Emlyn Davies

On the left, we see Emlyn Davies of Cwm Penmachno, one of the officers of the quarry, inside the Office at Rhiwbach. In the 1940's, he was the bandmaster of Machno Silver Band, and also the organist at Shiloh Chapel. He used to give piano lessons to Cwm Penmachno's children, and his name is on my piano certificate.

Workers at Rhiwbach, namely Gwyn Jones from Cwm Penmachno and Evan Owen Roberts from Penmachno. They are standing by a truck carrying slate, destined for all corners of the land.

Gwyn Jones was an accomplished singer, leading the singing in the Chapel on Sunday. He used to travel around villages with his wife Beryl to sing together.

Evan Owen Roberts used to keep a shop in Llys Caradog, Penmachno. He also ran a taxi service and sold fuel for vehicles.

Gwyn Jones, Evan Owen Roberts

Moi the Blacksmith

This is a picture of Moi Williams, the Blacksmith, a native of Penmachno. He was the Quarry's Smith, responsible for making and maintaining the tools and machinery in top class condition. He moved to Llanrwst after the Quarry closed.

Notice the chimney behind Moi - this was probably the chimney used to get rid of the smoke produced by coal burned to produce electricity for the Quarry.

Two Quarrymen from Cwm, Robert Einion Jones and Jack Hughes. They were also members of the local Brass Band.

Robert Einion went from the Quarry to work in the Police Force. After the closure of Rhiwbach, Jack Hughes went to work in Rhiw Machno Quarry.

In the picture, they are digging rock for the purpose of measuring. This was a skill by itself - to be able to handle rock correctly and turn it into slates.

Robert Einion Jones, Jack Hughes

Sprig

Elwyn Griffiths from Penmachno, known to everyone as "Sprig". He was well known as an able footballer, one of the best at the time. Today, in all likelihood, he would be playing for a team like Liverpool. He was very fast on the field, and this was how he earned his nickname. All of his family were also talented football players.

Here are the Quarrymen of Rhiw Machno Quarry in 1953. The picture was taken outside the "New Engine".

A Crew of Quarrymen

Tip

We now go from Rhiwbach Quarry for a quick look at the end of Penrhiw River. In this place in Swch, where the tip ends, Penrhiw River unites with the River Machno.

The Steam Wagon belonging to Rhiw Machno in the street at Ddôl Cwm. The writing on the back of the wagon is as follows: "Cwm Machno Slate Quarries Ltd., Cwm Penmachno, Nr. Bettws-y-Coed." The registration number is CC 4439.

Traction