Abercarn

My great great grandfather, John Lee died in the Abercarn Mining disaster aged 24. He lived at 2 Iron Row. I know it was by The Ranks in Abercarn but where can i find a map that shows exactly where it was?

don't know where you'll find the book-though the library sounds a good bet to start.

christine powell shop row was about 50yds north of the old swan inn with a bailey wall in front of it which is still there today.
don't really know why they were knocked down unless dereliction forced it.

Norm Williams and Brian Williams thankyou for the replies would that book you mentioned be in one of the local libaries. I cannot picture where shop row would of been do you know why it was demolished and Celyn Row ? Its funny how a lot of the old buildings are still here and some were demolished. I wish we had a local history group in the Abercarn /Newbridge area so we could all learn from each other.

christine powell; there is a photo of shop row inReg Jones "spooner's"self published book ,the name escpes me however his son Glyn Jones posts on here and may be able to help tjhere.
Pam -there were shops opposite the garn,if you go toOLDUKPHOTOS.COM/MONMOUTHSHIRE then click on abercarn you will find photos showing them.
yes there was a pop factory up the distillery.
hope this helps.

Christine Powell
Christine, the "Welsh Church" is immediately below St Lukes church and unfortunaely is in a poor state of repair and facing closure,
I was only talking about the Polka the other evening with a couple of old boys, one of them a local born and bred , he didnt know the origins of the unusual name, i do hope someone can throw a light as i would be very intertested myself

Does any one know if there are any photos of shop row in any of the local history books

Does anyone know is the welsh church built by Lady Lanover still there if so were is it situated

anybody know where the polka hill got its name? i only heard recently the hill by St Lukes is referred Twyn Hill, also i'm sure i recall a shop past the Garn going towards Chapel of Ease there is a recollection of my brother going in while marching from the Garn. Was there a 'pop' factory over the distillery as my late Dad said?

Hello Dianne.Thank you for the 2013 wishes,and the same to you and your family,and best wishes to your mom.I wasn't quite sure if your mom was still around but iI am sure she is doing very well living in Newport,What part of Newport does she live?How is Philip these days,i cann't remeber the last time i saw Philip,last i heard he was living up the northern part of England.Please give him my regards and best wishes for 2013.Yes this is a good site to meet the people that we went to school with or know people from the surounding areas.Anyway Dianne take care hope to hear from you again.All the Best Glyn&Lynne

hello Glyn, this is Dianne Packer ( now Elam) from Oak St. I have just found this site and rang my mother, Mary, and she wants me to send you her best wishes. She will be 86 next month and often talks fondly of your mum and your dad. She spent Christmas here with us in the West End but has lived in Newport for over 25 years. So, although we are well into january, best wishes to you and your family for 2013

Hello Pam.Thank you for replying to my e-mail so quickly,yes I do remeber all those people you mentioned,Graham and i use to be pretty go friends he use to live at the top of high medow then he moved to the bottom of the pant.I can remeber these houses being built which they moved into.Yes i did attend abercarn school then moved down to cwmcarn school.Not sure if you remeber Nigle Derrick,Pat handcock,Judith Garland.Actually was visiting abercarn one year and met Ann Meredith at the cemetry of all places.I was visitng my parents who have taken up lodgings there.I traveled to Canada in 1974 with Abercarn rugby club on the eastern side i realy liked this area.I applied for a job with a mining company which took us to Alberta,which we have been here since 1980,i have three boys,34,28,21,been married since 1976 to a girl from Newport i have been back to abercarn quite number of times visiting family and friends,mainly nobby way.
Anyway Pam i hope you will keep in touch its nice communicating with peopl that i attended school with.
Regards.
Glyn.

Hi Glyn I think i remember you may have been the same year in west end there was Joy wilcox, Valerie Maiden, Linda Pewtner, Ann Meredith, Penny Forbes (Doctor Forbes daughter) I seem to remember a Graham Mustoe (think he moved away) West End school we played rounders on a nice day in a field towards Pantyresk and remember the arches in the girls yard, yes girls and boys had separate yards, what else the coke fire in I think Mrs Olivers class, where they defrosted the school milk, oh Christmas party you had to take your own dish and spoon. Now the other milkman Ginger yes lived next to Mr Colins and I believe Mrs Woodhouse whose house was used for voting in the elections. My brother is five years older he did play a bit of sport but there is another Terry Evans from either Newbridge or Pant who played Rugby you may be thinking of him. So how come you went to Canada, I'm trying to think if you went to Cwmcarn School after West End. Regards Pam

Hello Pam.My name is Glyn jones,i use to live in chapel street.I too remember lewis collin and his son Lewis.Actually iuse to work for Gordon Smith thts was the other milkman who lived next door to Lewis collins. to attended the west end school probably around thesame time as you,i was born i 53.Lots of memoriesof abercarn not to mention Johns cafe.I am trying to place your brother terry,did he play any sport?I sill visit abercarn and i still have a brother still living in chapel street. I dd leave the area in 1980 i now live in Canada.Still know lots of people in the area.Ths is a pretty good site to communicate with people that either still live in thearea or have moved away.
All the best.
Glyn(Ginter)

sorry old Mr Colins not Lewis

i was born in bryn road llanfach in1954, there were not many children there then my elder brother terry and i would play tennis on the road so few cars about, the trewen was a regular haunt, watching the sheep being sheered at the farm shed by clytha square, fetching water when the water went off at the pipe at the distillery ,if we run out of milk it was up to Mr Colin's house either he or Lewis would oblige, old Mr Lewis alweays referred to me as grampa's beauty, he was a regular sunday morning caller i believe he and my granch had conversation in welsh. my brother and i attended the garn on sundays keeping a few pence back to be spent at johns cafe, marching was an event we had new clothes for that and the garn christmas party was a wrapped bar of chocolate with a hanky, the other big event the fair coming to the distillery, and my great joy chapel of ease open air baths, west end junior were i attended no matter how cold they took us there but for me school holidays would find me and it was a great social meeting place ahh happy days.

HI..interesting seeing your name! i guess you are the sister of Cameron?
How is he? Was speaking to mr and mrs James and Sally 2 weeks ago! small world

Hi Jason,
sorry haven't looked on here for a while. Don was my grandmothers brother. She was Margaret Smith that lived on Sycamore Tce, she passed away a few years ago now.

colin was a very good Friend of Mine.

Hi Kathryn
I only met Don a few times as a child and weirdly I am also named after my dad who in turn was named after Don. Sarah Thomas-Welch had told me she had been tracing the family name right back. How are you specifically related to Don?
Jason

Colin just passed away my 2nd oldest brother 13/march/2012 we lived no 1 sycamore

Abercarn baths! what memories.Through the turnstile, down past the diving boards to the changing rooms, put your stuff in the locker then come out through the adjacent mens/ladies openings. Make your way up to the concrete steps to get a pitch (The grassy bit above was for older boys and their girlfriends!) have a freezing swim and then warm youself up with a plastic cup of oxtail soup, a packet of crisps and a stick of hard basstts liquorice. After spending nearly all day there going blue,getting pruned fingers and trying to dry yourself in a soaking wet towel, it would be home for tea with wiberrie tart and ideal milk! Brilliant memories!

Thanks all :)

Reference Abercarn Lido; it was at the bottom of Chapel Of Ease, High Meadow,cross over the canal bridge, approx 50yds on the left would be the entrance there was a small shop which sold ice cream and crisps etc. run by I believe Annie Gordon??

The history of Abercarn bathes should be available from Caerphilly County Borough Council. (01495 226622) The bathes were built and run by Abercarn Urban District Council during the 1950's and mid 1960's. My mother worked there as a "cashier" for quite a few years in the late 1950's but can't remember when it was closed. Freedom of Information Act should ensure you get all the detail required.

I'm researching the history of Abercarn for an English assignment and I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding the old lido? When it was built/opened etc and when it closed. I can't seen to find out anything about it apart from a photo in a book at Risca Library so if anyone could help me out it would be appreciated. Thanks, in advance.

Mike Haines was my cousin . . . his mam, my gorgeous aunty Bessie - never saw her with teeth in !! BUT what a woman . . ."Al'right my cocker ?' . . .I can picture her saying it now !!! Great memories.

You made me remember my mam's home made winberry tart. Lovely. And the outdoor baths at Abercarn, where I learned to swim. Used to spend each and every day there in the school holidays - along with all my friends and family . . . .can't believe it was allowed to go to rack and ruin by the then council. Shoul never have happened.

I remeber delivering newspapers to Celynen Row in the 40`s It was supposed to be my brother`s round but he was often late and needed my help to finish in time for school

Does anyone remember sliding down the 'polka hill' in the snow? taking picnics up the Trewen or going over the spiteful and picking wimberries up the mountain...swimming in Abercarn bathes, picking watercess over the park where the old pop factory used to be...what a happy carefree childhood we had.

i remember delivering Sunday newspapers with my granfather to Celynen row in 1960's. We would always pop into Micheal Haines house where his mother would give us a cup of tea...we then walked through the celynen south pit across to High Meadow and Persondy...i remember getting paid 15/- which was quite a lot of money then...oh! to be that again.

i remember delivering Sunday newspapers with my granfather to Celynen row in 1960's. We would always pop into Micheal Haines house where his mother would give us a cup of tea...we then walked through the celynen south pit across to High Meadow and Persondy...i remember getting paid 15/- which was quite a lot of money then...oh! to be that again.

HI Celynen Row was nearer Newbridge.but quite close to the pit . The new houses by the West End are built on the site of the colliery itself
Sylvia

Thankyou sylvia I have found them are the new houses in west end on the site of Celynen Row or were they further up by Newbridge??

Hi
On page 52 of a book called Pantside, Newbridge and Crumlin by David Taylor there are 2 photographs of Celynen Row. Its published by Old Bakehouse Publications
Sylvia

Thankou Brian for our repl do ou know of any photographs of these buildings also why they were demolished??

Celenyn Terrace, was I believe Celenyn Row, which was sited adjacent the Celenyn South Colliery, on the Broad from West End to Newbridge. Shop Row was sited between Abercarn village(Town Centre) ans Cwmcarn on the old road.

Celenyn Terrace, was I believe Celenyn Row, which was sited adjacent the Celenyn South Colliery, on the Broad from West End to Newbridge. Shop Row was sited between Abercarn village(Town Centre) ans Cwmcarn on the old road.

Sorry about the three previous entries onl one intended

Hello just found out some of my ancestors lived in Celynen Terrace listed there on 1911 cenus where would this of been b in Abercarn near where any landmarks etc now also some other family in Shop Row would this of been the Ranks

Hello just found out some of my ancestors lived in Celynen Terrace listed there on 1911 cenus where would this of been b in Abercarn near where any landmarks etc now also some other family in Shop Row would this of been the Ranks

Hello just found out some of my ancestors lived in Celynen Terrace listed there on 1911 cenus where would this of been b in Abercarn near where any landmarks etc now also some other family in Shop Row would this of been the Ranks

Hi was interested to see you was born in Celymen terrace my family lived there in 1904

hello Sylvia, thank you for your input, I am not that good on remembering names either. Laurence

Hi Laurence thanks for your answer. I`m sure I would have known most of the people you mention but I`ve never been good at remembering names Thanks again
Sylvia Morgan

Hello Sylvia. my granmother lived in Tollus street, her name was Elizabeth Gough or Tattershall, and my Aunty Maud lived in your Street, Part of the Markey family lived in the front street overlooking the rugby ground, he was known as Ken Markey and the others lived in Greenfield. I don't know if any of this would be familiar to you.

Hi
I lived in Blaen Blodau street but since starting family history I became very interested in the history of Newbridge
Sylvia

Thank you Sylvia, Did you Live there??
Laurence

HI
Celynen Row was built in 1881 and was demolished in 1968

Dear Pat, are you any relation to Sandra Rossitor who went to school in Abercarn around 1950-1960 Many thanks

Has anyone any details of when Celynen Terrace was built and when it was demolished. I was born there at no 15. in 1945 and lived there until I was approx 8 years old when we moved to High Meadow no 71

May I suggest that this message be posted on the Newbridge page on this site?

Trying to find out about my grandparents have names and a address for where they lived in 1925 8 Golden Grove Newbridge Reginald Bernard Thomas and Margaret Mary Thomas formerly Williams had a son and a daughter sons name Thomas Henry Bernard and sisters name I believe was Margaret.

Trying to find out about my grandparents have names and a address for where they lived in 1925 8 Golden Grove Newbridge Reginald Bernard Thomas and Margaret Mary Thomas formerly Williams had a son and a daughter sons name Thomas Henry Bernard and sisters name I believe was Margaret.

Hi. i am new to this site and was wondering if there was nayone that might remember my grandafather or his family on here. He was Colin Campbell Jones b.1916 in Abercarn He and his family lived on woodland terrace. Would love to hear from anyone who has info on the family.

I find reading very interesting about past years gone by in Abercarn, My connection is my father lived in Abercarn as a child ....he came in Australia at age 15 in 1929 on his own.
I have a question can anyone recall
Ethel Elizabeth Griffiths nee Lewis who died abt 1967 at The Firs, Islwyn St, Abercarn . I am researching Lewis families in Abercarn .Would love to hear from any possible connections reply to
abercarn1929@bigpond.com
Thanks & await any reply

Pat Rossiter

I lived in Sycamore Terrace and remember Mrs Smith. Her son Colin was a mate of mine in junior school

Jason, Don Thomas is my great Uncle. I am the granddaughter of Margaret Smith that lived on Sycamore Tce who passed a few years back. I am living in Perth western Australia and have been tracing my family. I have been in contact with Sarah Thomas Welch who has given me a lot of information. I would love to see a photo of the Ranks where my family lived. Kathryn

does any reader have a photo of High Meadow House that they can post. This property was a favorite residence of my forebears and was at one time the subject of a 1848 court case between the Estate of Ben Hall and some Glover descendents over interpretation of of the Will of Phillis GLOVER. Judgement was in favour of the Hall's. Robert Glover

Abercarn House photo found and sent via question board. Robert Glover

Robert,
Will try Llanover Office and look forward to you posting your photo.

Brian, i do have a rather poor xerox copy of photo of Abercarn House reproduced in a 1950's publication, the original photo was maybe taken 20 years earlier. Some reader will no doubt know. I will find it and post it. Perhaps the Llanover Estate Office have photo's - i never got around to asking them.
Robert Glover

Hi
No, I have never played rugby, although I am 6'4" so should have really! I think you are correct, Don was a very keen gardener as well as growing his own veg, I am glad to hear he was popular locally.

Jason

Jason,
Sorry to hear about Don Thomas. I think he was a freiend of my late fathers, and they often competed in the harvest festivals at Abercarn Top Club. Butch Thomas is another I remember, as he was a colourful character within the village. Eeryone liked Butch Thomas. He was popular workmate of all that knew him in Abercarn Tin Works during the mid to late 1900's.
Are you Jason Thomas a former Abercarn RFC player and captain?

Hi
I unfortunately recently attended my great uncles funeral, Mr Donald Thomas. The funeral was in Pontywaun and I was lucky enough to meet my oldest surviving family relative, my great uncle Jack from Abercarn. I met him at the wake at the Abercarn Top Club. I met a member of the family, Sarah Welch, who told me she has traced the family back to the 1500's, UNBELIEVABLE!
Jason

Great thought that an ancestor of the residents of Abercarn House read this site. Does any one possess a photograph of Abercarn House? It can be sent to the site domain via "your question board". It is key to Abercarn's history.

Hello from downunder, before Ben Hall Snr and the Llanovers, Abercarn House, High Meadow, House, Tyla Coch House, and indeed the manor or Lordship of Abercarn were the residences of the my GLOVER ancestors from about 1760 to 1808. I consider Abercarn my ancestral home and will one day return.
Thank for these web pages - they are wonderful reading.......

Can anyone give me any details on the Burnett family from The Ranks Abercarn. The mother was mt great Aunt Effie mabel Burnett.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me find out info on my Great Grandfather Daniel Alfred Jones. He died in 1953, and his last address was 11 woodland terrace. I do know that he worked in the mine and so did his father Daniel Jones and his brothers. Any help will be appricated.
Jennie

Hi,
Having spoken to my parents I now know their parents grew up in "The Ranks." Can anyone tell me if they remember Arthur "Butch" Thomas, along with his siblings Mary, Don, Roy, Margaret, Cliff, Joan, Eddie and Jack. The other side of the famil were the Court's, Gwyneth, Roy, Kath, Iris and Trevor. This would have been between the 30's and 50's so any help would be great.
Jason

I have been told that the miners that were left underground were in an area between Cwmcarn and Crosskeys. The South broke into the area but dis not explore it out of respect.

Regarding the memorial to the miners who lost their lives in the Abercarn Mining Disaster, I was present at the dedication being the great grand-daughter of one of the miners I was very moved by this and in my opinion the memorial is in the right place.
What some people don't understand is that placing it at Prince Of Wales Industrial Estate would not be the ideal place because sadly those men and boys that perished are not there but underground up to a mile from the pit entrance.
Abercarn is a place that family like myself can go and place a flower in memory of a kloved one. can't have seen that happening at the Industrial Estate.
The Argus had three complaints off those that disagreed, a couple of those who complained had no connection to those named on the memorial list.

The new memorial is sited in Abercarn cemetary. Not the perfect site for this memorial, but at least there is a memorial to the memory of those lost in The Prince of Wales Colliery disaster.

Hi Alma,
I hope you are doing well. I have not seen your dad for a while. They have just put a memorial up in Abercarn for the mine disaster but it is in the wrong place according to the Argus.
I live in Rogerstone so I will have to pop up and see where they have stuck it. Nothing much has changed in Abercarn. The railway has opened up but they did not re-open the Abercarn station. There is only Newbridge, Crosskeys, Risca and Rgerstone. Its great for shopping in Cardiff.
All the best Pete

I was 24 when we left for Canada, I moved to the USA when my present wife and I got married. Still miss Wales/Abercarn [GODS COUNTRY], we visit when ever we can. Like you we are very happy where we are.

I was 26 when I left Abercarn, lived in Sandiego for 15 yrs then up state NY for about 7 and now Ilive in Tucson AZ.
I will soon be on the move again going back to Sandiego and that's where I hope to be for the rest of my day's.My husband and I desided we need to make this our last move...
I must say I have been blessed with a wonderful life..
How old were you when you left Abercarn. I am alway's interested in the lifes of people who left and how there lifes turned out...

Alma. I just turned 57, I live in Canada for 14 years and moved to the USA in 1991

Toni, I have been living in the usa for 23 yrs. If you don't mind me asking how old are you. I was 7 yrs old when I moved up to llanfach and now I am 51.

Alma. I remember the Bush house, just down from the old canal bridge. I remember Johnny Peckham and his wife Dot, and of coarse Ann Hodge and the rest of the very nice Hodge family.
I am now living in Maryland, USA

Toni Spencer, do u remember the Bush house. My family used to live there then we moved up to llanfach.I remember you used to live in Ranks.
Do you remember Jonny Peckam and his wife she was a chimney sweep. Ann Hodge used to baby sit for us.

This is a Photo of Collery, we used to go over bridge by salvation army,across where Bomb shelter was, climb down wall on to railway line on our way to Welfare. coming out by coalboard offices. garfield jones Father, Wilf worked in Engineering shop, we used to call in to see Him.

DOC COOPER, yes I am sure he has a lot of good stories. Tony

Tony,
Yes, Abercarn Hal stood opposite Abercarn Baths. Was talking to Doc Cooper recently regarding his childhood exploits at both buidings. It was hilarious. Abercarn Hall/House was the home of Lady Llanover for many generations and of course she married Benjamin Hall, the designer/manufacturer of Big Ben, now sited at The Houses of Parliament in London.
Talk soon,
Brian

OK I will send you a message now.
With regards to this site, was the old house that used to stand opposite the entrance to Abercarn baths named Abercarn Hall, I remember it as ruin but it was quite a big house

Tony,
Message recieved but I could not reply as your "domain refused to accept!"
Brian brianj.watkins@sky.com

Brian, I sent you an e-mail via the Abercarn RFC web site with my e-mail address please keep in touch. Tony

Tony,
YES of Abercarn RFC. Good to hear from you. How are you? I'm trying to write some detail of Abercarn RFC's history. A paragraph or two from an Abercarnian in exile would be welcomed. Have met Dereck and Ray a few times in the past 12 months, but have not heard of, or seem Mike and Mary. Any photos or memories you may have can be sent to Abercarn RFC for my attention, or via the WRU website to ARFC.
Brian

Brian Watkins, of Abercarn Rugby ??

I remember as a child playing around what was left of Abercarn Hall wasn;t that the house of Lady LLanover. I was raised in the Ranks and now live in the USA

I recognise The Rhysswg behind the chimney stack; the village, including The Ranks and Abercarn Hall. Can anyone confirm that the buildings adjacent the chimney stack are part of The Prince of Wales Colliery?

Ebenezer Rogers - Abercarn Hall
My great-great grandfather born in 1810 lived in Abercarn Hall from about 1850 until his death in 1862. He ran Abercarn Colleries from 1845 to 1851(at least). He contributed much to pit safety. In 1850s he was President of S Wales Inst. of Engineers and received many prizes. Any info about Mr Rogers most welcome.David Smith

Don, Thanks for sharing the photos. Cilgwyn may be in ruins now but I am sure we both have some nice memories. EP Thomas and Emlyn Stephens were our mentors in those days. No one like them about now.

Don, Thanks for sharing the photos. Cilgwyn may be in ruins now but I am sure we both have some nice memories. EP Thomas and Emlyn Stephens were our mentors in those days. No one like them about now.

Chris - I think I went to Cilgwyn around the same time as you - it iis indeed in a sad state now - some pics here:

http://www.welshruins.co.uk/recent-visits-january-june-2011

Sorry to Elaine and the congregation of Cae Gorlan. Didn't realise there is still a place of worship there, as I thought it was part of the flats built on the Junior School site. Appologies to all.

Don yes I did go to Cilgwyn, I think in 1963 and 64. I remember we had the services of a single deck Western Welsh bus for touring. We had pageant one evening and a group of us did a f"uneral" for the railways following Dr Beechings axe. Cilgwyn is currently in a bad state and was recently advertised for sale on the net. Those days seem from a different planet now.

Chris - did you ever go to the summer schools at Cilgwyn, Newcastle Emlyn?

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

I lived in Rogerstone in the 60s and went to Newbridge Grammar school ( a long story why).
I went to Bethesda Baptist Chapel Rogerstone and knew Oliver Thorne the Abercarn shopkeeper as our chapel youngsters had onging joint meetings with the one at Chapel of Ease. I was passing through last year and saw that Thorne's shop is long gone.My old school has not changed much in the front but the modern bits are built on the hallowed turf of what was the school rugby field. I had a friend Mike Benjamin who lived in Abercarn but we lost touch over the years. I really loved the valleys as they had more snow in the winter than where I lived! I am 62 now and live in England. But this year is a golden one for an expat... a grand slam and Newport County at Wembley... joy!
I will always be a western valley boy at heart!

The Welsh Church is not the only place of worship left in Abercarn - there is Cae Gorlan Chapel in West End and it is still going despite its small congregation. Mr Mann is the minister there and Denise Webb (nee Drew) the secretary.

Kerry,
Forunately there is a small group of Abercarn "elders" that are supporting the current vicar in trying to keep the church open. Think finance is the main issue but at least someone is trying to maintain and improve Abercarn!

It's sad to think that as a child growing up in Abercarn we had seven churches and chapels and seven pubs and clubs. My friends and i would take it in turns to visit each place of worship (not the pubs at that time). St. Lukes for the girl's friendly society, Central Hall to be in the anniversaries, the Garn for it's youth club and the Salvation army now and again to here the band. Saturday mornings were very often spent watching the various weddings taking place. I am suprised the Welsh church is not protected by the National hertitage fund.

I di indeed know and respect Terry very much. I remember him playing and captaining Abercarn RFC for many years.
As for the church closure "rumours" I can only say that following a village meeting attended by County Councilors Denver Preece and Ken James the matter was left to the "powers to be" to determine the strength of support in the village in order to assess what to do next.
Denver has since told me that the Church have been renting the property from The Weslh Presbitarians, but now the lease is coming to an end. The Church of Wales do not want to take charge of a building in need of urgent repairs.
Denver told me, perhaps confidentially that the outlook for sustaining the church looks bleak.
Personnally I would love the building to be sustained as it is now the only place of worship in Abercarn!

Brian Watkins,
My very good neighbour a man i am certain you will know , Mr Terry Iles attends the welsh church every Sunday taking his dogs Tara and Loisin along with several other dog owners . i often talk of the church with him, he has not mentioned the possibility of its closure is there a reason for the possible closure?

You're correct Ruth. It would be terrible to loose Lady Llanovers church, the last place of worship to remain in Abercarn! There has been a public meeting, but I don't know the result of this meeting, nor what actions the villagers intend to do in order to preserve the building and surrounding areas.

How sad that there is now a very real possibility that Lady Llanover's lovely, historic little Welsh Church in Abercarn Village (currently used by the Church in Wales) may close as early as January 2012. My great grandparents (Welsh speakers, both) are buried there. How can we lose yet another link with our heritage??

I have people from my both families(Allaway and POwell) buried at the cemetery chapel of Ease and I remember as a small child climbing up the steep road to put flowers on their gravesalways on a Sunday
Sylvia

Thank you very much xx

Call 01495 226622 thats the number for the Civic Centre and ask to speak to someone re cemeteries. I hope this works.

Thank you, I really apprieciate that. Look forward to hearing from you again. Suzan

My sister will try and get that for yoou

Tonyspencer...I dont suppose you could forward me there num could you. I would be so gratefull if you could. Suzan

I have been to the cemetery, and have checked in at the office at the gatehouse, the records are kept there

Hi
My Gt Gt Grandparents are buried at abercarn. I visited the cemetry on the 15 Aug 09 hoping to locate there graves so I could take my grandfather later in the year (they brought him up) but I couldnt locate them. The chapel of ease was closed and there was no one around to ask. I travelled the 230 miles home disapointed. Can anyone suggest or help me locate there plot num? My grandfather is unsure if his grandfather was called James or George Symes, his nanna was called Elizabeth Symes and he thinks she passed away in 1958. Getting the info of the final resting place would be the best news as like I stated earlier, my grandfather wants to travel back to Abercarn and pay his respect to the people who brought him up. Thanks

I remember the long hard climb up chapel of Ease to the cemetery to put flowers on my grandparents` graves

Hello Again, David...I just read your comment and realized that you tried to send me the pictures. Somehow we are not connecting through my email. Thank you for all you are trying to do to help me get those pictures. I have sent you several emails...did you get them?

Hello David, This is Linda and Bob from California. I am looking for pictures of Shop Row. Does anyone have any?

Hi David.Thank you for your e-mail.I spoke to our Dai to day and i mentioned that you was inquiring about him,he does remember you.At present he is at home,health wise he is not doing to bad,his walking with the aid of sticks.But is getting around the house okay.Keith Banwell generally picks him up in his car and take him to our Roses home which is in newport.But for the most part he is in Abercarn.Home you are okay.
Glyn Jones.

Hello Glyn sorry to hear about your Dai i hope he gets better soon.He and i always had a good chat in the village useually in the paper shop on a sunday deciding which paper was offering not the best news but the best DVD. I have been in touch with a lady from America ( Linda Parker ) enquiring about SHOP ROW and i sent her photos out of your fathers book.
let me know how Dai is getting on.
David Phillips.

Hello Brian.Thank you for your quick response to my e-mail Actually i was over visiting my Brother,hes been in hospital with a double stroke.At the moment hes in Ystrad Mynach hospital.My sister Rose visits him every day.Not sure if he will return to Chapel street,but hes making good progress from when i visited him in the gwent.Yes Abercarn has changed quite a lot.But i guess people don't.Met with Nobby and casey he will never change neither will nobby peter of pan of abercarn,and the rest of the lads.I also visited Doc but unfortunately didn't have much time for visiting this time around.The wife and i do really enjoy living in Canada but still remember where we came from.I do believe my dad has some really old photos of abercarn he always took photos of different places.I think our David has them now.I found this site by accident while on the internet,its very interesting.My wife is actually in newport at the moment visitng her dad who is not very well.Thats one of the draw backs of living so far away from you family memebers.But we have built our own family in Canada.We have three big boys 31,26,and 18.All doing well they played some sports but not rugby.Anyway Brian thanks for the e-mail will be checking this site for more new news.
Glyn.

Hia Glyn,
Of coarse you are remebered in Abercarn, and particularly by those that played rugby for Abercarn.
I see your brother frequently and always think of you when I see him.
Weundoubtedly had great times playing rugby for the village in which we grew up and there is now a move afoot to hold regular reunions for ex-players, but I guess Alberta is a bit too far to travel!
Take care aand best wishes to you and your family.

2010-10-09 Hello Brian.Not sure if you remember me brian but we use to play for abercarn many years ago,i also use to work with your dad at the south pit.I am still living in Canada been here 30 years this year.I still visit abercarn as much as possible.Nobby and the lads are still kicking around.I was just looking through the internet when i found this site very inertesting.Espescialy looking at the old photos and remembering aberacrn as it was when i was growing up.One shop which was not mentioned was John's cafe.That was a busy place.

My grand mothers brother Herbert Lewis worked in Abercarn Tin Works.
Can anyone recall him?

Cheers PAT

Phillip,
Its good to hear from you.
Mam is the last of the women to work in the Tin Works as all her female co-workers have now passed away. Like you she has many fond memories of Abercarn and particularly her time spent in the Tin Works.

Brian
Yes, I remember your mother with great affection along with Vera, Ivy Mona, Rita and Esme along with Mary Roach.
I now live in Weybridge, Surrey but am still very interested in the history of Abercan and its environs. The pictures on this websie have brought back many memories.
Phillip

Phillip,
You're correct. My mother is Glenys Hollister and her parents, Stan nad Kath lived near your home in Llanover street before moving all the way to Railway Terrace.

Brian, you say that you lived in Mount Pleasant, am I right in thinking that your mother worked in tin works and your grandparents lived in Llanover Street?

Many agree with Barbara's comments and the disappointment that local councilors thought their names should be imortalised as they were the people responsible for the memorial at the entrance to the industrial estate named after the Prince of Wales Colliery. There are many who think the memorial should include the names of those poor souls lost in the disaster of 1876.

My Ancestor was killed in the Prince Of Wales Pit Disaster, there are those that sadly were never brought out from underground. And on the site there are names of local councillors but not one memorial to mark the loss of those that died.

The large factory in the centre of the photograph was known as The Tin Works. The row of houses to the left of the works is Mount Pleasant where I lived from early 1950's until 1970. Many fond memories. The chimney in the back ground is the last remnants of The Prince of Wales Colliery where, in 1878 the worlds worst mining disaster occured due to explosion. the owners had to turn the nearby canal waters into the mine following exhaustive attempts to rescue those buried.

Hi Brian.Yes i did hear about the passing of Ted,he lived in chapel street the same street that i grew up in.I can remeber him abd Allan Talbot building the two houses at the end of the street.I also played rugby against him when i played for Abercarn.I would imagine he had a good send off.Hope things are okay with you and your family.Not sure what's the name of my dads book was,but there is some really good photos of abercarn in a book called old crumlin to pontymister vol 1 and vol 2.Bye for now.
Glyn.

A message for Glyn Jones,
Glyn, i am sure you will be sad to hear that Ted Price pased away recently his funeral will be this Friday 8/2/13

Hi Derek.Its been quite some time since we have met,at present i am living in Canada,been here since 1980.Maried with three boys.Not to far away from retiring.I do visit wales not as offen as i would like to.Last time over 2010.Hope to make a trip next year.Hope everyone in your family is doing okay.Send us an e-mail when you receive this one.
Regards.
Glyn.

oops meant 22

Hi I lived in Mount Pleasant no 19 and there was only one more ie 20. So could number 21 be an error? Ill try and make some enquiries.. What was their christian names?

Hi all,I am from New Zealand and have this same photo,looks like someone lived last house on left at the top of hill,card belonged to my grandparents whom came from this area,they also had a connection to 22 Mount Pleasent Terrace but they left Wales in 1926 for NZ.Their name was Chivers.Would love to hear from anyone.

Hi Glyn, Derek Hughes here from 11 Maple Terrace. Where are you living now? you may remember I joined the RAF in 71 and now live in Plymouth Devon. I miss the valleys a lot and will be up there tomorrow to soak up the air andt watch Newbridge RFC.

Hi Phil.Chapel street is the last row of houses near the abercarn cemetery.At the end of chapel street their is a white chapel.there are 9 terrace houses in total.Then there are three houses near the wooded area.Ted Price actually lives in one of them.And Brian Jones lives in another.Chapel street is part of chapel-of-ease.You climb the steep hill from high medow and its your last turning on the left.I used to live in #6.There use to be park located at the rear of the street.
glyn jones.

I must be getting old, can someone tell me where Chapel Street is/was?

2010 10 9 Hello Allan.This is glyn jones,i use to live in chapel street.We use to go to school together many years ago.Abercarn has changed quite alot over the years.i am now living in Canada Alberta mining oil not coal,still the black product i guess.

remebr them all..... 19 mount pleasant i lived . grassy green lives over Usk and the james boys still local Darren still lives in 23 llanover st i beleieve.im still the scout leader coming up to 40 years since instructor! i now live in Ponllanfraith

Hi Alan,
I remember you but can't place where you lived exactly. Yes my dad ran the scouts and my mum the cubs in Abercarn. I think you may be a little older than me, about my brothers age because I was a cub. Dad took the scouts on camp and I visited. Can only remember Mike Pugh and "Grassy" Green from there. Are you still living in that area? if so do you re-call a Jeremy Thomas or The James brothers - Nigel, John,Ken and Darren I think ? Or the Skiltons who lived opposite the pub? Any news on the whereabouts of any of these would be welcome.
Cheers.

CARL I REMEBR YOU AND BROTHER BYRON? BOTTOM OF ISLWYN STREET! FATHER WAS MY SCOUT LEADER. 1ST CAMP IN BARBROOK AND DADS LORRY BROUGHT EQUIPMENT I BELEIVE

Hi
Thanks to Brian for his kind annswer to my query. I dont know if its the same Mrs Davey as I think mine would be older than 90, now.
Best wishes
Sylvia

Hia,
The Mrs. Davey I remember would now be approximately 90 years of age. I don't know what happened to her, or her siblings, but the family is remembered for their spirited and friendly way of life. The boys were competative in everthing, whilst Mrs. Davey was a kind and generously loving person that talked to everyone passing The Ranks or whislt shopping in Abercarn.

Hi
I`d be interested to know what Mrs Davey is remembered for. Mine lived to be over 90 and was living in the old people`s home in Risca.
Sylvia

Yes Grace and Jake Davey lived in the middle row, also had a daughter Jean. I think Sylvia is talking about
another family of Davey's though

Yes Grace and Jake Davey lived in the middle row, also had a daughter Jean. I think Sylvia is talking about
another family of Davey's though

Sylvia,
I remember Glyn and Colin Davey and I think they had a sister, but not sure. Thier mother, "Mrs Davey" is fondly remembered. Both sons played for Abercarn Rangers, when they were a strong Gwent club. Both were also characters of note!

Does anyone remember the DAVEY family who lived in the Ranks-my great auntie Anna, uncle Ivan Glenys was one of their children

I too lived opposite the council offices, a proud resident of the Ranks, and yes I ate scrumps

..lived opposite the council offices..woke up looking at the Angel of Mons!
T

Carl
Yes, I used to live in West End, my family kept the shop next to the PO - Lee's shop. We used to live in Llanover street before we moved into Tregarn, the opposite side to Ty Gwyn. I now live in Weybridge, Surrey but still have lots of family in the Abercarn area.

Thanks Phillip, I was racking my brains over that. Are you an old west-endian? If so do you still live there?

Thanks Phillip, I was racking my brains over that. Are you an old west-endian? If so do you still live there?

Carl,
Uncle Tom was Tom Jenkins who lived in Llanover street and was a big member at Cae Golan Baptist Church.

This view brings back a lot of great memories for me. I lived in Islwyn st. and had a friend who lived in Pantyresk rd. The west-end was a lovely place to grow up, plenty of open space and those mysterious wooded mountains. Had some great friends and remember well the bakers,butchers,mace shop, Andrews shop , the ironmongers and the post office in the high st.My father started a youth club for the kids in west-end as well as being skip for the scouts-anyone remember? Also does anyone remember a great character known as Uncle Tom who used to take us carol singing every christmas all round the village? I would dearly love to make contact with annyone who remembers me from Ty-Gwyn, Islwn St.

This view brings back a lot of great memories for me. I lived in Islwyn st. and had a friend who lived in Pantyresk rd. The west-end was a lovely place to grow up, plenty of open space and those mysterious wooded mountains. Had some great friends and remember well the bakers,butchers,mace shop, Andrews shop , the ironmongers and the post office in the high st.My father started a youth club for the kids in west-end as well as being skip for the scouts-anyone remember? Also does anyone remember a great character known as Uncle Tom who used to take us carol singing every christmas all round the village? I would dearly love to make contact with annyone who remembers me from Ty-Gwyn, Islwn St.

I live at pantyresk!

Alan,
Glad to hear the family is well, though I thought you would have made it to Commissioner of Scouts by now!
Brian

TWINS OK MARRIED. JAN HAS SON 9 Y/O
SCOUTS AT ABERCARN STILL THERE ! YOU AND FAMILY OK?

Hia Alan,
I certainly do remember the sack of sheep's droppings. It was usually me that had to collect it!
How are things with you and the twins? Still involved with Scouting?
Give my regards to your family
Brian

Hia Alan,
I certainly do remember the sack of sheep's droppings. It was usually me that had to collect it!
How are things with you and the twins? Still involved with Scouting?
Give my regards to your family
Brian

Hia Alan,
I certainly do remember the sack of sheep's droppings. It was usually me that had to collect it!
How are things with you and the twins? Still involved with Scouting?
Give my regards to your family
Brian

Hia Alan,
I certainly do remember the sack of sheep's droppings. It was usually me that had to collect it!
How are things with you and the twins? Still involved with Scouting?
Give my regards to your family
Brian

LAST MESSAGE WAS FOR PHILLIP.

BY THE WAY BRIAN........... REMEMBER YOUR DADS BARREL OF MANURED WATER HE USED FOR HIS GARDEN? SHEEP MANURE IN COALBAG!

HI there remember the boxing on the land near your house?

Thanks, I know Malcolm quite well and he along with many others at the club would welcome any memories or artifacts to do with the clubs history.

hi
my ex husband runs abercarn rugby club im sure if you ring he would help you
is name is malcolm

Hia Phillip. Good to recognise a familiar name on the site. I'm sure that you, like me, remeber the scenes in the photographs and enjoy the reminders of our childhood. I am researching Abercarn RFC's history, which is very limited. Would your family have any memories or momento's of the club, particularly those of your Grand-father "Con."

I used to live in High St. When we were told in school to draw what was outside my bedroom window I had a terrible row for drawing a castle!! It was of course St Lukes church

Centre of the scene is Saint Luke's Church. The row of houses to the front of the churh is High Street, Aberc an. The large building at the end of High St. is The Garn Congregational churh and behind that it looks like the building that was Abercarn Urban District Council Offices and Gwyddon Secondry Modern School..
Left of the scene is Abercarn quarry and above that is Llanfach