In memory of Ken

I had personally known him since 1958 at a time when he was employed at the Malpas Brick Works, now the venue of the Malpas Fire Station, and as a late friend of mine working with him said, they pulled wheelbarrows full of house bricks from 7am until 5pm, a task to ruin many men, however strong.

This was suddenly changed about 1963 when I worked in the electricians' shop, he on the kilns and boilers at the British Aluminium Company, Corporation Road.

Ken was known as the jester there, full of fun, and I can recall one instance very well. I was in the electrician's shop on nights when Ken walked in holding two lampholders.

He said: "Excuse me, Colin, can you supply me with this requisition note, two blubs!"

Looking bemused, I said: "Don't you mean bulbs?"

He then said: "The foreman said bulbs grow in the garden, not in holders."

I still use that word today. Ken was a workaholic. Whenever overtime was going, he was first. That was Ken, what a great character. Another I remember was just a couple of years ago.

He had drunk a glass of lemonade (so he said) at the Bettws Social Club with friends.

He walked into the local bookies and sauntered up to the counter and in his own comical way said: "I haven't come here to back a loser, I've come for a winner, so let's go." It won at 20/1.

We should have copied him but that was Ken.

After the BAC closed down Ken was accepted at the Standard Telephone and Cable Company off Corporation Road where he enjoyed many happy years, still making people laugh louder than Tommy Cooper. I can honestly and truthfully say in 50 years of knowing him I never once heard him argue or talk nastily to anyone because Ken was the person you wanted as a friend, a true gentleman.

In 1975 Ken married his sweetheart, Pamela, and they enjoyed three children in Neil, Richard and Ross as their happy family, and they were endowed with 13 wonderful grandchildren. Ken, Pam and family lived in Medway Road, Bettws, where their friendly nature and joyful living was appreciated by all their neighbours and when you saw them outside they would never pass without a chat, so was their nature, and their three boys are the same always.

Ken worked tirelessly until, unfortunately, serious illness overtook him, of which he fought like a lion to defeat but, sadly, on Saturday, November 10, he lost his long battle with ill health and passed away in the company of his loving and adoring family.

He was resting at the Michael J Ryan Funeral Home, Malpas Road, until the funeral was held on Monday, November 19, with the service provided by Canon Henry Davies of St David Lewis RC Church, Monnow Way, with the congregation of 300 joining in with the singing of hymns, and Canon H Davies giving a fine account of Ken's life - that he liked a pint, liked horse racing, and life itself. I remember his singer was the King himself, Elvis.

Following the service all were invited to the Bettws Social Club to talk of Ken Law's life.

Finally, may I, on behalf of all Ken's neighbours, thousands of friends, past workmates, and all who knew him, convey our most sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to Pam and family on their sad loss but, bearing in mind that, Ken was not one of the best, he was the best!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: On Sunday, November 18, the Newport Christmas lights were lit up but though the weather was from the North Pole, people still turned up to celebrate the event.

Typical of Newport City Council workers working endlessly for the people, stewards, organisers, police, first-aiders, dancers and singers all made the event enjoyable following the meeting to decide to proceed.

I must mention the people from Bettws who arrived, from dancers and after the brilliant Gang Show from the Scouts, the Newport Male Choir sang a medley of Christmas carols in their own way, a melodious air of wonderment, and they do contain members from Bettws.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Newport spoke before the two Argus selected people officially lit up the lights before the usual display of fireworks. Thanks to the Kings Hotel for their help.

BREEZER QUIZ: I am glad my readers have insisted on the Breezer Quiz to continue and will print any questions posted to me.

I recently asked Since 1968 how many soccer clubs and teams have actually played all home matches at Bettws, Saturday or Sunday'?

The final answer will shock many but they are all and were registered with the associations.

The question came from Paul who informed me he has kept mum with the answer. On reflection, I did not expect a correct reply, but I did! Previous quiz winner Doug Gimblett, an ex-messenger during the 1940s, now with wife Margaret are the hot drink providers at the Newport County home games, sat up until 5am thinking of the teams and it all paid off. I had the teams written down and he provided every one.

From 1968 they were: Newport Post Office (2); BSO (2); Passport Office (afternoons); Civil Service firsts, seconds, thirds; Welch Garages; Merry Miller (2); Bettws Social (2); Pentwyn House; Nightingale Inn; Bettws Dynamo; Toneville (2); Bettws United under-14s (1968); Civil Service under-18s; Bettws Youth; Civil Service (6); Junior Youth; Real Bettws Junior Youth (6); Real Bettws under-16s, under-18s. Also informed of teams from Can-Cans, King David Tyres and Bettws Rugby but do not know of any league status. Answer is 39 teams. Malpas FC played at Bettws Lane, also other grounds.

COINCIDENCE: Do you believe in historical fact, or just coincidence?

This synopsis will blow the minds of my readers I am sure.

"Mystified"

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846 John F Kennedy to Congress in election 1946 Lincoln was elected President of USA 1860 Kennedy was elected President of USA 1960 The names of Lincoln and Kennedy contain seven letters Both were concerned with Civil Rights.

Both their wives lost children while at the White House.

Both presidents were shot on a Friday, both in the head.

Both shot in the presence of their wives.

Both presidents secretaries warned them not to travel theatre or Dallas.

Lincoln's secretary was called Kennedy, Kennedy's secretary was Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by southerners. Both succeeded by southerners.

Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson was succeeding Lincoln, born in 1808.

Lyndon B Johnson was succeeding Kennedy, born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth assassinated Lincoln, born in 1939 Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated Kennedy, born in 1939.

Both were known by their three names, both names 15 letters.

Booth ran from theatre, caught in the warehouse.

Oswald ran from warehouse, caught in the theatre.

To cap it all off, Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials could begin.

Mystery or coincidence?

If any of my readers have any such stories, please post to above address for print.