Nostalgic memories of Bridgend's local history

Share your own memories of Bridgend and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 31 in total

My mum owned Fords Fruit and Greengrocers in Nolton Street and my dad owned Bridgend Driving School. I’d love to hear from anyone who knew my parents.
Hello there. I was born in the above hospital in 1943.Does anyone have any photos or memories of the place? Thank you.
I attended Bridgend Technical College from 1961 to 1966 studying electrical installation. I was an apprentice for English Electric Company which had a branch office at St David's House, Wood Street, Cardiff. I worked on high voltage installations ( transformers, drive mills, switchgear). I worked at Aberthaw Power Station, The Steel Company of Wales in Port Talbot, Pyle Substation, just to name a few. ...see more
Hello I was a patient at Penyfai back in 1973 and I was only twelve years of age. I regularly went over to Glanrhyd as that is where the social centre was, and would sometimes take the back exit towards Penycae up past the bends by the railway line. I have done a book on my childhood experiences of abuse and trauma which led to me being sectioned at the age of twelve. It is available ...see more
I have lived in a part of Bridgend called The Saints since April 3rd 2013 with my two small children. It wasn't until the middle of May I noticed we were not alone in the house, the house has spirits. Believe it or not I am Psychic. I have see many spirits in my home and some are earth bound. My son who has Autism does not like going upstairs and is nervous in some parts of the house. Taking photos at ...see more
I am trying to trace a very old friend. She was Ann Williams and her father was the landlord of the Dyfryn Hotel in Caerau. Ann married someone ? from Clarks Shoe Shop in Bridgend in around 1953/54. Is there anyone out there who knows of her or any information they can give me. Thanks. Brenda Smith(Horton)
I remember the lady who lived in the mediaeaval house to the right of the picture. She had white hair in a bun and a long black skirt. Her garden at the front, which was a strip bordering the pavement, always had a giant sunflower in it each year.
My family moved to one of the staff houses in the grounds of Parc hospital when I was 18 months old. My father had been working as a plumber/heating engineer for a few years when he was offered a staff house. We lived in the cottages until I was 18 when we took over my grandparents house. My childhood was very happy in a very 'close' community. I always felt safe and secure within the ...see more
25th January 1932 - the day my grandmother died at Parc Gwyllt Hospital. A very sad story for her family but thank you for posting this photgraph - it does help. Fortunately the world has changed somewhat and also people's attitides to mental health. Living in Australia it was lovely for me to have a place to go with the name on her death certificate. All I have to do now is find out where in Bargoed she is buried.
I worked in Glanrhyd (formerly known as Angleton) for 5 years between 1969 and 1974. It was here I met my wife Carol who worked in Penyfai Hospital. In 1974 I transferred to Bridgend General Hospital . Most of the old hospital buildings have sadly gone but the lodge in this picture still remains. The stores where I worked was to the rear of the lodge in this picture, it has regrettably now been demolished, as has Bridgend Hospital. A piece of history destroyed for ever.