Our Search for Welsh Roots

Our Welsh Roots, and a Visit with Peter and Olwen

Grandma and Grandad Hughes left Cefn Mawr, Wales for Canada in 1907. Mother Edna Bowie called her Mom and him Tad. Tad is father in Welsh. Mother pronounced it "tyd".

Imagine taking a bike ride near the Vicarage.

Our roots are in the people, the land, the villages, and the spirit of this part of Wales.


		Sing "Land Of My Fathers" now and you will be Welsh.

Elizabeth and Edward Hughes, before they left Wales. Edward was a soldier during World War I.

Find the church Edward and Elizabeth attended.

Glenn thinks he remembers Mom (Edna Bowie) telling him that baptisms were performed in the river at the spot shown by the arrow. She would have learned that from Nana (Edna's Mom).

The soldiers and sailors are onboard a ship. Edward Hughes is the first soldier on the left. His two stripes indicate he is a corporal.

Grandma and Grandad Hughes in Canada, with their children. From back to front on the left: Phyllis, Vera, Olwen. On the right: Edna, Violet, Verdun, and Emris.
Verdun was born during the Battle of Verdun during World War I. Both Verdie and Em served in the Canadian Army in WWII. At the end of the War, Em learned that Verdie would not be coming home. He "fell apart". One morning Nana found him asleep or "passed out" in a hallway corner. He had drunk too much beer. He had wet himself. Nana woke him and said: "Oh Emris, Our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross to save you too!!" Em poked a finger tip into a palm and repled: "So what's a few nails?" Em had experienced too much during the War.

Verdun and Winifred had son Robert (Bob) in 1940. Bob is eighth from the right in the second row of this reunion photo. Robert and Diane have sons Bryan and Evan. The reunion took place on June 27, 1992. Emris died in April 1992. He and Shirley had sons Christopher and Michael. Shirley is third from the right in the third row. Chris is on her right with son Dylan on his shoulders.
I, Glenn, am in the back row with son Stephen.

Nancy and I have visited England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. We did not try to visit Acrefair, the place where Nana and Grandad lived before they left Wales. We hoped to make new friends, and see the green hills of Wales. We went to Criccieth by train. At the station we could see Criccieth Castle. It is is rich in mysticism, like all of the ancient castles of Wales.
This is a great time to sing "Men of Harlech".
We were really lucky. We met Peter and Olwen. They have visited with us, and we later returned for another rest in Criccieth.
Peter and Olwen Booth own Moelwyn Restaurant. He is a gourmet chef. They have six bedrooms for visitors. Everyone has a view of Cardigan Bay.

Text copyright Glenn E. Bowie 2001. The photographic images were prepared by Glenn E. Bowie, November 28 to December 1, 2001. The logo at left is CorTech Training copyright.
Daughter Christiane Anderton and friend Mary Keaty visited parts of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland from July 2-23, 2005. Among the many thoughtful gifts Christiane brought Nancy and Glenn Bowie here in Red Wing there is a map of Wales on a linen cloth. Christiane even had it mounted under glass in an oak frame with a matte.

Verdun and Winifred had son Robert (Bob) in 1940. Bob is eighth from the right in the second row of this reunion photo. Robert and Diane have sons Bryan and Evan. The reunion took place on June 27, 1992. Emris died in April 1992. He and Shirley had sons Christopher and Michael. Shirley is third from the right in the third row. Chris is on her right with son Dylan on his shoulders.
	I, Glenn, am in the back row with son Stephen.

Nancy and I have visited England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. We did not try to visit Acrefair, the place where Nana and Grandad lived before they left Wales. We hoped to make new friends, and see the green hills of Wales. We went to Criccieth by train. At the station we could see Criccieth Castle. It is is rich in mysticism, like all of the ancient castles of Wales.
	This is a great time to sing "Men of Harlech".
	We were really lucky. We met Peter and Olwen. They have visited with us, and we later returned for another rest in Criccieth.
	Peter and Olwen Booth own Moelwyn Restaurant. He is a gourmet chef. They have six bedrooms for visitors. Everyone has a view of Cardigan Bay.

	Text copyright Glenn E. Bowie 2001. The photographic images were prepared by Glenn E. Bowie, November 28 to December 1, 2001. The logo at left is CorTech Training copyright.
Daughter Christiane Anderton and friend Mary Keaty visited parts of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland from July 2-23, 2005. Among the many thoughtful gifts Christiane brought Nancy and Glenn Bowie here in Red Wing there is a map of Wales on a linen cloth. Christiane even had it mounted under glass in an oak frame with a matte.