Ystradowen, South Glamorgan

Large house with iron gates

I moved to Cowbridge with my parents when I was just 5 years old. My mother was housekeeper and my father was the odd job man. I remember large iron gates to this big house. They kept chickens and ducks and there were 3 dogs, Woopsie, Emma and Barney and the daughter had a horse named Sugar. The family had a... [more]

193940 School Days

I remember the Town Hall at Cowbridge.  In those days there was no one way system around it like today.  The school boy interest was the Merryweather Fire Engine that was kept in a garage at the side of the Town Hall. Great fun to see it being driven out bell clanging and the firemen in their then shiny helmets hanging... [more]

The Kirks , 1 Panty-coed

I lived at No 1 Panty-coed from 1965 until I think 1973. My mother and father are Elsie and John Kirk. Elsie died 2 years ago, John still lives in Barry. I am their oldest daughter and the second child of 4. I attended Llancarfan primary school when Mr Lewis was the headmaster. I remember the Corona lorry that came around,... [more]

War-time

My Grandfather, Clifford Taylor, was a Civil Servant at RAF St. Athan during the Second World War. He could not join the Forces at all because he had club feet and was rejected at his Call Up Board. He used to be involved with giving out the uniforms, as well as other duties, which obviously changed when Peace broke out in... [more]

Hammett's Farm.

This building was known to us as Hammett's Farm, properly West Orchard Farm, in the Higher End area of St Athan. Arthur Hammett and his wife ran the farm and I occasionally helped to deliver milk from the farm around the village from a horse and cart. Arthur, who lived to the great age of 92, and continued farming... [more]

Mustow's cafe.

I lived with my family in St Athan village from the time of my first birthday in 1946 to my marriage in 1970. Mt wife and I were married at the church shown in the photograph. The church is dedicated to an Irish saint by the name of Tathan. The village was once known as Llandathan, then Saint... [more]

The Town Hall Steps

When I was very young I can remember that my mother used to let me run up and down the town hall steps.

Our Pub!

Gidday to all! Having recently travelled  to Penmark to rediscover my family history, I am sure that this is a photo of 'Kenson Cottage',which used to be the 'Rose and Crown' pub .My family(Gabriel) used to own the pub and smithy until 1858,when it was bought by Thomas Hopkin.I have my family back to 1782 in Kenson,with 3 grave sites in... [more]