He used to sing for a half penny outside Figonies chip shop Amlwch

by Des Bach (Harrison)
(Now Llandegfan.)

I remember him well and he did no-one any harm.

Sometimes he used to stay in the Blue Bell (tramp house in Amlwch Port ) where others like him got shelter for a very small sum. I remember him well and some of the others who stayed there.

I lived in Amlwch Port from 7 until 22 years of age and will be 80 years of age on 12.7.2011.

Regards

Des Harrison

Comments for He used to sing for a half penny outside Figonies chip shop Amlwch

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Jul 04, 2012
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Washi Bach
by: Anonymous

There is a website and articles which include Washi Bach called the secret diaries of Huw Terry, another character from Amlwch Port from a bygone era. I thin to google Washi Bach or Huw Terry would be interesting, my philosophy is that he was a soldier from the Great War and was traumatisied, and could, or did not want to be part of society due to the trauma he had been through/

Dec 28, 2010
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The Blue Bell Amlwch Port
by: Des.Harrison

The Blue Bell was at the bottom of the quay, the last building after the pub in Amlwch Port.

I remember another fellow who stayed there called Mickey Ottowa.

Just after the war he started painting signs on shop windows and signed them. I think he was a Canadian and I also think they where treated quite well at the Blue Bell.

Des Harrison (Llandegfan)

Annwyl Des

Thank you for following through and for the good news about the Blue Bell.

I was glad to read that it didn't seem to be one of those inhuman places George Orwell wrote about in the book I mention on Washi Bach's page.

May I invite other readers who might know of Mickey Ottowa and other tramps to write in and expand on the topic.

Diolch i chi Des

Wil

Dec 27, 2010
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Des Harrison & Gordon Weare NZ
by: Anonymous

Des and Gordon

Thanks for your email and for adding just a little bit to our picture of the movements and psychology of Washi Bach.

Gordon, you write of that state of mind that knows and lives with learned helplessness too long. For such individuals psychosis can be a safe haven where, as you write, the pain of human attachment is forgotten in a preferred mental state that no longer recognises those references to affection.

Your message is heartbreaking in its implications and acknowledges how fragile many of us are.

Des, the Blue Bell tramp hostel. I didn't know we had them on Anglesey.

These hostels were linked across the entire country by the footsteps of tramps like Washi Bach.

What should be realised is that most of these hostels were worse even than the old Workhouses. They were frequently cold, callously cruel places and the visitors were afforded no recognition of any dignity.

Tell us, Des, do you have any personal information or stories about the Blue Bell and how the visitors were treated? Maybe, they knew kindness here?

A big thanks to you both.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Wil

Dec 27, 2010
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Llandegfan?
by: Anonymous

In days of old, I shared a desk with one Tommy Humphreys of Llandegfan; he also had a younger brother.

He was at 'The Home' in Ucheldre, Llangefni around the age of 13.

Dear All

If any of you know Mr Tommy Humphreys then do get in touch.

I believe that I know the identity of our anonymous friend and would be happy to pass on any news you have to share.

Wil

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