Nostalgic memories of Tondu's local history
Share your own memories of Tondu 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 all 8 Memories
Members of my Thomas family built a number of houses in Bryn Road and sometime lived at Nos. 64, 66, 70 and 84.
I have a photo of early family members that I would like to identify if anybody knows of these, Edith, Elizabeth Blodwen, David Gomer, Gertrude, Windsor, Robert, Alban, Beryl etc. I used to spend my Summer holidays there in the 60's but I fear sadly most of my family members have gone now ?
Dave (Berkshire)
I went to tondu from 1958 until 1963. I lived in Gas Street. I was the local paperboy from about 1963 till 1969 and new almost everyone. I knew the thomas's and Hetty Kendal. Much as changed in that area Ozzy Sullivan still lives there. you will remember Walter who lived in the old lime kilns which we called Walters Caves. he mended watches in the cave and in the winter he slept in the kilns at Tondu Brickworks I LOVED TONDU ...see more
I was born in October 1948, and lived in Bryncethin. For some reason I still cannot fathom even at my age, why kids from Bryncethin were sent by bus all the way to Tondu Primary School, when the one at Brynmenin was in fact closer, the bus to school as far as I remember drove past the Brynmenin school on the way to Tondu. I guess being born in 1948, I must have attended Tondu from around 1954 ...see more
I am not quite sure of the date I moved to Tondu Primary School from Laleston Juniors near Bridgend after moving to Sarn, however, I think it was around 1955. The headmaster was a Mr Richards who I understand was renowned for making/carving Welsh love spoons. My form teacher I remember was also a Mr Richards, Tom, and I have fond memories of Mr Richards reading every Friday afternoon a chapter from 'King ...see more
Growing up in Aberkenfig was good fun. I attended Tondu infants and Junior schools, later on Ynysawdre comprehensive school. Along with quite a few of my friends, I was a member of Penybont Carnival display Band. Our jazzband went to a good many places I wouldn't have had the chance to vist otherwise. We even competed in the world championships in London! We practised in St. Roberts church ...see more
One day I went to Porthcawl with my friend, we had a lovely day there except that I lost one of my shoes in the sand. My friend's dad was staying at a caravan down there so we went to visit him, he made me a sort of mule type shoe to get home. We were getting the bus and I was so worried about my mum telling me off on the way back. We had to change buses in Bridgend and my mule broke. I panicked and could not ...see more
My husband Stan Waite worked at Tondu brickworks. Our Sunday School used to pick wild flowers for the anniversary of the church. We had a picnic in the park and caught the steam train home.
My brother and myself came to Tondu in about 1955 from Brighton, Sussex, when my father who worked there had to come home because his father was very ill (my father's name was Robert Leonard Thomas and his father's name was Essex Thomas). We both went to the school by the side of the brickworks. We lived along where the old people's home is and opposite there was the woods where houses are built now. My ...see more