Nostalgic memories of Pontypool's local history
Share your own memories of Pontypool 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 21 in total
I started out working life at the pontypool store ,Mr Galander manager ,in the stockroom with Gwen later on the floor 'then being moved to Newport! Those were the days when ponty Meant something!! The streets were full on Fridays and Saturdays' Woolworth's store was always crowed out . Sunday the monkey parade!
It seems my grandparents Edward Langdon was well known as a Methodist minister at park terrace ,also as ...see more
When i was a litttle girl my mother and i use to visit a lady with conections to the Clarence Hotel . I think i called her auntie Daisy she had two grandchildren Harry and Ann . Can anyone help?
i went to the Town School my father Alf owned an upholstery shop on Osbourne road I was brought up with him as mother left home when I was two, can any one remember Alf Browne my name is Mike .
My maternal family, Smiths and Meredith's, hail from the Pontypool area. My great grandmother , Matilda Smith (nee Meredith) lived in Waunfelin and ran a children's clothes/knitwear business from her house at the beginning of 20th c ( Fowler St). I visited Pontypool in 2012 and visited many local landmarks especially Pontypool Market. I come from Aberdare but have lived in Scotland for many years. My great ...see more
It couldn't have been many years after this photo was taken that a number of holes were dug out of the bowling green by vandals. It caused much consternation locally, and the shadows of the holes where they'd been filled and re-grassed could be seen for years afterwards. I don't recall them ever being caught!
I lived in Upper Bridge Street and remember a few of the shops in town, I think! On the corner of Upper Bridge Street and the Bell Pitch was Franketti's fish shop with an awesome Art Nouveau till and free chips if you took them newspapers for wrapping, and opposite was Cliff Powell's fruit & veg shop with Baggot's little corner shop further down. Walking down Upper Park Terrace from our house you ...see more
My grandparents lived at 52 Osborne Road,( opposite the Griffin Press) I remember spending many a happy weekend there after school finished on Friday when I would travel from Cwmbran by bus which in those days stopped right outside Nan's house. When I was 12 we (my Mum Dad & two brothers), moved in with Nan & Gransh. Happy uncomplicated days.
My mum's parents and her brother lived right next door to the Griffin Press no.74. I, my sister, Mum and Dad would travel down from Paddington on the steam train for Christmas and it would be open house for visitors, always so warm with the coal fire. How did we all fit into that small house, but I loved going up the turney stairs. I remember going to the small shop at the end of Osborne Road for sweets, ...see more
I was an apprentice bookbinder at the Griffin Press on Osborne Road between 1969 and 1975. While there, I met my wife Gloria('nee Fowler') who worked in the stationers shop of Hughes and Son Ltd in the town. I remember Sheila Smith, who lived across the road from the Griffin. I remember watching the Riverside housing estate being built from the Griffin. I have very fond memories of my time on Osborne Road and Pontypool itself.
I was evacuated with my school to Pontypool on 1st September 1939. I was taken in with my friend Jim Baker, by a retired miner and his wife, and spent six weeks in what was alleged to be the smallest house in Pontypool. I can't remember the name of my hosts but their dog was called "Fly", my memory of this being supported by a small black and white photograph I still have of Jimmy and myself holding Fly ...see more