A few years ago, not too long after Llangunllo Website was set up, I was contacted by Martin Melville ,who once lived in Llangunllo with his parents & sister, in what was the old police station, (now Gooseberry Cottage.) Martin’s Father was a Policemen & the family was resident in Llangunllo during the 1960s. Martin’s fondness for the village remained over the years and in later life, compelled him to do a painting, in watercolours, depicting the centre of the village. The Greyhound Inn, cottages & telephone box are all easily recognisable features, still there today. Martin sent me a photo of the painting, which I added to the community website.
In 2024 Martin contacted me, after noticing all the planned fundraising events happening in Llangunllo that he had seen on the village’s social media sites. He, very kindly, offered the framed watercolour to help contribute to the fundraising. As part of the sponsorship by the pub for The Llangunllo Show, held in August 2024, the painting is now proudly hanging on the wall of the bar in The Greyhound Inn, for all to enjoy!
However, I was curious to know a bit more about Martin and his families’ time here in Llangunllo and if he had any memories to share. He certainly did, and also sent through copies of 2 wonderful photos, included below!
Over to you, Martin…
Mum and Dad’s names were Ruth and John Melville. Sis is Janice.
Me and Jan came to Llangunllo when we were fostered out of a Barnardo’s home in Bristol around 1961 and left when Dad was stationed in Howey around 1965.
I wasn’t old enough to start school while in Llangunllo but I remember waiting at the gates with Mum for Jan to come out. Whenever she was asked what she had had for school dinner she always said it was “chicken”
We remember picking gooseberries straight off the bush and making daisy chains in the back garden of the Police House. Petting two horses named Walter and Blazer in the field behind the house. Long walks on farm lanes no matter what the weather. Little Isabel from the little shop. Bill and May Matheson in the pub.
We weren’t there for very long but the village has left a lasting impression and fondness. It was, after all, the start of mine and Janice’s new and fortunate lives, as PC and Mrs Melville were able to adopt us as their own in 1967.
You can see more of Martin’s artwork on his website.