Workmens Hall c1955, Ogmore Vale
Workmens Hall c1955, Ogmore Vale Ref: O73006
Memories of Workmens Hall c1955, Ogmore Vale
Cinema
In the early 50's I used to attend film shows in this building. I seem to remember it was referred to as "The Lymp", that being an abbreviation for "Olympic".
My grandfather, John Richard Dunn, was born in Bryne Street. His mother ran a thriving grocery shop from her front room. He was a master musician (and miner) who conducted many choirs in the area.
During WW11 I attended school in Ogmore having moved from Bournemouth. The teachers and my grandmother had a big job on their hands teaching me to speak without a cockney-type accent. Happily, they won through.
A MEANDER DOWN THAT LANE
The photograph is that of the miner's hall where films were shown. It was also used for pantomimes and other functions. The Lymp referred to in the memory of David Whitney is the Olympia Cinema, owned by Mr Adams. I lived in Pantyraw and went to school, first in Ogmore Vale, then Nantymoel. I left the valley in 1952 aged 15 together with a school friend, Aaron Davies to seek our future in England. I lost touch with Aaron in 1958 when he did his National Service in the RAF then signed on. In 2004 I was in Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada. I was invited to a Welsh Society funtion where I met Graham Adams. I could not believe the way the conversation developed. This was the son of the Mr Adams who owned the Olympia Cinema. He was a close friend of Aaron Davies, he was in the same class as my sister Daleth at school. What sort of a coincidence is... Read more
Ogmore Vale & local memories
Read and share memories of Ogmore Vale and Mid Glamorgan inspired by Frith photos.
My Uncle Douglas Webber
My grandparents lived in Cardiff Street, Ogmore Vale. My grandfather and uncle both worked in the mine, sometime in the late 1930s there was an accident and everyone got out, but my uncle who was an animal lover went back to save his horse and got killed, the horse got out safe. My grandmother was cleaning her front step when someone came and told her of the death. She never got over the death and never spoke of it. I am in my 50s and do not know anything more as my mother had a very bad memory and I wonder if anyone can help me with the facts.
Ogmore Vale
Goodness! Reading all these wonderful memories of others living in Ogmore, reminds me of mine ... I remember visiting the Workmen's Hall cinema and all the 'old' movies - Dambusters, Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin! - how strange that it all seems just like yesterday! My parents came to the Valleys from Europe in 1948 and eventually settled in, making new friends with the Valley residents. My first memories are of the Co-op on High Street! and my first friend, Megan Jones, in Cemetery Road. Hi, Megan! We lived in Alma Terrace until emigrating to Sydney, Australia in 1963 ... My brother and I have never forgotten Ogmore ... We don't get to visit often, but it's always in our heart ...
Adare Street, Wyndam
I remember Betty Edmounds from Adare Street, she used to live next door to me. She gave me a crucifix .Do you remember this Betty? Please contact me through this web site.
Looking For Grandfather
My mother was born at 56 Albany Road in 1909 and her father was William Young who was a collier at the time and her mother's name was Emily (nee Hale). I am trying to find any information I can. It's a long time back but I would love to hear from anyone who can help.
Wyndham 1949 to 1963
Hi folks, I went to live in the Wyndham atthe age of 6 and a half from Birmingham. I am in contact with a few friends but wondered if anyone else remembers me? The name should help!I attended Fronwen School. I might have known Betty Edmunds, I certainly remember a lot of things she said. The onion sellers (on bikes) were I think French men. There was a bustling coal mining community then and a wonderful sense of community as well. I picked wimberries and slid down the mountains on anything we could find. I inherited a wonderful stepfather Samuel Bishop, he was very well known and worked at the Wyndham pit. One special friend that I remember is Glenys Jones, she lived in John Street, Pricetown and attended the grammar school in the Wyndham. Many happy memories!
Adare Street, Ogmore Vale
Hi, I am am Betty Edmonds, and I have the greatest memories of Fronwen School, the park in front of Adare Street, and buying frozen Birds Eye peas at the corner shop near the Co-op.
I also remember the faggot and peas man delivering, on "bath night" at my grannie's house also on Adare Street, she had a real bathtub! And the gypsies selling onions and pegs, and of picking whinberries on the mountain and sliding down on pieces of cardboard.
My grandad worked at the signal box in Ogmore, he used to take me to work with him sometimes ... what a treat, there was a telephone in the signal box.
Mr Criddle our neighbour had a car and took my mother and I for a ride up the Bwlch in 1953 ... what an experience ... I have been living in Ontario in Canada for the past 38 years, and always think of the Wyndham as my home village ... does anyone else share the same memories?
Mother's Birthplace
My mother was born in 21 Meadow Street, and many times I spent a lot of happy hours there. She was Doreen Susanah Howells, and had a sister Gwyneth, a sister Megan, a brother Evan, a brother Leslie, and a brother who died in the local colliery in an accident. I remember well watching his funeral going past the house. It was very sad. Often we would get on that little train and go to Barry for the day - what an excursion. I found a lovely friend that lived in Highland Terrace whose name escapes me! Grandfather Howells was a safety officer at the mine. There used to be a shop just up the road from the house where I was allowed to buy fizzy pop. I remember it well. I was often taken to the Co-op shop in the main town to buy clothes. How lucky I was, the money was put in the hand-pull machine shooting across to a money office. We as children spent many happy... Read more
