Newspaper extracts for Ystradgynlais

There are many references to this area in the 15 million Welsh and English language articles from Welsh newspapers transcribed by the NLW and viewable on Welsh Newspapers Online
Below are English language articles that have been re-transcribed and extracted randomly to illustrate what is available, there are many that are not extracted here that include names of local people

• From the  South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 5th December 1894

YSTRADGYNLAIS. EISTEDDFOD.—On Monday an eisteddfod was held at the national schools. The chairman was Mr Philip Williams, Ystradgynlais, and the conductors the Revs. J. Adams and D. J. Davies, Ystradgynlais, who were also adjudicators of the literature competitions. The adjudicator of the singing was Mr D. Thomas, F.T.S.C.. of Bridgend, and the accompanist, Mr T. Levi, Cwmtwrch. The entries were numerous except in the chief choral competition, for which only one choir competed, though there were two entries. The choirs entered were the Devynock and Senny Bridge United and Seven Sisters United. The Devynock choir, which alone sang, was led by Mr Thomas Thomas, and the prize was £8, with a medal to the conductor. In the Ambulance competition the winner was Mr Howell Phillips, Glyntawe-road, Ystradgynlais. Duet, "Gwys i'r Gad"—winners, Messrs T. L. Jones and D. J. Williams, Ystradgynlais. Best congregational tune —winner, Homer Bach. Best recitation, Pleserfad y Niagara"—winner, Mr W. D. Jeffreys, Ystradgynlais. The treasurer and secretary were Messrs D. E..James and S. J. Griffiths respectively.

•  From the Evening Express (Fifth Edition) 17th August 1905

YSTRADGYNLAIS WATER. At Ystradgynlais Inspector N. R. North, of the Local Government Board, conducted an inquiry into the proposed scheme of supplying the Ystradgynlais district with water at a coat of £ 6,500. Mr. Morgan Price (chairman) and several members of the council attended. —Mr. L. K. Kempthorne (clerk to the council), in reply to the inspector, said that the population of the district at the last census was 4,965, the increase up to the present time being about 150. The assessable value was £30.675 14s. 5d., and the ratable value £15,268. 10s. The poor-rate for 1905 was 6s. 2d., and the special rate 11d., as compared with 4s. 4d. and 7d. for 1904, and £6. 10d. and 7d. for 1903. There was no opposition to the scheme, and the inquiry was closed.

• From the Evening Express (Extra Special) 12th September 1900

YSTRADYGYNLAS ~ COLLIERY FATALITY AT YSTRADGYNLAIS. A terrible accident occurred at Ystradfawr Colliery, Ystradgynlais, on Monday afternoon. Elias Evans, Lewis Jenkins, and John Morris had finished their day's work, and had already dressed themselves preparatory to leaving for the surface, when a great fall of earth took place. The two former were extricated within an hour, and were found to have sustained rather severe injuries, but John Morris, aged 44, was not rescued till upwards of three hours had elapsed. Life was then found to be extinct. The greatest sympathy is manifested towards his bereaved widow and four children.

• From the Evening Express (Fourth Edition) 3rd April 1907

DISORDERLY VESTRY AT YSTRADGYNLAIS. The annual vestry was held at the Parish Church, Ystradgynlais, the rector (the Rev. E. L. D. Glanley) presiding. -A storm arose during the appointment of churchwardens, "Shut your mouth" and uncharitable personal remarks being uttered. The scene became of an uproarious character .The Rector appointed Mr. T. Watkins his warden, and Mr. R. S. Hodgson, J.P., was elected people's warden with a majority of eighteen over Mr. S. Thomas, Cwmtwrch. Some of the sidesmen elected declared that they would not accept office. Another storm broke out when the Abercrave Church, accounts were read, the finances being in an unsatisfactory state. A committee was appointed to investigate the accounts, as the Rector thought it more prudent to have the whole affair thoroughly gone into privately.

• From the Evening Express (First Edition) 6th September 1906

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FOR YSTRADGYNLAIS. The arrangement between the Breconshire and Glamorganshire Education Authorities by which the children resident in Ystradgynlais, Abercrave, Cwmtwrch, and other places in the former county are enabled to attend the Glamorgan County School at Ystalyfera has terminated. Owing to the overcrowding of the school in question it has been found necessary to exclude the Breconshire scholars. Under the Breconshire scheme the nearest county schools are at Builth and Brecon. The cost and inconvenience of conveying scholars from the villages named to these centres would be too great, and it is reported that a new county school will be established at Ystradgynlais. In the meantime arrangements are to be made for the renting and fitting-up of a temporary building where the work done by the Ystalyfera County School will be continued. The opening of a new school at Ystradgynlais is regarded with great favour by the local inhabitants.

•  From the Evening Express (First Edition) 31st August 1906

YSTRADGYNLAIS ELECTRICAL SUPPLY. At a meeting held at Yniscedwyn it was decided to form an electric light company for the lighting of Ystradgynlais and the surrounding districts of Cwmtwrch and Abercrave. The promoters are sanguine of the success of the venture, and state that they will be able to supply electrical power at a cheaper rate than gas.

•  From the Evening Express (First Edition) 23rd July 1903

RAILWAY SUBSIDENCE AT YSTRADGYNLAIS. The subsidence of a bridge at Ystradgynlaie, on the Brecon and Merthyr Railway, on Tuesday bae caused considerable delay in the passenger and goods traffic. The subsidence was noticed after a goods train from Brecon had passed over the bridge on Tuesday evening.

•  From the Evening Express (Third Edition) 16th December 1892

MADAME PATTI-NICOLINI AT YSTRADGYNLAIS. Distribution of Charity. On Thursday afternoon Madame Patti-Nicolinl drove from Craig-y-Nos to Ystradgvnlais, to visit the Church school buildings there, which are situate close to the Parish Church, to present. each poor person in the parish in the receipt of parish relief in that parish with the sum of 5s. as a Christmas present. This truly Lady Bountiful of Craig-y-Nos was accompanied by M. E. Nicolini .....(part extract).......

•  From The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General… 14th May 1914

YSTRADGYNLAIS. SETTLEMENT.—As a result of the visit of Mr John J. James (for the workmen) to the Ystradfawr Colliery, Ystradgynlais, the minimum wage trouble has been amicably settled.

MINERS' STRIKE.—Notices tendered at Yniscedwyn and Ystradfawr Collieries, Ystradgynlais, on account of non-Unionist "trouble" expired on Saturday, and 1,000 men were on strike on Monday, the workmens' committee having failed to come to a working arrangement with the management

•  From The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General… 24th August 1916

YSTRADGYNLAIS. NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD WINNER.—Mr Gwilyrn Jones, of Ystradgynlais, won the baritone solo competition on the opening day of the National Eisteddfod at Aberystwyth.

DISTRICT COUNCIL.—Mr Dd. Lewis presided over a meeting of the Ystradgynlais District Council, held on Thursday, when a resolution was passed protesting against the fact that the South Wales coalowners had been allowed to raise the price of coal by 2s. 6d. per ton and it was decided to forward it to the Government.

With reference to an offer to sell the old police station site to the Council for the purpose of offices, it was decided to ask Colonel Gough to meet a deputation of the Council.

It was arranged that alleged insanitary property at Gwerngilfache, Abercrave, should be visited by a committee and the owner interviewed.

According to the medical officer's report the district was free from epidemics of all kinds, and the public health was all that could be desired.

•  From The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General… 23rd August 1917

YSTRADGYNLAIS. The Effect, of a Colliery Stoppage.—As a result of the closing down of the Ystradgynlais Anthracite Collieries, eleven business establishments between the Ystrad Bridge and Peglar's Buildings have been temporarily closed.

•  From The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General…19th April 1917

YSTRADGYNLAIS. Girls on the Land.-A meeting of the District War Agricultural Committee was held at the Church Schoolroom on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs Strick presided, in the absence of Mrs Gough. The Secretary reported that five girls had already been placed on farms in Breconshire, and one near Hereford. Several of them had written expressing their satisfaction with the places that had been found for them and reporting favourably upon the work which they had to do, and the kindness they were receiving at the hands of their employers.

•  From The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General… 4th September 1913

YSTRADGYNLAIS. BIG TURNIPS.—Mr J. Harris, of Ystradgynlais, has grown two white turnips which weigh over 11lbs. Six turnips grown in the same garden weighed 29lbs 2ozs.

CONSERVING THE TAWE WATERS.—With the object of conserving the waters of the River Tawe from Ystalyfera upwards, a committee is being formed. The river will be stocked with fish and every effort made to keep the waters clean. Colonel Gough, of Yniscedwyn, has promised to render every assistance and is anxious to see a water board established. In addition to Colonel Gough, favourable replies have been received by the organisers from other landowners in the district, including Messrs W. Wheatly Cobb (Brecon). E. Watkins, David Watkins (Abercrave) and T. W. Morgan (Ystradgynlais).

• From  The Cambrian 29th September 1899

 YSTRADGYNLAIS. [BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT,l The first annual poultry, pigeon, flower and vegetable show was an unqualified success. The entries were numerous, and the quality, on the whole, was highly satisfactory. The secretaries worked with commendable zeal and tact, and they were valuably assisted by a most painstaking committee. The Society were fortunate in securing as President, Col. Fleming Gough, Yniscedwyn House. The gallant Colonel takes a keen and genuine interest in local affairs, and there is no doubt he very materially contributed to the success of the show. The weather was beautifully fine, and the attendance fully came up to expectations. The secretaries were Mr. B. L. Thomas (Cwmgiedd) and Mr. G. Morgan (Post Office).

A sheep fair was held for the first time at Ystradgynlais on Friday. The supply of sheep was, as regards quality, exceptionally good, and the number exceeded by far the expectations of the promoters. Unfortunately, however, the dealers present were few, and it is estimated that only about 500 out of 2,500 sheep were sold. The prices secured were fairly good. There were also a large stock of horses and cattle, but in this branch also only little business was done. It is intended to hold the fair annually, and, no doubt, it will become a very large one. Some good purchases were effected. Mr. W. Morgan, of Ystradfawr Farm, and Mr. E. Williams, Blue Bell, Neath, were among the buyers.

•  From The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General… 9th August 1917

YSTRADGYNLAIS. Work resumed at Two Pits—The anthracite collieries of Ynyscedwyn and Ystradfawr which have been closed for some time, have partly resumed work under the new management. Work is expected te be in full swing in a week or so.