Workmen's Dinner at Nanteos

During the Powell's time at Nanteos, January was the month of thanking the workmen of the Estate for their hard work during the year. Mr and Mrs William Beauclerc Powell would entertain the workmen with excellent feasting and merriment at Nanteos. At the end of the evening generous gifts of fresh meat was given out by the family to their workers.

Below are some examples of the events recorded in local newspapers of the time.  

11 January 1890, The Aberystwith Observer

NANTEOS - With usual liberality Mr and Mrs W. B. Powell entertained their employed on the Nanteos estate to an excellent dinner on the evening of New Year’s Day. After all had thoroughly enjoyed the feast, the health of Mr and Mrs Powell and Mr Edward Powell were proposed and heartily drank, and were followed by the health of Mr Lewis, the agent, which was also warmly received, W. Morris and D. Evans recited several verses of poetry in honour of the event, and speeches and songs delivered by J. Morgan, R. Jones, J. Jones, J. Bonsall, A. B. Patterson, Mrs Patterson, W. Roberts, Miss Dickenson, J. Evans, J. Edwards, J. Daniel, J. James, J. Joel, D. Davies, G. Roberts, G. Griffiths, J. Roberts. The party broke up late in the evening, having spent a most enjoyable time.  

5 February 1891. Aberystwith Observer

NANTEOS. According to their usual custom, Mr and Mrs W. B. Powell, of Nanteos, this year again recently entertained their workmen to an excellent dinner. After enjoying a feast, and the health of Mr and Mrs Powell and Mr Edward Powell drunk with enthusiastic honours, followed by that of Mr Lewis and Misses Lewis, with Mr Lloyd, speeches in the vernacular were delivered by Messrs W. Morris, the chairman, R. Jones, J. Bonsall, A. R. Patterson and David Evans. Songs were given by W. Roberts, T. Edwards. J. Daniel. D. Evans, J. Evans, J. Joel and T. Griffiths. Amongst the songs given on the occasion were the following pretty words to ‘Llwyn Onn,’ by Mr David Evans: -   

Fwyneiddied yw canu i Gymru fynyddig

Ei bryniau a'i bronydd, a'i dolydd diail;

Ei bythod gwyngalchog-cartrefi mwyn diddig,

A'r palas a'i dyrau yn ngwenau yr haul-

Palasan godidog a chestyll ysgythrog

Addurnant hen Gymru-Paradwys y byd;

Ond o'r boll balasau, y goreu a garaf,

Yw palas Nant Eos o honynt i gyd.

Edmygaf yn gynes holl hanes y teulu-

Hen deulu 'r Poweliaid, Brythoniaid mewn bri;

Edmygaf gynesach eu banian garedig,

Eu hysbryd haelionus bob pryd attom ni;

Boed llwyddiant a mwyniant i'r yswain a'i briod,

Boed hedd yn Nant Eos tra tyfa y coed;

Boed llwydd i'r Etifedd, ac iechyd a mawredd,

Anrhydedd i'r 'tifedd pan ddelo i'w oed.

11 January 1894 The Aberystwith Observer

NANTEOS - Workmen’s Dinner. Mr and Mrs Powell invited their workmen to the mansion on Monday evening, the 1st inst., on the occasion of their annual dinner, Mr E. A. L. Powell, Mr S. H. Lewis, and Mr. Joseph, who was staying at the mansion, were present, and assisted in entertaining the company, who spent a very pleasant evening, The company expressed their deep regret at the absence of Mr and Mrs Powell through ill-health, and wished them a speedy recovery. The health of the family and visitors was drank with musical honours, and numerous songs, &c., were given. The following lines were also recited:

Dyma no unwaith yn rhagor

O fewn I’r palas hardd,

Yn mwynau y wledd ardderhog

Nes lloni calon bardd.

Mae’n hawdd i’r awrn ganu

Wrth fwynhau’r fath wledd a hon.

Rhown ddilch yn galonog

Bob un a chalon lon.

Mae’s teulu oll yn llawen

O fewn i’r palas hardd.

Pwy nas gall fod un llawen,

Pob cerddor a phob bard;

Mae a beef a’r pwddyn

Yn flasus iawn yn wir,

Ni chafwyd ddim gwell swper

Erioed o fewn y sir.

Diolchwn oll yn gynes,

A chanwn yn gyttun,

Wrth wledda ar ddanteothion.

Rhown ddiolch bob yr un;

Mae yma bob ddanteithien

Sy’n angen arnom ni,

Bpb blwyddyn gn garedig

O fewn i’r palas gn.

Mae teulu plas Nanteos

Y haeddu parch a bri

Am gofio am y gweithwyr

Bob blwyddyn yn ei ty.

Gobeithio ? < ? > ?

Fel gweithwyr yn gyttun,

Yn rhoddi’r parch dyladwy

I’r teulu bob yr un.

Garddwr.

7 January 1897 The Aberystwith Observer

Nanteos

The annual supper to which Mr and Mrs Powell so kindly entertain their workmen took place at their mansion on the evening of New Year’s day, when Mr Powell, Mrs Powell. Mr E. A. L. Powell, Mr Lewis and Miss H Lewis were present. Their health were proposed and warmly drank, to which they all responded, with a promise from Mrs Powell that we shall meet again soon, on the event of Mr Edwards’ wedding with Miss Pryse, which was received with ringing cheers. As usual several songs and speeches were delivered. A hearty vote of thanks and cheers were given for their generosity, which terminated the proceedings. The following lines were read –

Rwy’n teimlo yn ddiolchgar

Yr awr hon wrth y bwrdd

Am fod nyni y gweithwtr

Bob caln yma’n cwrdd,

I gyd fwynhau y swper,

A roi’r yn rhad i ni,

Gan deulu sydd mor barchus

Bob blwydd y neu ty.

Rhown ddiolch oll yn gynes

I’r gwych foneddwr hael,

A’i hawddgawr foneddiges

Ni does en gwell i’w cael;

Maent yn ein gwneud yn hapus

Yn y palasdy hardd,

Ar noswaith gynta’r flwyddyn,

Nes denu search y bardd.

Ir oes i Mr Edward,

A’I feinir hawddgar lon,

Bendithion fo’n eu Dilyn,

Heb unrhyw groes I’w bron

Boed iddynt hefyd deulu

I loni’u haelwyd glyd,

A nwyniant fo’n eu canlyn

Tra yme yn y byd.

I Mr Lewis hefyd

Dymunaf fywyd hir;

Buasan yn bur anhawdd

Fod hebddo yma’n wir;

Mae’n oruchwyliwr tirion,

Mae’i glod trwy’r wlad a thref,

I’r gweithwyr a’r amaethwtr,

Mae’n gwiando are u llef.

Dymunaf wrth derfyni

R’ychydig hyn o gan

Roi ‘Blwyddyn newydd dda.’

I’r teulu’n ddiwahan;

Bendithion fo’n eu Dilyn,

Tra yma is y nen,

A nefoedd yn a diwedd

Yn gartref byth, Amen

GARDDWR.

12 January 1905 Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

NANTEOS. Workmen’s Supper

The annual supper of the workmen on the Nanteos Estate, to which Mr. and Mrs Powell so kindly entertaining them year after year, took place at the mansion of December 28th. After partaking of the good things provided of them, Mr and Mrs Powell and Mr Ed Powell addressed the workmen in encouraging terms. Several of the workmen also spoke, acknowledging the many acts of kindness shown towards them by the family. Several songs were also sung. The meeting ended with many expressions for another happy reunion and singing of ‘Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’ During the evening ‘Garddwr’ recited the following lines:-

Y Wledd eleni eto

Sy’n drefnus ger ein bron

A chalon hael ein meistriaid

Fu yn darpanu hon;

Cyfnewid y mae pethau

O’u hamgylch yn y byd,

Ond hael galonau’n meistriaid

Sy’n para’r un o hyd.

Haelioni a nodweddau

Y teulu yma fu,

Haelioni eto welir

Yn amlwg yn y ty;

Siriod a serchowgrwydd

Ein meistr a’n Meistree fwyn

Sy’n gwneyd i bethau anhawdd

Sy;n gwbeyd i bethau anhawdd

Yn hawdd i no eu dwyn.

I’r holl urddasol deulu

Dymunaf flwyddan dda

Ac iechyd, nerth, a llwyddiant

Yn llawn fel blodau gaffont

Wrth fynd o’r anial fyd

I mewn i’r teg drigfanau

Yn deul hardd i gyd  

3 January 1907 Aberystwyth Observer

NANTEOS - Workmen’s Dinner – The annual dinner of the workmen employed on the Nanteos estate took place on New Year’s night, when Mr Roberts, Primrose Vills, Moriah. There were twenty three present, and several of these sang songs, whilst Mr David Evans, Wernddu Cottage, recited verses suitable to the occasion, Several speeches were delivered, and the toast of Mr Powell was honoured, the party singing ‘For he is a jolly good fellow.’

9 January 1908 Welsh Gazette

NANTEOS EMPLOYEES TREAT. The annual treat of the employees on the Nanteos Estate, which Mr. and Mrs Powell so kindly gave them year after year took place on New Year's Day. They have not missed once since they are at Nanteos, which tells much about their generosity. The tables were loaded with the best of things as usual, and the employees all enjoyed themselves to their heart’s content. After clearing the tables, Mr and Mrs Powell, as is their custom, came and spoke words of comfort. Captain E. Powell was absent owing to unforeseen circumstances, and his absent was keenly felt by the employees. The health of the family was. warmly drunk. Following the tea, a concert was held. William Roberts was the chairman, a place which he ably filled. Speeches were made by the workmen; and afterwards came a dialogue by David H. Lloyd, Gwladys Lloyd, Tommy Griffiths; recitations by Ellen, Tilly, and Mary Berrows, and Wm Davies; solo, D. H. Lloyd; duett, David and John Evans duett, Tom Griffiths and Edward Morgan solo Lizzie Evans; solo, Ellen Till; solo, Richard Jones: solo, Edward Morgan; solo, Mr Raymond, Rhydyifirian; solo, Wm Daves; quartette Margretta Griffiths, Gwladys Lloyd, D. H. Lloyd, and Tom Griffiths, conducted by Edward Morgan. All enjoyed themselves, and were of opinion that it was the best meeting that ever they had there. The meeting terminated after passing a vote of thanks to, and after wishing a Happy New Year to the family. The following composed by 'Garddwr; were read by him in the course of the meeting:

Wedi blwyddyn o drallodion

A thrafferthion yn y byd,

Wele ni unwaith yn rhagor,

Wedi cael ein galw 'nghyd

I fwynhau y wledd flynvddol

Roddir yma i ni'n rtad,

Gan ein meistr a'n meistress dirion,

Does mo'u gwell hwy yn y wlad.

Caredigrwydd a haelioni

Sy'n nodweddu'r teulu mwvn,

Cydymdeimlant a'r trallodus

A gwrandawant ar eu cwyn,

Llawer blwyddyn gaffont etto

I barhau eu rhoddion rhad,

A phan ddaw rhai sydd i'w canlyn,

Iddynt ddilyn ol eu traed.

Cyd ddiolchwn oil yn wresog

Am eu gofal trosom ni,

Yn darparu gwaith ac arian

Er ein cysur o bob ty;

Oyd-ddymunwn iddynt hefyd,

Flwyddyn newydd hapus llon,

Ac yn llawn o bob bendithion

Iddynt fyddo'r flwyddyn hon.

9 January 1914 The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

NANTEOS. Generosity. —Mr and Mrs Powell Nanteos, have this year renewed their kindness towards the workmen. Each was the recipient of over 4s. worth of meat, which was much appreciated. Mr and Mrs Powell are well known for their liberality both to the men and to the neighbourhood in general. All join in wishing them and their son, Mr W. E. Powell, health, and prosperity throughout the year and for many years to come.

15 January 1915 The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

Nanteos

Generosity – Captain and Mrs Powell of Nanteos, are well-known for their kind disposition, particularly towards their employees. Each of the workmen on the estate has again this year been the recipient of a seasonable gift consisting of several pounds of meat. The gift was greatly appreciated, the more so in view if present conditions, Captain and Mrs Powell’s generosity is also extended to the neighbourhood in general, and all joining with Captain Powell, who is now serving with his regiment, God-speed and a safe return; also to him with Mrs Powell and the heir (Mr. W. E. Powell) the compliments of the season.

7 January 1916 The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

NANTEOS. Generosity. Captain and Mrs. Powell, of Nanteos, have this year presented the Workmen on their estate with a seasonable gift. Each has been the recipient of over five shillings worth of meat. This Is not an exceptional thing in the castor Nanteos and Gogerddan families. They are known throughout the neighbourhood for kindness to their workmen in particular and to the poor of the district. Captain Powell is at present serving with his regiment on the Far Coast and is, we are glad to say, keeping well. All sincerely join in wishing that he with Mrs. Powell and Mr. W. E. Powell, their son and heir, may find every blessing in the new year and in many years to come.

12 January 1917 The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

NANTEOS. CHRISTMASTIDE. Captain and Mrs Powell have again presented each of the workmen on their estate with a seasonable gift consisting of over ten shillings' worth of meat and groceries. This valuable gift is most welcome, especially in present conditions. Captain and Mrs Powell also distributed many Christmas and New Year gifts among the poor of the neighbourhood. Captain Powell, who is now serving with his regiment in Mesopotamia is keeping well, and all hope he may have a safe and speedy return. Mr W. E. Powell is congratulated on his recent success in entering the Officers Training College. He is home at present, and proves himself a fine sportsman as master of the Nanteos hounds.