your comments
John Williams Falmouth
I grew up in the Aber with my two brothers David and Richard Williams in Yew Tree Cottage 1940-1955. we attended Talybont church primary school. I remember Mr James the policeman, Hughie Maesmawr and his Austin Princess car and the stories of Frankie Howard the comedian who lived with him as an evacuee - the Star Pub was his watering hole! Aber Farm was well known to us - firstly Mr Demarest the American farmer, then Glasnant and his brothers. during the war a canadian air plane disaster on the Beacons was the focus of our interest, sadly. we collected bullets from the wreckage and put them on our%2! 0bonfire, hiding behind trees in the dingle in the Aber. I have fond memories of the Joneses at Nant yr Llanerch, the Evanses at Tylerclydach and of course the Evanses living in the Aber village, the Elstons, and Marcus Shellard,Godfrey Williams of course with whom we were great friends. My mother Clarinda Williams was a nurse who initially worked in London and eventually nursed at Buckland care home for the injured military of the WW1. everyone of course remembers the Jameses, particularly Des at the garage in Talybont, representing Wales in the motorcycle races. I still go back to visit, particularly Aber chapel.
Tue Aug 25 09:28:29 2009
Richard Watkins, Lichfield
It's a lovely place. My Dad (Gareth Watkins, b.1951) grew up in Talybont-on-Usk with his parents/my grandparents (David & Dorothy Watkins). I have fond memories as a kid visting my Gran who lived on Maes Mawr Lane and playing in the village. My Grandparents used to own and run the shop next to the White Hart and my Grandad also worked as a train driver out of Talybont Station.
Mon Aug 24 16:27:38 2009
Dwynwen Jones
I used to live at Aber Farm. My brother Eifion lives there with his family.Glasnant my other brother lives at Pwllyrhwyaid.We all used to catch the school bus from the village into Brecon.One well known midwife "Nurse Evans" lived in Penpentre and delivered all of us except my youngest brother Meurig.
Mon Aug 10 10:10:26 2009
John Nurcombe,Timberscombe
I visited Talybont-on-Usk over Easter 1966 when we had and adventure training weekend with the TA.We were based at Coity Mawr,home of a retired officer,Peter Bally.I remember the beautiful countryside with steep mountains to climb.Real hill walking! Sadly,2 yrs later I was at Llanfigan Church attending peter's funeral.The church was packed. In 1971, I visited the area when the ACF held its camp at Sennybridge.We saw plenty of the surrounding countryside.
Mon Jul 13 18:40:50 2009
Diny Nagel the netherlands
After many years I hope this summer to come back to Talybont for 5 days to visit my family when they spent their holyday in Talybont!I'm looking forward!!
Sun Jun 7 21:18:31 2009
Trish Jess, Corby
In the early 70's groups of kids from my school (Woodberry Down Comp, London) camped at Talybont-on-Usk. I fell in love with the place & someone who became the love of my life! I lived in the village during 1978 & worked for the Borough of Brecknock. I returned to London for a short time before moving & settling down in the Midlands. I'll never forget that wonderful, special place & all the friendliness & hospitality that is there.
Sun Jun 7 20:14:09 2009
Lucas from Cardiff
I'm trying to find details about an ancestor of mine, who taught at Tal-y-Bont school, prior to becoming the headmaster as Byncoch school in 1883.Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Mon May 18 10:15:39 2009
Gloria Webb from Newton Abbot
My mum Edna Joyce Lane was born in Aber House, Aber, Talybont On Usk in 1933, to parents Ada and Henry Lane - one of 7 children. There was no NHS then and she was delivered by a local midwife. Her birth was never registered and the local methodist Reverend T J Williams baptized her in the house in Setember 1933. Does anyone know any history of either the Talybont midwives or the Rev Williams for 1933 - my mum needs a passport and can't verify her own birth!! Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Wed Apr 22 15:55:55 2009
Deborah Williams Maidstone Kent
My dad Fredrick Reader was evacuated to Talybont in early 1940s he stayed with the local Vicar Roderick Morgan who was married to his second wife Lilian (nee Thomas ). He spent a lot of time at the mill? with the Gibson family in paticular Alex, does anyone have any info as my dad will be coming to visit in July and is very interested in what has happened to these people. Thank you
Thu Apr 16 10:42:21 2009
Ted Lay, Callan Co Kilkenny ireland
Does anyone remember Mrs Hawkins this very charming lady worked for the rasc in derring lines 1956 to 1957 when the unit was disbanded, the last time I saw her was on the platform at newport on my way home to london
Tue Apr 14 09:58:41 2009
Angela Bevan, Birmingham
I would like any information on tal y bont school football team between 1935 to 1940 especially when they won northcote challenge cup.
Sun Sep 28 20:13:57 2008
Annalisa Jones, Cardiff
In response to Mr Graham Harris - Gloucester.
My great great grandfather & grandmother were Henry & Elizabeth Harris (nee Morgan?),and Edward was my great grandfather (married to Dorothy). They had 5 girls, Audrey (my grandmother), Marian (died 1937),Betty, Eira and Angela (who died in 1995), and lived in The Hawthorns at the bottom of the hill.They're all buried in Bethania Cemetary, Mill Rd, Tal-Y-Bont.
I have lots more information on Elizabeth (and one of her brooches!), including pictures of your grandfather and great grandparents that I'd be happy to ! email you.
Tue Aug 26 12:47:29 2008
John James from Shrewsbury
I was born in Talybont in 1947 and lived in what was then a police house, one of the white houses on the left as you enter the village from the main road. My father was the local bobby ( Jack James ). I attended the village junior school until we left the village in 1954. I have very fond memories which will stay with me all my life. One character I remember was a farmer Huwie - Maes Mawr who in those days had a massive Austin car, which by todays standards would be have cost a small fortune. Sorry but I can't remember the name of any friends of those days but if there is anyone from this era I would love to hear from you.
Tue Aug 26 09:21:45 2008
Meirion Thomas From Bargoed
As a teenager I camped in the field behind the star, can anyone tell me if you can still do this please? if not is there anywher else to pitch a tent?
Tue Aug 26 09:16:55 2008
Graham Harris - Gloucester
My great grandfather & grandmother Henry & Elizabeth Harris lived in the village from the turn of the last century 1898, and ran the bakery and post office for many years. They had a number of children Edward, Albert (my grandfather 1898), George, Florence, Barbara and Younis. Does anyone remember the family or have information or old photographs which could be copied.
Fri Jul 11 10:25:07 2008
Dianne Guy
A piece of paradise on earth. unspoilt,peaceful and idyllic. perfect place to chill. well worth a visit.
Wed Jul 9 15:13:09 2008
Sarah Green
Does anyone know a owen cartwright he has a nickname ben cartwright. I believe he owns the white hart inn now.
Thu Jun 19 09:07:39 2008
David M. Dunstall from Monmouth
I have just read through the articles on Talybont-on-Usk and found them very interesting. I would very much like to contact Roy Craven who has placed an entry on this site regarding his grandfather 'Fred the Field' Williams. Would it be possible for contact to be made with Roy as I would very much like to speak to him. If my request could be made possible I would very much appreciate the help. Very many thanks.
Wed May 21 09:16:53 2008
Peter Seaman, Talybont-on-Usk
Hayley, I can not answer your question fully but I am sure there are sources you can find out what happened. Certainly there was fatal rail accident on 2nd December 1878 which I think involved a run-away train coming down the valley from Torpantau. If you follow this link www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/weird/pages/hannah.shtml, you will find some scary stories about the old railway station in Talybont which is now an outdoor education centre. Perhaps some research in Brecon library could prove fruitful? The gents toilet in the Usk Inn is worth a look - but speak to Andy or Gill first or you may got a shock when you go in! Dont forget to update this site with your results please.
Tue Nov 20 14:44:59 2007
Hayley, Brecon
I lived in Talybont for most of my life and think its a lovely little village. Can someone out there answer me this. Was there a train crash in the ninteenth century?? As I've read various stories bout the outdoor centre that used to be the old train station?
Wed Nov 14 13:39:03 2007
Rob Bryan, Nelson
I'm glad that Mr Seaman recognises the fact that Tal-y-bont is " The village is now a thriving farming and tourist centre."
Thu Sep 6 09:27:04 2007
Jane Williams, Llanelli
we have just come back from a camping trip at gilestone farm in talybon-on-usk..We will definately be going back and also your so close to the canal and we had an amazing time on our bikes riding to pub after pub. It's a beautiful part of the world, try it and find out for yourselves.
Mon Jul 16 09:46:04 2007
Gareth and Tina from Merthyr Tydfil
Gilestone Camping and Caravan Park.This is a fab place to stay, Chris and Geraint Thomas and the girls always make you so welcome, nothing is to much trouble for them this is our second year of going there,lovely food,showers,toilets.Just lovely lovely people.July 2007.
Tue Jul 10 10:21:32 2007
Seamusk from Llansantffraed
For Matt of Bristol: The multivallate fort along the top of Allt yr Ysgair has a number of enclosures, the largest being 566m x 114m, an area of 5.45ha. In most places the substantial scarp is generally continous varying in height between 2m and 8m. A counterscarp merges in to the main scarp at the southern end. Forestation to the eastern side of the ridge obscures details on this side. There are other scarps and enclosures that includes a robbed stone wall. No definite ancient featues are visible anywhere in the eenclosures. Interpretation is difficult because of the quarrying that has disfigured the hilltop. There has been no excavation yet.
Mon Jul 2 15:23:05 2007
Glyn Thomas, Bargoed
I doubt very much if Gilston farm is the oldest campsite in Brecknockshire. There was a campsite full of Spaniard horsemen at the Gaer near Brecon in 75 AD.Being also Thomas's we can claim ancestry back to William the Conquerer's cattleman Geraldus Tomusinius. Beat that!
Mon Jul 2 15:22:47 2007
Chris Thomas Gilestone
My family and I live on Gilestone farm. Last June we developed the oldest campsite in Brecon into a wonderful family caravan and camping park. Since opening, we have met some wonderful people,and really enjoy what we do. Geraint's family have farmed in the Usk valley for as far back as the 12 century-and we love bringing up our family here too.
Wed Jun 27 14:22:27 2007
Sarah Osborne
Yes my Mother does remember him and if a book of local characters in Talybont-on-Usk had been written he would have had a chapter as he was a cheerful person involved it everything, chimney sweep, cesspits digging, stock markets etc. I also remember him only when he came up to plant pototoes on the farm, in those days if we ploughed a field he had a row and always came with a sack of pototoes cut in half or even quarters and covered them in lime I thought they would never grow but came up as a great crop. He was called Fred the field as he lived in the cottages next to Canol Pentre which includ! ed the field and is now the OAP bungalows.
Wed Jun 6 10:19:22 2007
Sarah Osborne
Yes my Mother does remember him and if a book of local characters in Talybont-on-Usk had been written he would have had a chapter as he was a cheerful person involved it everything, chimney sweeping, cesspit digging, stock markets etc. I also remember him only when he came up to plant pototoes on the farm, in those days if we ploughed a field he had a row and always came with a sack of pototoes cut in half or even quarters and covered them in lime I thought they would never grow but came up as a great crop. He was called Fred the field as he lived in the cottages next to Canol Pentre which included the field and is now the OAP bungalows.
Thu May 17 11:27:56 2007
Roy Craven, Spain
In my early years of life I spent every summer holiday in Talybont, thatīs in the 50īs. We stayed with my grandparents in a cottage next to the canal, Rose Cottage if my memory serves me. My grandfather, Fred the field, used to work in the, what would you call it, where the cattle pens were by the side of the railway. He also used to dig the graves in nearby churches. I have tremendously positive memories of the place, the peace, the canal, the railway and the tank engines. Does anyone reading this remember Fred (Williams), or my mother Margaret (Nellie)or sisters, Alice, Elsie, or Arthur. I am 60 now, and the good memory of this special place makes me wish to go back and see how it is today.
Fri May 11 16:54:32 2007
Michaela Bevan, Ringland, Newport
There is 1 thing that I want to know about Talybont... is it haunted? One day in January I went to Talybont with some of the children from year 6, and all of my friends that went were saying that Talybont was haunted... so the first night we were there we couldn't get to sleep, and when we woke up all of the boys said that a couple of them were crying because they had to sleep in the haunted bit... so all i want to know: is Talybont haunted?
Mon Apr 16 17:13:52 2007
Matt from Bristol
Is there any info on the fort ruins just south of Talybont on Usk? It is situated on top of the hill.
Thu Mar 29 09:42:36 2007
william jones bristol
I love Taybont because my grandmother Betty Richards,has lived there for most of her life and I only have happy memories of football in the park, playing for Talybont senior team and a brilliant scout group who included the following people - Graham Charlesworth,Trevor....,Glyn Lewis from the post office,Tim Lewis now runs the Cross Oak pub in Pencelli,Stephen Jones and of course the Cannons and Preedys. Great memories.
Thu Mar 22 09:48:21 2007
Peter Seaman, Talybont-on-Usk
A friend has told me that there was one on the 24th December 1943 which crashed at SO 155255 on Mynydd Llangorse - that was a 'Proctor HM305' though which collided with 'Proctor HM321'. Could this be the same as the dates are very similar and the locations also quite close?
Wed Mar 14 10:16:46 2007
Dave Osborne
Is there anyone out there who could through some light on the crash of an American USAAF B-17 that crashed in the area of Bwlch on the 29th December 1943.
It was called 'Ruthless' 42-5791 of the 95th Bomb Group.
Fri Mar 2 12:39:56 2007
Michael Young, Newport.
When I was in Year Six at Cefn Wood Primary School in 1995, a group of us went for an activity weekend to Tal-Y-Bont, staying at the Outdoor Education Centre which of course is the old railway station house. Prior to leaving we had been teased by our elder friends about the legend of the Tal-Y-Bont Ghost Train, which apparently runs through the station every night at the time when a massive fatal accident happened sometime in the 19th Century, as documented by a newspaper clipping hanging in the dining room. Now someone had told us that the time of the ghost train's arrival was 11:09pm. On the%2! 0first night we were there, we were all huddled in bed, waiting for a whistle, a chuff-chuff-chuff or a crank-rattle sound of the ghost train. For most of us it was our first weekend away from home, and we got sucked into the legend. Fortunately no ghost train; but about ten minutes later a dislodged heat sensor/fire detector made all the alarms go off and 20 terrfied 10/11 year olds scurried down the fire escapes, convinced the Ghost Train had arrived. Needless to say we calmed down and almost slept that night, and later found out that the train accident happened at 9:11pm, not 11:09pm.
Mon Oct 30 09:34:23 2006
Bob Hansel
It was nice to read all the comments on Talybont.
No.10 Penpentre features quite a lot and I lived there with my parents after the Wittakers left in the 60's. My parents are still in Talybont which is a great place.
Some beatiful walks up to the Reservoir along the old Tramroad.
Wed Oct 25 15:32:03 2006
Bob Whittaker in Cadiz
Re comments from John Burgess and Peter Seaman, yes I did live at no 10 Penpentre, my cousin Geoff Powell was also living there too at the time. I was a hairdresser in the murky past, now a jazz musician. Looking forward to a pint in the Star when i'm there in November.
Wed Oct 18 17:02:46 2006
Peter Seaman of Talybont Community Council
People looking for campsites or other accommodation in this lovely area should look at www.visitourbeacons.com. Another site worth visiting is brinore-tramroad.powys.org.uk for details of a walks or rides (bikes and horses) along this fascinating 19th C tramroad. Another local short walk is our recently launched Henry Vaughan walk - details from the village shop. Henry Vaughan is our local celebrity poet who lived here at the time of the Civil War. Poetry can be obscure but the walk is lovely!The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Wed Aug 30 11:04:26 2006
Andrew from London
Got married there ..... need I say more
Tue Aug 29 11:09:48 2006
Andrea Cooper, Pontypridd
Is there a campsite near the pubs and canal in Talybont? A group of us are going kayaking and want to spend the night there.
Wed Aug 23 09:48:55 2006
Big Al, London
I've been going to Talybont-on-Usk since I was about 3 and my sister has lived there for just about forever! Lovely, quaint, great pubs, love walking along the canal bank and I remember how steep that bridge is behind The White Heart, especially when you're 3 years old! What a great place. I'm not too sure about the new houses on the approach road though - a little bit too modern for my liking.
Mon Jul 17 10:49:44 2006
Marion Kerridge Newport
My grand parents lived in the reservoir house Tal-y-Bont and I spent many happy holidays with my cousins, Sylvia and Betty. We could run wild in the late 40īs-early 50īs. I revisited there a few years back with some wonderful memories.
Mon May 22 15:26:52 2006
Peter Seaman of Talybont
Further to a couple of the comments below about 'Rob Whittaker', I have been told by the present resident of 10 Penpentre, that he did once live there, and that he is now a hairdresser in Spain (hence the Cadiz address). His parents were Margaret and Dennis Whittaker. Nice to have such warm memories of our lovely area.
Wed May 3 08:41:40 2006
Mags Pendleton from Godalming, Surrey
We have just spent four days in Talybont in a tiny cottage at the top of a hill. The snow came on Sunday and we felt we were in heaven: we could see for miles and no traffic to spoil it. Just sheep, lambs and unspoilt countryside. Came home on Monday feeling so relaxed and happy. Hope to revisit in the summer to see the other side of Talybont.
Thu Mar 16 09:56:27 2006
John Burgess
Is the Bob Whittaker Robert Whittaker, son of Dennis and Margaret that lived in 10 Penpentre?
Fri Dec 16 08:37:21 2005
Martin Fleming, Buckland Hall
The suspension bridge was relocated from its original site in Carmarthenshire in the 19th century. I've heard different purposes, but the most likely is that the bridge provided access for the Buckland staff to get to the church at Llandetty.
When the Buckland estate was broken up and no one owned land on both sides of the bridge, it became unused and disintegrated.
Wed Aug 31 19:33:19 2005
Ed Crockett now in London
There is a pedestrian suspension bridge to the south of Bwlch in between Talybont and Llanspyddid. It links up with a private road leading to Buckland House and I guess it has soemthing to do with that.
Wed Aug 24 09:20:49 2005
Andrew Gray, Pentre Melyn, Buckland
The suspension bridge is sadly disintegrating - there was some talk a few years ago of a band of locals restoring it - but it is too far gone - no more trips to the pub from Buckland Hall
Fri Aug 19 18:54:08 2005
Bob Whittaker Cadiz SPAIN
I spent the first seven years of my life in Talybont before moving to Brecon. I still enjoy a nostalgic walk along the canal whenever I'm back there, it was a great little place to grow up in the 1950's
Fri Aug 5 14:43:48 2005
Diny Nagel the Netherlands
For 24 Years we spent our Summer holidays at Tal-y-bryn House, the place of Mr. Jack Lloyd and his wife Iris. We had unforgetable times!! Often we went to Talybont and made friends! Lovely place in the Brecon Beacons !!
I really love the place!! Now my daughter and her family are on holiday in Talybont on Usk!
Tue Jul 26 22:46:15 2005
nikonf90wales
would like info on suspension bridge just outside talybont.
If you can help, please add your comments to the boxes below - Mid Wales Web Team.
Fri May 6 12:04:31 2005
Keri Davies, Brighton
what do I like about Talybont-on-usk? As a 'native' now living in Brighton, I love the fact that whenever I get back...which is not often enough...It is still the same perfect, idyllic place it always has been! Enough said!
Fri Feb 25 15:34:11 2005
Tell us what you like about Talybont-on-Usk. What you don't like. What you'd change. What you'd keep. Just add your comments here and help us build a picture of the village.
