Three Towns Forum
The Local => Times Past => Topic started by: DaveR on January 12, 2013, 09:18:48 pm
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I thought we had a topic of old newspaper snippets but I cant find it, so have started this one. If you happen to find the old one, let me know. :laugh:
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Secret life of Joseph Southall
Times, The (London, England) - Saturday, June 27, 1987
A fish merchant who fooled police, his family and friends into believing he had drowned at sea subsequently live a secret life in Canada for 34 years.
Mrs Mary Southall, the wife of Mr Joseph Southall and mother of his eight children, learned of his death in Canada this week.
After his clothes were discovered on a beach near Llandudno , north Wales, in 1953, when he was attending a fish traders' conference there, she believed Mr Southall, of Coventry, West Midlands, had drowned.
In fact he went to Canada, where he bigamously married another woman, also named Mary, and had three sons.
He became well known again as a fish merchant in the little community of Holland Landing in Ontario.
The two widows discovered each other's existence after his Canadian wife placed a death notice in a Coventry newspaper this week.
The widows and the families are making no comment.
Record Number: 1025556529
(c) Times Newspapers Limited 1987, 2003
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Lost woman's car in sea - North Wales
Times, The (London, England) - Friday, July 18, 1986
Police divers have found a car belonging to Miss Elsie Gaskill, aged 56, a missing holidaymaker, in the sea beneath the cliffs of the Great Orme, at Llandudno , North Wales, but no trace of a body.
Miss Gaskill, from Broughton, Chester, has not been seen since June 12.
[DR - Was she ever found,I wonder?]
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Birds mutilated
Times, The (London, England) - Thursday, September 5, 1985
Intruders who broke into a racing pigeon loft beside the railway at Llandudno Junction in North Wales pulled the right legs, with identification rings, off 24 prize birds.
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Death charge - John Jones
Times, The (London, England) - Tuesday, October 24, 1989
John Jones, aged 29, was remanded in custody for a week by magistrates at Llandudno , Gwynedd, accused of murdering his parents, who were found dead at the family home in St Mary's Road, in the town.
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Proud Queen on the coast - North Wales: The A55 Expressway
Times, The (London, England) - Monday, January 29, 1990
Author: Derek Bellis
Llandudno is one of the few seaside resorts to retain dignity and not capitulate to bingo. The Queen of the Welsh Resorts is aptly named and proud of living up to its Victorian heritage. The wide streets, tasteful architecture and determination through the years to keep its character have ensured that Llandudno is still special.
Aberconwy councillors, supported by Peter Walker, the Welsh Secretary, have rejected a plan for a Pounds 50 million theme park on the few remaining acres of open space adjoining the northern shore. But Llandudno has its problems, such as the 104-year-old pier pavilion, which is unused and crumbling. Music hall artists who were once household names have performed in the pavilion, Lloyd George, Attlee
and Churchill gave speeches there, and it was where the link between the Gang of Four and the then Liberals was forged. The Pier Orchestra was at one time conducted by a talented young musician named Malcolm Sargent.
The future of the fine old building is in doubt. Local councillors, backed by Gwynedd and Clwyd County Councils, are campaigning for a North Wales arts and leisure complex to be built, at a cost of Pounds 11 million, on the seafront next to the conference centre. The Welsh Office has twice refused cash aid, although the complex would be financed by public and private money. It is particularly galling to opera-lovers, because it would include a theatre with a stage big enough for the Welsh National Opera Company.
``It's extremely disappoint-
ing," John Davies, chief executive of Aberconwy Borough Council, says. The complex could not only bring opera and theatre events to Landudno. It would include a swimming pool and attractions such as a wave machine, providing entertainment for holiday-makers in wet weather.
Llandudno is connected to the A55 by a link road from Llandudno Junction, and Davies says the improved access is increasing tourist interest. But he claims the area is being starved of European cash, which could produce dramatic results and reduce its above-average unemployment.
The ``travel-to-work area" does not qualify for aid from the European Regional Development Fund. Davies complains: ``In five years the counties of Gwynedd, Clwyd and Dyfed have received Pounds 108
million but we are unable to participate or apply for assistance from that fund. This makes it so much more difficult to be as competitive."
But the A55 is bringing benefits, such as a hi-tech industrial site planned for the Morfa, in Conwy, across the estuary from Llandudno , and also the likelihood of a Pounds 10 million marina, although this has split the council.
Llandudno could soon have an attraction on the Great Orme headland that would tell the history of its copper, from 3,000 years ago to the height of the mining. Backers say it is of international interest and would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.
With its two shores and nestling between the Orme headlands, Llandudno is facing the future with confidence, despite its problems.
Record Number: 1010041168
(c) Times Newspapers Limited 1990, 2003
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Good tidings - Wales
Times, The (London, England) - Friday, June 19, 1992
A policeman arrested an alleged shoplifter after chasing him into the sea at Llandudno , Gwynedd. After the tide went out a clock was found on the beach.
Record Number: 995754503
(c) Times Newspapers Limited 1992, 2003
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Birds mutilated
Times, The (London, England) - Thursday, September 5, 1985
Intruders who broke into a racing pigeon loft beside the railway at Llandudno Junction in North Wales pulled the right legs, with identification rings, off 24 prize birds.
:o :o Horrific! I'd want to do it to the intruders $angry$
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Birds mutilated
Times, The (London, England) - Thursday, September 5, 1985
Intruders who broke into a racing pigeon loft beside the railway at Llandudno Junction in North Wales pulled the right legs, with identification rings, off 24 prize birds.
:o :o Horrific! I'd want to do it to the intruders $angry$
Maybe a rival breeder was responsible? Seems a very odd crime?
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Who knows? Hard to believe a bird lover could do it, but if sport and rivalry are involved then possibly, as you know I have nothing to do with pigeon racing, we just look after pigeons in need!
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Maybe a rival breeder was responsible? Seems a very odd crime?
Probably someone who could never win a race against the birds he destroyed. It is a very competitive sport.
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Birds mutilated
Times, The (London, England) - Thursday, September 5, 1985
Intruders who broke into a racing pigeon loft beside the railway at Llandudno Junction in North Wales pulled the right legs, with identification rings, off 24 prize birds.
And me-- feel quite sick ! :'(
:o :o Horrific! I'd want to do it to the intruders $angry$
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Birds mutilated
Times, The (London, England) - Thursday, September 5, 1985
Intruders who broke into a racing pigeon loft beside the railway at Llandudno Junction in North Wales pulled the right legs, with identification rings, off 24 prize birds.
And me-- feel quite sick ! :'(
:o :o Horrific! I'd want to do it to the intruders $angry$
I believed this happened at my father's pigeon loft which he kept when he worked on the railway. The culprits were two young lads from Liverpool who had caught the train down to Llandudno Junction for the day, crossed the tracks, broke into the loft and mutilated many of the birds 'just for fun'. The value of the birds was several thousand pounds which the offenders were ordered to pay back at £1 per week. Most of fine was never paid but it wasn't about the money, it had taken years for my dad to build up his racing stock and he was very successful but after this incident he lost heart and gave up shortly after.
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LLANDUDNO. ROBBING THE LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION AT LLANDUDNO
North Wales Journal - 31 October 1873
In the course of Tuesday night week, a most daring robbery was committed at Llandudno. For a number of years, a massive iron pillar had been erected on the promenade for the reception of the visitors' contributions towards the funds of the National Life-boat Institution.
This pillar was annually opened by the secretary and treasurer of the Ormes Head branch, and last year yielded about £ 18. The usual date of collecting the contributions had just arrived, but early on Wednesday morning Sergeant Jones received information that the pillar box had been thrown down and opened. On arriving at the pillar, it was found that all the contents had been abstracted, a panel of the pillar having been completely smashed. On the spot was found a peculiarly-made hammer, such as is used by quarrymen in paring sett-stones, and it is only to be hoped that this or some other trace may furnish a clue to the discovery and apprehension of the evil-disposed perpetrator of the crime.
The police are busily engaged in prosecuting their search, and we sincerely trust their efforts will be crowned with success by the capture of the offender or offenders, who, by this detestable act, would cripple the means of extending assistance to shipwrecked mariners.
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LLANDUDNO 31 May 1890
The number of excursionists to this place on Monday was immense, it being calculated that the 16 special trains which arrived brought in about 10,000 persons, respectively from Liverpool, Birmingham, Birkenhead, Blackburn, Widnes, Leicester, Abergavenny, Walsall, Bangor, Bettws-y-Coed, Llanrwst, Festiniog, and other places.
The weather in every respect was very favourable except from seaward, the easterly'wind occasioning a cheppy sea and a very nasty surf, so that boating had to be entirely suspen-ded. Three naval cutters of the R.N.A.V.-Birken-head, and Nos. 2 and 3 Liverpool Batteries-experi-enced some rough time of it. Crews on pleasure-bent having arrived in the bay on Saturday, bethought of making for Beaumaris on Sunday. The Birkenhead men went out and managed to round the Great Orme but were glad to make for Conway river. The crew of Ne. 2 boat started homeward, but, having gone as far as Llanddulas, returned to Llandudno Bay, where they stood out for hours in the rough sea till they were compelled by the coming darkness and signs from the shore to run the boat in, and the men were glad to got ashore after wading up to their waists in the water. Boat No. 3, somewhat damaged, was brought ashore by Llandudno boatmen. There was a scene of wild excitement on the shore, hundreds of people assisting to bring to dry land the scores of small craft which were afloat in the bay. A sailing boat from Rhyl had to abandon its return journey, those on board being glad to get ashore on the backs of willing helpers. The steamers were able to land at the pier, and brought in a large contingent of trippers.
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North Wales Journal - 31 October 1873
"This pillar was annually opened by the secretary and treasurer of the Ormes Head branch, and last year yielded about £ 18. The usual date of collecting the contributions had just arrived, but early on Wednesday morning Sergeant Jones received information that the pillar box had been thrown down and opened. On arriving at the pillar, it was found that all the contents had been abstracted"
Wow. I failed to notice the date of this clipping when I opened this post, (a long day, and I’m a little slow on the uptake tonight) and felt a bit stupid announcing to the present Miss Rover that we have some disgusting individuals presently living in our towns...
before admitting this was 140 years ago… :roll:
Should this be today’s news, we would be putting some of these stories in the ‘Scum’ section. This must have been quite shocking in 1873. It’s amazing to think that we have always lived with filth in our society.
Fascinating to read these old clippings - not sure how I have missed this topic before. It’s a great insight into our areas history, and a real eye opener into the never changing nature of some humans.
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Should this be today’s news, we would be putting some of these stories in the ‘Scum’ section. This must have been quite shocking in 1873. It’s amazing to think that we have always lived with filth in our society.
It was no more shocking then than now. Theft isn't a recent innovation; it's always been a part of our culture. When people say things are worse now than they used to be, it's only because they don't know their history.
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before admitting this was 140 years ago… :roll:
:laugh: Excellent!
If anyone wonders where I am getting all these news clippings from, there's a new website just been launched by the National Library of Wales, who have digitised 2.5million newspaper articles from various Welsh newspapers in the period 1844-1910. Project was funded by the Welsh Government. $good$
http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/home (http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/home)
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LLANDUDNO AN ADVENTURER
22 February 1884
A swindler of the aristocratic sort has just been carrying his tricks at this place. He arrived a little over a week ago, fashionably dressed, and cleverly manipulating an eyeglass. Fashionable apartments were taken regardless of cost. Breakfast was ordered at eleven a.m., and dinner, several courses, at seven in the evening. The stranger purported to be Captain George Martyn, of the Indian Army, on leave of absence, with an allowance of £12 per week from his father. Goods were ordered from various tradesmen. Eventually the cheque from the father for 112 arrived, and was cashed by a wine merchant in Mostyn street, who took £4, amount of account, and gave £8 cheque. Of course the young man soon left, and subsequently it was found that the cheque was a fraud. Capt. Martyn" was arrested a few days ago at Tenby, and is wanted" for several offences.
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The prose of these reports is fascinating; phrases such as "Fashionable apartments were taken regardless of cost" seem to leap out of a Bronte novel, and it seems that people really did speak in that curiously stilted yet highly informative manner. Particularly liked "cleverly manipulating an eyeglass". Wonderful. Quite a treasure trove the WAG has provided and an effective use of taxpayers' money.
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From the North Wales Journal, 29th April, 1881:
PETTY SESSIONS. On Monday last, at the above sessions, before the Revs. J. Morgan, J. D. Jones, W. Venables Williams, Mr. E. Moore, and Dr. Nicol, Mr. G. H. Pugh, solicitor, applied for and obtained a theatrical licence for the St. George's Hall for a period of one calendar month.
Thomas Williams, painter, 2, Craig-y-don- terrace, Llandudno, was summoned by the London. and North-Western Railway Company for creating a disturbance at the Llandudno Junction station and committing assaults upon Mr. Charles Drover, station master, and Alfred Steen, ticket elector- He was further charged with causing malicious' damage by smashing the window of a room in which he was detained. For the assault upon Mr. Drover the defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, and Gd. and costs for the damage done.-
Ann Matthews, a woman of bad character, was- committed for twenty-one days for begging at the English Presbyterian Church, which edifice she refused to leave until the police were called.
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Same N Wales journal, same date: This one, although not local, is interesting as it suggests the N Ireland situation had the potential to exist here:
SECTARIANISM OR BRADLAUGTIISM
To the Editor of the "Llangollen Advertiser." Mr. Editor,-I have seen in your valuable paper a bird's eye view from a tower and some gossip from a bakery, which were very interesting to such that know as little and live as secluded as myself. I would feel greatly obliged if either the Old Baker or Watchman could give information that will aid us to distinguish between the various sects-to find the best. I find that some are followers of Henry VIII., some of John Calvin, some of John Wesley, some of -John the Baptist, while others are Independents, and others Roman Catholics. Not any of those would follow Mr. Bradlaugh, and why ? Do not some of them prevent their servants from attending a place of worship according to his or her conscience and even discharge men from their employment, eject them out of their houses and farms, withdraw their custom from the tradesmen? While, on the other hand, are there not some trades- men who will not employ any but those of their own persuasion, excusing themselves with doing good to all, but especially to those of the household of faith, thus treating all others as unbelievers. Can these improve those whom they think are inferior to themselves ? Would Mr. Bradlaugh not give full liberty to all alike ? Now, who are we to follow, if either ?
Yours, &c., OLD MAN OF THE WOOD.
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From the same journal, 13th May 1881, this shows just what dangerous times they were:
ATROCIOUS OUTRAGE NEAR CARMARTHEN.—Six men were remanded at Carmarthen on Saturday, charged with a dastardly outrage. Late one night they visited a wooden tenement near Carmarthen, inhabited by a bed-ridden woman, 80 years old, her widowed daughter, and child. After beating the inmates, the ruffians fastened the doors from the outside, and set the house on fire. The building was completely destroyed, and the inmates escaped with great difficulty, being severely bruised and burnt.
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It's also interesting how relatively little prominence is given to the story. Today, we would have 6 pages in the paper all about it
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From December, 1880, this shows what rivetingly exciting times they were:
LLANDUDNO. THE Congregationalists.
0n Wednesday afternoon the younger members of the English Congregational Sunday school were treated gratis to tea and bun-loaf at the expense of the above denomination, and in the evening were entertained by a Pantechnicon lantern exhibition of dissolving views, which Mr. Elias Jones had volunteered to give; and also by singing and recitation.
THE WELSH WESLEVANS. —
ON Thursday (yesterday afternoon) a public tea party was held by the above denomination at their chapel in Lloyd-street, which was tastily decorated for the occasion by the ladies' committee. In the evening at the Welsh Baptist chapel (lent for the occasion) a lecture was delivered by Rev. Hugh Hughes. Birkenhead, on Ar i fyiiy," the chair being filled by Mr. Thomas Williams, chemist.
A NEW FIRE ESCAPE has just been presented to this town by the Royal Society for Protection of Life from Fire. The machine arrived on Wednesday week, when the members of the Llandudno Volunteer Fire Brigade met it at the railway station, and drew it through the town, causing quite a commotion amongst the inhabitants. The fire brigade have been put through a series of escape drills by Mr. Chapman, the agent of the Royal Society, who came from London for the purpose of formally handing over the escape to the town authorities. This being done, a vote of thanks was passed to the Royal Society for their very handsome present, and to Mr. Chapman for the very kind manner in which he had instructed the men in the use thereof. The escape is built upon the principle of that adopted by the society previous to its organization in 1841, but greatly improved upon from time to time, under the personal superintendence of members of the committee, by trying the various suggestions offered by scientific persons, and patiently testing every alteration of its original inventor, the late Mr. Wevell, whose persevering and painstaking efforts to obtain a fire escape adapted for all emergencies cannot be forgotten. The main ladder reaches 28 to 35 feet, and can instantly be applied to most second-floor windows by means of the carriage lever. The upper ladder folds over the main, and is raised easily into position by a rope attached to its lever irons on either side of the main ladder. This ladder also unships from the main, and with the additional length, forms a ladder of nearly 30 feet, which is carried with a rope and bell attached, and applied at houses, where the large escape cannot be brought into operation. It would be of great use in narrow courts and other cases of difficulty. The short ladder for first floors fits in under the carriage, and is often of the greatest service. Under the whole length of the main ladder is a canvas trough or bagging, made of stout sail-cloth, protected by an outer trough of copper gauze, which is fixed at a space of two inches from the trough, leaving sufficient room between for the yielding of the canvas in a person's descent. Recent experiments which have been made have proved the copper gauze to be most invaluable as affording almost an entire protection against the canvas burning. The canvas also is saturated with silicates as a precaution against the flame lopping round the shoot, and igniting it from the front. Mr. Chapman reports very favourably on the expertness shown by the members of the fire brigade, as the doors of the escape-house were unlocked and unbolted, the escape drawn out, raised, fixed, and made ready to be run to any fire in the space of fifty-five seconds.
And we think things are bad today?...
AFFRAY WITH POACHERS AT GLODDAETH.
Owing to the election and the reticence of the police, a serious affray that recently occurred at Gloddaeth has passed unnoticed, except by this paper; and, the same thing is likely to occur again at next full moon, it is best that what has passed should be more widely and minutely known. About two years ago a gang of poachers kept the watchers and a number of police in siege by firing at the gloddaeth gun-room while others were deprecating the game, and that then the poachers sent notice to the keepers of the night they were coming. It is stated that they did the same on the present occasion, a letter, it is reported, being posted at Liverpool warning the keepers that the poachers would be on the land on a certain night. Whatever were the reasons, the keepers, with a number of the district police, were on the alert a few nights ago, when a gang of about thirty men, fully armed, marched in a well- ordered manner up close to Gloddaeth Hall. Fire Was at once opened by both the poachers and the keepers, and this was kept up for a considerable tune. The poachers warned every one coming near that he would be shot if he turned his head, and an officer stationed at Llandudno was shot in the legs, several of the shots still remaining there, sergeant Morris was also repeatedly fired at, but escaped unhurt. Out of a round of 21 shots, be butler of Gloddaeth spent 19. The Gloddaeth woods were for some hours kept as if in a state of Battle. Charges of cowardice are reported against some of the police and a keeper in a responsible Position. It is not supposed that the poachers were able to bag a large amount of game, but they evidently acted in a preconcerted manner, as a fusillade was kept up for some time in the trees, evidently with the view of covering the retreat of those carrying away the game. A watch, by an augmented force, was kept the following night, but no disturber made his appearance. It is certain that the poachers are persons residing in he neighbourhood, and it is believed that some Of them on the second night offered their services as watchers, but the authorities cannot swear to their identity. The present raid was made, it is thought, in resentment at the present keepership, all the distribution of rabbits having ceased since the recent change, and a tendency is shown to discharge the Welsh keepers on the estate.
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It's also interesting how relatively little prominence is given to the story. Today, we would have 6 pages in the paper all about it
Like the poacher incident above, it suggests this wasn't out of the ordinary in those times.
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It also shows the lack of sensationalism that existed in the press at that time. I've noticed in recent years it creeping into even previously straightforward newspapers like the Daily Post.
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That's true. These snippets ought to be made compulsory reading for all journalism students.
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LLANDUDNO. THE PROMENADE TREES
6 December 1872
The work of planting trees along the Promenade is being pushed on with great vigour, but we regret to learn that one tree was cut and damaged during the past week by some person or persons unknown, and no doubt can be entertained that the act was done wilfully. Such conduct deserves universal re- probation, and we hope the guilty parties, if found out, will meet with the punishment they deserve. What object anyone could have in committing such a cowardly act it is difficulty to conceive, and the subscribers to the fund have a right to expect from the committee not to rest satisfied with fining the perpetrators, but to z, insist upon their being committed to prison, as a warning to similarly evil-disposed persons who may endeavour to elude the watchfulness of the police. The trees, which at present extend to Mostyn Crescent, successfully resisted the gales of the past few days.
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LLANGOLLEN
20 March 1868
On Tuesday last, a valuable dog belonging to our worthy station-master Mr. Garner, took into his head to go under the engine while the train stood at the station. While there, we presume, examining the ponderous moveable machine, the train started, which struck terror to the heart of the poor brute. He had the sagacity not to attempt to leave his situation for a few seconds, but when the last carriage was safely passing over him his fortitude seems to have forsaken him, for he endeavoured to skip out between the wheels of the carriage, by which his head was crushed to atoms.
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Very poetic. The writing style was utterly different in those days.