Newspaper extracts for Llangyfelach

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; Llangyfelach, Clase, Clydach, Morriston, Trebanos

•  From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 21st October 1896

LLANGYFELACH. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. At the monthly meeting on Tuesday, over which Mr Gwyn Price presided, the medical officer's report showed that there were five cases of scarlet fever at Llansamlet, two at Gorseinon, and one at Treboetb, while there had in the Llandilo and Talybont district been notified twenty one cases of typhoid, and since August there had, said Dr. Mitchell, been 4-3 cases, five of which had terminated fatally. Nearly the whole of the cases could be traced to contaminated water supply, I and he urged the Council to take steps for the improvement of the water supply of those districts

•  From the Weekly Mail 19th August 1882

LLANGYFELACH. MOWING MATCH.—The mowing match took place on the 3rd inst. on a meadow near Rhydypandy. The mowing was, on the whole, very good, the hay being rather short and difficult to cut. There were three classes -t he first for all comers, the second for lads under 21 years of age, the third for lads under eighteen years of age, and four prizes in each class. The judges—Messrs. David Glasbrook, Glais; William Williams, Bryncethin; John Bowen, Nantymoel, and John Williams, Nantymelwr-were well satisfied with the work done. The prizes awarded amounted to £ 4 17s. 6d. A. dinner was provided for the visitors and mowers at Rhydypandy, to which about 60 sat down.

• From The Cambrian 1st January 1892

LLANGYFELACH. POSTAL FACILITIES. An important public meeting was held a few days since, at the Church Schoolhouse to confer as to the advisability of petitioning the Postmaster General for increased postal facilities for Llangyfelach and the adjacent inland places, viz., Bryn- tywod, Pantlasse. Rhydypandy, Salem, Velindre, &c.  The attendance showed that the inhabitants were fully alive to the inconvenience suffered by the neighbourhood generally. Mr. John Thomas. Clase Farm, was voted to the chair, and Mr. W.M. Davies was appointed secretary. The Chairman, having announced the object of the meeting, testified to the great disadvantages arising how the present postal arrangements, and invited anyone present to state the best means to adopt for a redress of grievances.......(part extract)........

• From the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder 13th May 1916

LLANGYFELACH.  During 1915, 383 births (193 males and 170 females) were registered in the Llangyfelach Division of the Swansea Rural District, compared with 358 in 1914, and equivalent to a rate of 25.8 per 1,000. This is above the average for the United Kingdom, but below the rates of 97 of the large towns. The deaths numbered 172 (82 males and 90 females), equivalent to a rate of 12.2 per 1,000, compared with 148, or 10..5, the previous year.

• From the South Wales Daily News 12th July 1890

LLANGYFELACH. A NEW CEMETERY.—A vestry meeting was held at the Board School, Llangyfylach, on Thursday night for the purpose of selecting a piece of ground to make a new cemetery. Mr. William Lewis, Caersalem, was voted to the chair, and Mr Thomas Rees, Llangyfelach, appointed secretary. The Chairman informed the meeting that, by order of the Home Office, the parish churchyard would be closed on the 30th inst., and it was necessary that the rate- payers should proceed without delay with the selection of one of the grounds offered them for burial. After a protracted and animated discussion, in which Dr Morgan, Morriston ,Messrs Jonathan Morgans, Velindre; William Thomas, Caersalem Thomas Glasbrook, Liangyfelach William Jeremiah, Morriston and the Rev Mr Thomas, Cwmrhydyceirw, and others took part, the piece of ground known as "Hen Dirved," belonging to Mr Mort, Llangyfelach, was decided upon.

• From The Cambrian 4th March 1892

LLANGYFELACH FAIR. WHAT A FALLING OFF WAS THERE ! AND ITS CAUSES. [BY "GADABOUT."]  I have again patronised Llangyfelach Fair, and am more convinced than ever that in the course of another ten years or so it will either have had its day and ceased to exist, or be as small, un- interesting and unimportant as it was once great. The march of progress and civilisation is telling a tale upon Llangyfelach Fair, once so famous for its figs, flannel, beer and mud—commodities without which this annual event never seemed complete especially with regard to the mud! Time was, and not very long ago either, when people from Carmarthenshire, Breckonshire and all the country round flocked to Llangyfelach on the 1st and 2nd of March. They thought naught of its inaccessible and awkward position, and of the cold winds which blow so freshly and fiercely and bitingly over the mountains. It was to them the Fair of the year. To miss it was to miss a great gathering of South Wales country-folk and an inquisitive lot of "townies;" to lose the bargains so profusely and temptingly offered in flannels and figs, and the "sights "so common to every fair with any pretensions to importance and popularity. But cheap and quick railway travelling, by which we can visit towns and cities, and witness great sights, all in one day, and the formation of smaller fairs in almost every village above the average size, are seriously affecting the "turn-out." Gowerton can now boast of a Fair where real Welsh flannel can be bought at a fair price where horses and cattle are sold, and where showmen congregate in goodly numbers. Now, what comparison is there between Gowerton and Llangyfelach? One is easily and quickly get-at-able by two important railways it is one of the chief centres of a large and increasingly populous district, and is not exposed in any way to the wintry blasts. The other is on the top of a bleak mountain; away from the "rush of the madding crowd," out of the reach of the noise and bustle of industry, without the slightest communication by railway with anywhere. In fact, Llangyfelach is a "one-eyed'' place, and how the Fair ever came to be held there is one of those things which "no fellah can understand." Then again there are the Pontardawe  and Clydach Fairs, growing year by year, and easy to get at. It is but natural, therefore, that the erstwhile famous Llangyfelach Fair should grow smaller by degrees and beautifully less every time it is held. And this diminishing process was noticeable in a marked degree this year. What a roaring business used to be done ia flannel at Llangyfelach    ..... (part extract of a very long article).......

• From The Cambrian 26th April 1895

LLANGYFELACH CHARITIES. On Thursday Mr. Rhys Williams, barrister conducted a public enquiry into the manner in which certain charities bequeathed to the poor of Llangyfelach had been administered by Sir John Llewelyn, the trustee. Amongst these is the "Thomas Price Charity," which is divided into two parts - £4 to the poor and .£4 10s. for education annually. It was stated that between 50 and 60 partook of this charity.—Mr. T. W. James, solicitor (who represented Sir John Llewelyn) said that the amount which was originally paid was paid by Sir John now in the form of a rent charge on land which he owned at Abergwynlais. Sir John distributed this money according to his own discretion. He gave the £4 10s. intended for education purposes by formerly maintaining two schools.—The Rev. John Davies (Cadle) remarked that it was quite true that Sir John gave a lot of money away, but they used to think it was his own money.  ..... (part extract of a long article).......

• From The Cambria Daily Leader 23rd January 1917

LLANGYFELACH. A well attended meeting in connection with the Glamorgan War Agricultural Committee (Western Division) was held ai the Council Schools, LLangyfelach, on Monday evening. Mr. D. W. John. Glyn- coch, Clydach, presided. Messrs. Walter Williams, W. J. Rees, J.P., and W. James, auctioneer, urged that farmers should endeavour to cultivate more land for the coming two years. The farmers present promised to give the matter their fullest consideration. A vote of thanks was passed to the speakers.

•  From The Cambrian 3rd February 1899

CLASE COURT LEET. DINNER AT THE PENLLERGAER ARMS. The Court Leet and View of Frankpledge of our Sovereign Lady the Queen, and Court Baron of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England was held, for the Manor of Clase, at the Penllergaer Arms, Llangyfelach, on Wednesday. The business of the Court was private; but the Deputy-Steward. Mr. James Thomas, of 6, Victoria-street, Haverfordwest, who attended as representing the Lords of the Manor, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, courteously informed our representative that the jury, composed of nineteen gentlemen from the Manor, selected Mr. Nicholas Sampson as their foreman, and that the chief officers for the ensuing year were appointed as follows :....(part extract)......

• From The South Wales Daily Post 29th September 1910

RATES IN CLASE PARISH. STIMULUS FOR ANNEXATION BY SWANSEA. Clase Parish Council met on Tuesday at Tabernacle Chapel, Cwmrhydyceirw, Mr. Rees Lewis presiding. The Waste Land Committee reported having enquired respecting a piece of land acquired by the G.W.R. for their new line at Llangyfelach. It was explained that this had been given in exchange, yet the railway company had failed to exercise the commoners' rights to the land, as it was rounded by a hedge. The clerk was instructed to write the District Council. 

The lighting of Liangyfelach-road arose out of a previous discussion, in which it was alleged that persons had interfered and had obtained certain privilege. The District Council wrote stating that everything was in order according to plans and specifications submitted, and previously arranged.

A notice of motion by Mr. Hood Williams "that the Parish Council desired to draw the attention of the Swansea Rural Council to the necessity of putting into force in Clase the new conditions and regulations of the water supply," was defeated. Mr. Williams explained that the rates were so exorbitant that it was an inducement for the ratepayers to go over to the borough. Mr. T. R. Harris said it would be unfair to rescind regulations already in force, and as it was experimental an expression from them urging the District Council to reduce their claim for the next six months, would, in his opinion, suffice. This was agreed to.

• From The South Wales Daily Post (Second edition) 20th November 1894

SCARLET FEVER IN CLASE- HUMAN BEINGS AND CATTLE DRINK FROM ONE WELL, At the meeting of the Swansea Rural Sanitary Authority on Monday afternoon, eleven cases of scarlet fever were reported from the Llansamlet District. At Clase on the 22nd inst. there were three cases of typhoid fever in one house, and one in another house in a row of houses at Penwaunfach. On inquiry it was found that the inhabitants of the houses obtained their water from an open well in a field near by. The well was also used by cattle, and there was a serious danger of contamination. The medical officer said that, in his opinion, the water had been contaminated, and it was this that had produced the fever. The well is now fenced in and protected

• From The Western Mail 21st January 1881

CLYDACH. FATAL ACCIDENT.—Johannah Davies, wife of David Davies. engine driver at Clydach. while crossing the Midland railway at the Clydach Station with the intention of going to Swansea on Saturday, was run over by the 5.47 p.m down train, and was Instantly killed. Mr. Edward Stride, coroner for the district, held an inquest on the body on Tuesday afternoon, at the Three Compasses public-house, Clydach. The evidence showed that the engine and three carriages passed over the body, and the first wheel of the fourth carriage was resting on the body when taken from under the carriage.The doctor stated that, the body was cut in two. The jury found a verdict of "Accidental death."

• From The Western Mail 30th December 1874

CLYDACH (SWANSEA VALLEY). Seasonable Benevolence.—According to annual custom, the poor of this parish were provided with ample materials fer an excellent Christmas dinner. The distribution took place on Wednesday last, and consisted of beef, raisins, currants, sugar, candied lemon, &c., also tea and coffee.  The Rev. J. Hugh Davies, Mrs, Page, and Mr. Isaac White were present to assist in giving the above away, and on behalf of the grateful recipients the rev. gentleman subsequently thanked the kind donor for the constant kindness and Christian benevolence towards so many of his parishioners.

• From The Western Mail 21st October 1895

MELANCHOLY AFFAIR AT CLYDACH. SAD DEATH OF TWO MINERS. Our Morriston correspondent writes A sad affair, by which two miners lost their lives, occurred at Gueret's ?  Graigola Colliery, situated at Ynyspenllwch, near Clydach, Swansea, Valley, on Saturday .....(part extract).......

• From The Western Mail 28th November 1898

THE CLYDACH DOCTOR QUESTION. MATTER BEFORE THE LONDON MEDICAL COUNCIL. At the meeting of the General Medical Council in London, Sir William Turner presiding. Dr. James Harvard Jones registered of Ogof, Llandyssul, Carmarthenshire. appeared to answer a summons charging him "that, being a registered medical practitioner, he covers an unqualified person, named George Jenkins, in the carrying on by such unqualified person of a medical practice, and permits and by his presence and assistance enables the said George Jenkins to carry on a medical practice and attend to and administer relief to patients as though he were duly qualified," At Clydach the case is causing the greatest interest. The complainant was Mr. John Jones, of Ciydach, Swansea, who was represented by counsel; Mr. Muir Mackenzie conducted the proceedings for the council, and Mr. Lawson Walton, Q.C., M.P. (instructed by Mr. Randell, M.P.) appeared for the defendant. .....(part extract).......

• From the  Weekly Mail 2nd January 1897

MORRISTON. The Morriston Eisteddfod, which is an annual fixture, was held for the twenty-seventh time at the Tabernacle Chapel, Morriston, on Christmas and Boxing Days. The Rev. W. Emlyn Jones and Mr. Gwilym Evans, J.P., Llanelly, presided over both meetings. The adjudicators were— .....(part extract).......

• From the Weekly Mail 14th May 1887

Morriston. On Friday evening a meeting was held at the Castle Inn, Morriston, of tin-plate workers, under the presidency of Mr. J. H. John, when a resolution was come to to subscribe towards the proposed Jubilee Hall in the following proportions:-Men, £l each; " behinding-boys," 10s. and boys and girls, 5s. each.-The chairman computed that by this means, as 1,960 men and 890 boys were employed in the tinworks of Morriston, a sum of £2,205 would be raised.

• From the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder 3rd April 1897

MORRISTON. PROPOSED RE-STARTING OF THE COPPER PIT- It is said (writes our Morriston correspondentl, that several influential Swansea gentlemen are forming a company to restart the Copper Pit lately owned and worked for many years by the Glasbrook Brothers, and previously, for a great number of years by the great colliery pioneer. the late John Glasbrook. Should this prove true, it will be of immense importance to the district, as a large number of colliers will be employed. It is proposed to sink further down, and work the lower veigns, which are supposed to be very remunerative.

• From the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder 22nd May 1897

MORRISTON. EVENING CONTINUATION CLASSES. The evening continuation classes have proved a great boon to the district of Morriston. A large number of workpeople, both male and female, have embraced the opportunity offered by the School Board. The most successful of these schools, perhaps, is the Neath-roa- Girls School, Morriston, presided over by Mrs. T. R Williams, late a teacher under the London School Board. The attendance this session has teen the largest since its formation four years ago, the average having reached 72 pupils.

THE TINPLATE TRADE. The outlook in the tinplate trade is far from satisfactory in the Swansea district, the men being only partially employed, trade being stagnant. The Beaufort, Dyffryn, Upper Forest, and Tyrcanol works are not fully working, while the Upper Forest Steel Works are not running the full complement of smelting furnaces. The collieries, to a great extent dependent upon the tinplate works, are working very irregularly, and the other industries also suffer.

• From  The Cambria Daily Leader 27th March 1913

TREBANOS SEWERAGE. A local Government Board inquiry was held at Capel y Graig Chapel, Trebanos, on Wednesday, by Mr. P. M. Croswaithe, M.Inst.C.E., into an application by the Pontardawe District. Council for powers to borrow £5,985 and £ 400 for sewerage and sewage disposal works. It was stated that the £ 400 was on account of the increased price of material since the first estimate was made.  .....(part extract).......

•  From the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder 5th January 1918

TREBANOS. "A more impudent application I have never seen on paper," remarked Mr. Frank Charles, military representative at Pontardawe Tribunal on Monday, when a Trebanos rollerman appealed for the temporary exemption of his stepson, 18 years of age, and who was now engaged as a trimmer at a colliery. The applicant said he was out of work, and he and his family were partly dependent upon the boy's earnings. He (the applicant) said he had tried for work in several places, but he had failed to find employment. Mr. Charles: Do you mean to ask these gentlemen to believe this cock and bull story that you, an able-bodied man. cannot obtain work in these times    .....(part extract).......

•  From The Cambrian 3rd January 1908

TREBANOS COLLIERS SAD DEATH.  HEAD CRUSHED BETWEEN WAGON AND PILLAR. William Jones, aged 19, collier,Graig- road, Trebanos, Pontardawe, was pushing a coal wagon under a screen at Gellyonen Colliery at 2 p.m. on Monday, when his head got caught between the wagon and & pillar that was holding the screen. He received severe injuries, from which he died on Boxing Day at 3.20 p.m. Dr. Evans attended deceased from the time of the accident, but death was a fforegon conclusion, his injuries being of a terrible nature.

• From the The Cambrian 14th June 1907

TREBANOS AMBULANCE CLASS. PRIZES DISTRIBUTED LIST OF AWARDS. PRESENTATION TO DR. W. OWEN EVANS. That ambulance work is indispensable amongst workmen is becoming more and more apparent. In Pontardawe and district it is forming itself into an important factor, under the guidance of Dr. W. Owen Evans, Bryncelyn, and on Saturday evening distribution of prizes in connection with the Trebanos Class took place at the Colliers' Arms.  .....(part extract).......