Newspaper extracts for the Glyncorrwg area

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

Searches made on these places in this order; Glyncorrwg, Afan Vale, Cymmer

•  From The Cardiff Times 26th November 1870

GLYNCORRWG. POPULAR READINGS.—The first of this year's series of Popular Readings was given in the School-room on Monday evening. and although the weather was un- favourable the attendance was very good. Great interest is taken in these entertainments by the inhabitants, as the whole of the proceeds is devoted to the school funds; last year the committee of the readings were able to hand over to the school committee more than £8. The chairman for the evening was Mr. Rees Jenkins, and the following programme was well gone through:—Reading, Mr. J. Howells; concertina solo, Mr. W. Harries; song and chorus, Miss Plummer and party; song, Mr. Powell; reading, Mr. Arthur; reading, Mr. W. Harry; violin solo (loudly recalled), Mr. T. Harrison; reading, Mr. F. Hill; concertina solo, Mr. Harries reading, Mr. Crockford song and chorus, Mr. Powell and party; glee, Mr. Hughes and party; finale, Mr. Powell. Several competed for a prize for an Impromptu speech. The prize was divided between Messrs. Arthur and Harry.

SCHOOL INSPECTION.—The Rev. B. J. Bums, H.M.'s inspector, visited the school on the 7th inst., when he made the following entry on the master's certificate :— "This school has greatly improved under the care of the present master, who seems to be doing his duty very conscientiously." There were 98 children present.

• From  The Cambria Daily Leader 29th October 1915

GLYNCORRWG. War economy has been practised as well as preached by the members of the Glyncorrwg Council. As a result the general district rate of 2s. 9d. in the £ is no advance on the previous one.

•  From The Cardiff Times 6th June 1868

GLYNCORRWG. CRICKET CLUB.—We are pleased to be informed that a cricket club has commenced at the above place. President—Rees Jenkins, jun., Esq., Treasurer-Rev. J. A. Morris, Hon. Sec.—Mr. E. Plummer, Resident Viewer —Captain T. Harrison. Such public amusement and manly games are greatly needed, chiefly to keep the men from public houses, &c. And we are happy to say that under the superintendence of the captain the members are likely to become a proficient club.

•  From the South Wales Daily News 25th June 1891

GLYNCORRWG., COAL FIND.—At the trial pit, near the Viaduct Cymmer, the No. 2 Vein was struck on Wednesday, and seems to be a most beautiful vein of coal.

•  From the South Wales Daily News 29th August 1891

GLYNCORRWG. COAL FINDING.—A three-and-a-half feet vein of coal has been proved this week at Nantybar, 50 yards above the level of Mr Robertson's.

•  From The Glamorgan Gazette 31st July 1908

GLYNCORRWG. Football Club—The annual meeting of the Glyncorrwg Football Club was held on Saturday evening. The statement of accounts showed that the club was in an excellent financial position. Next season the matches will be played on a new ground which the Glyncorrwg Urban District Council has laid out. The following officers were elected — President, Councillor Wm. Matthias: secretary. Mr. D. J. Jones: treasurer, Mr. Tom Jones; captain, Mr. Dan Harrison. Mr. David Thomas was elected secretary for the second team.

• From  The Glamorgan Gazette 31st August 1917

GLYNCORRWG. Carnival.-Saturday was a red-letter day for Glyncorrwg, when a successful carnival was held in aid of the fund for the entertainment and care of wounded soldiers and sailors. The procession included gaily-decorated cycles and cyclists, horses and carriages, motor vehicles, and pedestrians in historical, comic, fancy, and grotesque costumes, and was headed by the Glyncorrwg Brass Band, followed by the chairman, members, and officials of the Glyncorrwg; District Council, the local ambulance brigade,, Volunteers, nurses, Scouts, and the general public.   ....(part extract).....

• From  The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 2nd October 1863

GLYNCORRWG. The date on one of the bells of this Parish Church is 1013. Both bells are in a damaged state, and we are told, that they are to be sent to the foundry of Messrs. Mears and Co. of London.

•  From the South Wales Daily News 1st September 1880

GLYNCORRWG. EXCURSION- The Glyncorrwg Colliery Company's workmen and families, numbering about 400, had an excursion last Monday to PorthcawL The Glyncorrwg Brass band rendered their services.

•  From the South Wales Daily News 30th November 1886

GLYNCORRWG. FATAL ACCIDENT.—Charles Smith, collier, was killed at No. 1 Level on Monday afternoon by a fall of stone from the roof. He has left several orphan children.

• From The Cambrian 6th April 1906

GLYNCORRWG STRIKE. TWO HUNDRED MINERS PAID OFF. Two hundred men were paid off on Tuesday at Glyncorrwg Colliery, near Port Talbot. There is no immediate prospect of an early settlement of the dispute. The masters hold that the men are paid the same standard rate as elsewhere for similar work, and are not prepared under those circumstances to concede the advance asked for.

• From The Cambrian 7th September 1906

GLYNCORRWG DISPUTE. MR. JNO. WILLIAMS. M.P., WAITS ON THE OWNER. Mr. John Williams, M.P., miners' agent, has waited upon Mr. Trevor Thomas, Ely, Cardiff, in connection with the strike at the Glyncorrwg Pit, over the cutting prices, and it is expected that an amicable arrangement will be come to. The dispute is in reference to the No. 2 Rhondda seam, but it is hoped the cutting prices will also be arranged. The outlook may therefore be considered bright.

• From the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder 29th July 1916

GLYNCORRWG. At a meeting on Tuesday of the Glyncorrwg District Council the Medical Officer (Dr. H. Davies) reported that during the month 20 births were registered and 10 deaths. Ashes were still being dumped in front of the Tunnel Hotel and at the corner of the Western- square. He asked the Council to adopt measures to end the practice. This was agreed to. A resolution of thanks was passed to Councillor Wm. Jenkins for his successful work in connection with the Road Board scheme. Mr. Mathias drew attention to an unfenced grass path above a quarry near the hospital, and the Council decided to write to the owners to fence the path.

•  From The Glamorgan Gazette 1st February 1895

GLYNCORRWG NOTES.

The Scotch Company are going to start here next Monday, on driving a heading for the No. 2 seam at Corrwg Fechan.

The strikers from the Tunnel drift are still out, and likely to be for some time.

Our District Councillors are in a splendid mood for a tremendous amount of work, and that without rising the rates but as little as possible.

There is a rumour that we are going to have a benefit concert for a promising young musician from the place. Well done, boys

It is that we are going to have a new church instead of the old one. All know that we stand in need of it. And that one is likely to immortalise his name by contributing towards the building of it. £1000, well done We hope that some of the non. cons will do the same with some of the chapels that are crushed with debt.

Our large and popular parish stands in great need of a cemetery. It is worst than too bad that they must come from Abergwynfi and Afondale to Glyncorrwg to bury their dead. Why can't we get a cemetery at Cymmer ?  I should like to see some of our councillors taking the matter up, for it must come ere long.

•  From the Evening Express (Fourth Edition) 22nd March 1907

NEW PARISH OF AFAN VALE The new ecclesiastical parish of Afan Vale extends from Abergwynfi to the borders of the parish of Michaelstone Higher. The Rev Thomas Williams (formerly curate in charge) has been appointed first vicar, upon the presentation of the Rev. S. Jackson.  He is assisted by the Rev. Evan Davies (curate of Cymmer) and Mr. J. J. Deer (licensed reader)

•  From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 6th January 1896

AFAN DISTRICT TINPLATERS IMPORTANT EXECUTIVE MEETING. DRASTIC REFORMS SUGGESTED. Although the present outlook of the tinplate trade is gloomy, the tinplaters of the Afan district have for some time past manifested indifference to trade matters. The introduction of what are termed the "picked men of Margam" to the Mansel Works, thereby superseding a number of the married men, has produced hostile feeling between  the workmen of the two works, and the bond of Unionism which was once a matter of pride is stated to have been considerably weakened.  ....(part extract).....

•  From The Cambria Daily Leader 18th November 1919

AFAN VALLEY. Miners' Monthly Meeting Support Y.M.C.A. Coun. John Davies (Neath) presided over the monthly meeting held at the new Miners' Offices. Aberavon, on Saturday, when there was represented a record membership of over 10,000. The officials present were: Ald. W. Jenkins, J.P. (district agent), and Coun. John Thomas, J.P. (treasurer). Mr. James attended as a deputation on behalf of the Welsh National Council of the Y.M.C.A., appealing for financial support. He outlined the vast amount of work done, not only during the war, but also since the armistice, and the work proposed to be carried out, particularly in the mining districts and the formation of Red Triangle Clubs in these centres.— The meeting unanimously made a grant of £ 5, and recommended the lodges to grant further assistance   ....(part extract).....

• From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 13th October 1896

AFAN DISTRICT. A most successful meeting of the behinders and risers of the above district was held at Aberavon on Saturday evening, when a resolution was adopted pledging the meeting to work only on the 1874 list of wages, and to use every legitimate means to secure unity of action.

•  From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 3rd November 1896

AFAN DISTRICT. A most successful meeting of tinplaters of the above district was held at the Prince of Wales, Aberavon, on Saturday evening. It was ascertained that all the works had terminated their contracts that day, and were firm in their determination not to restart work until they were granted their old rate of wages. Messrs Davies, Benjamin, and Phillips then addressed the meeting at great length, and urged the men to stand firm to their decision and the victory was theirs. We are asked to correct a statement in the South Wales Daily News of yesterday to the effect that the 1874 list will be paid at the Earlswood Tinplate Works, Briton Ferry, The manager of the company says it is not their intention to concede the men's demand.

•  From the Weekly Mail 23rd October 1909

THE AFAN IN FLOOD. RAILWAYS SUBMERGED: BRIDGE DESTROYED. After about twenty hours' continuous rain the River Afan, which runs from Abergwynfl to Port Talbot, again rose to a tremendous height on Friday. It will be remembered that a fortnight ago the flooding of this river caused havoc at Aberavon. and rendered many families almost destitute. On Thursday night there was a constant downpour of rain, and this was continued on Friday. At mid-day it was seen that the river was rising rapidly, and, aided by the rush of water from the Avon Valleys and the River Corrwg, which empties into the Afan at Cymmer, the river soon rose to a great height. Fortunately, however, the rain ceased about five o'clock. At that time the water was nearly up to the top of the arch of the Aberavon main bridge, and much danger was apprehended in the incoming tide, which was at its highest at 6.52. The corporation officials, realising the danger, soon got to work, and under the direction of Mr. J. Roderick (surveyor) barricades were erected at the top of Green Park- street, where the last flood caused such havoc. At the same time the inhabitants ot Green Park-street and Water-street locked their doors and left their homes for a more secure shelter. Everywhere one could see the people standing on their doorsteps or the street corners awaiting events, and everywhere preparations were made for the worst. Fortunately, however, before the tide was full.the rain ceased a little, and the flood decreased. Just before six o'clock, however, the flood broke down a wall at 49, Green Park-street, a small cottage by the side of the river, and the water rushed in a torrent along a lane towards the Cradoc Inn and the Port Talbot Hotel. The drains, however, had all been carefully cleared and opened, and. although several houses were flooded 'o the extent of about a foot, there was not a great deal of damage done. Towards seven o'clock the floods subsided, and the danger was passed, and many families returned to their houses. Hundreds of people visited the neighbourhood of Green Park-street in the expectation of seeing a repetition of the floods of a fortnight since. At Aberavon Railway Station on Friday night there were 2ft. of water between the platforms. Traffic on the South Wales Mineral Railway and the Port Talbot Rail-way was stopped owing to the damage done by floods. A bridge near the Whitworth Collieries, on the first-named railway, has been swept away.

•  From The Cambria Daily Leader 22nd April 1919

AFAN VALLEY STRIKE. Some 500 men employed at the Glyncorrwg pits are on strike over a dispute affecting the hauliers' water money.  At Nantewlath Colliery 230 men struck work on Saturday because the owners have withheld the weekly pay of six men who had not been working on Saturday - the Friday pay having recently been put in force.

• From  The Cardiff Times 3rd August 1872

CYMMER. A very large meeting of colliers from different collieries was held at this place on Monday evening last, to discuss the forthcoming advance. Mr. Lewis Morgan and others addressed the meeting, when it was unanimously carried that unless their employers would accede to their demands they would bring out their tools on the 1st of August.

•  From the Weekly Mail 18th September 1880

CYMMER. CHURCH BAZAAR —The bazaar held at the Cymmer National Schools on the 4th and 5th of August in aid of the Cymmer proposed new church has turned out very successful. On Monday evening a final meeting was held at the Cymmer National Schools, when it was made known that the proceeds amounted to £225 10s.

• From the  Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder 26th September 1914

CYMMER. Two recruiting stations have been opened in the Avon Valley,  at the Workmen's Hall, Cymmer, and at the Workmen's Hall, Abergwynfi.The general recruiting in the district still continues satisfactorily under the supervision of Mr. Lemuel Jones

•  The Cardiff Times From 16th September 1882

CYMMER. EISTEDDFOD.—A very interesting and successful eisteddfod was held here on Monday, when, the weather inviting so many to leave their homes in the adjoining districts, the Independent Chapel was unpleasantly crowded by competitors of various ages and descriptions, and a long programme of select subjects secured a vigorous and keen competition for the day.   ....(part extract).....

•  From The Cardiff Times 24th April 1863

CYMMER, BRITISH SCHOOL.—On Monday last this school was opened under the superintendence of Mr. William Thomas, a certificated master of Bangor College, and Mrs. Lewis, (late Miss Evans), of Bristol College. It is satisfactory to state that 70 boys and 90 girls attended the first day, and the number has gradually increased. Several efforts have been made by the dissenters of Cymmer to establish and conduct a school in compliance with their creed but unfortunately the committee could not act in conjunction. Now they hare erected an excellent school-room on Porth field, the site of which has been presented gratis by Mrs. Jabez Thomas, Porth House.

• From The Cardiff Times 16th May 1868

CYMMER. THE COLLIERS.—Most of the colliers in this neighbourhood are at work at the reduction. The men of Ynishir, and Cymmer Level collieries struck work at the end of last month, but the colliers of the last named place resumed work again on Tuesday. It is now feared that a strike will take place again unless they regain the old price.

• From  The Cardiff Times 13th December 1879

CYMMER. MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.—On Saturday, Thomas Lewis and a man named Nicholas Rimron, were employed at the bottom of the shaft at Cymmer Colliery, and were in the act of pushing a tram loaded with pitwood across the cage, when the engine driver had a signal for the cage to ascend. Rimron was taken up, and Lewis suspended to it. The machinery was not stopped until the cage had ascended about 150 yards and Rimron was holding Lewis by the hair of his head. Fortunately the cage was again lowered without Lewis receiving much injury,

• From  The Cardiff Times 12th January 1867

CYMMER. TRAVELLING SHOWS.— We are of late very often infested by one or more of these places of amusement (if so they may be called), some of which are of the lowest order, and are, no doubt, a great nuisance to that part of the inhabitants who love peace and quietness; but on the other hand they are a great resort for the vulgar of the locality.

•  From The Cardiff Times 25th October 1861

CYMMER. A LARGE CABBAGE.—It surprised the inhabitants of the above place to see a cabbage taken out of the garden of Mr. Thomas Morgan, of the enormous weight of twenty-six pounds, which was weighed at Mr. R. Richards's shop. After it was trimmed in an eatable manner, it was found to contain nineteen pounds solid heart.