was named St.Pauls. Also a hall where they could have a hop’ or dance and finish with a drink, whatever they had.Some will always think about the ‘Alley and the ‘Courteen’ where couples would get romantic and end up getting wed. Newtown had memories and secrets, which some of you will recall. It even had a Fish & Chip shop. So who ever took the fancy and had the money that’s the place for you.‘Newtown did its part to win the war and gave it with lives, others were killed in the bombing by those sneaky German planes.

The people of ‘Dear old Newtown’ you could go on for ever. If I had to write their names. some were old others young, so that’s what made it precious. It even had some talents in the sports as well such as Boxers and in Rugby and swimming. Football wasn’t so popular as it is today. So hold your head up high or raise your glass. Be proud you were born there. So don’t wony be happy and pack up your troubles and leave your cares behind.

Keep Newtown in your heart.

Michael O’Driscoll