Eppynt history (6)

In 1939 whilst War raged in far off Europe, a young Army Officer Stepped from a Khaki coloured Hillman Minx saloon car at Epynt to explain to locals that a survey was about to take place, to check whether Eppynt could become a suitable Artillery training range!.  Eviction notices followed, an entire community given at first until 30 April 1940 to move out, extended later to 30th of June that year.  People, animals, equipment and belongings were moved out.  Over 250 people were moved out of 54 Dwellings.  

The Drovers Arms Tavern was busily used by locals and drovers in transit.  A welcome stopover en route to whichever Mart or Fair or returning with the earnings from the sales, it was run by elderly Mrs. Caroline Evans and her son Mr.Jack Evans who was handicapped by having lost a hand.   Since its closure in 1940- it remains silent to Epynt on GR986451.  A wave of Sympathy welled from folk in the area to cause the War Office to re house both at Sychnant. Mrs  Evans died shortly after being moved there, whilst son Jack Stayed at Sychnant he later died in Builth Hospital in 1950.

Cilieni School Built in 1882, remains at ‘Grid Reference ’9000378’ at closure it had 14 pupils on its register.  Teacher Miss Olwen Davies took up another post at Llandulas, now known as Tirabad.   Nearby is one of  many 18th, and 19th Century Methodist Chapels, Babell Chapel, built adjoining Tirbach farm in1857 for a cost then of £186:7  shillings.  £120 of which raised by public community subscription.  Rev. William Jones had been the ‘pregethwr’ (Preacher/Minister) since 1909 and his last service at Babell was held there in June 1940. Consecrated Areas became boarded or walled in, placed respectfully out of bounds, notices erected, nevertheless lack of maintenance allowed it to fall into disrepair.

Decay, harsh weather with artillery damage cannot easily be redressed.  Graveyards along with surrounding hedges had been faithfully maintained well by the late Mr. Rhys Price.  Appointed by Defence land Agents he would carry scythe reap hook, with food bag to spend all day on location, travelling at first by bicycle, later transport to site was provided.  Cut flowers and daffodils were always a mark of his fine work, somehow they still grow and appear around those graveyards, he worked until he was aged 82 years in 1985.