Conversation / Ymddiddan

2013

Nefyn is a coastal village with a strong seafaring tradition and there is a clifftop path where one can look out over the bay towards Anglesey. Ireland is visible on occasions and one could often see ships from Liverpool sailing on the horizon.  It has an affectionate place in the memories of those who over the years have left the village, some never to return.

Many of my fathers generation were merchant seamen sailing out of Liverpool and before going away would walk the path to have a last look before departing. Many served on the ships one could see on the horizon and they would see the lights of home as they sailed away.  I and others of my generation who went to colleges and universities had the habit of coming to have a last look before going away and it was also the first port of call when we came home.  It is a vantage point from where one can see the familiar and reassuring profile of Yr Eifl and observe the state of the tide below. 

Meeting others inevitably led to conversation and reminiscences.  Many who walk the path today are holidaymakers with no knowledge of this tradition and they will often meet local characters who like my grandfather spent a lifetime living and working in the area. I used to watch him, having little grasp of English trying to hold a conversation with a stranger and realising that the gap between them was much greater than just language.

Share it