GERROND:Information about Edward Lewis Williams
Edward Lewis Williams (b. 14 Jun 1862, d. 06 Jun 1907)
Notes for Edward Lewis Williams:-------Edward (Ned) Williams, was supposed to be going into medicine.His father Samuel Williams, ofDyffrynentered him into one of the London Hospitals for training.Letters from home often enquired how he was getting on.He always replied that he was doing just fine.Samuel Williams had the occasion to write to the hospital enquiring about his son, of course the reply back was, they did not know this young Edward Williams. He had not even registered at the hospital.He had been making money playing billiards and singing in the streets of London.He was in fact getting along very well with his enterprises,. but not to the liking of his father.Ned was the " black sheep"of the family at that time.This badge of honour (honor) has been worn by various other family members, as time march on.Ned was recalled home in disgrace, this ended his medical career, which never did get started.He did well for himself by marrying a rich woman.This enabled him to buy the Cliff Hotel in Gwbert.NOTE:- a simular story has been told about Albert Williams Lewis, Ned's 1st cousin.
As this story also involvedNed's father, Samuel Williams and a like story with Albert W. Lewis, it will be repeated under their names.
Info. obtained from Merfyn Phillips, letter dated 17 June 1997., and by John Trevor Lewis, son of Albert W. Lewis.
CENSUS 1871.PENBOYR.CARMARTHEN. #RG10/5543.Schedule 82-83.
DYFFRYN
Samuel WilliamsHdM37Woollen Manuf employingCarmarthen twn
20 Men, 1 woman 4 boys
Elinor WilliamsWfM40Llangeler Carms
Edward WilliamsSon9ScholarPenboyr Carms
Samuel WilliamsSon5"""
Anne WilliamsDau11"""
Charlotte WilliamsDau2""
Mary Ellen Williams Dau1""
David JonesServ17Wool Weaver""
David DaviesServ16""""
Thomas YoungServ14""""
James CloseServUn22""ManordivyPem Elizabeth DaviesServW23Spinner in FactoryLlangelerCarm
Jane DaviesServUn19Wool corderPenboyr Carms
Anne JonesServUn24Wool spinnerHenllan Cdg
Mary DaviesServ15Wool SkeinerLlandyfriog Cdg
Mary EvansServ16Gen ServantMerthyr TydGlam
Sarah DaviesServ17Gen ServantLlanfairarllwyn (?)
Hannah JonesServ16Gen Servant""
Mary WilliamsServUn24House maid domesticPenboyr Carm
Sarah EvansServUn20Wool spinner in factory.""
CENSUS 1881.Civil Parish of PENBOYR.CARMARTHEN. #5430. folio 90 Page5
Dyffryn
SamuelWilliamsHeadM48Woollen Manu.CMN Penboyr
EllenWilliamsWifeM51""
AnneWilliamsDau21""
SamuelWilliamsSon14Scholar""
CharlotteWilliamsDau13Scholar""
MaryEllen WilliamsDau11Scholar""
AliceWilliamsDau6Scholar""
Thomas
LewisWilliamsSon9Scholar""
Thomas YoungServ24Woollen Weaver""
Samuel OwensServ21""Cenarth Cms
John NewmanServ36Wool CarderBirmingham
Margaret EvansServ19""Llanfairorllwyn
Margaret EvansServ22Wool SpinnerPenboyr Carm
Elizabeth EvansServ17""""
Mary DaviesServ19Gen Servant""
Anne JonesServ20Wool DyerLlanfairorllwyn
Margaret DaviesServ17Wool SkeinerPemboyr___
____________________________________________________________
FamilyTreeHousesandMills- CliffHotel - Ned WILLIAMS
THE HISTORY OF“THE CLIFF HOTEL”,
The Development Of Gwbert-On-Sea.
At a banquet in the Black Lion Hotel, on August 27th, 1889, Mr. C. E. D. Morgan-Richardson, a notable Cardigan solicitor, made a highly critical speech on the state of Cardigan town and its lack of enterprise. Mr Morgan-Richardson said: "What has become of the shipping trade of Cardigan?Fast dying away. Where is the shipbuilding trade?' Gone, gone altogether, I believe I have seen the last ship launched at the Netpool. What has become of the Agricultural Show?Dead. The Cardigan Regatta? Dead. All dead. What has become of Cardigan Common? Sold. What has become of the Cardigan Gaol?Gone. Some think the present lock-up is too much where it is."
“What has become of the Cardigan Assizes?Gone to Lampeter. What has become of the Railway,. which was to have made our fortunes? On a mud bank in Pembrokeshire. We sold the Common. What for? To build a market on arches. The workhouse is far, far away from
the town. The Slaughter House? Built inland with Mwldan Brook as it's open sewer, along; the houses of the poor. The drainage?We have drained the upper portions of the town into the lower portions - the whole oozing into the bank of the River Teifi instead of into the stream. The
Reservoirs?Our third attempt at a reservoir is a total failure."(a sweeping speech of undisputed facts.)
Perhaps some oi~the criticism could be classed as being unjust, but a great deal of it was true. Mr. Morgan-Richardson's attitude represented that of many of the town's businessmen, and reflected the dissatisfaction with the way the town was being run. The Town Council, faced with a fast disappearing shipping trade and the rapid decline of the ancillary industries, did not seem to know what to do, and were afraid to spend money on improvements when the future looked so uncertain.
Because of his scathing speech, Mr. Morgan-Richardson was challenged by the Cardigan & Tvy-Side Advertiser to take the initiative. in the development of Gwbert-On-Sea as a seaside resort. Mr. Morgan-Richardson, being a man of action, accepted the challenge.
A proposal to develop Gwbert as a seaside resort - a “new Brighon” was first made by Alderman Levi James. Caemorgan. in 1886, and became so common a topic of conversation, that the name "new Brighton" became a by-word in the town.
The businessmen of Cardigan had hoped that with the coming of the railway in 1886 the town and locality would be full of visitors. But before people could come on holiday, accommodation had to be found at the seaside, and at Gwbert that was nil. The only people who frequented Gwbert during the year were the salmon fishermen who fished in the estuary; local farmers who journeyed to the beach to unload the odd cargo of culm or lime; the Sunday School outings of the local chapels; the Brickworks annual treat; rabbit trappers; and onlookers if a wreck was in the bay.
Although the proposal of a seaside resort was repeated at intervals in the Council, nothing was done until Mr. Morgan-Richardson began the project in 1889. In July 1889, Mr. William Woodward offered for sale at the Black Lion Hotel, Cardigan, the farms of Gwbert and Towyn (whole or parts). No sales were effected on the day. It was stated that in August 1889, Mr Morgan-Richardson had acquired 70 acres of land at Gwbert-On-Sea. He proposed to form a syndicate to develop Gwbert-On-Sea as a first-class seaside resort. It was hoped that the area would become the new Welsh Brighton.
In October 1889, an effort was made to form a company with a capital of 20,000 pounds to purchase 96 acres of land at Gwbert. The existing inn was to be converted into a fine hotel. Steps to the beaches were constructed.
It was proposed that 2,000 poundswas to be devoted for the purchase of the land, and that 500 pounds was to be spent on converting the old Gwbert Inn into an hotel. It was the syndicate's aim to convert the old inn into a first-class hotel, which would attract holiday makers, and also to build accommodation for residents and visitors. The syndicate hoped that the resort would attract and share in "new craze" - holidays - which was sweeping the country at the end of the 19th century. Gwbert had a great deal to offer - bracing conditions, beautiful scenery, excellent beaches, with plenty of sand, quiet and solitude; ideal for the middle-class families which the syndicate hoped to attract.
Mr. Richard Thomas (later of Roseleigh) of Cardigan Brickwork Company was asked to submit plans for the extension to the Gwbert Inn. These were forwarded and accepted by the company.
In July 1890, the extension to the old Gwbert Inn was opened by Mrs. Evelyn Morgan-Richardson, who was presented with a massive silver key in honour of the occasion. Mrs. Morgan-Richardson Stated that she was delighted with the renovations, and was sure that the hotel would attract many visitors. The hotel became known as the Cliff Hotel, and to celebrate the opening, sports and a regatta were held.
In October of the same year, Mrs. Morgan-Richardson laid the foundation stone of the first building to be erected by the syndicate. The site chosen was at the corner of Towyn field, opposite of the Rocket Life Saving Apparatus building. The houses to be built were designed on the style of boarding houses which were being erected in all the seaside resorts of the country. Mrs. Morgan-Richardson in her speech said: "That with its many attractions, Gwbert-On-Sea would become a new Scarborough or Brighton". The same lady opened the door of the first villa to be built by the local contractors, Messrs. John Jenkins & Son, Garden Terrace, Cardigan. On the completion of the houses at the corner of Towyn field, the terrace was named Evelyn Terrace: in honour of Mrs. Morgan-Richardson. The terrace today houses the Anchor Hotel and other private residences.
The svndicate then decided to build a road from the hotel to Nant-y-ferwig, thus doing away with the old road which went through the farmyard at Waungelod, and crossed the present golf course. In August 1897, it was reported that the Gwbert Syndicate had completed the new road from the hotel "as far as they could go". A sea wall would have to be constructed thence as far as Nant-y-ferwig before the road could go any further towards Cardigan. (The road was completed to just beyond the Boating Club - the rest was a sandy track which was always covered by the incoming tide. It was in the early 1930s that the sea wall was built). The public of Cardigan when visiting the beach, would walk through the fields to Nant-y-ferwig via Golwg y Mor and then along the track from Nant-y-ferwig to Patch.
The resort catered for the upper middle-class families, and offered the ideal type of holiday for that class of person, i.e., excellent cuisine, bracing conditions, select beaches, beautiful surroundings, and interesting walks. The Syndicate decided to advertise the area and 200 odd posters were printed and displayed at the principal GWR stations through-out the country.
The holiday makers had Gwbert to themselves, and the same families kept returning year after year. They came from all parts of England and Wales, an example of this being the report which appeared in the Cardigan - Tivy-side Advertiser on September 2, 1904: "Among
the visitors still remaining at the Hotel, at this fast rising seaside resort are the following - Mr. and Mrs. Morgan and family and Miss. Moule, Bath; Mr. and Mrs. Bowen and family, London; Mr. and Mrs. Buckley and family, London; The Honourable Mrs. Annelsey, London; Mr. Horace White-Coulter, Mr. Leonard Cope, London, Mr. Rowland Lewis, London; Miss. Lewela Davies, Mrs. Griffith, Miss Jones, Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Evans and family, and Miss. Clarke, London; Major Greaves-Banning and family, Taunton; Mr. S. M. J. Woods, Captain Welman, Bath; Lieutenant Lloyd Lewis, Welsh Regiment; Mr. Rooke, Minehead; Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Perkins, London; etc. The visitors for the season who have leftare leading families from London, Cardiff, Bristol, Oswestry, Bath, Birmingham and Kingston-On-Thames.
A new amenity was added to the hotel, with the construction of a nine hole golf course in 1902. During the first two years a great deal of difficulty was encountered in keeping the rough under control, but by 1905 the coarse had become playable, and in that year a golf club formed in Cardigan and a club professional appointed. The first professional was a Mr. Brooklyn of Leather-head, who combined the duties of professional with that of green-keeping. The golf links were owned by the hotel, but local golfers were made very welcome by the "mine host of the Cliff Hotel - Ned Williams, Esq. The Cliff Hotel Golf Links were situated in superb surroundings and the fairways ran alongside the cliff tops. Many golfers visited the area and an annual tournament was held for the Cliff Hotel Cup, which attracted players from all over the Principality.
In 1909, at her own expense, Mrs. Morgan-Richardson had a path constructed to the beach, which today bears her name - Evelyn's Beach. The resort continued to improve, and more visitors visited the area.
In 1910 the syndicate sold the property to G. S. Smith Esq., of Gresham House, London. This gentleman proved to be extremely popular in the area, and during his ownership many renovations were added to the property. Mr. Smith was a generous man, and during the years he resided at the hotel, gave liberally to the locality. In 1911 he treated the children of the area with tea, mugs and sports to celebrate the coronation of King George V. It was a sad day for the locality when this benevolent gentleman sold the hotel and land to Messrs. James Howells, Cardiff (Store people), for 3,500 pounds..
During the 1914-18 War, it was only natural that the resort should suffer - but with the coming of peace the resort resumed business.With the advent of the car, more and more visitors frequented the resort and Gwbert became very popular. The locals began to take an interest in it, and many of Cardigan' a leading businessmen built bungalows, for use as summer residences. During the pleasant months of the summer and early autumn they resided with their families at Gwbert. journeying every day to their businesses in Cardigan. During the winter months these homes were closed down.
Gwbert and Patch became a Mecca for the locals on Wednesdayafternoons and at weekends during the warm months of the year, Mr. T. M. Daniel with his charabancs, "Tivy Express'' and "Tivy Queen", provided cheap transport. In later years he was joined by Mr. S. T. Jones and Mr. Owen Williams.
In the 30's the Cliff Hotel property was sold to Mr. Timothy James, Gwalia, and in later years became the property of local solicitors, Messrs. W. J. Williams & Davies. It was later owned by Con Lewis, Esq., who sold it to the present owner, L. Lowe, Esq., of Cardiff. Mr Lowe has carried out vast renovations to the hotel and todaythe Cliff Hotel must rank with the leading hotels in the country.
So Gwbert-On-Sea was developed from a wild, sparsely populated headland on the Teifi estuary, to a select, sophisticated seaside resort - thanks to C. E. D. Morgan-Richardson and his syndicate, and the other far-sighted gentlemen who followed them...
THE CLIFF HOTEL and Edward Lewis WILLIAMS Connections.
OPENINGREMARKS:
When I was first told about the Cliff Hotel and Edward (Ned) Lewis WILLIAMS I was
lead to believe the he owned the hotel.Which might not be the casea few inquiries
should reveal the truth.What information I have up to now is not concrete.In a sentencehe is described as being the “mine owner” up to now I am not satisfied with the answers I have received.What does the expression mean?
On August 27, 1889. A Mr. C.E.D. Morgan-Richardson a well known Cardigan Solicitor made a critical speech about the state of the economy of CARDIGAN.Basically the speech covered such items as:
- “Where has the shipping trade gone?”
- “What has become of the agricultural show?”
- “The Cardigan Regatta Dead, Why”
- What has become of the Cardigan Common, Sold?”
- “What has become of the Cardigan Assizes?” Gone to Lampeter, why?”
- “What has become of the railroad?”
- He refers to the Common sold to build a Market of Arches.
He goes on to refer to a Slaughter House built next to an open stream, MWLDAN Brook, this became the plants open sewer. I under stand that there was a lot of sickness in St. Dogmaels caused by poor drainage.
Business Men were fed up with the pussy footing around of Town Council.The economy ofof Cardigan was in trouble and they, that is the council did not know what to do about it. New industry was needed, it looked like the tourist industry might be one on the answers.
Because of the areas condition and the determination of Mr. Morgan Richardson, The Cardigan Tivyside Advertiser challenge him to produce a seaside resort at GWBERT-On-SEA.He did just that, the by - word was “A New Brighton”
The rail road had come in 1886 but there was no place for people to stay, not even at Gwbert.This matter had been discussed in council.
In July 1889 Mr. William Woodward offered for sale the farm of Gwbert and Towyn.In August 1889 Mr. Morgan-Richardson had acquired 70 areas of land at GWBERT-ON-SEA it was his intentions to for a Syndicate.
“I wonder if he had purchase this land before his Aug. 27, 1889 speech?”
When the Syndicate was formed, who were the members?
“ Was Edward (Ned) Lewis Williams a member?”
“What part if any did he play in this?”
In July 1890 Mrs. Evelyn Morgan-Richardson opened the extension of the old GWBERT INN, renamed the “CLIFF HOTEL”.This lady was present at other opening days of other buildings.
Question: Does Evelyn Terraced and the Anchor Hotel still exist today (1999)
The words “Mine Host” were used in a sentence. The gold links were owned by the hotel but the local golfers were made very welcome by the “Mine Host” of the Cliff Hotel - NED WILLIAMS.
Possible Discrepancy
From the little information I have and the press information you sent me.There is a
discrepancy unless we have two different people.
MINE: In 1910 the Syndicate sold the property to G. S.Smith, Esq. Of Cresham House, London.
YOUR press write up.In conjunction with the new owner Gro. Septimus SMITH.
This might be just a play on words.
CEMETERY: Question: Is Ned Williams buried in Penboyr or Cardigan Cemetery, both are mentioned in the write up. I have asked family members no one gives me an answer.
Some speeches and meeting were held at the Black Lion Hotel, that is where Mr. Morgan- Richardson gave his scathing speech about Cardigan.
NOTE: Read this in conjunction with the CLIFF HOTEL and FTM. WILLIAMS, Edward
HISTORY OF THE CARDIGAN GOLF CLUB
The following information is taken from a booklet written by Donald Davies. Cardigan.
Golf today is enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the world whether they be players or onlookers. The origins of this wonderful game have never been established, and it may have evolved from a game the Romans introduced into Britain called 'paganica' where the person played a ball with a bent stick. But hitting an object with a stick is such a fundamental human instinct, that 1ong before the Roman amused themselves, our ancestors had been doing something similar. The game of Golf has 2 important characteristics, the ability to hit the ball long distances, and the skill of putting the ball in the hole.
Early reference to the game are sparse, but there are records of the game being played in different parts of Scotland, and in 1452 a record sale of a golf ball for 10 Scottish shillings. In later centuries the game suffered and decrees were introduced forbidding golf and football suggesting that the two games lured men away from archery practice, which was an essential factor for the defence of the realm. Although there are records of the game being played in England during the Tudor period, it was in Scotland that the game flourished, and, with football, became the national sport of that country.
The game in Scotland was played on links, a name for natural courses by the sea. What is certain is that nature bestowed a rare blessing upon Britain in the linksland, where most of our great courses have been created. The early golfers found their courses ready made, grass fine texture by nature, winds and tides, fashioned sandhills as ramports against the elements, and crumpled valleys which made ideal fainvays. The links became a traditional setting for
Towards the middle of the 19th Century organized leisure activities began to take a more prominent part in society, and it was followed with a games explosion throughout the country. Young gentlemen, who. attended Public Schools and Universities participated in games, and eventually introduced the games into their own areas. The gentry of Tivyside were soon organising cricket, football (both codes), hockey and tennis in the Cardigan area.
Golf had been introduced into South and West Wales in the latter half of the 19th Century, and famous Clubs had been established on the links of Porthcawl, Ashburnham, Tenby (or Sonally as then called) and Aberdovey. The success of these clubs aroused the interest of would be golfers in other areas, including Cardigan.
In 1889, C. E. D. Morgan-Richardson, Esq., the well-known Cardigan solicitor, had formed a syndicate of local businessmen with a capital of 20,000 pounds to purchase 96 acres of land at Gwbert-on-Sea. It was the intention of the syndicate to create and develop a seaside resort at Gwbert. The existing Gwbert Inn was to be converted into a fine hotel, and boarding houses were to be erected at what is today Evelyn's Terrace. A road was to be constructed from the new hotel to Nant-y-ferwig Bridge.
The Gwbert Inn was renovated and extensively extended and called the Cliff Hotel. The boarding houses were built, and the terrace named Evelyn's Terrace after Mrs Evelyn Morgan-Richardson, and the road was constructed as far as Patch. Prior to the building of this road, the road to Gwbert ran through Waungelod Farm across the present golf course and out opposite Towyn Farm. It was the syndicate's intention to eventually establish a golf course on the Gwbert links. It was a few years though before that dream transpired.
THE EARLY YEARS
Golf was first played in Cardigan in 1895 when a club called the Cardigan and Tivyside Golf Club was formed by the local gentry. One of the originators of the scheme was Mr Finzell who was residing at Cilbronnau Mansion during Sir Lawrence Jenkins' absence in India, and it was he who planned the course. The course wasdescribed in 1898 by W. E. James, Caemorgan, in his prize winning Cardigan Guide - "A Golf Club was established in the neighbourhood of Cardigan some four years ago, and acquired the right of playing over the Burrows between Nant-y-ferwig Bridge and Gwbert. A course of 9 holes was ]aid down, and proved an excellent one, the turf of which the Links are composed is all that can be desired, but owing to the small number of playing members, some difficulty has been experienced in keeping the grass through the greens sufficiently short to always ensure a good lie. Bunkers abound, and the course is described by most competent authorities as a sporting one.
The first Tee is immediately on the right, where the New Road enters the Burrows, and the last hole is on the hill above, within a few hundred yards of Waungelod Farm. The annual subscription for members (who have to be elected) is 1 guinea for gentlemen and half a guinea for ladies, but playing members (whose sole desirability is having no voice in Club management) are admitted on the payment of 5 shillings yearly. Visitors may be introduced by members, and may use the Links for 3 days without payment, a small fee being subsequently charged. Communications should be addressed to the Hon Secretary of the Cardigan and Tivyside Golf Club at Cardigan, and the County Club Cardigan".
"The Links are within 2 miles of Cardigan, and those driving to them from town can obtain convenient stabling accommodation at Aberdare Hall or Nant-y-ferwig Farm. Note: During the past year 1898, the play over the Links has been practically nil, and the Club though still in existence, can hardly be regarded as a going concern. However it retains the ground, and only requires an infusion of new blood, in the form of a few added enthusiasts to start an active life again".
The Golf Course at Patch never really got off the ground. The terrain proved too much to maintain, and the few members that the Club had found great difficulty in removing the gorse and bramble bushes which abounded the links. Added to this, there was a lack of membership as the management had tried to keep Club select. Thus the Cardigan and Tivyside Golf Club died a natural death.
The Gwbert Syndicate was determined that a course should be established at Gwbert, and pressure was put on the Town Council that the links at Gwbert-on-Sea could be developed into a 9 hole course. It was reported in the Cardigan and Tivyside Advertiser in March 1902 that the completion of the Gwbert Golf Links had been delayed owing to the difficulty of removing the gorse-roots, and all other roots that infested the proposed course. By April 1902 the course was ready and on the 6th of April, the Mayor of Cardigan, Mr Arthur Clougher, officially opened the 9 hole Gwbert Golf Links. At this period of time there was no official Golf Club and golfers paid a membership of 30 shillings or a green fee for playing. Very few locals played the game, and the links were utilised mainly by the visitors who stayed at the resort. It was stated in the Cardigan Tivyside Advertiser in April 1904 that the new links at Gwbert were not well patronized. No doubt, finding transport to Gwbert had a great deal to do with the lack of support
THE FORMATION OF THE CLIFF HOTEL LINKS
On the 26th January, 1905 a meeting of "Gentlemen interested in the formation of a new Golf Links at Gwbert-on-Sea was held in the offices of Messrs. Evans & Stephen, Solicitors, Cardigan. Present were Rev. D. J. Evans (Vicar), Dr. J. W. Stephens, Dr. W. G. S. Drown, Messrs. G. Stephens, E. O. Evans. Ned Williams and W. E. James. The object in view was to secure a first class 9 or 18 hole course. Mr Day, Professional Golfer, employed on the Penally Links (Tenby), was requested to survey the land, and plan a course. To meet the capital outlay, the gentlemen present at the meeting all promised to advance various sums in the form of shares in the undertaking, conditionally upon the Gwbert Syndicate advancing a sum equal to the total subscribed. Mr Day visited Gwbert-on-Sea on the ist and 2nd of February, 1905 and provisionally elected a course of 9 holes which could be extended to 18 holes. Mr Day, who was Welsh Champion in 1903, was accompanied by several of the promoters over the suggested course. Mr Day again visited Gwbert in March 1905, and in the company of many of the promoters marked out the positions of the greens and tees. Mr William Adey of Cardigan had agreed to act as Groundsman during the laying out of the Links. The Promoters arranged for Mr Adey to visit Mr William Coombs, Professional at the Ashburnham Golf Club, Pembrey, where Mr Adey would be instructed on the turfing of tees, greens etc. Work commenced on the Gwbert Links on Monday, 13th March 1905 and on the 27th of the same month, Mr Adey visited Ashburnham Golf Club for his tuition. The course which was laid out on both sides of the road ran along the cliff top. The first greens taken in hand were Nos. 5, 6 and 8, and they were marked out and cut. In the April meeting of 1905, a Golf Club was formed. The Officials were : Chairman, Dr. J. W. Stephens; Vice Chairman, R. W. Picton Evans, Esq.; Treasurer, M. L. Jones, Esq. and Hen. Secretary, W. E. James, Esq. The Captain of the Club was the Rev. D. J. Evans, Vicar of Cardigan. Thus a second golf club had come into being.
In August 1905 the Golf Club appointed Mr F. O. Brooklyn of Leatherhead as the first Professional of the Club. He was responsible for giving lessons, repairing Clubs, greenkeeper, and collecting of green fees. Gwbert can be a lonely place, especially in the winter months, and Mr Brooklyn never really settled down, and by the 10th October had asked the Club to release him from his contract.
There was no Club House as such, the only building that the Club had available was a wooden hut where the members could store their hickory shafted Clubs and shoes, a cubby hole where visitors could pay green fees, and a little workshop where the professional could carry out repairs. The male members of the period played in plus-twos with centre buttoned tweed jackets, and caps to match. The bags were small shoulder ones that were made of canvas and leather. The ladies wore heavy pullovers, long skirts and head bands. Mr E. L. (Ned) Williams, the mine host of the Cliff Hotel and one of the promoters allowed the Club members full changing facilities at the hotel. Wednesday afternoons, and Saturdays were usually the Club days and horse drawn brakes were often hired from Cardigan to convey the golfers to Gwbert. The construction of the links had cost 180 pounds, and the promoters and the Gwbert Syndicate shared the expense, that is 90 pounds each. The Annual Meetings of the new Club were held in the Old Council Chamber Guildhall, Cardigan. In 1906 the Club decided to appoint a Professional. It was proposed that he be appointed on a part-time business that is from mid July to mid-September. the appointed professional was Mr James Brown, and he was paid 15 shillings a week, and was allowed to charge 1 shilling for an hour's tuition on golf. Visitors who played were charged ls/6d for a round of golf.
The Cliff Hotel donated a magnificent silver cup, known as the Cliff Hotel Cup, which was played for annually in September. The competition which was played over 27 holes (Medal play) was an open event and was advertised in the leading newspapers of the Principality. Players came from all parts of the country to compete for the coveted trophy and it was won by many famous golfers of the period.
In 1907, John Colby Esq., Ffynone, Boncath, was appointed as the first President of Cardigan Golf Club, and in the years that followed a number of the local gentry followed in his footsteps. The same year saw the Club lose one of its best golfers, and most ardent supporter -- E. L. (Ned) Williams, Esq., of the Cliff Hotel. Ned Williams was a great sportsman, and was well loved throughout the area, and his tragic death at the age of 45 years left the area much the poorer. His widow in memory of her husband, presented the Cardigan Golf Club with a solid silver cup, magnificently engraved, then valued at 25 guineas, to be played for annually over 27 holes (stroke play). The "Ned Williams Cup" became the Club's foremost competition, and is played for annually. The new Club continued to prosper and was well supported by the local gentry, professional and businessmen of the locality, as well as the many visitors who stayed at the hotel. The Links were situated in superb surroundings, overlooking the Teifi estuary, and the magnificence of Cardigan Bay. On some holes, the golfers had to drive over the beach to attain the green. A hole called the Peninsula was one such task to negotiate, and on the whole the course was a fair test of skill.
In 1910 the Cliff Hotel, Golf Links, and surrounding land was sold by Mrs. Ned Williams to G. S. Smith, Esq., and the new owner proved to be an extremely popular and benevolent figure in the district. He carried a number of renovations to the hotel, and also proved to be a generous landlord to members of the Golf Club. On 31st May, 1911, Mr Smith entertained 200 local school children at the Cliff Hotel, to celebrate the Coronation of King George V, and later presented each child with a Coronation mug. The Golf Club had to renew the lease of the course with him, and found him to be extremely benevolent in the cause of the game. The Club paid an annual rental of 15 pounds on a 3 year lease. In 1913 G. S. Smith died, and the Hotel, Links and surrounding land were sold by the administrators of the estate to Messrs. James Howells (Store people), Cardiff for 3,500 pounds. During the year the Club played its first ever golf match when a team from Newcastle Emlyn Golf Club played at Gwbert. The event was enjoyed so much by the players that the Secretary, Mr D. E. Thomas, was instructed to arrange a fixture with
Haverfordwest.
Golf continued to thrive at Gwbert until the outbreak of the Great War in 1914. With the outbreak of hostilities many of the local golfers who were members of the local T.A. and Naval Reserve were called to the colours and the Club decided to close down for the duration, although members of H.M. Forces were to play free of charge and were classed as Honorary Members. After the termination of hostilities, a number of local golfers re-started golf at the Gwbert Links, but the Cardigan Golf Club as such had become extinct. In January 1923, Sir John Lynn Thomas, K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. the eminent surgeon, who resided at Llwynduri~ Mansion, called a Public Meeting at the Cuildhall, Cardigan, with the purpose of forming a Golf Club at Gwbert. Printed cards were forwarded to all professional and businessmen of the locality. The card read thus :
I find this statement very interesting:-In 1910 the Cliff Hotel, Golf Links, and surrounding land was sold by Mrs. Ned Williams to G. S. Smith, Esq., Does this not raise the question of who actually owner this land, what part did Ned Williams own, what part did the syndicate own and what part did Mr. Morgan-Richardson own.
From what I can see a lot of the money may have come from Ned Williams wife and his father Samuel WILLIAMS, Dyffryn Mills.He supported his other children, why not NED.
I would like to see this little bit of History put straight one way or the other.
This would in a paper for Feb. 1999 .Info of Dewi THOMAS
By sheer coincidence there was an advertisement in today's paper for "winter
breaks" at the Gwbert Hotel for 156 Pounds per couple for two nights.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Day 7.June 7, 1996
To Gwbert-on-Sea and the Cliff Hotel, once owned by a Ned Williams, another brother of John's grandmother.Took pictures from the cliff edge and talked to the manager,Janice Mason.She showed us pictures of the hotel taken many years ago which John was able to photograph.They gave us a copy of what history of the hotel they had on record.
Day 20.July 3, 1996
Donald Davies is a retired teacher, a history master for 40 years.
HerememberedNedWilliams of the Cliff Hotel.Very popular, well liked man.Died attheageof 45 from pneumonia.He was an excellent sportsman and very keen on golf.His wife donated the"Ned Williams Memorial Trophy" to the Golf Club.It is still competed for to-day.Very valuable,itismade of solid silver and is a highly coveted trophy at the Club.We hope to be able to get a picture of it.
Went in search of the book "Cardigan and the Lower Teifi" but is unavailable right now.Maybe pick it up before we go home.
Day 37
From there we went into Gwbert and stopped at an inn for coffee.It was very near the Cardigan Golf Course so we went there in hopes of getting some information on Ned Williams. John’s great uncle who had owned the Cliff Hotel nearby.He was an avid golfer and when he died at only 45 years of age, his wife had donated a silver cup in his memory.It is called the “Ned Williams Memorial Cup”.Not able to learn much there but one of the members pointed out the cup which is in a glass case - too high to be able to get a picture or to read the inscription.It was easy to see that it was expensive though.Solid silver, it stands about 16" high, goblet shaped with handles on the sides.Intricate scroll work engraved on it.We hope sometime to get a closer look and possibly a picture.
More About Edward Lewis Williams and Maude Marion Bowen:
Marriage: 02 Aug 1898
Children of Edward Lewis Williams and Maude Marion Bowen are:
- +Eileen Williams, b. 21 Feb 1898, d. date unknown.