Continuing history of the Pandy Inn Dorstone:
The earliest mention of the Pandy as an Inn seems to be 28th December 1780. An advert was found of the auctioning of coppice wood and timber “at the Public House called the Pandy in Dorstone.” The Hereford Times described it as ‘ an outstanding 16 c. hostelry’.
In another of my ‘diggings’ the building of the church was accredited to de Brito, so that’s: the Pandy, a chapel and also the church! Busy, busy. Anyway another question…what size was the Pandy in 1845? It was apparently the venue for an assembly on 9th January presided over by Col. Powell of Hardwick for upwards of 160 to sit down for supper, ‘a most seasonal delicacy.’ Not just the food but entertainment followed of dancing and singing! The Col. intended by the next year to have built ‘a new and more accommodating room’ for his numerous friends.
The Woolhope club visited in 1882 and were most impressed, enjoying dinner under the trees, another visit ensued in 1888. I wonder if they travelled by rail? The GV railway branch line to Hay on Wye opened 1st September 1881, as far as Dorstone, then on to Hay 8 years later. Passengers used it up until 24rd August 1941 ( then animals and deliveries only perhaps ?)and it closed completely in 1951. How many of you took a journey on the line, particularly it’s last journey?
During the rebuilding of the church in the Victorian period, 1890, a grave was then found of another de Brito in whose tomb was also a pewter chalice. For many years the church housed/displayed the chalice until, sadly, stolen, as recent as 2006. Has anyone got a picture of it?Unfortunately valuable items are locked away these days and are not seen by visitors. Even stones have been stolen from church walls recently. Found one on the pavement a few weeks ago. Too heavy for me, a kindly young gentleman was close by and repositioned it. Wasn’t sure if it had been someone pratting around. Please keep a watch.
Fairs were held in front of the Pandy until late 19th century of “horned cattle, sheep and pigs.” I well remember going to similar occasions to Peterchurch, Longtown, Ewyias Harold and Llanthony with my father when I was quite young. Great excitement. Just sheep though. Not as much to attend in those days… sports and shows at Peterchurch, Longtown and the aerodrome at Michaelchurch. Also eistedfords at Newton, Longtown and Kington. Then church, chapel and Sunday school.
Oops off the track a bit.
Did you know that the Pandy hold a competition in January? A SLOE GIN ONE when a winner is crowned The Grand Master of the Sloes. In 2015, 30 entered and over 50 judged! Hic!} I’m pretty sure the competition was held last year. The sloes should be picked after the 1st frost, then each one pricked, traditionally by a thorn taken from the bush on which they grew.
HEREFORDSHIRE DIALECT of the PAST…often words/phases used by my father….a very
broad speaking Herefordshire farmer. (Some are probably used further afield…no pun intended)
EMPT…. Rain empts down… empties .. very heavily.
ETTLES….nettles
FILD ………field
ARCHUT.. orchard
GILLIES…..wallflowers
GRANCHER/GRANFER..grandad. Our family always used GRANCHER . Was it from Wales?