Nostalgic memories of Pontycymer's local history
Share your own memories of Pontycymer 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 22 in total
I was born in Victoria Street (no;146) my father was a "Garw" boy his name was Alan Fudge and married my mum Hilary around 1960-62, we lived in Victoria st, until around 1973. I had a really good friend who lived across the road from us and her name was Pamela Hatch, I remember as a young girl having sleep overs at her house and her mum made the best porridge ever! I'm just wondering if anybody knows ...see more
My mother was Blanche Jones and she lived as a child in a house called 'Barcelona' on Victoria Street. My grandmother lived there until she died c.1960. My aunt Marion and uncle Dyfrig (Davies) and their son Bryan lived a few doors along. Uncle Dyfrig was the pit manager during the late 50's/early 60's. My uncle Emlyn and aunt Nellie owned a butcher shop on Oxford Street (they had two sons, Bill and ...see more
I was born and brought up in the Avenue and was a Totterdale before marriage. Do you remember Tymeinor School? I went there from 1959 until it closed in 1966. It was a nice place to be, but does anyone remember Miss Ridgeway who used to slap legs for no reason whatsoever. On the other hand do you remember Miss Lawrence who was the complete opposite. Also Mr Williams who was the tallest person I had ever seen, but ...see more
Watching the coal miners sit and talk and smoke. I miss the valley. Have been in the USA since 1982. Loved my time teaching at Ffaldau from 1971 to 1982. Kids and parents were great. Mam and dad died the last 5 years. Want to talk to old friends, take care Dai Harris.
I was born at 18 Richard Street, Pontycymer. My mother was Mary and my father was Brynley, a coal miner. I went to the Welsh School at Bridgend Road and then to Garw Grammar School. I loved growing up in the valley. Honest hard working people. Miss the valley. Currently living in Madison, Wisconsin, USA with my wife Miriam. Coming home for Christmas. Staying in Castleford, Yorkshire with my mother in law, Pat, and ...see more
My father, John Baugh, was born in 1936 and lived in Pontycymer with his parents, Oliver and Doris, in Park Street. He had a sister, Patricia - known as Anne, and a brother, George Brian. I am trying to get together some photos for a more interesting Christmas present than the usual jumper. Does anyone remember him?
I was born in Ponty in 1957 and left for South Africa in 1966. We lived in 11 Hill View opposite the school. My Dad, Allan Hatch worked in the pits. I remember the chap who looked after the school had twins, Michael and Malcolm whose Mum commited suicide. I went to Ffaldau after Tymeanor (?) closed down. We used to play in the police cells as kids. Wonderful memories.
There were three picture places in the valley that I used, Pontycymer Hall, Top Hall Bleangarw, and the Silver Cinema. Good times.
I lived in Blandy Terrace and went to the Ffaldua Boys' School and then the grammar school. I was the telegram boy at the Post Office for six months, it was great. I wonder if two girls I went to the infants school with are still about - Janet Prosser and Anne Powell. I live in Northants now but my heart is in the Garw. D.J.
I remember Eric Morris and the shop me and my late brother Wendel bought sweets at. Eric must remember his roller skates, first skates I ever saw, and he learned to skate very well. I thought so anyway. Happy days.