Pontycymer, Park View c.1955

Photo ref: P227001

I was born at 18 Richard Street, Pontycymer. My mother was Mary and my father was Brynley, a coal miner. I went to the Welsh School at Bridgend Road and then to Garw Grammar School. I loved growing up in the valley. Honest hard working people. Miss the valley. Currently living in Madison, Wisconsin, USA with my wife Miriam. Coming home for Christmas. Staying in Castleford, Yorkshire with my mother in law, Pat, ...see more

My father, John Baugh, was born in 1936 and lived in Pontycymer with his parents, Oliver and Doris, in Park Street. He had a sister, Patricia - known as Anne, and a brother, George Brian. I am trying to get together some photos for a more interesting Christmas present than the usual jumper. Does anyone remember him?

I remember the houses opposite St.Theodore's as my cousin Veronica (Non) lived in one and the "Turners" (Pat, Shirley, Roy and others) lived next door. These houses had front doors in Higher Church St, while the back doors were accessed from Lower Church St. I lived in Lower Church Street until I was 20, then married and moved to Alexandra Road, opposite the Memorial Hall (now demolished and ...see more

I spent the vast bulk of my childhood in this area. The centre of the cricket pitch is a strip of concrete that was used for boys club and school's cricket matches. Mostly, a game of soccer or rugby was played either side of it too. Down the grass bank is now the "Swings" at Waun Bant. These were built in about 1968/1969. In the foreground is the rubbish tip that became Lawrence Park rugby ground in 1970 and ...see more