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AmeriCymru spoke recently to Welsh author Alwyn Parry about his new book and his life in Wales and New Zealand. The Quarrymans Son is the story of a young lad growing up during the Second World War in the Welsh speaking community of Caernarfon. The challenges he faces on arrival as a sixteen year old to work in London and his decision five years later to sail across the world to live in New Zealand. "

REVIEW

In the early chapters of 'The Quarryman's Son', Alwyn Parry succeeds in evoking a boys life and upbringing in post-war Caernarfon with an exquisite eye for period detail. The book will bring back fond memories for some and an enchanting picture of a simpler life, now sadly gone, for many more.

There are also interesting references to old local customs which might usefully be revived. Here is Alwyn's account of the 'Ty un Nos':-

" Some had taken advantage of an ancient law, which allowed them to build a home on the common. These were known as Ty Unnos (one night house). Provided they were built overnight and there was a fire on the hearth and smoke coming out of the hole in the roof in the morning, the house was theirs to keep. Over the years, they would slowly extend their homes replacing the turf walls and roughly thatched roofs with stone and slate. It was said that they could also lay claim to the land around, the distance being measured by how far they could throw their axe from each corner of their home. "

This practice was effectively abolished in 1950 with the sale of the Faenol estate lands. One cant help thinking that a contemporary equivalent might provide a way out of homelessness and crippling mortgage payments for many.

Leaving Caernarfon for London in the 1950's Alwyn goes on to recount his youthful experiences working for the Companies Division of the Board of Trade and the reasons for his eventual decision to emigrate to New Zealand.

The book concludes with a description of a school reunion in Caernarfon and a revelation of future plans for a trip to Patagonia. All in all it is as engaging an account of one man's adventures in the Welsh 'diaspora' as one could hope for.

This title would make an ideal first purchase for the new Kindle Fire devices we will all inevitably be getting as Christmas presents this year. Go on, treat yourself

( Available as a Kindle edition for a mere $3, the book can also be read with the Kindle for PC software available as a free download for Windows 7, XP and Vista )

INTERVIEW

AmeriCymru:- How did you come to write 'The Quarryman's Son'? Did hiraeth play a role?

Alwyn:- As I am unfortunately approaching my twilight it seemed to me that much of the history of what my childhood was like would inevitably disappear into the black pool of time. So many of us say I wish I had written that piece of family history down at the time but of course we very rarely do. Recently retired, I also wanted to write something which would encourage young people today to appreciate that you can be successful and overcome challenges which was indeed inspired by what I learned of the achievements of so many of my fellow pupils in so many fields of their chosen endeavour. I felt that it was time to put that Welsh modesty aside and blow the bugle loud and clear on their behalf because they certainly will not..

AmeriCymru:- What is your fondest boyhood memory of Caernarfon?

Alwyn:- Summer time we would head down to Porth yr Aur (which made up part of the town walls) to swim and watch the salmon fishermen standing across on the sandbanks with their nets pulling in the salmon. Occasionally a pod of dolphins would swim along speeding towards the setting sun over Aber Menai, its glow reddening the colours of the town walls and its majestic castle. There was always time to love nature.

AmeriCymru:- How much more difficult is it for youngsters growing up in modern societies compared with the challenges faced by a boy in Caernarfon in the 40's and 50's? Have social conditions improved?

Alwyn:- Fortunately in my day the worst trouble most of us got up to was being caught pinching apples although others, a little more mature, had to get married very quickly sometimes. I believe I was lucky to witness the tail end of the influence of the Chapel on the people of Wales and on reflection( whilst I have long been an agnostic ) I feel that the participation helped me recognize and establish my own life's standards. Observing todays youth, their lives appear to be more complex and their demands greater on their peers and they appear to want for more immediately without recognizing the need to be industrious to be rewarded . I would hope that the advice they receive because of the improved education of their parents and the system itself would inspire them to achieve their educational goals more readily. History repeats itself, todays economic woes are yesterdays post war rationing, so the challenges of life are only different in respect of detail, eventually it is entirely up to the individual to make the most of life.

AmeriCymru:- Care to tell us more about the Ty un Nos? How widespread was this practice on other commons in Wales?

Alwyn:- Ty un Nos (one night house) as you have read. I have relied much on my memories of the times and the stories my father told me although I tried recently to research the subject more thoroughly I did'nt receive much response from people who might have had better access to the information in Wales. However I did find the articles in Wikipedia fascinating and would recommend readers to read this. ( Ed: Wikipedia Ty un Nos )

AmeriCymru:- You became a republican and a firm supporter of Plaid Cymru in your youth. Care to tell us more about that?

Alwyn:- I was naturally influenced at an early age by my father being Secretary of the Union and recently heard from a friend in Caernarfon that she would often attend meetings of Llafur (Labour) chaired by my father in my home. He was a great friend of Gwynfor.O.Roberts M.P who gave me a signed copy of a book about Parliament..There was little doubt that i leaned considerably to the left as a youngster but was more influenced by my Welsh inheritance . During those days the Cinema would play God Save the Queen at the end or the beginning of the show and a few of us would refuse to stand up stating we were in Wales not England. Later when T.V became more common and when the programs would shut down for the night after the 10.00pm news the playing of God Save the Queen would be interrupted with a choral rendition of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau illegally broadcast by young members of Plaid Cymru. I still advocate my republicanism today and am currently trying to persuade N.Z lawmakers to review the laws of New Zealand so that I do not have to swear allegiance to the Queen and her family to get a NZ Passport!

AmeriCymru:- How strong or active is the Welsh ex-pat community in New Zealand?

Alwyn:- I am personally not deeply involved in the Welsh communities activities. Having lived here for almost half a century ones interests are spread elsewhere and most of my life I have spent travelling both throughout New Zealand and world wide. However there are several active Societies and choirs and even a Welsh pub in Wellington which I always try to attend on 1 st March to enjoy a couple of pints of Brains beer and watch the latest arrivals from Wales participate in the leek eating competition.

AmeriCymru:- Did you visit, or are you still planning to visit, Patagonia?

Alwyn:- Although I have been previously to Argentina I do hope to visit Patagonia next year as I am fascinated by the history of the Welsh and of course the beauty of the animal kingdom and their landscape. Equally I would like to return to Brittany as they too have a historical connection to the Welsh.

AmeriCymru:- What are you currently reading? Any recommendations?

Alwyn:- I am not an avid reader but generally read a book or sometimes two a month and do have a habit of straying back to old favourites which are generally historical set around the times of the Tudors. Currently however reading 'Interview with History' by Oriana Fallaci and when I find it getting a little heavy I switch to Paul Theroux for some light hearted banter.

AmeriCymru:- What's next for Alwyn Parry?

Alwyn:- Deep in thought I still have a lot of traveling to do so who knows if I find that I can afford to buy a Greek Bank with my Royalties from the sales of ' The Quarryman's Son ' I might just retire on a Greek Island and I can then invite all the members.

AmeriCymru:- Any final message for the readers and members of AmeriCymru?

Alwyn:- I bawb sydd yn perthyn i AmeriCymru, o wylod y byd, Nadolig Llawen i chwi gyd a Blwyddyn Newydd dda lle bynnag eich bod yn byw.

To all members of AmericCymru from the bottom of the world wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year wherever you may live.

Interview by Ceri Shaw Email

I got involved in a discussion earlier on about promoting Wales in the USA and it quickly became apparent that in order to effectively market an area, you need to de-emphasize the 'normal' aspects and emphasize the more interesting aspects in order to create an attractive image.

I still live in Wales and so I'm very close to the issue; too close perhaps to arrive at an unbiased conclusion. My question is therefore directed to you Cymruphiles living overseas: 'How is Wales viewed where you are?'

Perhaps you could also cast your eyes over my site which shows a direction that could offer such de-emphasis of the 'normal'? It's at: www.ImagesByGrahamWilliams.com

Such sad news, a true gentleman, great footballer and ambassador for the sport. I was honoured to watch you play for Cymru and Everton. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

We urge all our readers and members to sign the petition linked below

From the page:-

We, the undersigned, call upon Gwynedd Council to remove the Welsh history exhibition from the public lavatory at Abergwyngregyn.

We feel that both the quality and location of this exhibition degrade the history of Wales in a shameful way.

We cannot imagine any other country placing such an exhibition in a public lavatory.

Sign The Petition HERE

An open letter to CADW from the chief petitioner:-

Open Letter to Cadw:

Re: your exhibition about the cartoon Princes of Gwynedd, located in a public lavatory just off the A55



How is it possible for an organisation charged with the preservation of a nations heritage to then treat it with such disrespect? As a patriotic Welshman with a developed interest in my nations history and culture, I am revolted and the frankly bizarre decision to place... an exhibition about the Princes of Gwynedd in .... a public lavatory! You have made our history, culture and indeed our nation itself into a laughing stock throughout the world. Browse the Internet and discover how people are reacting!


Your decision at Abergwyngregyn (to use the post-conquest name) is incomprehensible at the least level as a waste of public money and has made me deeply ashamed and angry. Please consider my long-standing life membership of your organisation void and terminated.


I hope one day soon that those responsible for this tasteless travesty and poorly produced vulgar farce will be made publicly accountable. Your badly produced, childish and ill-sited garbled cartoons have insulted Welsh people everywhere and devalued a proud heritage.



Yours with complete disrespect,


Dafydd Bullock

Gorsedd y Beirdd

The 'Welsh Merlin' of politics, David Lloyd George, had many Pembrokeshire connections. Lloyd George's ancestors marched to Bosworth with Henry Tudor and in return received grants of land in Pembrokeshire.

Inthe nineteenth century, Lloyd George's father, William, was articled to Dr. Brown of Haverfordwest but found medicine a disagreeableprofession.

Instead,he opened a private school near Mathry,a small hamlet betweenFishguard and St.David's. The painter, Augustus John's father was one of his first pupils.

William George married a Miss Huntley of Haverfordwest. Unfortunately, shortly after the marriage she died and was buried in the churchyard of St Thomas a Beckett.

From 1880 onward Victorian prosperity suffered setbacks. Haverfordwest, a country town, was dependent on the surrounding agricultural areas. This resulted in low wages and high food prices. Although the Poor Law authorities provided some small payment in the way of out-relief, for many, the workhouse presented a real threat.

In 1908, William's son, David Lloyd George, introduced the Old Age Pensions Act, bringing great relief to many.

Last week I had afternoon tea in Marylebone HighStreet, London. It was a sunny day and I sat at an outside table, beneath an awning. When my order arrived, on a three tier cake stand, it consisted of two scones, jam and cream, two tiny chocolate cakes,a sugary puff pastry confection and three finger sandwiches with fillings that included cucumber, watercress and smoked salmon. The tea was freshly brewed, I had a thick linen napkin to wipe my fingers on and, in case there was still a corner to fill,a chocolate came with the 9.60 bill. I'd go there every week if I could, I enjoyed it so much.

Afternoon tea is making a big come back and, looking for ideas, I remembered that I had a handwritten cookery book, dating from 1922. It was written by a student teacher, Nita Sybil Evans, who lived in Llangendeirne, Carmarthen.

The recipes cover forty years, until 1964, when they end with a 'Banana cake'.

I was born near Llangendeirne and my early foody memories include 'Cawl Potch', made with meat, usually ham, carrots, leeks, potatoes, (plenty), parsley, parsnips and whatever else you had to throw in.Wild rabbits also featured on the menu and I liked to look at their teeth before they were prepared, (decapitated and skinned), for the pot.

In 1959, when I married, I remember that 'Good Housekeeping' magazine featured a recipe for jugged hare. Cooks were meant to save the blood of the hare and strain it, to ensure there were no clots, which would spoil the gravy. Compared to that recipe, an omelette appeared very tasty.Shall give you some more recipes next time I talk. Hwyl, Gillian

I was twenty when Betty Friedian's 'The Feminine Mystique' was published. Fishguard library kept up with the times and I borrowed a copy of the book. I soon got the jist of it: if God intended women to wash dishes He would have given them steel hands.Betty forgot to mention that men weren't born with steel hands either, so perhapsshe wasexpecting the fairies to wash up for her.

I don't know why she banged on about dishes because I could have told her that after a day working on people's pay, tax, and sickness allowances, washing the dishes could be regarded as a treat.

Imentioned Betty toPeter.He didn't find heras amusing as I did.

There was no issue about dishesin our house: Peterdid the breakfastthings during the week because I was onthe 8.45am 'bus to Trecwn. In the evening, we did them together.

I'm letting the Chwiorydd (Sisterhood) downbysaying I've always thought it's the woman's job to wash the dishes if it's the man's job to earn the money.Sorry, but I do.

Perhaps it doesn't affect me like it does some people because Peter enjoys housework. Always has. Knows everything about shining brass, removing stainsand all that.

Having been married for ever and ever, I have decided views on some things. I worked for three years when I was first married, then I washome for ten years bringing up the girls and I worked again for twenty one years. Now, this may be beyond the pale, but I have never said to Peter that I am going to put air in the tyres, wash the car and fill it with fuel. Idon't wantto be shown how to, either.(I have put fuel in the car twice in the fifty years I have been driving).

Ilike tocook our food although, when Peter retired before me, he cooked every meal during the week (though he asked me what I'd like), saw to the dishes,cleaned the house, shopped, took the car for the MOT. As soon asI retired, Icooked again and we sort thehousework between us.

But whatI am coming to is this: if a man stays at home for a few years in order to bring up the children, his wife beingthe main earner, should she support him for the rest of her life if they split?Even if he is still under forty and perfectly able to work?

Someone I've heard of ispayingher husband, who has left her, a monthly allowance, although the children no longer need him. The wifehas given her husband hisshare of the house and is still supporting herself and the children.He will also want a share of her pension, even though he did not take out his ownpension whilstat home.

I also believe that a woman should not expect aman to bank roll her for life. If a woman marries a rich man, and it does not work out, she should not expect to leave the marriage with buckets full of cash.

My advice to a couple getting married is this: washing the dishesis easy compared tosorting thecash if the fairytale crashes.

The Last Hundred Days by Patrick McGuinness is shortlisted for the 2011 Costa First Novel Award

Congratulations to Patrick McGuinness, who finds his debut novel on the Costa Book Awards shortlist. The Last Hundred Days is up against three other titles for the 2011 Costa First Novel Award. Set during Ceausescu's last hundred days in power, Patrick McGuinness's accomplished debut novel explores a world of danger, repression and corruption. The Last Hundred Days was also long-listed for the Man Booker Prize 2011. The Costa Book Award First Novel judges Henry Layte, Emma Lee-Potter and Jojo Moyes described the book as "Funny, insightful and compelling."

Other Reviews

First Minister Carwyn Jones AM toasts Seren at thirty

Seren celebrated 30 years of publishing and launched the latest instalment of their Mabinogion re-tellings. Award winning authors Fflur Dafydd and Horatio Clare read from their latest novellas at a glitzy bash in Cardiff at Chapter Arts Centre, in the company of First Minister Carwyn Jones, who is also Seren's local AM in Bridgend. Carwyn Jones was delighted to be present at the launch, and paid tribute to Seren for their work over thirty years publishing high quality literature from Wales.

More News

Seren are set to publish Wales Rugby World Cup 2011 in pictures, Heads Held High . Unique images from official tournament photographers, GettyImages. Foreword by Phil Bennett and Afterword by Max Boyce. For two weeks in October, Wales held its breath. In the Rugby World Cup, with an influx of young players and probably the most exciting rugby played in the competition, Wales had negotiated a difficult qualifying group to reach the quarterfinal against an unbeaten Ireland side.

NEW TITLES

The Princes Pen by Horatio Clare Award-winning author Horatio Clare refracts politics, faith and the contemporary world order through the prism of some of the earliest British myths, the Mabinogion, to ask who are the outsiders, the infidels and who the enemy within. "...an epic tale of conflict, faith and banishment...this reworked tale provides a graphic depiction of the cruelty of war and torture The Guardian 2011.Paperback 8.99 ISBN: 9781854115522

The White Trail by Fflur Dafydd. Life is tough for Cilydd, after his wife seems to vanish into thin air at a supermarket one wintry afternoon. So begins a tale of intrigue and confusion that ends with a wild boar chase and a dangerous journey to the House of the Missing. "Dafydd seamlessly amalgamates the extraordinary into the everyday in her reworking of 'Culhwch and Olwen The Guardian, 2011.Paperback 8.99 ISBN: 9781854115515

The Keys of Babylon by Robert Minhinnick A collection of 15 linked stories by award-wining poet and author Robert Minhinnick, giving voice to migrants around the globe. Both a fictional record of, and an exploration into their lives, the migrants and the people with whom they interact reflect a comprehensive mix of hope, success, failure, fear, indifference and passion.Paperback 8.99 ISBN: 9781854115508

The Salt Harvest by Eoghan Walls The debut collection from a startling new talent. Dark and evocative, these poems involve rich, multi-layered descriptions of the natural world, and cast a sardonic and tender eye on the human condition. Threads of humour run throughout, an imaginative playfulness evident in Martin Healeys War on God and Ireland, Frog and Star Matter.Paperback 8.99 ISBN: 9781854115492

Loudness by Judy Brown Shortlisted for the Forward Prize 'Best First Collection 2011. An outstanding and original new voice in modern poetry with a straightforward manner and a gift for ironic humour which belie the artful complexities and exacting observations evident in her poems. A baroque quality, along with her sudden modulations of tone and register, and a keenly sensuous appreciation of the physical world, make her work reminiscent of the metaphysical poets.Paperback 8.99 ISBN: 9781854115478

Cusp by Graham Mort Mort's new collection features many of the qualities readers have come to admire; keen observation, a feeling for the natural world and the sense of the individual as part of a larger society. Included in the collection is the remarkable, ambitious long poem, 'Electricity, fizzing with riffs on its theme. Mort's formal rigour, instinctive compassion, and warm humanity shine through in this new book, the first since his acclaimed: Visibility: New and Selected Poems.Paperback 8.99 ISBN: 9781854115485

Real Powys by Mike Parker Observant, passionate, witty, offbeat, Mike Parker tours Powys from the border towns of Hay on Wye, Presteigne and Knighton, through the interior and on to the furthest points of Newtown, Penybont, Ystradgynlais and Brecon. Could it be that Powys is a time capsule of British life fifty years ago? Is it a stronghold for the Welsh language and culture? What surprises does he stumble upon among the mountains, forests, streams and farms of this mysterious countryside? Paperback 9.99 ISBN: 9781854115539

MEET THE AUTHOR

Thursday 22nd November 2pm: Ruth Bidgood reading from her poetry collection Time Being . This collection won the Roland Mathias Prize 2011. The Hours, Brecon.

Friday 2nd December 9pm: Seren author Owen Sheers ( White Ravens ) at Hay Winter Weekend. Screening of Owen Sheers film Resistance . The story opens in wartime 1944: after the failed D-day landings, a German counter-attack lands on British soil, Within a month, half of Britain is occupied. Starring Michael Sheen and Andrea Riseborough. Venue: Richard Booths Bookshop.

Saturday 3rd December 2pm: Mike Parker launches Real Powys at Erwood Station Craft Centre, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ

Saturday 3rd December 10am: Seren author Horatio Clare ( The Princes Pen ) at Hay Winter Weekend. Explore the writing and crafting of short stories with Horatio Clare, then get hands-on with formatting and style under the expert guidance of Paul Thomas (BWA Design). You'll leave having created a completely unique book from start to finish. Bring a packed lunch. Venue: Parish Hall. Tickets 15.00, available from the Festival website www.hayfestival.com

Saturday 3rd December 3.30pm: Francine Stock talks to Owen Sheers about 'A Century of Film and How it Shaped Us. Join Francine on her personal journey through a glorious century of cinema, showing in vivid detail how film both reflects and makes our world. For tickets and further information visit the festival website: www.hayfestival.com/winterweekend/

Sunday 4th December 5pm: Award-winning author and contributor to Oxfams Ox-Travels anthology Horatio Clare introduces his striking contribution to Seren Books New Stories of the Mabinogion series, The Princes Pen , as the tale of Lludd and Lefellys is brought sharply into a world of suicide bombers and surveillance.Venue: Community Centre. Tickets 4.00, available from the Festival website: www.hayfestival.com

Thursday 8th December 7.30pm: Seren poet Ellie Evans reads from her debut collection The Ivy Hides the Fig Ripe Duchess at the Imperial Hotel, Merthyr.

Thursday 8th December 7.30pm: Seren poet Carrie Etter (The Tethers) reads in Swindon. Bluegate Poets reading series, Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ. For an open mic slot, email organiser Hilda Sheehan at hsheehan@btinternet.com . 4, 2 for Bluegate members.

Thursday 15th December, 6.30pm: Niall Griffiths will be reading from his 'Mabiniogion Story' The Dreams of Max and Ronnie and Gwen Davies from Sing Sing Sorrow at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre bookshop. We're working with independent booksellers across Wales (and Church Stretton) and the Welsh Books Council to offer 12 great books at a 3 for 2 offer.

Poem of the Month

WhenI was eight years old and a pupil in the Model School, Carmarthen, we were given the holiday task ofwriting downthe inscription on the monument to General Sir Thomas Picton, which stands at the western end of the town.A friend and Idiligently copiedthe details, none of which I remembered afterwards. (The monumentwas commissioned in 1823, the king contributing a hundred guineas towards its construction, I have since read.)

Thomas Picton was born in Poyston, Pembrokeshire, in 1758.

Regarded as a hero by those unaware ofhis background,a Haverfordwest school was named after him, calledSTP bythe pupils. My son-in-law, Neil, was the first Head Boy.

A brave soldier, Pictonbecame Governor of Trinidad. By all accounts, he was brutal with a foul temper.

'Let them hate, so long as they fear', was his motto.

In 1806, Picton appeared before Lord Ellenborough at the King's Bench, accused of torturing a fourteen year old girl, making her stand on a peg. She was suspected of assisting a lover to burgle the house of the man she lived with.

The jury decidedSpanish lawdid not allow the torture of suspects and, on the evidence given, found Picton guilty.

Picton sought a retrial and this time the jury reversed the earlier verdict but said that torture of a free person was distasteful to the laws of England and Picton must have known he should not have permitted it.

His reputation was tarnished.In England there was talk of his ill-treatment of slaves, including his own and his land profiteering.

Mortally wounded by a musket ballat the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, he was said to have been wearing civilian clothes and a top hat because his trunk, containing his uniform, had not arrived.

Picton's portrait hangs above the Judge's chair at Carmarthen Crown Court. A solicitor has objected, saying the court is a symbolof justice and Picton's portrait is highly objectionable.

One of the first things students of history learn isto judgea pastage bythe standards of that age. Ialways argued this pointin essays I wrote when in college and yet, I have some sympathy with the sentiments expressed.

Conversely,Ithink it is no bad thing to remember the atrocities of the past and endeavour not to repeat them, even if it means keeping General Picton's portrait in situ.