22nd December 2023 - Event Cancelled

Thought for the day :"I know what you are getting for Christmas – I felt your presents"

So, we didn't open to the public today and all in all it was a good decision. Neither of us had a lot of energy and Susie was still riddled with sore throat and headache...

Took the dogs for a walk and got the decorations down form the store so Susie could put the Christmas wreath on the back gate and I could hang the bells ...

Sold a few bottles of Spiced wine to a favourite customer - who wanted some stock since we were not opening ..

But brought the Vectra back up to the driveway and set a cancelled sign on the Crimson Moon Sign at the end of the road ... Didn't want anyone walking all the way up to find that we were not open..

In other news...

On 22nd December 1844, John Jones (Shoni Sguborfawr) and David Davies (Dai'r Cantwr) were convicted for their part in the Rebecca Riots, both men were sentenced to be transported to Van Diemen's Land (modern-day Tasmania).

The Rebecca Riots were a series of protests that took place between 1839 and 1843 in South and Mid Wales, undertaken by local farmers and agricultural workers, who took direct action against toll gates in response to perceived unfair taxes and tolls. The general public supported the riots and very few rioters were arrested and convicted. However, some of those taking part used the guise of 'Rebecca' for their own gain, to exact revenge and extort money. Two such men were Shoni Sguborfawr (Johnny Big Barn) and Dai'r Cantwr (David the singer)

Shoni (John Jones) was described as ‘a half-witted and inebriate ruffian’ from Penderyn, near Merthyr. He had made a name for himself as a hard man in the toughest area of Merthyr. He had shot a man in Pontyberem and had a police record for being drunk and disorderly, and brawling in the streets.

Dai'r Cantwr (David Davies) was a farm labourer from Llancarfan, near Cowbridge who was also well known to the police.

During the riots, both men were paid to take a prominent role in attacking the toll-gates, but after the riots ended they began using extortion to gain money from several farmers, threatening to reveal them as Rebecca Rioters. Eventually, people turned against them and they were reported to the police, warrants were issued for their arrest and they were placed in custody in Carmarthen Goal.

On 22 December 1843, they were sentenced to transportation to Van Dieman's Land. Dai Cantwr was sentenced to 20 years and 'Shoni' for life. In Van Dieman's Land they were unable to stay out of trouble and continued to be anti-social and aggressive. Both men were convicted for stealing and being drunk and disorderly. However, both men were eventually awarded tickets of leave and returned to Wales.

Cheers !