BBC - South East Wales Cwmbran

your comments

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John, Old Cwmbran
Re comments from Paul re the Mount being cold - when I was there is not true. However I gave it up in August because you tight customers only came in to have a warm and spent all evening with one pint in your hand. So I hope the new owners keep you in the custom you enjoyed when I was there.

Isabel Thomas (Slade) from Cwmbran
Like the others I have many memories of the swans on the canal and was sickened and saddened by their death. It was interesting to go into your website and see comments about shops and buildings buried in the memory. I used to walk part of the canal to school and later in life to work at Precision Forgings. Parts of it have changed dramatically but there are still some lovely walks and wildlife to be found. Nowadays I live in Pontnewydd and tend to walk from Five Locks up with the grandchildren. It was lovely to see some names I recognised on your site, I was in school with Deirdre O'Toole and Bob Bradshaw is my cousin's husband. Thanks for your article and the memories - one more perhaps, walking up from the canal and warming yourself on the bakery wall as you made your way up from Oak Street!

Elaine Meredith, Abergavenny
It's good to see that people do remember old Cwmbran as they do. As a child I was always being warned not to go the near the canal but it's like a magnet - it draws you. We always walked home from school that way back to the Hollybush end of Cocker Avenue. When I was a girl Cocker Avenue was the place to live. We always thought people were a bit better off on the avenue. The older people always played bowls in the park and that park was looked after and cared for. On our way to school in the mornings we went passed the old bake house belonging to Jarrets, the wall was always warm and we always warmed ourselves up to go into school. Does anyone remember this? I like to go back to the village to have a look round and perhaps meet some old folk like me still around. My oldest brother is still in Cwmbran - he's 92 now and still well. We all went to St Dials school. Thanks Dennis for the pictures and the article about Cwmbran.

Gary Davies, Fairwater, Cwmbran
I lived in Abbey Road - you had 2 shops, a pub and a TV repair shop all on one street. We had many a fun time building dens on the old railway line, a good community spirit too - don't see that much now.

Gillian Morris from France
I left Oakfield Park estate at 17 years. We used to walk to Newport by the canal bank. My dad was the local newspaper reporter and the kids called him Scoop. I bought my bakestone at Tothill and Bodinhams and my six French grandchildren, who call me Nana, are just mad about bakestones.

Liz Jones, Pontnewydd
I lived in old Cwmbran until I was thirteen and used to love the park at the top of Belle Vue Road where we lived. Our house was one of the first houses at the bottom of the street which was knocked down to make way for Cwmbran Drive. I remember the swans from them times - it's a pity that they are no longer there. Thank you for bringing back happy childhood memories with your wonderful article.

John Berry of Cwmbran now Newport
Great for bringing back the memories, Deirdre Lane remembers Cwmbran well but Sue Price is wrong about the Doctors - it was in Oak Street. I think "The Little Old Shop" refered to by Deirdre Lane was the building next down from the fish shop, in those days it had a wooden enclosed stairway up the side of the building to a 1st floor room where there was a snooker table. The little old Cafe was called Harry Scuds and we used to buy penny drinks there. I was born (1936) in Westley Street close to Clarks shop and later lived with my 5 brothers in the properties built post war in Waun Road. Times were hard then but we we remember the enjoyment of the canal, the Swans, the fishing and the falling in - www.jberryxgas.co.uk

Steve Jenkins, Spain
Lived in Victoria Street until last year - now relocated to Spain. Some lovely pictures of the swans.

Ralph Williams, Pontnewydd Cwmbran
I like it, Dennis. I was born in Bellevue Road 73 years ago (1923) and spent many a happy hour on that stretch of canal behind Star Street. When I was a child I went to St Dials School. The swans use to nest over the wall by the school. The village in those days was very busy, there were three butchers, two in Victoria Street, Len Cameron and Woodleys and one by the bridge which went over the Canal and the Railway line. I think it was Don Cameron's. The Abbey Hotel was a meeting place for the Pidgeon owners. Happy Days. Where are all the boys and girls who lived in Abbey Road, Bellevue Road and Star Street.

Marcel Skinner, Oregon, USA
I was born on Victoria St and came here via Canada 1953. I can bring back memories of St Dials boys school right near the canal, with the swans and other wild life. I sincerely hope they find the people or person, who killed those lovely swans. They were beautiful near the wall, and the school. I tell people here of the unique place that Cwmbran was and I come back often to pay my respects for such a wonderful boyhood I had there. Mr Baker is to be congratulated for writing such a delightful description.

Tasha Rhymer from Cwmbran
Congratulations Dennis on writing a very interesting article. You are very passionate about the canal and its 'regal couple in residence'. I agree with you about the chips... GREAT!!!

Paul Morse, California, USA
I love Cwmbran I have so many fond memories from my childhood. It is a beautiful place. Where I live now it is seasonless, hot and dusty. I miss Cwmbran and Wales sooooooo much - people of Cwmbran you are so lucky.

Bob Bradshaw, Pontnewydd
I've lived in Cwmbran for 80 years and the swans were there when I was a child. They always built there nest just about where the Celtic Club is. By the way Michael Jackson, was Keith your grandfather?

K. Deirdre Lane (O'Toole), Vancouver, Canada
Just had a free moment to check on the BBC News site and I found myself here looking at the picture of the canal and the swans - brought back vivid memories! Taking my brother to school (Gerard O'Toole) with buddy Mostyn and Terry Richards this route was favoured over Cocker Avenue and coming home we'd stop catching the tadpoles - and occasionally walking over the narrow pieces of wood at Two Locks. I shudder when I think of it now! Yes I too have many good memories of Old Cwmbran - Mr Jackson with his shoes, Cook's the paper shop, Mr Hastie for wool, Willis the butcher, Sadler's suit shop which was later taken over by Mrs Barrel's Fine Ladies wear!!! And Tothill & Bodinhams for everything plus the kitchen sink! There used to be a little old shop (wooden flooring) near the Police Station that was something like an apothecary shop that sold liquorice root and barley sugar sticks. I'd better stop. Will stop in at my brothers on my way home and raise a glass to you all in Cwmbran.

Rob Carr, Perth, Western Australia
I remember going to the cinema in old Cwmbran to watch Dracula in 1971. I have been here in Australia 22 years now - when did the cinema close down? Great article Dennis, brought back memories of a great place.

Sue Price, Cwmbran
I remember Jacksons the shoe shop, my mum used to take me their for my school shoes (I think she used the pay for them weekly!) I have been trying to remember the other shops on that row, I know there where two chemists (one where the pet shop its now and the other one a bit further-up). I can also remember that our doctors used to be in a very old house on Wesley Street and the doctors were in two rooms down stairs. I always wanted to go upstairs but was told it was unsafe! Just remembered that next door to the doctors was a shop selling odds and ends. There were other houses on this side of the street and perhaps a shop but these were knocked down and replaced with a car park. Can anyone else remember anything?

Zoë Vinup, USA
I remember when I used to live in cwmbran me and some mates would just walk the canal sometimes and try to catch the little fish in nets and let them go durning the summer when we had nothing better to do. I miss those times and i'm sure cwmbran has changed alot since I have gone it's a shame.

Colin from United Arab Emirates
Can anyone tell me if the Mill Tavern, Coed Eva Mill, is still flourishing? Enjoyed many a pint in there.

john d, from Northants
My relatives,did and still do live in cwmbran,Iloved the place as a child,and still visit most years,You should be proud of your place,theres far worst around,believe me,As for dennis,congratulations sir,pity other people do not take as much intrest as yourself. good luck

Bryan from Pontnewydd
The canal is a beautiful place, its a pity people don't respect it. There must be more shopping trolleys in the canal than the supermarkets own!

Ralph Krzyzanski Colon Michigan.USA
I love Old Cwmbran. My wife is from Cwmbran. My siste in law, Sonia Board , Lives in Pontnewydd. We visit almost every yr. We have walked the Canal on many occasions,and I enjoy your country & its hospitality to the max.I have never been to a friendlyer country.We will be visiting again soon, as I have a nephew that will be getting married in august. I am looking forward to going home with my wife, to see her family. Thank you for the oppertunity to speak to you about Wales.

Geoff, Pontnewydd
Cwmbran was the centre of my universe when I was a child and will be for future generations to follow. Where else would you get such a mix of cultures and tastes to match? As for places of interest they are just under your nose if you take a detour off the canal, and head for the hills above Cwmbran. Old mines, listed buildings, and more stories to be told than you and your column could print. There are pubs that take in views that Wordsworth would die for had he discovered them as you might, the ones with a sense of adventure!

Abbie Gregory
I think it's a fascinating article and I hope he keeps up his marvellous work!! I love how keen he is about the canal and I'm sure residents around that area would be proud!!:D:D

A Richards, Bridgend
Does anyone know whether Cwmbran has always been classed as part of Wales. My sister has been told that when she was born in 1961 Cwmbran was part of Monmouthshire and not part of Wales. We want to clarify whether or not she was born in Wales.

Click here to read about the ambiguous status of the historic county of Monmouthshire

Michael Jackson from Oakfield, Cwmbran
I feel quite the same way. Cwmbran is indeed a very nice place to live, as my family has lived here for over 100 years. It is a shame that Old Cwmbran has become swallowed up by the huge Shopping Centre as many family businesses in the village have ceased trading, for example Jackson's Shoe Shop (run by my family) as a result of the new town. However the atmosphere in this town is really nice and the people make you feel welcome. The food is also good as well!!!

mal harries fairwater cwmbran
dennis writes with feeling,and he's right you know. cwmbran is a nice place to live,and people are generaly friendly.having lived here forty years,can i now claim a resident permit?

Mark Lewis
i am currently doing a project on the Taliesin flats in forgeside near the town centre for my architecture course. Does anyone have any information, pictures or memories of this building during construction, right up to present day? if so, can you please contact me via email markwizkid@hotmail.com Thanks very much!

Sarah Jackson, West Pontnewydd
I agree with Dennis.. you can find some peaceful places among the ever growing retail madness of Cwmbran, Old and New. And its a lovely walk along the canal, although some of its footpath is a bit dodgy. Very sorry to hear about the swans. Who would want to do such a nasty thing??

paul, cwmbran
i love old cwmbran for its character and friendly residents. it is an absolute tragedy that the place has become quite run down. the cwmbran town club is very poorly supported, along with the rifle club. the halfway is filthy and the rose and crown burnt out. you can still get a decent pint in the mount, but the place is bloody freezing - come on john, turn the heating on, you tight get.

Dig Clarke from Upper Cwmbran
Old Cwmbran - what a dump, closed down pubs, hanging canal. If you want trouble on a friday night, just nip into Cocker Ave. Would not live there rent free!

Pam Cameron
i just wish people would stop refering to the village as 'Old Cwmbran', it's Cwmbran Village for goodness sake! I've lived here all my life and there's no need for confusion the town centre is called that so no problem.

Catherine from Old Cwmbran
I have lived all my 29 years in Old Cwmbran. I now actually live on the houses that were built on the ground where the Abbey Pub and a shop once were - in fact my house IS where the shop was - backing onto the canal. The people of Old Cwmbran are friendly - it has good community spirit.

Dennis Baker
I'm very sorry to have to tell you that the swans of old Cwmbran are no more. A thug killed the male swan with a large stone and later the poor female who had been sitting the eggs alone was attacked by a dog or fox and has now been taken away by swan rescue. So the pictures I have on my website are now the only things left to remember the swans of old Cwmbran. It has made me very sad ... if you know who did this terrible act please tell the police - just a phone call will do.

Dennis Baker
Thank you Tony for your lovely comment my friend. I too can remember the canal when it was a wonderful place. If you would like to see some pictures of the canal that I'm sure you will enjoy here's a link.

www.photobox.co.uk/album/464930

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

Tony Leonard (born in Forgehammer) 1944
I read your article on the canal, and it brought back lots of memories. Good and bad. One time you could walk from Newport all the way to Brecon along this beautiful canal. Nowadays it has been dug up, diverted under ground around "Town centre". It's a shame, but it is 2005.

Dennis Baker
Some words for Nick: I was not talking about the whole of Cwmbran just the part near the canal, the Half Way Inn and the Riflemans Club. I was telling people about the beauty of the canal not going on a pub crawl.

Nick in Stevenage
Dennis appears to have missed a bit out - Old Cwmbran has three pubs; the Halfway House, the Rose and Crown and the Mount Pleasant, as well as the Social Club (previously the British Legion) and the Riflemans Club. It also used to have the Abbey Pub, which was demolished to make way for Cwmbran Drive, and the Centre Hotel, which is now an old people's home. Most unforgivably, it has an absolutely ace Indian restaurant...

Betty Hattersley
I adore Wales and especially the canals as we often go on a barge holiday. This is such a beautiful place where you know God knew exactly what he was doing with nature.

Carmen Cox, Lewisburg, Tennessee, USA
This is wonderful, and really makes me want to come there. The swans are so beautiful, and it seems such a peaceful place to be.

Nigel Jones
Congratulations Dennis on writing a very interesting article. You are very passionate about the canal and its 'Regal couple in residence'. I agree with you about the chips .... Great!!

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