I grew up in Gwynfi Street Blaengwynfi until 1953 when my family left Wales. My mother and father separated in this year, and my mother took all of her 'brood' back to Scotland.
I have four brothers and a sister. My mother was known as Betty Scotch in the village, and my father was Emlyn Thomas known as 'Capers' because he was always up to them.
This photo was taken in about 1946/47 in Tunnel Terrace in Blaengwynfi.
I remember everyone except one. The line up standing from the left - Loveday - I can't remember his first name.
I don't know the name of the second boy either. Next to him is Robert Jones known as Oborn.
I am next to him with my arms folded. Next to me is Emrys Roberts. Sitting down are - Victor Robinson, Brian Mort, Brian Gage, John Gage and Michael Casey my cousin.
Llangynwyd pub
It is interesting how this photo came into my possession. On one of my trips to South Wales from Glasgow with my wife Margaret, I was taken to a pub in Llangynwyd by my cousin Graham Thomas and and his wife Marlene. Diane Morgan, formerly of Blaengwynfi, was also with us.
We went to the pub to hear the Friday-night choir practice. In the pub Graham introduced me to Brian Mort, originally of Blaengwynfi.
Brian has recently retired from the Police in Port Talbot.
The last time I saw Brian was well over 50 years ago. He said that he had a photo of a group of us in Tunnel Terrace. He kindly sent me a copy of the photo by email.
Bob Thomas
your comments
Mike Jones
What is the tunnel on the mountain directly oposite afan argoed mining museum, is really interesting.
Thu Jun 25 21:21:19 2009
Bob Thomas
Jane, the 1st young boy in the top row is Victor Robinson followed by Oborn,then myself [Bob Thomas] after me Emrys Roberts...
Fri Jun 12 18:05:30 2009
Bob Thomas Glasgow
Hello Jane, I knew your two brothers, Dai and Ken Rogers. Ken lived in the Police house at the bottom of the Cape.I think Ken sold the house and moved to Porthcawl.I was in his house a few times.A good guy.
I also knew Dai very well, and used to see him a lot during my visits to the village. I drank with him in the Western a few times. We got on very well.I remember him and his wife went to Crete every year.How are they all?
Anyone remember John Gage? John is also a good pal of mine. He lives in Jersey Road. Terence James,[Jamsey] lived opposite John...He was a fine man and I knew him since school in Blaengwynfi and Cymmer. He was a former schoolboy Welsh boxing champion. I will miss him.
Fri Jun 12 17:59:20 2009
Thelma Dyer (nee Rogers)
Hello Leighton Just came across this web page and does it bring back memeories. Loking down the message i saw your name just wanted to say hello, and try to some how get intouch.Hope you read this message.
Wed May 13 09:05:19 2009
Thelma Dyer Nee Rogers
Hi Joyce hope you remember me. Can you remember being a bridesmaid for me 50 years last may.We had some good times together. Hope you and your family are all well. I would like to some how contact you.
Wed May 13 09:05:01 2009
Steven Lews-Jones, London
I was born in Blaengwynfi 1957 and lived in Villiers Road. My Mum's name was Gwladys (maiden name Hill) and Dad was called Ivor Lewis-Jones. Dad died when he was 49 and mum remarried a chap called Oliver Moore who once lived in 5 Gwynfi Street.
I have very fond memories of my village but have only visited twice since mum died 13 years ago. I remember with fondness the walks over the mountains and as kids how we built ponds in the local rivers for swimming - great times!
Tue Mar 24 15:28:40 2009
Clare Talbot Blaengwynfi
...lived up the village all my life, my parents bought a house in Gwynfi Street in 1981, and I then bought a house in the same street eight years ago. I love living up the village with my partner and son.
Fri Mar 20 18:08:29 2009
Jenny Evans of cwmavon
My name is Jenny Evans, nee Thomas. My parents were Will Thomas and Violet, formerly Moore. I also have fond memories of the village. I remember the lovely summers we used to have building ponds up the scaten picking whimberries, the great winters as well. Nice to see others that also have their memories. I married a Graigy, David Evans we had six sons. I have two sisters [and]three brothers, Cyril, Myra, Joyce, Dennis [and] Oliver.
Mon Feb 9 13:29:12 2009
hazel (tossel) yoxall now pearce.
My mother was Bronwyn Thomas, sister to Peggy Casey. I used to spend all my holidays with Aunty Peggy and my cousins. Such freedom and lovely memories. I recognise so many names from the above especially you Mansell Pickings. I used to have such a crush on you when I was young. unfortunately you didn't seem to know I was alive. Hey ho. it seems that no matter how far away we are a part of us always remains in Wales.
Wed Jan 14 16:37:03 2009
Christopher Evans from Kent
A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the people who onced lived in Tunnel Terrace.
Wed Dec 31 10:05:02 2008
Keith Jones of Sydney
Hello to Bob Thomas and Mansel...I remember the making of Blue Scar and I've got a copy of the film here with me. I used to knock around with Mansel, Terence, Jamsey, Tommy Green, who just passed away, Tommy Richards. We were great mates who used to go to Maesteg Town Hall dance on Sat. night and Nanty Library on Monday nights. The good old days. This site brings back lots of lovely memories. Mike Jones was my brother, sadly passed away.
Wed Nov 19 15:23:39 2008
Chris Evans from Kent
...my name is Christopher Evans and was born in 1948. I lived with my Grandad Walt Keating and big Vie in number 41 Tunnel Terrace until being taken into care in 1959. My parents were Cyril(Ebbo)and Sheila Evans.
My last visit to the Tunnel Hotel was in 1970. I can still remember some of the people from there. There was Olga and Tony in No 42, Granny Web, Olive, Clive and Freddy Goldsworthy in No 43, Mary Jane Edwards in No 39, Keith Jones N0 38, also remember Doll Powell, Sissy and Michael Day, Snowy, John Rogers, Quinn family, Vano Edwards and family, my Cousins Veronica, Barry, Linsden, Irene, Evans...,/p>
I remember Roberts shop, and even Austin the butcher, and I remember you Willie Ware. I have been all around this world but when people ask me were are you from I replywith pride BLAENGWYNFI.
Wed Nov 19 15:00:35 2008
Bob Thomas
Hi Willie, yes I remember getting the pictures from Sandra.I gave them back. Honest. Nice to hear from you. Give Sandra my very best. I was sorry to hear about Jamsey.
Mon Oct 20 14:32:03 2008
willie ware blaengwynfi
Hi Bob this is Willie Ware here. Do u remember me? The last time u was here in Blaengwynfi u called in 2 c me and u borrowed photos off Sandra. Hope everything's ok. Nice 2 c a site like this one here.
Thu Oct 16 12:31:32 2008
Sharon - Blaengwynfi
Hi I am 29 and live in the village of Blaengwynfi and love it, it is lovely to find [a] site like this. My mum is originally from the village - some of you might know her or my uncle, they are Mair Davies and Albert John (AJ). Keep it up it is lovely to read about times and people who made the village a fab place to live. x
Mon Sep 29 16:08:58 2008
jane jones
Hello all. I remember my brother, who was four-years-old, going to live with Peggy Casey in 1959. Our mother passed away in January 1959 - me and my sister were sent to Windsor to live with my father's family. My two brothers, David and Ken Rogers, were Terry Casey's best friends
Mon Sep 29 15:56:23 2008
Jane Jones Blaengwynfi.
My husband seems to think that the second boy's name is Keith Roberts?
Mon Sep 29 15:52:10 2008
Gill Dalziel South Australia
My mother's family came from Blaengwynfi. Her father's name was Emlyn and mother's name Queenie. My mum's name was Iris Clatworthy, she was born in 1931, she moved to Bristol when she was 15. She had a brother Stan and three sisters, Winifred, Audrey and Kathrina, also known as Rita. I don't know what street they lived on, but would like to here from anyone who knew of mum's family...
Mon Sep 29 15:46:48 2008
Bob Thomas
I remember in 1949 (?) when the 'Blue Scar' was filmed in Abergwynfi. The producer was Jill Craigie who was the wife of Michael Foot who is a Labour politician. I have a copy of this film. It was quite nostalgic for me as I saw our family house standing there in Gwynfi Street. That side of the street is now demolished. Does anyone have any memories of the making of this film and does anyone else have a copy of this?
Thu Mar 27 10:09:38 2008
Phillip Jones, Cheshire
Hello everyone, I was born in Gwynfi St, in 1953, my parents were Mervyn and Nancy Jones(no.75), sadly they both died within the last 18 months. I remember a lot of the names of those mentioned, especially Graham Thomas and his parents. Philip Loveday was in the same class as me. Its so good to see that people who have left the village remember it with affection. Would welcome any comments. All the very best to you all.
Wed Mar 19 09:41:43 2008
Tony Price from Northern Ireland
Hi to Bob Thomas and Mansel Pickin. I am Joyce Thomas' son, I'm so glad to find this site as it has recalled some fond memories for my Mum and I. Names that mean so much, like Alf Pickin always put a smile on my face, the type of guy who make us have those fond memories of the village no matter where we are. My Mum tells me about the time when Alf made his own films with his projector (homemade) to entertain the children, and the first one to own a car in the village - they couldn't have been very good ones as I always remember Alf's head being stuck under the bonnet.(LOL)
Thu Jan 31 13:00:56 2008
Bob Thomas Glasgow
Hi Mansel, I remember you very well. Ken was your brother and Douglas and I remember Dilys your sister. Your father Alf was lovely, he was a very funny man. He always had loads of jokes. I liked your Mam as well. I remember a few years ago Jenny Evans [Thomas] and David her husband and I were in Alf and your mother's house in Tunnel Terrace. Between Alf and Jennie's 'patter' I had a whale of a time. I remember saying to Alf that I wish I could have taped all of the conversation as it was so funny. Incidentally, it was my brother Roy you met with my mother,not me. Very fondest wishes
Mon Jan 21 10:07:24 2008
Bob Thomas. Glasgow
Hi Joyce, I haven't forgotten you. I hope things are going ok for you in Ireland (I was on the phone to your sister Myra the other night as I am sure you are)your family and ours were very close. We still are. Same family name even.
Mon Jan 21 09:53:23 2008
Pickin Mansel, Neath Abbey
Hello to Bob Thomas (Scotland). The last time I spoke to you was in my parents' 60th Wedding Anniversary (2005) (Lil and Alf Pickin). You and your mum (Betty) came down from Scotland. I hadn't seen you before then since we were in school.Also hello to Joyce Thomas, Ireland.Nice to see that you are still in Ireland. The last time we met you were going to Ireland. What about the rest of your family where are they now? You were also friendly with my sister Dilys and Sylvia Powell - where is she nowadays. I know all the people on this page and they bring back a few memories.
Wed Jan 9 11:23:56 2008
Joyce Thomas, N. Ireland
I was born in the pit huts, Tunnel ter, Blaengwynfi, and remember the faces and names, especially Boby Thomas and his mother Betty and all the family, as they were very close to all of us, especially my mother Violet Thomas and father Will Thomas. Thanks for the memories Boby.
Thu Jan 3 11:46:41 2008
bob thomas blaengwynfi
I live further up the village, but my wife's family and many of my schoolmates lived in Tunnel Terrace. Thank you for sharing.
Wed Oct 17 12:22:37 2007
rita witts
oh hello. Funny thing I was born in Glasgow. Came down here (Port talbot little village Bryn) and married a boy from Abergwynfi, Jeffrey Witts. I had 3 visitors from Glasgow last week and took them to see the choir and Brian Mort was there. Well all the best.
Thu Aug 23 16:32:33 2007
Barbara Robinson.Born Abergwinfi 1950
I am now living in Australia. Victor Robinson was my uncle. Does anyone remember the Witson Street parties and dressing the lorries up? My dad's name was Wilfred and mums name was Olive. I go back to Wales at least every 3 yrs. I visit the valley everytime. I remember the bad fire in Tunnel Tce when I was a young girl.
Thu Aug 23 16:20:08 2007
Philip Loveday, Bridgend
Hi Bob, it was so strange to see a picture of my father Frank Loveday from 1946/7. It is also the only picture of him from that period. Franks family was very large and lived in No5 Tunnel terrace until late 1960's. Thank you for the memory.
Mon Jul 23 09:56:39 2007
Bob Thomas, Glasgow
Hello to Leighton Powell. I knew Robbie Powell and his father. I gave Robbie judo instruction about 1959? I am a judo black belt and ran a judo club in the Gwynfi Boys Club. Members were Michael Jones and Robbie Powell. Michael died maybe five years ago? I saw Michael a few times over the years. I liked him very much. He was a member of the Gwynfi Social Club in Margaret Terrace. His brother Keith is I think in Australia. There were a few more of course including I think, Dai Jamsey, Terence's brother and one or two others. On a sad note, Mervyn Blackmore died fairly recently. I think he was about 73 years old. On my visits to Blaengwynfi I used to see Mervyn in the Gelli and enjoyed my chats with him very much. He will be sadly missed. On reflection, maybe it was Frank Loveday in the picture? Maybe you remember my cousin Terry Casey and his brother Michael? Graham Thomas and his brother Steven were cousins also. My father was Emlyn Thomas [Capers] and my mother was Betty Scotch. Peggy and Joe Casey were Michael and Terry's parents and Iris and John Thomas [Machen] were Graham and Steven's parents. Best wishes.
Fri Mar 30 10:50:53 2007
Leighton Powell, Forest of Dean
I was born in no 20 tunnell terrace in 1931 and lived there untill i was 7. When my mother and father split up i went with my mother to live in Bristol untill i was 15 then returned to tunnell terrace to live with my brother and his family. I had relations living in nearly every house in the terrace, cousins aunties etc - the Days, Powells, Rogers. The only Loveday I knew was Frank. Hope this might be of help?
Wed Mar 28 09:11:01 2007
Rae - New Zealand
Its a lovely photo- you all look adorable - and its very evocative of a time & place. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Thu Feb 1 08:47:21 2007
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