Post by BereniceUK on Apr 28, 2017 18:39:53 GMT
RETURN HOME OF LIEUTENANT BAMFORD.
On Monday evening last, the village of Llanrhaiadr was en fete on the occasion of the return home of Lieutenant C. A. Bamford from South Africa. Mr. Bamford's return to Llanrhaiadr was so unexpected, and preparations for his welcome could not be, under the circumstances, made on a large scale. He, however, received a hearty welcome, and almost all the villagers turned out with great enthusiasm to receive into their midst one who has been exceedingly popular during his residence in the locality. Lieutenant Bamford drove from Denbigh, accompanied by Mr. J. Parry Jones, Town Clerk. When the conveyance, however, reached Llwyn Farm, the horse was detached, and the carriage was afterwards drawn to the village by a number of enthusiastic villagers. The Ruthin Volunteer Band were in attendance and preceded the procession from Llwyn to King's Head Inn, where a large company afterwards assembled in the Club Room, to be entertained by Lieutenant Bamford to refreshments.
A meeting was held over which Mr. John Williams, agent of the Llanrhaiadr estate, presided, and speeches were delivered by Mr. J. Parry and Mr. Owen Ellis.
Mr. J. Parry Jones proposed in felicitous terms the health of Lieutenant Bamford, and the toast was received with great cheering.
Lieutenant Bamford responded, and thanked Mr. Parry Jones for the kind way in which he had proposed his health, and also the company for receiving the same.
Songs were given by Mr. J. R. Parry, Ystrad, Mr. Morris, Mr. W. Bundred, and others.
A most enjoyable evening was spent, and the hearty reception given to Mr. Bamford will be looked back to with pleasant recollections by those who took part in it, especially the younger sections of the inhabitants.
Triumphant arches had been erected by Llwyn, the Schoolroom, and King's Head, and many of the villagers displayed bunting along the line of route. Before leaving the village, Lieutenant Bamford drove towards Llanrhaiadr Hall Lodge, and then returned to Denbigh amidst great cheering. Fireworks were let off, and the evening's proceedings concluded with 'Auld Lang Syne,' played by the Ruthin Volunteer Band, under Bandmaster Thomas.
(The North Wales Times, 18 May 1901)