2008 Mesage Board

Date: 25th August 2008
Name: Sharon
Email : click here

Message

Hi, I'm just trying to find out if anyone knows when the houses were built on Clark Avenue in Pontnewydd Cwmbran and what was there before them. Can anyone help me?

Date: 12th August 2008
Name: Tom Absalom
Email : [email protected]

Message

Hi, I`m trying to find an old school friend called Courtney Morgan. He lived in the circle off Cocker Avenue. We were at Llantarnam school from 1957 -1960; he was called (Moses ) by his mates of which I am pleased to say I was one . Also if anyone has any information an Brian Maxwell. Brian used to live on Henllys Way. He had two sisters as I remember, but their names escape me . I think he married a lass called Evelyn around 1967-68 It would be great to get some news.

Also :- Jason Davies Courtney Morgan Rod Perryman If you remember me, please get in touch.

Date: 8th August 2008
Name: Graham Ianto Skuse
Email : [email protected]

Message

On September 9th 2004 I spent a lovely night at the Llantarnam School 50th reunion, I met lots of old friends such as Trisha (Davis), Val (Fisher), Mike Griffin, Gordon Quirk, Keith Ball, Rosemary (Jones), Marie (Pitt), Roddy Jones, Jenny (Smith), Ted Smith, Virginia Williams, Pam Skuse and many more.

We spent the night listening to stories of Grand Children, former work places, long since past friends and also listening to music from our era (when artists wore ties and we could all understand the words) all in all it was one of the best nights this ex-pat has had for a long time.

So you might think what is Ianto Skuse on about, well it is simple what about another one next year (55) ???? ;the organisation of the last one was absolutely superb and will be one hell of an act to follow and may have to be scaled down a little bit, perhaps a night at the Parkway with a buffet, perhaps there are new places that I do not know about, after all I only return these days for funerals,.

Time moves on and friends of long ago slip away so I feel that it is important that we all meet again, obviously living some 300 miles away it is difficult for me to get involved but in this day and age of e mails, telephones and mobiles we can all have an input. If I can help, whoever takes on this task I can be reached on the following.

01481-256719 (Home)

07781-156719- (Mobile)

[email protected]
Hope to hear from someone soon.

Graham (Ianto) Skuse

Guernsey C. Islands

Date: 4th August 2008
Name: Les Harber
Email:[email protected]

Message

Help in finding old friends ...

I'm trying to find Sian Roberts from the Swffryd, she would be in her early fifties now, we were friends in our teens and I would love to hear from her again. She use to have friends or family in rose hey worth in Abertillery

and visit most Saturday's. I`ve been told she lives in Cwmbran now?
If anyone can help, I would be most grateful.

Date: 1st August 2008
Name: Ashley - George Bowe
Email: click here

Message

I am trying to find out the history of a pub in Cwmbran; the pub itself is on the border of Cwmbran and Bettws, down from the Three Blackbirds on Pentre Lane, just before the turning onto Trawsmawr lane into Bettws. The name of the pub is the Wheatsheaf Inn.It is listed on a map from 1860.
I am wondering if you know of anyone within the area who is interested in the history of local public houses or if anyone has completed any research on them.
I am very interested in Local history, especially Newport, and also interested in Place names and their heritage.
But the Wheatsheaf is particularly interesting as I used to spend my childhood around that area, and never knew that a public house existed there.

Date: 17th July 2008
Name: Simone Coombes
Email: click here

Message

I wonder if anyone could help me, I am trying to trace Beryl & Ted Zoleck (I'm not sure if that's the correct spelling of their surname), who emigrated to Australia in the 1970's, for my mother. My mother's name is Coral Davies and my father's name was Jim Davies. I'm afraid that's all the information that I have but I know that they had a few children. They were back in Wales a few years ago and tried to find my mother without success. She would love to hear from them. If anyone can help please e-mail me.
Update: Contact made by Beryl - February 2009

Date: 10th July 2008
Name: Matteo Casadio Strozzi
Email: click here

Message

Looking for Helen Margaret Davies.

Hello everyone out there: I'm from Italy and i'm looking for Helen M Davies, born on 18th Feb 1966 and I met her in London, summer 1990.

I hope someone can help me: this is the 15th year I'm trying to find her. I'm sure her parents are from Coed Eva (but I don't remember the exact address...) and she left for studying in London. She studied photography in London.

I need any HELP.

Thank you!

Matteo Casadio Strozzi.

Date: 10th July 2008
Name: Cath Glover
Email: click here

Message

Can anyone help? Am searching for a lost friend called Debra (Debbie/Debs) Kendall-Williams. Last known living in Cwmbran and was Headmistress at a Junior & Infant School. Debra has 3 children, Lyndsey, Emily and Robert.

If anyone can help, please can you email me with details or if you know Debra (Debbie/Debs), then please could you ask her to contact me. I still live at the same address has before in Wakefield and would love to hear from her, has there are many things that she needs be made aware of.

Many thanks

Cath Glover

Debra (Debbie/Debs) will remember me has Cath Smith, Barbie's daugther

Date: 28th June 2008
Name: Sue Wheeler
Email: click here

Message

I was wondering if there are any local groups who gather and walk during the summer. I'd be interested in joining one if there is and was hopeful that someone could point me in the right direction of how to get in contact with the organiser.

Date: 25th June 2008
Name: Ian Spencer
Email: click here

Message

Cwmbran RFC

I'm in the process of researching and setting up a web site for Cwmbran rugby club. I believe the clubs origins may have began as Pontnewydd RFC.

If anyone has any history, stories, photos etc; about Pontnewydd or Cwmbran RFC (new or old), would you please get in contact.

Much appreciated .

Neil Davies

(Cwmbran RFC - fund raising)

P.S. We're holding a quiz night and disco at the club on Friday night

(27th June 2008 - 7:30pm onwards)

Date: 22nd June 2008
Name: Ian Spencer
Email: [email protected]

Message

I went to Llantarnam School back about 1957 to 1960 and have completely lost touch with my old school mates. Names that come to mind are - Jason Davis, John Walters, David Venn, Gillian James, Sandra Whatley, Sandra Shephard, Ann Hayes and Phillip Pattimore.

If you remember me or can put me in contact with any of the names mentioned I would be very grateful.

Date: 18th June 2008

Name: David Hughes

Email: [email protected]

Message

I used to live in Pontypool but I knew several boys from Cwmbran who attended Jones West Monmouth Grammar School (West Mon) the same time as I did. I have recently started an internet blog of old Pontypool and the surrounding areas and West Mon will figure prominently in my posts. In you are interested please note the address http:/oldpontypool.wordpress.com and will cover the years 1929 to 1947.

Date: 12th June 2008
Name: Gareth White
Email: [email protected]

Message

I would like anyone with stories and/or photographs of my dear Dad who passed away away 10 years ago.

Bob White .. ex Westons Biscuit Factory, Cwmbran Cricketer and Pontnewydd County Councillor. Thanks in anticipation.

Date: 31st May 2008
Name: Fleur Davison
Email: [email protected]

Message

I am trying to track down any photographs that may exist of Terence Denzil Ford White, who worked at GKN, Cwmbran around 1958 - 1960. (He died around 1961). He lived at 40 Greenwillows, Oakfield, Cwmbran at this time. I am trying to find photographs for my mother in law. Terence was her father and died when she was around the age of ten. Very few, if any, photographs are in existence and i would love to be able to find one for her. I hope someone can help.

Date: 28th May 2008
Name: Carol Shepherd
Email: [email protected]

Message

Does anyone have information about a gentleman who worked at GKN, his name was Frederick Townsend. He was previously a London fireman but left to join his brother at the Company in 1912 . Frederick had several brothers so could have been Henry, William, or John.

Any information or leads would be appreciated.

Also John and Jane Neal on 1891 census at Forge Hammer Inn retired Iron Moulder together with niece Jane Townsend aged 11.

Date: 22nd May 2008
Name: Paul Morse
Email: [email protected]

Message

Hi, I am looking for a school friend of my brother, his name was 'Bomber' Elliot they both attended Fairwater School together.
Bomber if you are looking at this E Mail my brother, Vincent Morse wants to get in touch with you.

Date: 18th May 2008
Name: Phil compton
Email: [email protected]

Message

Great site! 30 years ago I left Ventnor Road, Cwmbran and now live in London, I attended St.Dials Infants and Junior School around 1956 and then went on to Coed Eva Secondary School around 1962-67. I then did an apprenticeship at ICI Fibres, Pontypool. Between 1968-70, I was in local bands `IRON CHILD` and later `TOUCH`.
I would love to get in touch with Dianne Jones (nee Brain) if possible, she has contributed to the School Photos webpage, click here to view her photographs; she obviously has a lot more memories and to have taken photos at that time was even more incredible.
I would also love to have contact from `old mates` and `school chums`. Does anyone remember Maria Thomas and her friend Sian Burlough? Maria had a brother John and they both lived in Northville; How about Janey Lewis and her best buddy Carol? she hung around with Robbie Edwards , Paul Criddle, David Bowen and myself.

Where are you now? Does anyone remember me ???? I would love to hear from you and relive `old times`.

Date: 11th May 2008
Name: Bev Trenter
Email: [email protected]

Message

My name is Bev Trenter, my mother was Marian Hopkins I know she was friends with Coral Bodenham I was at school with her son Mark who is my age. We are all in Australia now. My father was Derek Trenter and I have 2 older brothers Mark and Karl. My email address is. Please get in touch if you remember any of us.

Date: 11th May 2008
Name: Russell Downe
Email: Click here

Message

Hi am trying to find a Aubrey and Jennifer White (nee Grimes) married in Pontypool in 1962

Any help would be appreciated

Date: 5th May 2008
Name: Christine Jones
Email: Click here

Message

Does anyone have any pictures of Forge Hammer about 1920 onwards? because my Aunt lived there then and is now in her Eighties, she would love to see some old pictures of the street and the cottages; They would be very much appreciated.

Date: 25th April 2008
Name: Gordon Bowden
Email: Click here

Message

Would like to hear from any of my dearest friends from 1960's if they are still around:- Terry Banfield. ex Coed Glas. Two Locks, Terry Cook -ex Kemmy's Walk. Two Locks, Neil Williams, Mark & Margaret Williams, Ruth Jones -ex Coed Glas, Alan Pritchard, David Sly.Elaine, Patricia, Graham Tomlinson -ex Cocker Avenue, Maryln & Mark Price.Garry Powell -ex Coed Glas, Anthony Trottman -ex Coed Glas

Date: 23rd April 2008
Name: David Pinchin
Email: Click here

Message

Hi, I would dearly like to contact `Tiny` Richards, I knew him way back in 1978; he was the Quarter Masters assistant in the stores in Cyprus when we were in the Royal Signals and serving with the UN. There is a possibility he is living/working in Cwmbran. Any help would be appreciated.

Date: 10th April 2008
Name: Paul Fitzgerald
Email: Click here

Message

Hi, I am looking for an Old friend of mine, her Name is Kim Belski and we worked together for along time at Burtons Biscuits.
Shes a Blast!! and great fun.

Date: 6th April 2008
Name: Jeff Thompson
Email: Click here

Message

If you retired from Lucas Girling between 1981 and 1990 and deferred your Pension, I have some important information for you .

Date: 31st March 2008
Name: Sean James
Email: Click here

Message

Hi all,

This is a strange one! Can anyone confirm if many moons ago there was once a cemetery in the Greenmeadow area. I have been told it was around the Charleston area but its not confirmed. The reason for my request is I have a very strange paranormal photo and I am trying to put pieces to the puzzle, Also I have been told many strange stories from different residents of that area. Like I said its a strange one! Thanks in advance.

Date: 9th March 2008
Name: Sylvia Monk
Email: Click here

Message

Dear Nigel

I found your website page intriguing, especially as this week I had been to the funeral of Lilian Morgan my Aunt from Cwmbran, family connections are vividly in my mind, as I rarely come to Wales these days. The photos of Mount Pleasant were good to see.

I was always brought up to know my Grandfather as Idwal Morgan of Church Wood Pontypool and my Grandmother Isabel Morgan, and spent some amazingly happy times through the years with them. Grandad lived with us in his final year in Enfield Middx. But finding my own Mother's birth certificate when she died three years ago I become aware that her Father was actually Walter Turner and when she was born her address was 20 Mount Pleasant Pontnewydd. Her name was Isabel Betsy Vane and born on 17/7/18. I would love to find out more about Walter Turner as I keep just drawing a blank. So if anyone could help me I would be so grateful.

Walter was a 2nd corporal 4th section 17th Royal Engineers Colliery Division No 148452 or 145452.

Date: 6th March 2008
Name: Deb Evans - Croesyceiliog
Email: Click here

Message

Can anyone of you Cwmbranites out there remember any of the residents of Hill street?, can you remember the old 'red cross hut' at the top of the road?. Can anyone remember Pigs being kept at the top of Hill street?. I'd love to hear your memories and stories if you have any.

Date: 2nd March 2008
Name: Nigel Jones
Email: Click here

Message

I've recently come into the `proud` possession of a brick (don`t laugh) with the inscription W. J. SCOURSE & Son - Woodside - Cwmbran - Mon. and was wondering if there are any Scourse`s who are/maybe related and/or perhaps have some info? if so can you please contact me....

Date: 24th February 2008
Name: Tracey Aceto
Email: Click here

Message

I wonder if anyone can help me. I've searched high and low for some information on my house, I've looked in books, on the net, etc; and I cannot find a single thing about them, I know it was built around 1888, and it used to be called Star Row. I`m on Llantarnam Road just opposite Llantarnam school, I'm not sure who they where built for, but I was told they were for the `Tin workers`. They are a small terrace row of 5. I would be so grateful for some help.

Date: 2nd February 2008
Name: Paul Mahagan (formerly of Trinity Road, Pontnewydd)
Email: [email protected]

Message

Help !!! I`ve been off the net for the last two months ... now re-connected but with a different ISP (internet Service Provider) ... I have lost all my email contacts (address book) .... So if anyone is interested can you please note my new email address.

Date: 2nd February 2008
Name: Graham (Ianto) Skuse
Email: Click here

Message

O K I admit defeat I cannot for the life of me remember where Nile Street was can someone please jog my aged memory, and ,if there is anyone out there who attended Llantarnam between 1954 and 1956 I await your memories of the school it's teachers, it`s pupils and anything from that period of time gone by.

Graham (Ianto) Skuse

On the isle of Guernsey
Update:

Joyce Eyre: Nile street was off Llandowlais Street, the back of the row of houses backed on to the canal, opposite Two Locks Chapel between `Tinker Day,s fish shop` and `Notts newsagents`

Bonnie Howard: Nile Street was located just down from Knotts Newsagent before Hill Street opposite the Waterloo Pub.

Date: 29th January 2008
Name: Carol Shepherd
Email: [email protected]

Message

Does anyone recall the Townsend family living The Forge Hammer Inn St Woolos. Some tragedy occurred leaving five children orphaned .My grandfather was born at the Railway Inn Oakfields 1889 where his father Henry was a Beer House Keeper. We find John Neal living there in1891, his wife and the eldest orphan Jane Townsend born 1879.

Date: 26th January 2008
Name: Deborah Trainer (mum Penelope Blackmore )
Email: [email protected]

Message

I am trying to fill in some gaps regarding my family tree. I found your site from my mums notes regarding her Great grandparents William Blackmore a labourer at blast furnace and his wife Rachel Gough. They have a son Evan 1874 and the birth certificate says sub-district of Saint Woollos. William's address is Llantarnam .

Any idea how I find out which Mine, William would have worked in ? Anyone recognise the names ?

Date: 23rd January 2008
Name: Andy
Email: Click here

Message

I am currently studying a course of Interior Architecture at U.W.I.C (University of Welsh Institution, Cardiff) and this email is to hopefully enquire some information about the location of the Railway Gallery in Cwmbran near Pontypool which my colleague used to tell me. If there is one, could you please reply me with its post code or name because I could not find it online.

Thank you very much.

Date: 19th January 2008
Name: Tracey Aceto (nee Perkins)
Email: Click here

Message

Hi, my name is Tracey Aceto (nee Perkins) I,m still living in Cwmbran, I used to go to Llantarnam comp in the 1980's, I still look at it every day! as I live just opposite, (unfortunately). So if anyone who knew me back then, please get in touch, Would love to hear what you been up to.

Date: 15th January 2008
Name: Jason Clerk
Email: Click here

Message

I wonder if you can help me to seek some information. I have recently bought a set of medal and ration books from ebay, the name on the envelope that the medals were sent in was W J Pointer, 17 Pen y Parc Pontnewydd. The ration books were in the name of Patricia Pointer, I presume of the same family, probably the same address.

It appears from photos that Pen y Parc has been redeveloped, I was wondering if you could direct me to photos of how this would have been during the 1940/50's. Also any advice on tracking down information on the family would be greatly appreciated.

Jason Clark
(Brighton)

Date: 14th January 2008
Name: Sarah MacGilchrist
Email: Click here

Message

My Great Grandfather Stephen Edward Salisbury Baker emigrated to Cwmbran from Somerset at the turn of the 19th/20th centuries. He appears in the 1901 census as an "Inn Keeper" and also in Kelly's Directory as a "Beer retailer" and his address is given as Canal Side, Oakfield. He seems to have come to Cwmbran with one of his cousins Mr George Hutchins who was the landlord of the Railway Inn.
I see in Kelly's Directory that there were several Davies families living in Cwmbran. My great-grandfather married Olive Davies.

Some more details about my great-grand parents, Olive Beatrice Davies and Stephen Edward Salisbury Baker. They got married in 1906 in Cwmbran and lived at the Star Inn where they had six children. My great grandmother Olive was born around 1883 and her father was a fitter called John Davies. Does this ring a bell with anyone? My grandmother and her siblings were brought up as Catholics. I believe this was because Olive was Catholic. I would love to find out more about this branch of my family. I would be very grateful for any information provided.

Date: 14th January 2008
Name: Gary Hewings
Email: here

Message

I recently moved to the bungalow on Two Locks road no 42 and I am trying to get any copies of photographs over the years gone by of the area. Can you help me please?

Date: 14th January 2008
Name: Christine van Til (nee Morgan)
Email: here

Message

Hi, I have been living in Brisbane Australia since 1957,originally from Blaenavon and I would like to see if I could get any information of my Cousin Carol Green last seen 1957, Carol lived at Capel Nywdd with parents Francis & Tom Green,sister Jeanette before moving to Cwmbran, she also attended St Albans Convent Pontypool.
Any information would be appreciated.

Date: 12th January 2008
Name: John Hill
Email: here

Message

I am trying to e-mail a Bill Treadwell, secretary of ex-England Rugby Players Association --- would appreciate help if you are able. Thanks.

Date: 8th January 2008
Name: Richard Walton
Email: click here

Message

I've just been looking at your webpage for GKN Cwmbran with great interest, and I wonder if anyone might be able to help me. I am trying to find out any details of my birth father - Roland Barton Reade - who worked at GKN Cwmbran from the early 1920's until 1936, when he returned to Wellington, Shropshire, to work with the Horsehay Co. He was killed in a motoring accident in the area on 01.09.37, and his funeral was attended by many members of staff from Cwmbran. While he was working at Cwmbran, he took out two patents concerned with railway sleepers, and his address at that time was 40 Victoria Street, Cwmbran.

Date: 7th January 2008

Name: Mr. Walter Walker

Email: click here

Message

I am trying to in contact my cousin who lived in Cwmbran - I last had contact with her in the 1970's.

Her maiden name was : MARY PATRICIA ESDAILE

Her married name was : BURNS

She has married again since., I can remember that she sang with the choir at the Roman Catholic church.
Update: Now in contact.