Fifty Sheds of Grey

Back in the 70s the old Washery at Blaengarw was demolished to make way for a more modern building. I was lucky enough to get a job on the new site as a ‘handyman / teaboy’ which involved generally helping the site craftsmen, steel erectors, welders etc.

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Very Annie Mary

Did you take part in this film as an extra? Do you have any photographs of the filming, or any of the stars in it? Bring along any of these items to the showing at Blaengarw Working Men’s Hall and you could get a reduction in your entrance fee!

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The Flying F.R.O.G. or Flight of the Phoenix

When I was about 13 years old I remember getting for Christmas what I considered the best present ever. This was a F.R.O.G. model aircraft kit, a huge step up from the Airfix type kits made of plastic which had adorned my bedroom ceiling for years. The model Spitfires, Stukas,  Dorniers and Lancasters hung from cotton threads, and at night…

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The Betws Pioneers

It was in September, 1949, when Betws saw the beginning of an influx of new residents that changed the little hill-top village forever. Turning what was incorrectly called by some the ‘off the beaten track’ hamlet into a bustling community. In a matter of a few weeks 149 families came to live in Betws from…

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