Spring Newsletter 2015
We have published our Spring newsletter, which will be distributed throughout the Garw Valley. You can find it in libraries, Bryngarw House and other public buildings in our local area, or you can read it and download it below.
Howell Morgan of Blaengarw: Jewellery, Clocks & Watches
Submitted by David Dimmick. A little while ago I purchased a book called ‘Cardiff Clocks’ by William Linnard, which is described as ‘a comprehensive account of watch and clock makers in Cardiff, the Valleys, and the Vale of Glamorgan’. I had bought the book because my great-great-grandfather appeared in a 19th century census as a…
Noisy Newspaper Seller
From the Glamorgan Gazette, 4th Dec 1914. William. H. Radcliffe, Schoolboy, Pontycymmer, was summoned to court for the ‘noisy selling of newspapers’. He was ordered to pay two shillings and sixpence! (about £10.47 in today’s money).
One for the Sheep
Back in the day when the Fire Brigade was just that, we of the Retained Fire Service used to have training sessions for shift workers on Wednesday mornings in Pontycymmer Fire Station yard. One morning we had just completed the particularly arduous drill of ‘slip and pitch to the 3rd floor and carry down’ (effectively…
On this day in 1915 we are mostly reminded that…..
Mr and Mrs John Wile of 1 the Avenue, Pontycymmer have 5 sons, all of whom have responded to their country’s call. Private David Wile, 2nd Batt: Welsh Regiment. Private Morgan Wile, Royal Field Artillery. Private Evan Wile, Royal Field Artillery. Private William Wile. Royal Field Artillery. Bugler James Wile, Bantams. Private 27921. D. Wile….