Nostalgic memories of Ystalyfera's local history
Share your own memories of Ystalyfera 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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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 11 in total
Was wondering if anyone remembers the Francis Family in Ystalyfera? My mother was the youngest Carol, and there was Margaret, Jean, Dorethy and Philip. My grandparents were William John and Margaret Phyllis. They lived in Pen-yr-wern, we now live in England but I am interested in learning about their life in Ystalyfera.
I began my life's journey at Ty Gwyn farm in 1951 just before my 2nd birthday. I even remember climbing.the stairs at 1year 10 months. I would walk down Penywern Road to the Wern school. I remember standing on a chair in the infants at 5 years old and singing 'how much is the doggy in the window?', every time I slowed down the teacher would shake a bag of sweets at the rear of the room and I would continue. ...see more
George and his sister Doris came to us in the forties. It was George who told me about this site. We have remained friends ever since and this friendship has most certainly enriched my life.
I remember how several of us children used to walk down Penywern Road to go to Wern School. There were no parents to take us or fetch us. Miss Maddocks was the Headmistress. Likewise, we would go to the cinema. It ...see more
What wonderful days for me (and my sister ). We were looked after and cared for by the most super Mr.Mrs.Williams of Pen-y-wern Road. They had two children, Barbara & Peter, who I am still in touch with almost every week. I am 79 years of age. The years I spent with these people were full of happiness.
I have a relative living in Herne Bay, Kent, who is travelling to Swansea shortly. He was evacuated to Pen Y Wern road in 1941? and would welcome any information that adds to his fond memories whilst living in Ystayfera.
Thank you
Pat
I'm probably the oldest person writing on this site!! Just after the war started in 1939 I was sent down to live with my aunt in Ystalyfera because we lived in London which wasn't safe. My aunt was Dora Rees and she and my uncle Evan Rees lived in Bryncelyn (now an old people's home). I have many memories of my cousin Conway and I playing on 'the tips' which were off a road near the house. They were coal tips ...see more
Hi Elaine. I enjoyed reading your memories of Graig -y-Merched, I have wonderful memories of the area, I grew up on Tan-y-Wern lane and attended the Wern school and the Ystalyfera Grammar School. My grandparents lived on Cyfyng Road but they owned a field that abutted the Graig, I spent many a summer day sliding on cardboard, and also picking blackberries and enjoyed the tart and custard afterwards. My grandmother ...see more
Like my sister (Sharon Bondy), I also have great memories of Clare Road. We lived at 8 Clare Road (the Williams's). I am the oldest of 3 kids (my sister Sharon & brother Leyton). I vaguely remember moving to this house from our Pen-Y-Grug house (I think I was 5 of 6 yrs old at the time - early/mid 1970s). Many of our friends lived on our street, and we would walk to school together since the Wern ...see more
Joseph was my great-grandfather who lived at Tirbach Road. During his life he had much bad fortune. He lost a leg in an accident, his wife died at a young age and a daughter was drowned in the canal. According to a person who wrote for the local paper, at the time, in spite of all he maintained a bright outlook on life. Alltygrug in a tribute to Joe Bach tells a story of him digging for coal behind his ...see more
Hello Ystalyfera! I have just discovered your site and I am ecstatic! Having been born and brought up on Graig-y-Merched in the 1950s and 1960s, I have loved your photos. Having 'emigrated' to Baglan a mere 26 years ago (not through choice) they have brought back memories of some of the best times of my life. I grew up with 4 older brothers, which made me the best fielder in cricket on the 'Graften', because ...see more