Memories of Wales

My mother was from a small village called Llwydcoed (which I can pronounce perfectly) near Aberdare in South Wales. As a child I spent a great deal of time there and have very happy memories for which I am so grateful.


Despite having no money, life was free and a great adventure - playing in the parks and on the slag heaps (tips) created by the coal mines. There was little traffic to worry about and all the people were kind and friendly. If we did have a few pennies we’d perhaps share a ‘Wagon Wheel’ which used to be at least three times the size they are now and cost 3d (just over 1p). If we were really flushed and had 6d (2.5p), we’d buy a tube of ‘Smarties’ and then float the empty tube down the stream.


This simple little tune is for the memories, and for all my Welsh relations. It’s both happy and sad which you may hear when it changes from the major to the minor key and then back again. Happy for the memories, and sad at not being able to re-create the past.