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Brynamman memories

Here are memories of Brynamman and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Brynamman or a Brynamman photo.

MY SON IS LOST

Aelwyd Amanw c1955
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I lived in Tairgwaith in the early 1980s. I was married to Richard Carlyle Evans, the son of Richard and Lilian Evans. I was born in Cyprus and married to Richard while he was posted with the Air Force to Cyprus. While we were married for a brief time we had a son, he is now 30 years old and we would like to get information in locating Richard. I don't know where else to search for him, so please, if anybody has any advice or information please email me at: jazz117@aol.com

Aelwyd Amanw

Aelwyd Amanw c1955
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This is a photo of Aelwyd Amanw, Brynaman. Brynaman was the first place in Wales to have its own building for running a branch of Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Although a branch of Urdd Gobaith Cymru had been established in the village since 1928, the Aelwyd was officially opened on Saturday, May 6th 1939 by Syr Ifan ab Owen Edwards who had founded  the organisation back in 1922.
Various members of my family have been involved with this Welsh language organisation since the 1920s, with my own involvement starting in 1961 and continuing until the present. The building has recently been refurbished and it is a focal point for many activities in the village, but is still primarily a centre for Urdd Gobaith Cymru.

Family

I remember every summer visting my grandmother and family on my father's side, going up on the mountain and just having fun up there. To me it is a special place and always will be, even now as a grown women still visting family I still have to go to the mountains.

Looking For my Grandfather

I'm doing some research into my Family History and am trying to trace the place my Grandfather was born in 1892. His Name was William Thomas (Willie Tom) Born in June 1892 to Evan Evans & Mary Evans formerly Jones. He was Born at Penybont, Brynamman, Quarter Bach. When I last visited the area no one could tell me wher Penybont or Quarter Bach would be. If anyone can enlighten me please e mail me at gorslasboy@blueyonder.co.uk and if possible giving directions from Gwaun Cae Gurwen.
Many thanks.
Cliff Evans.

Memories of Dyfed

Bryannman Hotel. Good Times, Good Money.

I was sent to Lower Bynamman in 1970, to work building up a huge 2400 Marion excavator for Sir Lindsey Parkinson at the GCG (Tyor Gwaith?) opencast site.
I lodged at the Bryannam hotel with Dez and Dylis. I soon made lots of friends in Bryamman, Gwn Gosto, (foreman fitter), Panto and Darrell Chips (from Abercrave), Clive Trotman, (welder) Mel (welder) and all his friends at the 'opera'. They were doing 'Oklahoma' that year and after rehearsals Mel and the whole cast used to come into the pub and sing all the show's songs as they played dominoes etc. I had heard about the Welsh singing but I was totally amazed. What they forgot to inform the 'bob Seis' was that they were in fact an amateur operatic society coming in for a drink after rehearsals, I thought they were just pub customers, I was gob-smacked. Later I was told and eventually I went to see the show, I still remember it to this day, it was fantastic, especial Mel... Read more

William Rees - 1915

Station Road c1960
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My Grandad William Geraint Rees was born in Brynamman in the year 1915 :o).

Evacuees

General View c1965
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My sister and I, Margaret and Maureen Grieve, were evacuated to Brynamman. I lived with Nellie, Stanley and Menna Thomas in the then new council houses.
My sister stayed with the Pughs in Faifield House. My brothers joined us, Ken went to Station Rd and David to Mountain Rd. Mr and Mrs Mounford were our head master and mistress.
I can remember the school burning down which we evacuees shared with the Welsh children. Can still remember odd words in Welsh. Returned a few years ago, and met up with the few remaining aunties.  Would like another visit, but time is against one, too much hassle with travelling. But just wanted to say Hello. Cyru am byth.

Landmarks

Station Road c1960
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My grandparents, Daniel" Pentir "Thomas and his wife "Momo", lived not far from Station Road. As you went over the bridge (see photo) towards Gwaun-cae-gurwen, on the left was the "War Memorial", followed by the Rugby Club on the right. This was followed by a Carpentery where coffins were made! At this point there was a footbridge across the Amman leading to the rugby field and the open-air swimming pool. As you carried along the main road there was a row of terraced houses, all with slate roofs, on the right. My grandparents lived in the 2nd or 3rd house. It was 2 storeys high at the front and 3 storeys at the back! A short distance up the hill, on the right, was the Brynamman Hotel (I think that was the name). On top of the hill , on the right, was the Welsh Baptist Chapel. These were the landmarks of my Sunday afternoon visits to my grandparents back in the 1950's.... Read more

My Great Granddad And Grandmother

Hello to all.
I am looking into my family history.
I know my grandfather, William John Palmer, was born at Garnant on 27 October 1904, his parents are listed as Hannah Palmer, formerly Thomas, and James Palmer, Engine Driver in Colliery. They resided at Garnand Hill, Garnant.
Could anyone give me any other information about them?
If anyone there is related to me or knows my family line I would love to hear from you. Or photos of the time.
I was adopted when my mother died so this is a long road for me to travel.
Many thanks.
Ann

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