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