National Oil Refinery
I started work at the laboratory in the Llandarcy Oil Refinery in 1942 for the great weekly wage of one pound, one shilling and ninepence, when I was 16.
Mostly women worked in the lab but once the war was over the company only employed men. They did keep the women already employed there.
The village of Llandarcy was just up the road from the refinery and there was a building known as the Institute where dances were held two nights a week. I really enjoyed those!
I often cycled from Pantycelyn Road, Townhill to Llandarcy going along the canal path just past St Thomas, coming out where there is a restaurant now - there used to be a tower with a telescope on the top.
I worked at the refinery until 1949. The company allowed us time off to attend courses at the Neath Technical College where I obtained my National Certificate in Chemistry, and City and Guilds in Petroleum Technology. They didn't increase my pay though! I met my husband while working there - he was one of the students training to work in Abadan. I have a friend in Neath who has sent me pictures of the now defunct refinery.
Memories Links
See more memories of Llandarcy
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How does Llandarcy feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of Llandarcy?
How has Llandarcy changed over the years?
Share memories about your local community, its history and people.
Comments
3 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "National Oil Refinery".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: National Oil Refinery
I was one of those student apprentices from 1945 to 1950. I did not make it to Abadan but emigrated to Canada in 1951.
Comment from Leonard Goodman on Sunday, 6th December 2009.
RE: RE: National Oil Refinery
Hello Leonard, I remember you. I worked in Stocks Lab and the Sulphur Room during the years you were there. My name is Georgie. I'm sure you will remember my husband - Glyn Jones. He only stayed in Abadan for one year, and on his return found a job at Manchester Oil Refinery for about seven years, then moved to Distrene in South Wales. We emigrated to Canada in 1964 and have lived in Sarnia, Ontario ever since. Would love to hear from you.
Comment from Georgina Jones on Sunday, 6th December 2009.
RE: RE: National Oil Refinery
My husband's parents divorced when he was 2, his father was David Thomas who worked in Llandarcy for many years, he lived in his latter years in Elmwood Drive, Briton Ferry. My husband has never seen his father who died in 80s. He would love to have a photograph of him, are there any photos of BP staff that someone has who would have known his father?
Comment from Rosina Field on Tuesday, 5th April 2011.