The Quarryman’s Son – Review And Interview

The Quarryman’s Son – Review And Interview

Review by AmeriCymru

In the early chapters of 'The Quarryman's Son', Alwyn Parry succeeds in evoking a boy’s life and upbringing in post-war Caernarfon with an exquisite eye for period detail. The book will bring back fond memories for some and an enchanting picture of a simpler life, now sadly gone, for many more.

There are also interesting references to old local customs which might usefully be revived. Here is Alwyn's account of the 'Ty Unnos':-

"Some had taken advantage of an ancient law, which allowed them to build a home on the common. These were known as Ty Unnos (one night house). Provided they were built overnight and there was a fire on the hearth and smoke coming out of the hole in the roof in the morning, the house was theirs to keep. Over the years, they would slowly extend their homes replacing the turf walls and roughly thatched roofs with stone and slate. It was said that they could also lay claim to the land around, the distance being measured by how far they could throw their axe from each corner of their home."

This practice was effectively abolished in 1950 with the sale of the Faenol estate lands. One cant help thinking that a contemporary equivalent might provide a way out of homelessness and crippling mortgage payments for many.

Leaving Caernarfon for London in the 1950's Alwyn goes on to recount his youthful experiences and challenges before emigrating to New Zealand as a 21 year old where he become engrossed in a very busy and successful business career.

The book concludes with a description of a school reunion in Caernarfon and his reflection on how so many of his fellow students had been remarkably successful in their chosen careers . All in all it is as engaging an account of one man's adventures in the Welsh 'diaspora' as one could hope for.

This title would make an ideal first purchase for the new Kindle Fire devices we will all got as Christmas presents this year. Go on, treat yourself :)

( Available on Amazon as an eBOOK edition for a mere us$2.95, the book can also be read with the Kindle for PC software available as a free download for Windows 7, XP and Vista and a free download from Apple )

Interview With Alwyn Parry

Q. What made you write 'The Quarryman's Son" ?
1.As I am unfortunately approaching my twilight it seemed to me that much of the history of what my childhood was like would inevitably disappear into the black hole of time. So many of us say I wish I had written that piece of family history down at the time but of course very few rarely do. Recently retired, I also wanted to write something which would encourage the young people of today to appreciate that you can be successful and overcome challenges and indeed inspired when I recently discovered the achievements of so many of my fellow pupils in the many fields of their chosen endeavours. I felt that it was time to put that Welsh modesty aside and blow the bugle loud and clear on their behalf because they certainly will not..

Q. What are your memories of a boy in Caernarfon?
2. Summer time we would head down to Porth yr Aur ( The Gate of Gold which made up part of the town walls) to swim and watch the salmon fishermen standing across on the gleaming golden sandbanks with their nets pulling in the salmon. Occasionally a pod of dolphins would swim along speeding towards the setting sun over Aber Menai its glow blushing the colours of the town walls and its majestic castle. There was always time to love nature.

Q.How would you compare your youth to that of todays?
3.Fortunately in my day the biggest trouble most of us got up to was being caught pinching apples although others a little more mature but less careful had to get married very quickly. I believe I was lucky to witness the tail end of the influence of the Chapel on the people of Wales and on reflection( whilst I have long been an agnostic ) I feel that the participation helped me recognize and establish my own life's standards. Observing todays youth their lives appear to be more complex and their demands greater on their peers and appear to want for more immediately without recognizing the need to be industrious to be rewarded . I would hope that the advice they receive, because of the improved education of their parents, and the system itself, would inspire them to achieve their educational goals more readily. History repeats itself todays economic woes can be likened to yesterdays post war rationing, so the challenges of life are only different in respect of detail, eventually it is entirely up to the individual to make the most of life despite or because of their upbringing.

Q. Can you tell me more about 'ty un nos' ?

4.Ty un Nos (one night house) as you have read I have relied much on my memories of the times and the stories my father told me although I tried to recently research the subject more thoroughly I did'nt receive much response from people who might have had better access to the information in Wales. However I did find the articles in Wikipedia fascinating and would recommend readers to read this.

Q. When did you begin taking an interest in politics?

5. I was naturally influenced at an early age by my father being Secretary of the Caretakers Union and recently heard from a friend in Caernarfon that she would often attend meetings of Llafur (Labour) chaired by my father in my home. He was a great friend of Gwynfor.O.Roberts M.P who gave me a signed copy of a book about Parliament which I was very proud of..There was little doubt that i leaned considerably to the left as a youngster but was more influenced by my Welsh inheritance . During those days the Cinema would play God Save the Queen at the end or the beginning of the show and a few of us would refuse to stand up stating we were in Wales not England. Later when T.V became more common and when the programs would shut down for the night after the 10.00pm news the playing of God Save the Queen would be interrupted with a choral rendition of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau illegally broadcasted by Young members of Plaid Cymru. I still advocate my belief in republicanism today and am currently trying to persuade N.Z lawmakers to review the laws of NZ so that I do not have to swear allegiance to the Queen and her family to obtain a NZ Passport!

Q. How involved are you with the Welsh society in New Zealand?

6. I am personally not deeply involved in the Welsh communities activities having lived here for almost half a century ones interests are spread elsewhere and most of my life I have spent traveling both throughout NZ and world wide. However there are several active Societies and choirs and even a Welsh pub in Wellington which I always try to attend on 1 st March to enjoy a couple of pints of Brains beer and watch the latest arrivals from Wales participate in the leek eating competition.

Q. What are your travel plans?

7. Although I have been previously to Argentina I do hope to visit Patagonia next year as I am fascinated by the history of the Welsh and of course the beauty of the animal kingdom and their landscape. Equally I would like to return to Brittany as they to have a historical connection to the Welsh and I have always enjoyed France.

Q. What books do you read?

8.I am not an avid reader but generally read a book or sometimes two a month and do have a habit of straying back to old favourites which are generally historical set around the times of the Tudors. Currently however reading 'Interview with History' by Oriana Fallaci and when I find it getting a little heavy switch to Paul Theroux for some light hearted banter.

Q> What next for Taffy Parry?

9. Deep in thought I still have a lot of traveling to do so who knows if I find that I can afford to buy a Greek Bank with my Royalties from the sales of ' The Quarryman's Son ' I might just retire on a Greek Island and I can then invite all the members.

Q.Do you have a message for members?
10. I bawb sydd yn perthyn i AmeriCymru, o wylod y byd, Nadolig Llawen i chwi gyd a Blwyddyn Newydd dda lle bynnag eich bod yn byw.
To all members of AmericCymru from the bottom of the world wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year wherever you may live.
Cofion cynnes iawn

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