SLOWLY, but surely, I'm catching up with some of the backlog of stuff that's been waiting, patiently, in my in-tray, and may I say, once again, I am so grateful for all the fantastic feedback I've been getting for TRM.
Like this email.
"Hi Jeff…greetings from another Milford exile. My name is Bryan (Mickey) Evans.
“I was born and raised in Precelly Place ‘til I was 17 when I joined the Royal Navy and went on to serve for 23 years.
“I have a lot in common with you as I remember your family, particularly Raymond (Shorty) Edwards, as my Grandad and family also lived in Robert Street at No. 65 (where the car park is now). I also went to the grammar school, but years before you.
“Since I left Milford I have received a copy of whichever was the local paper ever since.
“Now my sister Doris Sweeney sends them every two weeks. Until recent times, my family have been regular visitors 'back home', but due to ongoing medical problems have not been able to make the journey from my home in Plymouth.
“You mentioned some time ago if anyone had reminiscences, so I thought I would mention two which might stir the memories of the older generation.
“There used to be an ironmonger called Paxi Garratt at the corner of Robert Street and Priory Street. His store resembled the 'four candles' sketch on TV. He never used the till he had, but kept the money in his pocket. My dad would send me to get a piece of leather and some sprigs, about 10d worth. He would carve the leather from a bigger sheet and weighed it on his scales. Surprisingly, it always came to 10d!
“He knew immediately where everything was. It was like Aladdin's cave to me, an eight-year-old.
“Dad always said that, one time, Paxi had to go into hospital and a friend kept the shop going. Said friend decided he would do a favour and tidy up the shop...which was not appreciated when he came home from hospital!
“Incidentally, Paxman Garratt is recorded as the second pupil to be registered as entering the grammar school, the building which is now the Royal British Legion Club.
“Growing up, our playground was behind our houses, which backed onto the railway lines, the gas works, power station and the laundry. Across the road from the power station were several houses which were actually in the gas works and both were working 24 hours a day. I recall Joan and Colin Picton lived in one of the houses whilst Barbara Davis (Mrs Len Lloyd) lived next door.
“The railway sidings were just yards away and once again worked 24 hours a day.
“Can you imagine Health and Safety allowing that today?
“I love most of your weekly columns, but it crossed my mind that for people in Milford to remember the fishing industry in its heyday they would have to be nearing 60 years of age, and therefore younger readers may not be as interested as those of us growing up after the War.
“I have had a lifelong passion for football and was pleased to see articles about Hakin Utd, as I was their first-aider for several years until I left Milford.
“I was a founder member of Milford St John's Ambulance Cadets, so went all over Pembrokeshire with Billy Jewell's team. Happy days.
“It would be nice to see once again an account of when Milford United played Cardiff City's English League team at Marble Hall in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup around 1950 on a Wednesday afternoon. The central school were given the afternoon off, but we were let out early to see the second half. Sadly, we lost but it was a wonderful experience to see such famous players.
“That's it for now Jeff, use what you will, more memories if you wish."
Thanks Mickey, that was great, and I'll see what I can do about resurrecting that old football account for you. Meanwhile, here's a reminder of Milford's busier fishing days.
Now here's another one of those requests for help.
"Hi Jeff…hope you don't mind me dropping you a message. I've been researching my family tree down my paternal grandmother's side. My great grandparents lived in Bridge Street, Hakin, when they were first married…they lived there in the 1911 Census, but of course Bridge Street no longer exists. I work with Terry Davies at the Meads School and he suggested I contact you. I'd absolutely love to see where they lived in Bridge Street…my great-grandfather was a trawlerman with an Engish mother, a French father, and born in Algeria.
“He came to Milford on a boat and met my great grandmother and stayed here. He continued to work at sea and sadly passed away aged 56 in Kinsale, Ireland, after being taken ill on board.
“He was also a member of the Merchant Navy.
“I'd also really love to find any photos of Church Road, Hubberston, from around 1915. My great-grandparents lived at No 9 Church Road and had 10 children there.
“My nan used to talk with such fond memories of their lives there.
“My grandparents’ names were Charles Jules Chretien and Florence Anne Chretien.
“I have seen some fab photos of Point Street, but nothing at all of Bridge Street.
“I even contacted the MH Port Authority and been to visit the Milford Museum, but no joy. Kind regards, Helen Reeves."
Thanks Helen, let's see if any of our readers can help out.
As a point of interest, I knew Charlie Chretien from my Waterloo Club days, and what a nice guy he was, too.
Here's the oldest snap I've got of Hubberston.
Now time for teasers. The answer last week was...CANDLE... (some of you got the little clue about ‘wick’. Those with correct answers were…Les Haynes, Anne and Jets Llewellyn, Margaret Jones, Joyce Layton, Gerry Thomas, Elinor Jones and Phil Jones.
Thanks to all who got in touch.
Here's another of Les Hayne's classics.
How much dirt is in a hole…5'x3'x3'?
That's my shift over, thanks for sticking with me, see you soon.
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