The Garw and Saltley Gate*

In January 1972, the N.U.M. Declared a national strike, over pay and pit closures. This strike led the way to an entirely new way of picketing. Up until then picketing of other workplaces to get support for a strike had been localised, standing outside the main gates of the nearest Power Station or Colliery asking…

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Carnival Memories

On Carnival Day, everyone had to be at the various clubs and pubs very early in the morning, this ostensibly for the decoration of the ‘Float’ and costume fitting. There was always a group of willing volunteers, and because the clubs were open for serving drinks throughout the day it was great fun. Every organisation…

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Tabernacle Chapel

This article is taken from Mrs Eileen Price’s brief history, ‘Tabernacl, Capel yr Annibynwyr, Pontycymer’. Copies of this can be obtained by ringing the editor on 01656 856091. Tabernacle chapel, like many places of worship in the Garw, was built as a consequence of the huge influx of people coming into the Valley to work…

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Garw Gleanings

These comic newsy items appeared in the Glamorgan Gazette over many years a century ago, contributed by a Blaengarw schoolmaster under the pen-name Lloffwr Arall. The persons written about were never named but most readers would have known who the item referred to. During WW1 in particular they often provided light relief and a contrast…

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Raymond (Collie) Collishaw: A blueprint for Biggles

Raymond Collishaw was born on November 22nd 1893 at Nainamo, British Columbia, Canada. He was the eldest of 6 chidren. His parents were John Edward (Jack) Collishaw an itinerant miner originally from Wrexham, North Wales. His mother was Sarah (Sadie) Jones who although originally from Newport, once lived in Station Row, Braich y Cymmer, Pontyryhl….

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