your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Darrell Elliott, Hyde, Manchester
Spent four years training and working as a nurse at Neath General Hospital 1970 to 1974. A fantastic hospital and fantastic people. Played in goal for Neath YMCA for about three years...Neath a great place to live, work or visit - take it from one who knows.
Mon Feb 9 14:35:12 2009
Sian Harris from Cwmbran, Gwent
I have many happy memories of my time in Neath. I went there to train as a nurse at Neath General in 1986-89. I remember nights out at the Dark Arch and the Abbey, also the Grandison pub where all the hospital staff would congregate. I still feel sad to think the old hospital has gone and all that history with it. I visited Neath town centre recently and felt very nostalgic for my student days. I also loved the Gnoll, such a beautiful area. Sometimes I wish I'd stayed and not come back home to Gwent!
Mon Sep 1 12:57:38 2008
Ceris, Swansea
It's lovely to read some glowing comments about Neath, not least because I have just bought a house in Skewen! I'm a bit of a newcomer to the area, having lived most of my life in London, although I am very much a Welsh lass. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the area is like for childrens facilities/playgrounds etc, and if there are any places to avoid? Hopefully, I will be adding my own memories to this site in the future!
Mon May 19 16:53:12 2008
Mari Billing Himber, New Jersey, USA
Bore da! I have lived in the States for many years but I was born in Neath and the photographs you show remind me of very happy days there. During the summer my parents often took us to Porthcawl to see 'Tommy the Doll', a ventriloquist act along the beach front. A cousin taught me to dance at a ballroom just off London Road.
My relatives were active at the Little Theatre, founded by an uncle and the productions were very professional. Neath Market is a real icon to me; among my prized possessions are colourful Welsh blankets purchased at the Market - heirloom quality.
An uncle had a china stall and second cousins had a dairy booth there where they would scoop up golden salted Welsh butter (the best!)
To my delight I recently found on this website a 'wallpaper' of Victoria Gardens in full bloom and use it on my computer. It is very special to me because I was born nearby on Queen Street. Warm thanks to all the people who send in photographs of the area to remind us expats of our home - Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
Mon Feb 25 10:08:27 2008
john morgan from perth w australia
I left the Gnoll School at 15 and worked for Stockhams Bakery. Stockhams had the best Welsh cakes. Hunts, the bakery in Queen St, had the best pasties. Noonans Bakery had pies, but Stockhams had the best bread. I worked there until I was 21 only to have a break for 3 years national service in the RAF - who can forget Stockhams corner - part of [the] history of Neath.
Thu Jan 24 09:46:39 2008
Rob Armstrong from Birmingham
My fiancee lives in Neath so I spend most weekends there. I love the town, the countryside, the nearby beaches, rivers, waterfalls and the people. Recently I saw a painting of the Gnoll House in Gnoll Park in its heyday. The paining was by a Dilys Thomas of Neath. I would dearly love a copy of the painting but have not been able to find anything out about the artist. Does anyone know of her?
Tue Dec 4 10:20:04 2007
Roger Sweet from Neath/Swansea now London Southban
...when in Neath used to visit the Italian Cafes wonderful kunzle cakes yellow butter ice cream, best-ever and excellent ham from the Welsh Produce (sad re Gwyn Hall many an opera or rock and roll evening there). Mum was Beasley family and Dad was Sweet family from Abertawe. Are the Italian cafes still selling lovely produce? I now live in London Southbank. As a pianist I played in Neath Rugby Club for Rees Stephens and British Legion near Windsor Cinema and piano in Green Stars Rugby Club Aberavon.
Mon Dec 3 15:09:50 2007
Simon, Neath
Tonight is a truly shocking one for anyone with a fondness for Neath town centre, as I look across the town from here, I can see the Gwyn Hall is burning down! There are huge flames coming out of the roof. I, along with many others, I'm sure have many fond memories of the place, past school plays, amateur dramatics, concerts, etc.
Fri Oct 19 09:30:37 2007
Simon Piles, Neath
In response to Lamar Jones. If you think it's a dive then why did you return?...Neath is a brilliant town with brilliant people. Never Forget your roots!
Mon Oct 15 11:11:10 2007
Gaynor Harris, Cornwall
I enjoyed looking at all the photos. I am originally from Mountain Ash but I am researching my family history and my great great great grandfather Evan Rosser is buried in St. Thomas's Churchyard. His gravestone is still there. I am in touch with distant cousins in the USA and Canada who are interested in hearing all about Neath.
Thu Sep 27 09:14:14 2007
Lamar Jones, Neath
Sorry to disagree with yo all but I lived in Manchester for 8 years after being brought up in Neath. I returned to Neath with the Mrs and it is a real dive, escape all who can! All it is good for is it's proximity: mid way between Brecon Beacons and Gower peninsula. Far too many
Tue Sep 25 09:50:39 2007
Stephanie, Neath
I'm a Neath girl born and bred, I'm still here. I'd just like to say a great thanks to all of you that have posted your comments, it's really opened my eyes to how many people have lived and loved Neath. I share many of your fond memories, never swam in Neath canal though!
I'd just like to point out that Victoria Gardens isn't used as often as it should be. It is a beautiful place especially in the summer when it comes to life. It's a very attractive focal point in Neath, my parents had their wedding photos there and I love taking my daughter there too.
Mon Jun 4 09:55:04 2007
Philip Jones Skewen Neath
Just to confirm the photo of Neath Town Centre is actually taken from the train station facing down Windsor Road towards the old 'Talk of the Abbey'! For all those old friends of Neath, the Talk of the Abbey is no longer! Been pulled down for flats and shops on the ground floor
Tue Mar 13 09:28:53 2007
Philip Jones Skewen Neath
Just to let Chris Hopkins from Canturbury that The Angel pub is still there and going strong.
Tue Mar 13 09:27:50 2007
Dave Walsham, Australia
I am originally from Penlan and Gorseinon areas but now living in Perth Australia. My grandfather was the catering officer at Neath general hospital for many years until his death in 1977 and I have many happy memories as a child being fed more Ice creams and jelly than was probably healthy by kindly kitchen staff at the hospital. My grandfather Charles "Bill" Kilpatrick loved his Vauxhalls and I think the first time I ever did 100mph in a car was with him on the Neath by-pass on the way to work with him one morning.
Mon Dec 18 18:07:27 2006
Chris Hopkins from Canterbury
There no place like home... Is the Angel Pub still open these days. Had many a teenage kicks in there!
Wed Sep 13 08:50:40 2006
Clive Stephens from Gloucester
Although I'm not far away, after reading the other comments about Neath I just had to write a few lines.
I also remember playing up the Gnoll and shall always think of Neath as a truely magical place.
But like Judith, I'm not sure about that town centre photo, could it be part of Windsor Road and not the real Town Centre.
Mon Sep 11 10:09:40 2006
Gareth Davis (Chicago, USA)
I am from Resolven, many years past, and the photo's of Neath and area bring back many memories.
Thanks
Wed Jun 28 09:03:26 2006
david tate from leeds
a wonderful place to visit and stay the people of neath are so warm and friendly truly they do keep a welcome in the hillsides
Mon Apr 3 19:24:10 2006
Rhiannon, Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
spent every summer in neath the Cimla to be exact where my mother grew up. the Gnoll park is a wonderful place rip H.Copp
Mon Mar 13 20:02:21 2006
Andrew Owens , Australia
HI, Looking at the Neath photos really brings back old memories, i lived in Tonna and more pictures of my home village would be great to find.
Sun Feb 26 22:26:10 2006
Craig Jones, Auckland, New Zealand
Neath was my play ground when I was a kid and I always think of playing up the Gnoll in the bamboos and running around the ruins of the gnoll house with my brother and my mates. I always think of Neath as a magical place. Playing rugby for A.D.S on the Gnoll. Good times. Neath my old town.x
Mon Jan 23 09:57:38 2006
Leigh in Milton Keynes
Endless hot summers swimming in the fourth Gnoll pond ...playing 'chase' on the abandoned lighthouse boat in the wharf...mooching around & dodging the freight trains on the swingbridge...long summer evenings playing footy in Skewen park...all treasured memories from my youth...being an adult in England sucks compared to being a kid in Wales!
Mon Jan 16 16:10:54 2006
Martyn Lloyd Davies, Copehagen Denmark
What fantastic pictures of my home town Neath it makes me proud indeed. I went to school in Neath and have very many fond memories of playing rugby, cricket and golf, all my welsh relatives are still living in Neath. Thank you very much for the pictures.
Sun Jan 15 10:05:14 2006
From Canada
Had to come back to Canada. Neath and its people are amazing... Will miss one person terribly... will miss the friends made
Tue Jan 3 22:45:01 2006
Steve L Schiavone from Minneapolis
Looking at these pictures is a real trip down memory lane. I have B&W pictures as a kid and they are identical to the pictures shown here! I was born and bred in Neath travelled around the world and now settled in Minneapolis USA it would be great someday to visit that good 'ole town again!
Wed Oct 12 18:34:13 2005
Phil Richards, Cape Town
"You can take the man out of Neath but you can't take Neath out of the man". I'm sure this was once quoted by someone famous. But its true. I was born and bred just outside the town in Cadoxton and have warm and dizzy memories of childhood, and even fuzzier memories of teenage years stumbling out of the Abbey. My South African wife is appalled at the place and the people - can't see why, and why did she marry me?
I am now in Cape Town, a great distance from my home town. But Black is my colour, and I am a proud Neath man, and return with excitement every time. God bless Neath.
Tue Aug 30 22:11:58 2005
Judith Hawkes, Saskatchewan, Canada
Although I havn't been away from Neath (and Crynant...) that long, the words that Dean uses are so true...you definitely do miss the place when you're not there. It was great to see the photographs, however, still not sure about the photo of Neath Town Centre???
Thu Jul 14 01:02:31 2005
Bryan Hayward, London.
Love looking at pics like these,as I was born and bred in Cilfrew.
My heart will always remain there,and hope to come back home soon.
Best wishes to you all.
Bryan.
Wed Jun 1 16:53:05 2005
Linda Mitro, Ontario. Canada
I was born and raised in Neath, but now living in Canada, for the last 21 years.It's nice to see photo's of the town. All of them bring back memories. Playing as a child in the Gnoll grounds. Watching Neath play rugby. And doing plenty of shopping especailly in Neath market.
Tue May 24 17:36:40 2005
Adrian McQ
There are many nicer views than a signpost around the Neath valley, how about a wide angel view up/down the valley? Have a nice time in OZ with your wife Norman, & I thought backpacking was only for youngsters.
Fri May 6 00:54:39 2005
Norman Gill, Neath (on holiday in Oz)
Must agree with Matt Reynolds,surely a photograph of the ground with the Gnoll Woods in the background would be better than a sign which could be anywhere.
Tue Apr 19 10:24:44 2005
Donna , Birmingham
Beautiful place with beautiful people, made to feel so welcome!
Tue Apr 12 00:36:20 2005
Sally Grant, Rugby
I am originally from Neath and was delighted to see the pictures that you have of Neath. I was Married in St Thomas' and had photographs taken in the gnoll. I think however the photgraph of the town centre is a little misleading as its actually Windsor Road. Why not have a photograph of the Market, which is a fantastic buiding right in the centre of Neath. Also the Gnoll grounds has a four ponds which you can not tell from the photo!! Ah well its only my opinion, but Neath has some absolutley gorgeous places to see. I do miss it....
Wed Mar 30 13:13:50 2005
Dean Jones, Kentucky USA
There's nothing like seeing great photos of Neath, born and raised there but now living away. Born and raised in Neath how much you miss it when your not there....
Thu Dec 16 00:26:18 2004
Sherry Sapru from New Delhi, India
Gosh - its still there! Yes, I was in Neath as a kid in 1954-55. How I loved rambling up the Gnoll with my schoolfriends and enjoying each and every moment of it. Should I be late for supper; the excuse to Mum invariably was- "Was up the Gnoll"! Got me Luv?
Thu Sep 9 13:08:32 2004
Barrie Rees, Ireland
I am originally from Skewen, Neath.
The photograph of Neath Abbey Ruins reminds me of a time when I was very young.It was about 1972. My friends and I regularly used to go swimming in the local canal that runs along side the "Abbey Ruins". On one particular occasion, while one of my friends and I were sitting on the edge of the canal opposite the "Ruins, dangling our feet in the water to test how cold or warm the water was to go swimming, my younger sister (she was about 9 years of age at the time) pushed me from behind and I suddenly found myself in the canal. Soaking wet, I quickly jumped back out and sat on the edge of the canal once again, staring down into the water I noticed that the colour of the water was starting to change from a deep green to a dark red. Lifting my feet out of the water, I discovered that my left foot was bleeding quite heavily. I had apparently cut my foot on an old "tin sheet" that someone had thrown into the canal. Both my sister and one of my friends ran to a nearby cottage to get help.
A very kind man from the cottage came to my aid, carried me to his home and phoned for an ambulance, which soon arrived and transported me to Neath General Hospital where I ended up having 14 stitches in my foot.
I never got to learn the very kind gentlemans name (to whom I will be eternally grateful), but I'm sure that if he is still alive and reads this account, he will remember the incident. Contrary to what the reader of this little story may think, it is actually one of the many fond memories I have about my home town Neath which I love very much.
Wed Sep 8 20:05:51 2004
Matthew Reynolds, Australia
Hi! I think your site is very good, however, I think that you should change this picture to the actual ground itself, not the signboard! Being from Neath myself, I believe that it would improve the tourism factor to the grounds!
Eds note - Matthew is referring to picture number 9
Sun May 23 05:51:21 2004
Do you have any memories attached to these photographs? Send in your comments here.
