Blackwood

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Fleur de lys Infant and Junior School

I went to this school from about 1935 until I entered Bedwellty Grammar School .A war time memory comes to mind. One afternoon Miss Davies, our teacher, told us that we were going to help the war effort. We were all going to scour the countryside and collect hips (the fruit of the rose hip. Much later on in life I discovered that it was turned into rose-hip syrup). To continue ... Off we all went on a beautiful sunny autumn afternoon looking for these hips. Unfortunately the locaton chosen was just right for a very exciting game of Cowboys and Indians (location an old quarry but not dangerous). Whilst all the boys played, the girls collected the hips. The whistle ...read more here
A memory of Fleur De Lis contributed by john griffiths

Gypsy Camp

As children in the Summer we would walk from Ynysddu to the swimming pool in Pontllanfraith. We would walk along what was known as 'the old road'. As we approached the Mill we would look to the right. If we saw dogs we knew the Gypsies were camping in the old Quarry. We were afraid because of the'old wives tales' about Gypsies. We would then very quietly go over the Bridge passed the Mill instead of passing the Camp! Longer way to the Pool but as far as we were concerned safer!
A memory of Pontllanfraith contributed by First Name Last Name

War time at the Penllwyn

As a lad of 12 + I used to visit the Penllwyn with my friend. There was a massive tented camp full of American soldiers. They were there for some time and we would freely walk about the tents. One day we arrived and every single tent had gone.
A memory of Pontllanfraith contributed by john griffiths

Graham Clive Cale James

Between 1938-1949 I lived in Llanarth Road then at Bryn Road 1949-1959. There was no Springfield Estate (only Springfield Villas, about 6 houses). Tradespeople at that time were Davies the bakers with door to door delivery by horse and cart, the horse was named Boulter and his driver was Oliver Tovey, W.A.Ford greengrocer, Starks grocers shop opposite Pont. Low Level Station and Richards, grocer/greengrocer at Pont. bridge.  Opposite Richards shop was Pantycelyn Stores. The other side of the bridge was Gibbs Brothers Garage (purchased by my grandfather in 1939/40) and the Greyhound Hotel. The Gibbs family all lived at Llanarth Road and Islwyn Terrace.  Ynyswen House was the home to the park keeper of the Welfare Ground and The Dell was ...read more here
A memory of Pontllanfraith contributed by First Name Last Name