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Tairgwaith
Tairgwaith maps
Historic maps of Tairgwaith and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis. View all Tairgwaith maps
Tairgwaith area books
Displaying 1 of 6 books about Tairgwaith and the local area. View all books for this area
You can read extracts and browse photos from these books.
Memories of Tairgwaith
Displaying a selection of personal
memories of Tairgwaith.
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Wartime Evacuation in 1944
I was placed in an orphanage on 13th October 1943 together with my elder brother Brian. My father had died on the infamous Siam (Thailand) Railway as a forced labour navvy. He was a regular soldier and had already been rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk - May 1940. By early part of 1944 my younger brother Peter also joined us at Spurgeon's Orpanage a home for Mother or Fatherless Children - a home founded by Dr Charles Haddon Spurgeon in Victorian times he was an early prototype (and probably more generous) of Billy Graham. We never saw each other during that time.
It was spring-time in 1944 that the decision was made to evacuate all the boys to South Wales and, I believe, all the girls to Yorkshire. We set off during the afternoon for Reading where we stayed overnight in the local cattlemarket hall and next day caught a train to either Swansea or maybe Neath. I really do not know. We were then taken by bus... Read more
Dyfed memories
Bryannman Hotel. Good Times, Good Money.
I was sent to Lower Bynamman in 1970, to work building up a huge 2400 Marion excavator for Sir Lindsey Parkinson at the GCG (Tyor Gwaith?) opencast site.
I lodged at the Bryannam hotel with Dez and Dylis. I soon made lots of friends in Bryamman, Gwn Gosto, (foreman fitter), Panto and Darrell Chips (from Abercrave), Clive Trotman, (welder) Mel (welder) and all his friends at the 'opera'. They were doing 'Oklahoma' that year and after rehearsals Mel and the whole cast used to come into the pub and sing all the show's songs as they played dominoes etc. I had heard about the Welsh singing but I was totally amazed. What they forgot to inform the 'bob Seis' was that they were in fact an amateur operatic society coming in for a drink after rehearsals, I thought they were just pub customers, I was gob-smacked. Later I was told and eventually I went to see the show, I still remember it to this day, it was fantastic, especial Mel... Read more
William Rees - 1915
My Grandad William Geraint Rees was born in Brynamman in the year 1915 :o).
Evacuees
My sister and I, Margaret and Maureen Grieve, were evacuated to Brynamman. I lived with Nellie, Stanley and Menna Thomas in the then new council houses.
My sister stayed with the Pughs in Faifield House. My brothers joined us, Ken went to Station Rd and David to Mountain Rd. Mr and Mrs Mounford were our head master and mistress.
I can remember the school burning down which we evacuees shared with the Welsh children. Can still remember odd words in Welsh. Returned a few years ago, and met up with the few remaining aunties. Would like another visit, but time is against one, too much hassle with travelling. But just wanted to say Hello. Cyru am byth.
Landmarks
My grandparents, Daniel" Pentir "Thomas and his wife "Momo", lived not far from Station Road. As you went over the bridge (see photo) towards Gwaun-cae-gurwen, on the left was the "War Memorial", followed by the Rugby Club on the right. This was followed by a Carpentery where coffins were made! At this point there was a footbridge across the Amman leading to the rugby field and the open-air swimming pool. As you carried along the main road there was a row of terraced houses, all with slate roofs, on the right. My grandparents lived in the 2nd or 3rd house. It was 2 storeys high at the front and 3 storeys at the back! A short distance up the hill, on the right, was the Brynamman Hotel (I think that was the name). On top of the hill , on the right, was the Welsh Baptist Chapel. These were the landmarks of my Sunday afternoon visits to my grandparents back in the 1950's.... Read more
My Great Granddad And Grandmother
Hello to all.
I am looking into my family history.
I know my grandfather, William John Palmer, was born at Garnant on 27 October 1904, his parents are listed as Hannah Palmer, formerly Thomas, and James Palmer, Engine Driver in Colliery. They resided at Garnand Hill, Garnant.
Could anyone give me any other information about them?
If anyone there is related to me or knows my family line I would love to hear from you. Or photos of the time.
I was adopted when my mother died so this is a long road for me to travel.
Many thanks.
Ann
My Mothers Birthplace - Olice Nora Dick
My mother's family grew up in Garnant, Dyfed.... sister Gwen, brother Victor. I would like to try and trace my relatives and any help would be appreciated. My mother used to tell about the coal tips, a family motorcycle shop and generally growing up in the 1920s but apart from that I have little information. You never know, someone might have even the smallest bit of news which would help me trace relatives. Thanking you all in anticapation. David Pepper, Portsmouth, UK
