Pontycymer, Oxford Street c.1955

Photo ref: P227010

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 well remember the doctor's clinic referred to - it was halfway up the hill on the same side as the Squirrel. I have unpleasant memories of getting "the needle" there when I was about five or so. The smell of that purple meths/alcohol stuff (can't remember the name) that they used for wiping the puncture site of your arm/leg still reminds me of that evil place. Anyone remember the pictures/bingo hall that was at the junction of Alexandra Road where it met Meadow St?

My mother Joan Marion Jones nee Gibson from Nantyrychain Terrace worked in the Home and Colonial Stores (on the right hand side of this photo) during the war and has many memories and stories, especially about rationing. She also knows many of the shops. Starting on the left corner was Peglers (grocer) - now a Chinese, I see from another memory, then Morgan Hughes (ladies outfitters), Powell (butcher), Wellingtons ...see more

The hill at the front, sharp left is indeed Alexandra Road and the pub is the Squirrel. The shop on the front left is Peglers Grocers and this became a Chinese Takeaway in about 1970 and is still one today. Just up from that is Emlyn Powell's butchers shop. Front right is Joe Polledri's cafe. Joe was a lovely man who only died about two years ago, well into his 90's. I remember that chewing gum machine well. Further ...see more