County: Carmarthenshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 30/05/1901
Number issued: 1
English lever watch, gold albert and gold pendant, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by Mr Haines, at the Graig Hotel, Pontypridd
Subscribed for by the inhabitants of the Graig Ward, Pontypridd, and fellow-members of the Penrhiw [Pen-y-rhiw] and Maritime Brass Band.
HOME-COMING BANQUET IN THE GRAIG WARD.
On Thursday, May 30th, a banquet and concert was given to Volunteer Private Tom WOODS, who, after fighting in South Africa returned home about three weeks ago. The hero was a member of the Penrhiw and Maritime Brass Band, the members of which and a committee, with Professor Desmane as chairman, determined to give him, not only a hearty welcome, but something more substantial, with the result that he was presented at the Graig Hotel with a silver English lever watch, gold curb albert, and gold pendant, suitably inscribed, and also his photo in khaki, and a purse of gold. The landlord, Mr Davies, had the hotel tastefully decorated inside and out, and the large clubroom was packed both at dinner and at the smoker. Amongst those present were Mr Davies, manager Penrhiw Pit; Mr E. Leyshon, Mr Verity, secretary; Mr Pigeon, treasurer; Councillor Hibbert, Mr T. Barnhouse, Taff Vale Hotel; Mr T. Llewellyn, Garth House; Mr Watkins, manager; Mr Huggins, Mr Evans, Splott Villa; Mr Shepherd, Mr W. Evans, The Band, Mr Lyles and son, Mr James, Mr Head, and his father, and many others.
Mr Desmane presided, and gave “The King and Royal Family”, after which Mr Leyshon proposed a vote of condolence with the relatives and friends of those who had lost their lives in the Aber Valley disaster. …….
The Chairman then gave the toast of the evening, “Our Guest”. He said, after what the town in general had decided to do for the gallant fellows who had been fighting for their country, they in the Graig Ward had determined to “take the bull by the horns” and show that they were not satisfied with the amount to be doled out to each man. (Cheers). We had always been a fighting country. Going back to the Crimean War, we had established the bravest daring man could do. He referred to the Balaclava Charge. (Hear, hear). He saw before him one who had taken part in that memorable affair, at which “all the world wondered” – that was Corporal Huggins, who was decorated with medals. He was also pleased to see a hero of a more recent date, viz., Corporal Shepherd, who had won his honours at the storming of Alexandra. The British still possessed the same dogged perseverance. Of recent years it was thought they had begun to lack the courage which possessed our forefathers and had made us famous. This was not so. When men were wanted to fight 20 months ago in South Africa, the call was scarcely sent forth when there came from all parts of the Empire the cry, “We are ready”. Men left their wives and families, the rich man his hall and estates, and went out to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with the humblest. Our hero, Tom WOODS, was one who had left a comfortable home – (cheers) – father, mother, and all to fight and die, if needs be, for his Queen and King. He was one of those whom the country were prouder of than on any previous occasion, and that was proved all over the vast Empire, and was the occasion of the gathering there that night. WOOD’s services were to be recognised by giving him those splendid presents.
The Chairman then took hold of a Union Jack, the removing of which disclosed to view the hero’s photo. He hoped the recipient would live long to look upon it, and his family in after years might do so with pride, and say “This is my father. He was one who fought for his country”. Such men as these were the secret of our Empire’s greatness. With these remarks, he gave the toast, “Our Hero”, which was suitably honoured, and handed the presents to Mr Haines to present to Mr Tom WOODS.
In doing so, Mr Haines, who was visibly affected, said he had known Tom many years, and was sure when he knew he was going to the front he would not be wanting, and he had proved in everything that their good opinions were not wrong. He was one of the fortunate, having come back without a scratch. (Hear, hear). In handing over the presents he wished him long life and prosperity, and hoped he would have a family that would be proud of their father, as all present were.
Private WOODS, who was received with ringing cheers on receiving the presents, said he had only done his duty, and thanked all who had done so much for him.
This was followed by the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow”. Songs were given by Mr H. Brooks, Mr Jack Harris, and Mr Collins. A tambourine solo was also given by Mr Harris.
Mr Shepherd gave “The Army and Navy”, and Mr Huggins responded.
Councillor Hibbert gave “The Trade of Pontypridd”, and said, as a councillor, if anything could be done to further the trade he was going to do it.
Mr Llewellyn, who responded, said it was once “Pontypridd, near Llantrisant”, but that was many years ago. Things had now reversed, and their commerce was increasing daily.
Other songs were given, which were followed by a vote of thanks to the chairman and host and hostess, proposed by Mr Leyshon and seconded by Mr Davies, manager, who acted as vice-chairman to the committee, This met with applause.
