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A Tribute to Miriam Evans
1945-2003

Born in 1945,  Miriam started her life in Trehafod,  sharing her early years with five sisters and two brothers. She met and married her husband, Clay, in 1964. Their married life began with a tour overseas - to England, the start of a tour that was to last 22 years, including time in Brunei, Hong Kong and Germany.

The return to civilian life raised the question as to where the family might live. The simple reason for choosing Gwaelod y Garth was the cherry trees in blossom  at the entrance to the village which was in bloom when they made their first visit.  They  knew Gwaelod y Garth would be a special place for them.

As a post mistress, Miriam found her vocation in life. It is an occupation with many parts - she had to be a social worker, a village diplomat, a counsellor, an estate agent, a doctor, a source of information and even a Father Christmas.  She fulfilled all these tasks and more. Perhaps, above all, she became  a genuine friend to countless numbers of people who came into the Post Office.

Working in the village Post Office was an opportunity to serve the local community. A typical example of this service was the manner in which births were announced.  Details of the new arrival would be posted on the notice board, surrounded by ribbons and balloons, a photograph always taken for the family. 

Miriam's community spirit also found expression in her work for charity, not least the hosting of the annual raffle.  This grew each year raising thousands of pounds for Bobath Cymru Wales, an organisation that was always very close to her heart. Mention must also be made of  her work in organising the Big Breakfast' in aid of Breast Cancer Research.

A charity event, the Big Breakfast, took place in the village hall, Gwaelod y Garth, on March 7th. The Breakfast, to raise money for cancer research, was originally run by the late Miriam Evans. This year, her daughter, Sue, on the right of the photograph, carried on the tradition in her mother's memory with a team of dedicated helpers and raised £723 for Cancer Research Cymru.

Pentyrch
Open Gardens


The launch of this year's Pentyrch Open Gardens took place with a social evening in January for last year's gardeners and working party. We are pleased to have at least five new gardens again this year but would welcome anyone else who would like to open this year, contact details below. Money raised by this event is distributed to local groups and causes. Over the last three years in the region of £7000 has been distributed to groups and individuals throughout the whole age range in the village this is a community event please support us. Grant application forms are available (see below) and the closing date for applications this year is May 17th 2003.
Dates for your diary:
Gardeners and helpers meeting March 28th 7.30pm
Plant Sale May 10th l0am (Plants to hall 6-7pm on 9.5.03).
Open Gardens Weekend July 12th & 13th tickets from Follis & Village Hall. All meetings are in the Village Hall - everyone is welcome.
Contact Helen Edwards 20891337, Bill Rodd (Grants) 20891584.


We are grateful for all  Miriam was as a person and for all that she did.  Her passing has left a gap in many lives and in the Gwaelod y Garth community.  Clay, who has lost a partner, companion and rock, would like it to be known that having served a fifteen year apprenticeship under Miriam,  will be carrying on the work at the Post Office.

Miriam was greater than the sum of her many parts. Beneath her various roles there were qualities of kindness, generosity, compassion, humility and above all, love. It was these that made her what she was and we are truly thankful.

Our thoughts are with Clay, his children and grandchildren.

[These words are taken from the dedication made by the Minister at the burial service. We are grateful that he has allowed us to use them in Community Link].

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