Memory Lane

Date: 19th August 2007

John Berry relates:- When I came across the Cwmbran memories of Mrs Winifred Lewis. I have to say what I read was fascinating.

Born in in the cottages in Wesley Street myself I remember Cwmbran village just as she described it, the Cwmbran map is a little out in scale but it is mostly all there, it is a wonderful record from memory.

I further recall Clarks double fronted shop opposite the Wesleyan Chapel in Wesley Street, Dr, Fleming as the GP at the surgery in Oak Street prior to Dr, Duffy and My mothers brother Jack Jenkins opened the `fruit and veg` shop in Commercial Street prior to Smiths. The Smiths had a daughter, her name was Beryl, I wonder where she is now???

Mrs Winifred's map brings back working memories for me regarding the Elim Chapel, whilst employed with British Gas I recall removing the old solid fuel boiler that was used for heating the Chapel in winter and replacing it with a new gas installation and gas fired boiler, this would have been in the early sixty's. Prior to this conversion work there was always piles of Coke (fuel) piled up outside the Chapel boiler house.

.. To read Mrs. Winifred Lewis's memories click here ..

Date: 10th August 2007

Lawrence Skuse relates:- I remember as a child up the mountain "bracken bashing" just for the hell of it! We also used to uproot "spears" of bracken to throw at one another (shock, horror!). At the height of summer, flies were a severe nuisance, but some bracken fronds draped over the head always warded them off. Clearly the bracken survived these depredations, it's still there (at the moment). My father used to press gang us into taking the paper rubbish bags issued by C.U.D.C., up the mountain, fill them with the rich leaf mould from under the bracken (or sheep manure), for his garden - all on foot, we didn't have a car!

Date: 4th July 2007

Lawrence Skuse relates:- Attached is picture of Henllys Vale taken from the steps of the barn at Ysgubor Newydd Farm, Henllys, and other pictures of the farm taken in the 1960s and 1994. The orchard in the foreground is now built on as part of the creeping development up toward Henllys Village. To the right is Cock y North Farm, still there today (so far).

My Uncle Gwynne Skuse bought Ysgubor Newydd ("The New Barn" so I'm led to believe) in the 1960s, specialising in buying young calves, weaning them, fattening them up and selling them on at market. To this end he always had a milking cow to feed the youngsters. Any time I visited the farm, usually with my father, riding pillion on his B.S.A. Bantam, my mother would give dire warnings about drinking the milk since it wasn't pasteurised - best milk I ever tasted!

For a few years my father kept pigs in the old sty and one of the barns. No E.U. regulations then, so they were fed on a mix of commercial pig feed and scrap biscuits bought from Burton's Biscuits. We used to buy in-pig sows, then feed the litter up before taking them to market.

Great fun was haymaking in my Uncle's fields, except for the abundant thistles! But there was always the cider to compensate. Another time, my Uncle wanted help in felling an oak tree in the hedge up against the main road (lane) in Henllys. He secured a rope to it and proceeded to chop it down, assuring us that it was going to fall into the field. Wrong! It started tilting towards the road threatening to cut off the village from the outside world. Frantic pulling managed to avert this disaster, and after some anxious moments it came down in the field.

The buildings consisted of a barn with outside steps leading to a hay loft. Downstairs there were cattle stalls and, acessed from outside, the pig sty. The house consisted of a later house grafted on to the original, very low single storey kitchen and pantry. This original part was stone built with whitewashed exterior (like the barn), and a flagstone floor. The fireplace was a cast iron range, with integral water boiler and oven, a similar range being in the living room in the "new" house. To the front there was a large garden and the orchard seen on the photograph, with a derelict "privy" well away from the house.

Some time in the 80s/90s, while I was still away in the army, the farm and land were compulsorily purchased for the Henllys Vale development. My Uncle stayed on farming there, paying a peppercorn rent, the fields gradually being swallowed up. By the time of his death in 1994, all that remained was the house and barn with some of the garden.

This was acquired by a developer who demolished the house and built a new "executive" property. The barn was allowed to deteriorate after an accident with a digger, finally collapsing and releasing the ground for more building, so now nothing remains of Ysgubor Newydd except the name.

Going back further, to when I was about four or five, in the 1950s, whilst on a family walk from Oakfield, I was frightened by a cow from Ysgubor Newydd, then owned by an old lady. She invited us into the barn to see trays of chicks to comfort me.

I don't know how old the farm was, but the barn and kitchen were typically Welsh stone and whitewash construction, with some brickwork, and some have suggested the barn was of a unique pattern. All academic now, another victim of the Cwmbran mania for eradicating the past.

.. click on images to enlarge ..

Date: 2nd July 2007

Steve Garnall:-

This is a photograph of myself, my sister, Susan and our cousin at the north end of Radnor Way about 1961 (My mom Phyllis still lives there); it is in front of where the magistrates courts and the medical centre will eventually be built. My sister and I have both emigrated to Canada me to Edmonton, Alberta and Susan to Creston, British Columbia, My Brother Ian still lives in a flat in the town centre by Iceland.

Date: 1st July 2007

Garnet ( Chippy ) Chapman relates:-

I was born in Cwmbran in 1945, went to the nursery at Two Locks , then St dials. I remember Mr. Jones the Headmaster, Harold Waters (who frightened everyone and if you had the cane from him you felt it, as he had the skill of making contact with the tips of your fingers and take it from me it really hurt ! ). Fred Dovey, Reg Smith, who gave me the nickname `CHIPPY` and it has stuck ever since. Mr Wilcox and the woodwork teacher - Can anyone remember his name?

I was one of the first to attend Oakfield junior school when it opened in 1956 and then went on to Llantarnam.

Talking of the `flea pit` in Old Cwmbran - How many, like myself, used to climb over the fence in Abbey Road run across the railway line over the fence and in to the outside gents toilet of the cinema and then walk in and find an empty seat and enjoy the film, and at 9.00pm the usherettes would go home leaving only the projectionist up in his box so one could walk in again without paying.

My fondest memories of Cwmbran are the `swingin-sixties` when being a drummer in rock bands the venues in Cwmbran----- Coed Eva School, Llantarnam School, Girlings, Saunders Valve, Weston's Biscuits G.K.N. Club, St. Gabriel's church hall, Henllys Village Hall, better known as `the Ranch`, The Coffee Bar, Cwmbran Workmens (the old one that burned down) and the drill hall at the back of Tothill and Bodinhams.

It was purely by accident that I came upon this site and it brought back so many memories of old Cwmbran that I could go on for ever. I shall dig out some of my old photos .

Date: 2nd July 2007

Allistair Howard :-

In response to Garnet Chapman (Chippy), who by the way, his name seems to ring a bell. I too was born in 1945 and also attended St. Dials school and Llantarnam; Chippy asked for the name of the woodwork teacher, well, his name was Mr. Myrick, it is also very true what was said about Harold Waters, he would put the fear of god into one and all, but as I recall Mr. Waters was also known for his heroic deed of saving someone from the canal on Broadwier road. His niece was in the same class as myself at Llantarnam her name is Georgina Waters.

I will put down all the teachers that I can recall which may help fetch back a few more memories for Chippy:-

Mr. Powell - Geography. Dick Edwards - Rural Studies. Mr. Watkins - Metalwork. Harry Homer - English, Miss Beddows - English. Mr. Wilcox - Maths, Len Constance - Dave Paley - Leighton Jenkins - P.E. Miss Todd - Nature Studies, who I believe married Leighton Jenkins. Doug Holly - History, Harold Waters - History, `Teddy Boy` Thomas - Art, Mr. Russell ( `Holy Joe` ) R.I. Mr. Lewis - Music, Miss Davis - Hygiene, Fred Dovey - Craftwork, Mr. Rickets - Technical Drawing, Mr. Pavard - Headmaster.

I hope these names may prompt a few more school day memories for Chippy and other pupils of Llantarnam School.

.. Who remembers these ? ..

Date: 17th May 2007

Allistair Howard relates:-

I used to work in a little print shop on Coronation Road in the early sixties, the name of the owner was Chas. Price, it was situated in the very first building on the left hand side of Coronation Road as you walked toward the town centre. There used to be a bus shelter opposite, where we would catch the bus to take us to Newport, there also was a black ash path that led to Grange Road, it was known as the Burma Road.

.. Coronation Road ..

Date: 21st April 2007

Mel Hillman recalls:-

I moved to Cwmbran from Abertillery in 1956 and lived in Northville. My widowed mother was one of those who made the daily trek down the valleys to work at the Weston Biscuit Factory and the move enabled her to live much closer. In those early days she was able to catch a train from Upper Pontnewydd to Llantarnam and back each day. After a few years she moved to a job on �Inspection� in Girlings and remained there until her retirement in 1969. When we moved into Northville the town centre post office was being built and I remember playing in the basement. All around were open fields.

The children of Northville seemed to be moved every time a new school opened. I started at North Road, moved to Llanyravon (my mother protested about another move to Maendy Primary School despite it being on the doorstep) and then Croesyceiliog Secondary Modern. After one year we were moved to the newly opened Coed Eva Secondary. It was fascinating seeing the picture of the rugby match of staff v pupils and mention of John Nash and �Wilf� � both fondly remembered. Leaving there after �O� levels, I become a Police Cadet in the old police station in Old Cwmbran � the article on war memorials and the clock really brought back memories - .the control mechanism was in the enquiry office and I remember the six-monthly visits by the engineer to service the clock. The move to the new police station was made in 1967. I missed the week of the move as I had been sent on an Outward Bound Course. I was fortunate to the posted back to Cwmbran as a constable after a short period in Pontypool. This was the era when �Panda� or �Unit Beat� cars were introduced and I patrolled the Croesyceiliog and Llanyravon areas on a regular basis. I was also on �crowd control� the day the waterfall gardens were opened in the Town Centre and there was a demonstration for a swimming pool to be provided instead. Fortunately there was no trouble. I also had the pleasure of working with PCs Perryman and Ruffle mentioned in other articles.

Having discovered other interests, I left the police force and moved to Monmouth and onto Yeovil in Somerset in 1979. My mother remained in Northville until her death in 1990 and I used to visit regularly. Unfortunately I rarely get back to Cwmbran now � the last time I was disappointed with the run down appearance of Northville and the new name for the old Moonraker Public House. I hope things have improved on the estate.

However I do have fond memories of growing up in Cwmbran:

Train spotting on the Lower Line (on the road bridge near the site of the new station) when it was a �proper� main line � waiting for the evening mail train travelling north.
Friday nights in the Three Blackbirds public house and onto the town centre Chinese restaurant
Coed Eva Youth Club � which moulded a new career in Youth & Community Work
Football games on the field, which used to be behind the former milk depot near the Gasworks. With coal trains passing almost continually, games were suspended to note the engine numbers�

Date: 15th April 2007

Margaret Edith Biggs recalls:-

I was born in 1928 in a town then famous for the making of boots and shoes in Northamptonshire. I stumbled upon your web site and "Memory Lane". I still have vivid memories of the annual Summer holiday visit by steam train to my Grandmother's home at Highland Grove, Pontnewydd, (Mrs. Sarah Jarrett). This was in the early 1930's prior to the Second World War. Mother and I would arrive at Newport Railway Station, where we would be met by one or other member of the family, and from there we would travel by bus to the top of the short lane/road. Gran lived at the last house in the row where a line of poplar trees separated her garden from that of a much larger house beyond. There would be a welcoming meal of home baking and lots to chat about.

"Aunt Ede" (Miss Edith Turner) was a close relative and made her home with Gran. This lady was a particular favourite with me, as she had helped me with "my reading" during a previous holiday. I remember her taking me, when I was very small, to the school where she was a Primary School teacher at Griffithstown. There were always other relatives to visit at Sunny Bank, Griffithstown.

I was an only child, so it was great fun to visit cousins Alf, Maisie, Amy and Bill. They would take me for walks along the (then disused canal). On fine days we would walk "up the mountain" via Five Locks Road, taking us through a farmyard before the climb began. On Summer evenings we would sit alongside the canal and listen to the choir singing in practice from a nearby chapel building. Then there was fishing for tiddlers in the small river/stream that ran through the town. (I believe it was called The Afon Llwyd ).

One lady always had to be visited--Miss Mildred Edmunds at the Post Office and Stores. Mildred was a family friend, and we would be invited into the living part of the ,(if she was not too busy), where her elderly mother would be sitting. There were black elephant ornaments on the mantle shelf which fascinated me.

Then there was a visit to Pontypool Park and "The Grotto", another fascination. I recall, also, "The Folly".

Since the War I have lived in Herefordshire, so I am not far distant and I am amazed at the development that has taken place near and around Pontnewydd.

Date: 1st. April 2007

David Fields recalls:-
I remember going down Grange Road - Parsons grocery shop, on the other side of the road Ebeneezer Chapel and going down further on the other side the Fish & Chip shop. Does anyone remember Teddy Wilkins the `bookie`, Monica Wilmot, Lenny Manser, Jimmy Davies `the sweetshop`, Pauline Hinton, Norman and Donald Lippiatt, Russell Baldwin (doctor), Tony Loder, Mrs Squires `faggots and peas` Old Joe Eckley, Mrs Johns (kept pigs.), Dai Eckely, Brian Waters (spud) Bernard Christopher, `motorbike Brian` and Warren Thomas ...... sorry missed out Gareth and Maurice Hughes, their uncle Eric and Marge Johns and their father Peter Johns (pigeons).

At the end of that row there were some other houses but I forget the families names; going over the other side of the road, starting from the bus station, the first house was where my mother was born, next door was my Aunt's house, Aunty Ladas (named after Lord Roseberry`s Derby winner late 1900`s).

Further up, Ianto and Pam Skuse, Eileen Jennings, Geeno (sorry) and then Somerset Street; up further (who can forget Charlie Day's orchard, ..remember Russ?) and then of course Thomas `St. Brian` Trask (bupper) and right in the middle of the row (I bet you are waiting for this) Dai Fields, Virginia and Silvia Williams and the big pair of houses on the end (the name escapes me at the moment),.

Then back on to Grange Road, the house on the end was where some of us used to have our hair cut by George Forrister. My father Fornam Fields was born up the Square in Upper Cwmbran; and can any one remember his brother, the usher in Pontnewydd `picture house` (Harvey Fields). I am sure there's lots more other people will remember but it is great looking back at the `good old days`.

.. Who remembers ? ..

The corner shop - Hopscotch - Butterscotch - Skipping - Handstands - Football with an old tennis ball - The Beano, Dandy, Buster, Twinkle and Dennis the Menace - A Roly Poly, and Hula Hoops, jumping a stream, building dams - The smell of a rainstorm and fresh cut grass - Bazooka Joe bubble gum, Black Jacks and Fruit Salad chews - An ice cream cone on a warm summer night from the van that plays a tune - Laurel and Hardy, Tomorrow People, Tiswas or Swapshop, and 'Why Don't You'? - or staying up for Doctor Who - When around the corner seemed far away and going into town seemed like going somewhere - Sticky fingers - Playing Marbles - Cops and Robbers, Cowboys and Indians, and Zorro - <font id="role_document2538" face="Comic S