Life at Felin Troserch
David Malcom Taylor
I was three years old when we moved to the old mill
we called Felin Troserch in 1957. It all started in the spring of '57.
My Mum caught a Rees & Williams bus to Llanelli to do some shopping
and started a conversation with a Mrs. Frances who happened to own the
old Mill. On finding that my Mum was raising 8 children at the time
Mrs. Frances suggested the she have a look at the old Mill which she
was selling.
My Mum & Dad had a look the next day, and a price
and a time payment plan was agreed on. Strangely, even though I was
only three I can still remember that day when we moved. We did not own
a car at the time and I think Dewy Evans from Brynhyffryd moved our
furniture for us.
Y Felin Troserch
The coal mine was still being worked at that time and
the small trucks, or lorries as you call them over there, would pass
by the house regularly, and we would often have visits from members
of the forestry commission when they came through to do their maintenance
on the Troserch Woods, and as with Welsh hospitality a hot cup of tea
and a snack was always on offer. We all had a great time and we soon
stocked our place with all kinds of animals; cats, dogs, chickens, geese,
goats and for a while some horses. We looked after all kinds of injured
wild animals; fox, badgers, weasels, crows, pigeon, to name some.
We had no electricity until 1965 so we relied on coal
fires and old oil lamps for light. We had apples, pears, plums, blackcurrants,
gooseberries and grew some veggies and trout from the river. We had
Nature's Pantry right there around our house. Our neighbors were always
very generous and kind especially the late Mr. & Mrs. Thomas of
Tyreglois farm and Isloin Troserch, who allowed the electricity to run
through his land for free, and the people of Llangennech were always
friendly and helped our family out a lot. Their hospitality and kindness
over the years really made a big difference, the village was just like
one big extended happy family.
We had some bad winters when the river was frozen for
a couple of months and snow two or three meters deep in some places.
The one I remember most was winter of 63/64 we made sleds and used them
on the hill from Troserch road down to the river,
On the river between the bridge and the mill is a very large rock ledge
that apparently was used to Baptize people in days long gone, and I
can remember Isloin Troserch Herding his Sheep down to the river to
wash before shearing
I have been asked many times what I miss most about Wales I answer the
friendly people, rain, Christmas, fish and chips, and the green green
grass of home I think that sums it up pretty well.
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