Nostalgic memories of Pontllanfraith's local history
Share your own memories of Pontllanfraith 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 11 in total
I started school here in 1953 travelling from Argoed everyday. Here I met my future husband, Tony Boulter, his sister Marjorie, her husband Derek Mills and brother Clive. Unfortunately my husband died in 2000. Clive became Headmaster at Brynmawr Comprehensive School and Marjorie and Derek live near Stratford, we are all now retired. I have very fond memories of school and still keep in touch ...see more
I was born at 8 Islwyn Terrace and have fond memories of Pontllanfraith. Playing up the Tumpee with my brother Lynn Lewis and the freedom we had as children roaming the hills before the council estate was built. I attended The Lindens school in Blackwood and took the bus with Megan Frailey from the age of 6 to 11 when I caught the train to attend the Lewis School for Girls at Hengoed. My ...see more
My family moved from Cwmfelinfach to 20 Millbrook Road, Pontllanfraith in 1948, a brand new house, with an indoor and outdoor toilet. Our next door neighbour was Mr and Mrs Tiley, who had two sons, Terry and Robert. My early schooling was spent in Pontllanfraith Infants, then the Juniors and Primary. Our play areas were down the mill, the field by the vicarage and Lovells, the stables. Across the common to ...see more
New friends were made at Pontllanfraith Grammar School, names such as Alan Davies, Gino Minoli, Clive Lewis, Glyn Moss, Joyce Davies, Margaret Brooks, Judith Dyer all come to mind. I regret I gave so little effort to my academic work, but I had already decided that I wanted to work in my grandfather's business at Gibbs Bros. Garages Ltd. Sport I loved in any form, athletics ...see more
My memory of the Penllwyn was being baptised. At that time it was called the Penllwyn Mission. The Baptism took place where the bar now stands. Also my wedding reception was held there in 1972.
On June 11th 1952 in the front downstairs room, (or close by) of 14 Woodland Road I let out my first cry. My early days of Pont are blurred, because they were not happy days. But I do remember walking down to the Mill and just looking at the water for hours and hours. My parents divorced in 1960 and we ended up in a prefab up the Penllwyn, it was Broadmead Road and there was ...see more
I travelled with Mr Moor, the miller, in this Ford van as he went from house to house selling grain food for chickens etc. I also paid a weekly visit to the mill which charged our accumulator acid battery that powered our wireless (radio). I recently visited the mill and spent an enjoyable hour being shown around and seeing an actual copy of the distress message sent out by the Titanic which ...see more
My paternal grandfather, Joseph Cook, lived at No 24 Newbridge Road, Pontllanfraith and to avoid the bombing where we lived in South London, we stayed in his house. I was too young for school, but my brothers, Joe and Pat attended the local primary school, during our stay. I recall my brothers setting fire to the gorse bushes on an area of land which the local kids referred to as "the common", and that the fire engine was called to put out the fire! Ken Cook
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!
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.