Fochriw Chapel And Other Memories

A Memory of Fochriw.

Born in 1953 in Pen-y-Bank (now gone)
From 1953 to 1960 I lived at 31 Rhoddfa Ganol (Still remember it)

Many memories:
1. My Dad was always late for the train to Ogilvy Colliery - so the conductor would get his ticket, and he'd run up the hill and get on the train just above the estate!!
2. At 5, I remember walking to visit my Gran in Pen-y-Bank (about a mile) all by myself.
3. Still think Fochriw School was a great place - remember running home 'cos the nurse was coming, and Mam having to walk me back.
4. How the ponies left on the tops would get down into the estates to forage for food - even once eating the bread being carried by my mother under her arm!
5. I also remember how we kids cruelly teased a deaf / dumb guy who'd stand for hours at the bus stop below our house. Not good - but it was part of what happened there
6. Above all - we were part of the Pentecostal Chapel in Fochriw - Part of the Sunday School, attended Baptism services held outside in a tin bath, were members of the "Young Lifeguards" organisation - and many other stories.

Yes we left Fochriw when I was just 7 yrs old for the lure of Cwmbran - but Fochriw is still a vivid memory, and I believe a formative experience that shaped for the rest of my life. Will be visiting this coming year, (if its possible)

Terry Gillard

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