Murial Silverston (nee Langford|)
My mother Julia Amelia Houppertz came from Belgiun 1947, the worst winter on record. Stayed at Laurel House, Bache, with my father and his parents. Did some nursing in Wrexham.
My father Ronald Albert Langford met my mother in Bruxelles during the war- he a soldier, she a nurse. Had worked as a junior clerk at Richards solicitors- became a brick-layer after the war- helped build the Pengwern Estate.
Grand-parents
Albert Llewelyn Langford; Clara Langford nee Pemberton
Julian and Albertine Houppertz, Belgium
Great grand-parents
Llewelyn Llangford -was found dead at foot of Trevor Rocks. ( See inquest report)
Siblings
I have one birth sister- Chantal and one adopted sister- Bernadette
Memories from childhood
I was born at llangollen Cottage Hospital- lived at the laurels ( one of the highest houses on the Bache). Moved to 90 Pengwern.Enjoyed childhood on the new estate filled with young families. No cars – could play out alone with friends, walk around the valley, play in the brook that ran from Bache Mill (the pavement now covers it) towards Plas Newydd. Watched the cows go twice daily to be milked at Bache Hill Farm from a field round the valley.
Schooldays
Walked to school each day- alone from 8 or so. Loved my teacher Mrs Hanerby and Mrs Charles (who also taught my son). No buses to and from Pengwern. Had our school dinners in a canteen above Scion Chapel- marched there in twos by our teacher.
Memories of particular events
May days. I won first prize aged 5 or so as Jack and Jill with a boy called Gary who emigrated to Australia.
We always loved Eisteddfor week and often dressed up for it
Work
I left school with 9 GCE’s at almost 16. Went to work for the Catholic Childrens Society in Liverpool, at a Childrens home in Formby- trained as a Nursery Nurse. Lived in and earned £2.15s weekly. After two years, I worked at a large maternity hospital on the "Prem" unit. Earned almost £110 a month!!!
Do you know anything about the history of the firms you worked for?
I returned from working in Liverpool and got married in 1968. We then helped with the family business (Langford antiques) on Bridge Street. When the business closed in 2005, it was the oldest surviving shop/ business in the town. My parents started it in 1959 with the help of my grandma (Clare Langford) in the shop, which is now "Gales Wine Bar"- later moving a few doors down to No 12.
Our shop was closed Sundays and Thursday afternoons (as most were).
War years
I was born because of the war. My parents met in bruxelles- she a belgian nurse, he a british soldier. They met at" The 21 Club" in Bruxelles.
Leisure and entertainment
We loved the Dorothy Cinema. I remember watching 2 The Ten Commandments" it was a sell out! -extra chairs were brought in.
We watched "kids" cinema Saturday morning (6d each)
We went to youth club ( now Bensons) Dances were held there and the Town Hall-local groups played- no alcohol (we weren’t bothered).
Times of celebration
All babies were christened and anyone with a baby was married (before it was born).
Babies were born in hospital (usually) and you stayed there at least one week—(plenty of time for the dads to celebrate before the baby came home!).
I’ll never forget when
We would travel by train to Liverpool, especially at Christmas ( changed trains at Rock Ferry) We also went to Barmouth by train direct from Llangollen
The Queen came to Llangollen ( by train , I think) to visit the Eisteddfod
Houses lived in
1949-1957 Pengwern – from new
1957-1968 " The Cotswolds" Willow Hill ( built by my father – Ronald Langford
From 1968, when I married Phillip Silverston, we bought 3 Arfyn Villas, Hill St- A Victorian House.
Where are your ancestors buried?
Fron Bache - grand-parents Mr and Mrs Albert Langford Llantysilio Edith Pemberton- (great –grandmother)
Fron Bache Mr and Mrs Llewelyn Langford He was the one found dead at Trevor Rocks)- apparently fell whilst walking home from delivering hand-bills in the Fron, garth and Acrefair district.