news BRIDGEND’S HERITAGE
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ISSUE 3 AUGUST 2014
WW1 Britain:
Women were asked to contribute in agricultural production, to cover the loss of male farm workers. By 1917 over 250,000 women were working on the land.
welcome
September 2014
This has been a bumper year for celebrating Bridgend’s Heritage. History and heritage Societies have been exceptionally busy with putting together booklets, exhibitions and events to mark the Centenary of WW1 and its impact on the Towns and Valleys in the Borough. With an amazing amount of interest from locals, schools, visitors, veterans and the press it’s been great to have such a buzz for Bridgend County’s WW1 Heritage. This is the 3rd edition of Bridgend’s Heritage newsletter and focuses on the Great War Centenary to help you find out what’s been going on in your area and where you could find out further information on your own past. Also featured is the Open Doors schedule (centre pages) organised with local volunteers, churches and historical buildings, September is the month where a plethora of activities and open days take place free of charge.
For more information on Bridgend’s Heritage, various project and events please visit www.bridgendsheritage.co.uk
Another exciting project hoping to capture the imagination of visitors to the Borough is the Digital Bridgend project. The project will see a pioneering digital interpretation mobile app that will transport users to Bridgend’s past with digital stories, old photos, music, trails and much much more. The app encompasses the whole of Bridgend County centred around ‘Hubs’ which include; Maesteg and Llynfi Valley, Garw Valley, Ogmore Valley, Porthcawl and the Coast, Bridgend and its Castles and Industrial Times. We can’t wait to launch this App and share it with everyone when it’s done, so watch this space!
Heritage Lottery Fund To mark the centenary of the First World War, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has launched a new grant programme to help communities explore, conserve and share the heritage of the First World War. The heritage of the First World War includes anything relating to the First World War that we value and want to pass on to future generations. Your project could explore: •
Objects, photographs, documents, books and newspapers which tell the stories of individuals or communities involved in or affected by the war.
•
The memories and experiences of people who were affected by the First World War after it happened, such as the children of people involved.
Grants of £3,000-£10,000 are available up until 2019 to help communities deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.
How will you and your community mark the centenary?
Since launching the First World War: then and now grant programme, HLF has supported one project in Bridgend and we are keen to speak with local organisations and work with them to develop their ideas into successful applications and projects.
For further information about the fund contact Sarah Chapman or Sally Roberts on 02920 343 413.
Did you know that Bridgend has been identified as a Priority Development Area for HLF? This means that the team in Wales are able to provide more time and support to groups in Bridgend that would like to apply to HLF. The team are keen to receive enquiries from potential projects that will take place in Bridgend.
Website: www.hlf.org.uk/
porthcaw l
BRIDGEND’S HERITAGE NEWS
Porthcawl Museum & Historical Society Commemorates World War 1 with their own Centenary exhibition Porthcawl before the war was a town with ambition. The docks had closed in 1902 yet the Porthcawl Urban District Council was intent on developing Porthcawl as the ‘Brighton of Wales’. Improvements were made to roads, amenities, buildings and facilities with the aim of attracting residents and tourists to the town. By 1914 the population had increased to nearly 5500, lighting was prevalent in most areas and motorcars had begun to overtake horse drawn carriages as the chosen mode of transport. In the summers leading up to the war many military training camps were held at Porthcawl. During the first two years of the war, five battalions were formed at Porthcawl. Within a week of the outbreak of War on 4th of August 1914, Porthcawl’s Territorials, Army and Naval Reservists, had left to join up with their regiments. The men at home who were outside enlisting age, or had not yet enlisted, volunteered as Special Constables, Home Defence Volunteers or Coast Watchers. By 1915 over 200 men had joined the colours and five women had taken up their roles as nurses to help the war effort. The Rest Home became St.John’s Auxiliary Hospital between 1915 - 1919, tending to wounded soldiers from throughout the Commonwealth. In October 1914, Porthcawl became the home for 56 Belgian refugees. Porthcawl’s residents were praised by the authorities, for the efficient and caring way in which they had welcomed and integrated the Belgians into Porthcawl life, until their departure in February 1919. 76 men are remembered on Porthcawl’s Memorial, research has revealed at least 25 more paid the supreme sacrifice. Porthcawl Museum’s now boasts a large WW1 Centenary exhibition including: Military memorabilia, models, authentic uniforms from the War period, displays, reference library, audio/visual equipment and the Trench Experience.
Porthcawl Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-12noon & 2pm-4pm. Entry fees: adults £1 & children 50p. Free admission on Saturday September 13th, part of the Open Doors festival. www.porthcawlandthegreatwar.com
event This Is Your Heritage 2014
Hundreds get glimpse of our wartime past
More than 250 people experienced a glimpse of life during World War 1 when they attended a special heritage event at Bryngarw House Sunday 11th of May. Organised by the reach team in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Digital Bridgend Project, the free event turned the clock back a century with a look at various aspects of wartime. A replica trench was built on the lawn in front of Bryngarw House, while military recruitment drives and battle re-enactments also took place. Visitors also had a chance to pick up some woodland survival skills by building their own dens and sampling wild nettle soup.
Historical and Heritage Societies from Bridgend’s Heritage Network were also on hand at the event, to showcase their exhibitions and share their local historical projects with the public. Guest speeches touched on topics such as ‘The Welsh At Mametz Wood’, the ‘Role of Women During WW1’, Heritage Lottery Funding and the Digital Bridgend Project. A pop-up cinema also showed footage from WW1 in Colour and Cedars Tea Room had a special Great War menu for customers. David Williams, who visited the event with friends, said it was an “insightful, good day out”. “The heritage event at Bryngarw Park, for someone interested in history like myself, was great. The characters dressed as British and German soldiers and the trenches that were built were good to see and I nearly became enlisted in the greatest
regiment in the British army, the Royal Welsh regiment as a 1914 recruitment officer told me. He made it sound like a holiday a nice trip to France, good food and I’d be home by Christmas!” Bridgend County Borough Council’s Deputy Mayor Gary Thomas, who was among the attendees at the event along with Huw Irranca-Davies MP, said: “In this year more than any, it is vital for all generations to reflect on the incredible sacrifices and bravery shown by those who served during World War 1. We owe a debt of enormous gratitude to them all and this event was an excellent way to make the War’s Centenary by providing a fascinating glimpse into what life was like 100 years ago”.
The reach team wishes to thank Bridgend’s Military Preparation College for their invaluable help on the day, the staff at Cedars Tea Room, staff from Cwm Tawel for bushcraft skills, Swansea Pals re-enactment group, Dr Jonathan Hicks and Roy Meredith for their insightful talks and the Borough’s History & Heritage Societies who volunteer their own time to help keep Bridgend’s Heritage alive.
open doors
September 2014
Wales’ most iconic buildings and unusual sites will welcome thousands of visitors as part of the annual Open Doors programme, which sees hundreds of attractions, events and activities open to visitors free of charge throughout September. Organised by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Open Doors offers both local people and visitors the chance to explore new aspects of Wales’ rich culture and history. Bridgend’s Open Doors programme: Saturday 6th (two walks) 10.30am and 1.30pm
Calon Lan Walk Meeting point is the rangers’ cabin at Parc Calon Lan, Blaengarw. This is a circular walk from Parc Calon Lan through Blaengarw, taking in the places where Daniel James, the writer of the hymn Calon Lan, lived worked and played. This walk is led by a local heritage guide and will take in the pithead markers for the collieries for which this Valley was famous, as well as provide a chance to see the re-greening of a once heavily industrialised area. Refreshments will be available as well as toilet facilites and free car parking. Porthcawl Harbour
Saturday 13th 10.30am
Bridgend’s Historic Streets Meet outside Carnegie House (former Bridgend Library), Wyndham Street, Bridgend and join local historians for a guided walk around one of the oldest areas of Bridgend, along the newly renovated Elder Street and Elder Lane.
Saturday 13th 10.00am – 12.00noon & 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Porthcawl Museum Porthcawl Museum, The Old Police Station, John St, Porthcawl will be open to the public with free admission for the day. The museum has a newly installed First World War Centenary Exhibition, with a replica trench, military memorabilia, authentic uniforms and plenty of displays dedicated to the History of the Great War and its impact on Porthcawl.
Saturday 27th 7.30pm
Death & Disaster Walk Meet at the junction of Bedford Road and Cefn Road, Cefn Cribwr. ‘Death and Disaster’… this walk visits some of the fascinating buildings of Cefn Cribwr to illustrate the dangers of everyday life at home and in the workplace. Learn all about the ironworks and mines which were so important in Cefn Cribwr’s development. Visit Siloam Chapel with its fascinating graveyard, proceed past the White Lion pub with its tales of haunting to the Ironworks with its associated dangers and finally on to Cefn Junction to meet Davy Griffiths, signalman until 1937.
Saturday 20th (two walks) 10.00am and 2.00pm
Hut 9, Island Farm Guided Walks In conjunction with Hut 9 Open Doors Day, guided walks will start from Ty’r Ardd (Local Family & History Centre), Sunnyside, Bridgend and will pass sites of interest in connection with the Great German Escape of 1944. Once at Hut 9, walkers will have an opportunity to look around the Hut 9 site. Booking is required, contact Ty’r Ardd on 01656 754810 to book your place.
Former Bridgend Library
BRIDGEND’S HERITAGE NEWS
Parc Calon Lan, Blaengarw
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th 10.00am – 3.00pm
Wesley Centre, Tondu Methodist Church A great opportunity to visit Tondu Methodist Church, Tondu, Bridgend and to see the new community facilities. The work has been carried out sympathetically, blending the best of the old and the new. During this weekend the church will be decorated with flowers, fruit and vegetables for the traditional Harvest Festival. There will be refreshments available and a chance to hear some live music. There will also be a display relating to local history and an opportunity to contribute to the building of an archive relating to Tondu and district. Tondu Methodist Church was built in 1868 by the Brogden family, who at the time were the ironmasters in Tondu. In 1872 the Brodgens installed a fine stained glass window in the church and also provided a pipe organ, which is still in original working condition and is listed on the National Pipe Organ Register. Substantial grant funding has enabled a major programme of redevelopment to be carried out during the past year. The new ‘Wesley Centre’ offers excellent community activities and provides a focus for reclaiming Tondu’s industrial and cultural heritage through activities and exhibitions.
Saturday 27th 9.00am - 4.00pm
Ogmore Valley Remembers Its Miners Join members of the Ogmore Valley Local History Society at the Ogmore Vale Primary School, Ogmore Vale for a chance to explore the Ogmore Valley Timeline and Archive, as well as the 2004 Ogmore Valley Miners Memorial.
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th 10.00am - 4.00pm
St. John’s House St. John’s House, Newcastle Hill, Bridgend, CF31 4EW. The house is an early example of a hearth passage House and is placed in the first half of the 16th Century (1500 – 1550) and certainly not earlier than the last quarter
of the 15th Century (1475 – 1500). Take the chance to explore the carved beams in the Hall and Main Chamber which have been described as ‘exceptional’. In addition to tours of the House, Meibion y Ddraig, Sons of the Dragon will be displaying medieval weapons and archery equipment. Children can dress in medieval clothes and can play with medieval toys. www.stjohns-bridgend.org.uk
Porthcawl Harbour Walk 12th 10.30am
Porthcawl Harbour Walk, meeting at the Lifeboat station on the Promenade the walk will take place in and around Porthcawl Harbour, the refurbished basin and associated listed buildings. The walk will look at the historic development of the harbour as well as the recent improvements and any future plans. Wesley Centre, Tondu Methodist Church
Porthcawl Museum, John Street, Porthcawl.
garw
The Great War And The Garw Valley The Garw Valley Heritage Society has been successful in getting a Heritage Lottery Fund for their project to mark the Centenary of the outbreak of World War1. The project involved a commemorative booklet to accompany a touring WW1 exhibition. The booklet includes a Roll of Honour, biographical details of some of the men who went to War from the Garw Valley, the hardships they endured and the medals they won. It also provides a glimpse into life in the Garw throughout the years of the Great War. The touring exhibition showcases posters, maps, banners, photographs, postcards, as well as artefacts from the battlefields, letters from the trenches written by Garw Soldiers and a Roll of Honour. Local visitors and schools have so far enjoyed visiting the exhibition and found it very informative and educational. The Roll of Honour was painstakingly researched by Ian and Gerald from the group; to give an up-to-date list of all the Garw men who went to war and never returned. Research includes going through local newspaper archives, military records and locally kept records. Ian was lucky enough to visit Mametz Wood and on the Thiepval memorial alone he found 13 names from the Garw and another 9 on the Menin Gate in Ypres. In addition to the graves found in other cemeteries, they were able to pass on this information to relatives still living in the Garw. On researching the names of the Fallen Gerald says: “the many months spent researching this have been at times harrowing and uplifting, and totally worth all the effort spent, if it means that these 200 plus (and we are still researching), are never forgotten”.
Some pages from the booklet produced by the Garw Valley Heritage Society. Thiepval Memorial. Directions to Mametz Wood the only Welsh sign in France.
Glamorgan Gazette Index 1914-18 At the Local and Family History Centre, Ty’r Ardd, we have been working to create an index for the births, marriages, deaths and missing in action reports of the Glamorgan Gazette newspaper, during the First World War. If you have any ancestors who fought in the War, it has never been quicker and easier to check for newspaper articles. Equally so for family history researchers; you don’t even need to be sure of the date. With our gradually building index of Bridgend’s local newspaper, which has been running
since 1866, searching for ancestors in the local paper has never been easier. The index for 1914-18 will launch September 1st 2014, available for use both in the library; should you wish to look up the original article on our back copies of the Glamorgan Gazette, which are stored on microfilm. As well as being searchable online at www. bridgend.gov.uk/libraries under Local and Family History, for access from anywhere in the world. 1866 – 1880 are already available online, and the index will continue to build.
maesteg
BRIDGEND’S HERITAGE NEWS
World War One Exhibition
The year 1914 bears a special significance for Maesteg and district and it was no surprise when hundreds of local schools, locals and visitors turned up on a daily basis to see the Town Council’s WW1 exhibition. Maesteg Town Hall was restructured in 1914 so it was fitting to hold the exhibition in this building. Maesteg Hospital was opened in 1914 and some of the first patients were wounded Belgium soldiers. The Maesteg Council Office also opened in 1914 and when conscription was introduced in 1916 the appeal tribunals were heard in the council chamber. The central gallery of 24 panels took viewers on a journey from Maesteg 1914 through the series of events affected by the War and up to the armistice of 1918. A set of staged displays introduces Dai Jones a miner who worked at nearby Coegnant Colliery, who leaves his wife and children at home to answer Lord Kitcheners appeal “Your Country Needs You”. The exhibition follows him to the Recruiting Office where he enlists in the Welsh Regiment and he becomes Private Jones D. 106614. We next meet Private Jones in the trenches at the Western Front, where he might have taken part in that famous football match of 1914 when both sides left their trenches to play football in no man’s land. How does fate treat Private Jones? At this point visitors were asked to choose. Does he end his war as C. S. M. Jones D. D. C. M., M .C. and return home safely to his wife and children. Or is he wounded and spends time in a military hospital recovering and when he is medically discharged he receives a Silver War Badge. Or is he killed in action in one of the many battles the Welsh Regiment fought in, and his name is written into the Roll of Honour and placed inside the War Memorial at Maesteg. Further displays illustrated how the women of the Country played their part in supporting the War effort, as well as the men of the Valley and their stories, medals, letters and photographs. The exhibition also told the story of the Maesteg War Memorial and for the first time the people of Maesteg and visitors could see the names of the fallen displayed together. The British Legion were also on hand to tell the story of the poppy, and how the Legion offers assistance and support ex-soldiers and their families. Written by Roy Meredith.
glamorgan archives
Exploring the First World War at Glamorgan Archives
Are you planning a project or special event to commemorate the centenary of the First World War? If so, why not contact Glamorgan Archives? We may be able to help! A wealth of information on the First World War can be found amongst the documents held at the Archives. These include items such as school log books, hospital records, letters, diaries, photographs, council minutes and much more. Together, these records detail the impact of the war on the home front and the effect it had upon the everyday lives of the ordinary people of Glamorgan. Our staff can help you to discover the material we hold relating to your own town or village. We can also advise you on how best to care for any First World War items you may have in your possession, such as family letters and photographs. You can contact us at: Glamorgan Archives, Clos Parc Morgannwg, Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AW or email: Glamro@cardiff.gov.uk Tel: 029 2087 2299 www.glamarchives.gov.uk
Image 1: Taken from Pencoed Infants School log book, November 1914 (ref.: EM/42/1). “Five Belgian refugee scholars were admitted to school this week. These young refugees are natives of Aarschot and were previously under instruction in that town.... These scholars and their parents are the guests of the inhabitants of Pencoed.”
Tank called ‘Egbert’ in Bridgend to promote the War Bond savings drive. Image 3: Taken from Penybont School log book, 21 June 1918 (ref.: EM/10/11) “The tank Egbert paid a visit to our town on Tuesday and Wednesday 18th and 19th inst. The huge sum of £230,500 was invested in the tank by the people of Bridgend and the surrounding district. As the population f the town is now only about 7,500 the above sum represents a sum per head of over £30. One of the best contributions in the Kingdom. The proceedings in front of the Town Hall where the tank was stationed were characterised by great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The choir of our school occupied the stage in front of the tank on two occasions and sang numerous patriotic and national songs to the evident pleasure of the great assemblage which completely filled the square. Our School Association, the Penybont Boys War Savings Association invested in the tank on Wed afternoon the comparatively large sum of £2,100 ....”
Image 4: Taken from Nantyffyllon School log book, 31 August 1915 (ref.: EM/38/3) “Miss M E Rogers is absent today having heard that her brother has been killed in the Dardanelles.”
Image 2: Taken from Pontyrhyl School log book, 8 February 1918 (ref.: EM/47/4) “The number of children kept at home to hunt for food supplies is not diminishing and this affects the regularity of attendance.”
Image 5: Photograph of Cwmfelin Peace Celebrations, 1919 (ref.: D982/7)
BRIDGEND’S HERITAGE NEWS
Bridgend to launch new innovative app for Heritage This Autumn will see the launch of a brand new ‘state of the art’ smartphone app for Bridgend that will present the area’s history and heritage in a new and exciting format. The ‘Digital Bridgend’ app will include no less than 17 different ways to experience our heritage locally through a range of clever techniques including digital trails, games, stories, imagery and sound bites but perhaps one of its impressive features is how it makes use of what is known as Augmented Reality. Augmented Reality allows users when visiting a particular place, to point their phone at a specific scene to see exactly how that very site would have looked in the past. It cleverly superimposes an image from the past over the exact same view in the present. There will be a number of sites throughout Bridgend where people will be able to try this out.
“The local heritage groups in Bridgend have been an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise in the development of this app, and we owe them a huge thank you” said a project spokesperson “but this is an ongoing project and we are still looking for anyone with unique and interesting stories about our past to come forward and get involved”. As well as the the app the project aims to develop digital skills in the local community via workshops and study tours so if anyone wants to find out more please visit the Digital Bridgend page on the local heritage website www.bridgendsheritage.co.uk
Conservation and Design As some readers may know, the existing system for the protection and sustainable management of the Welsh historic environment is currently under review. A Heritage Bill is currently being drafted that will form part of a suite of legislation, guidance and policy that aims to improve existing systems. The Bill is likely to be introduced to the Assembly in spring 2015 and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
through the planning process, raising standards in design quality and the enhancement of the County Borough’s built heritage through regeneration projects. A recent achievement includes securing the Council’s fifth successful Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme which focuses on the harbour area and historic square of Porthcawl (the only local authority in the UK , other than Glasgow, to secure five phases of Heritage Lottery Fund THI money) for the repair and restoration of historic buildings.
The Conservation and Design Team plays a key role in the above by maintaining records of historic assets, protection of historic assets
Conservation Area appraisals and management plans have now been undertaken for all 15 Conservation Areas and further details will be
published in due course. Projects that are currently being progressed with support from reach include conservation area interpretation panels to raise awareness, knowledge and enjoyment of the most historic areas of the County Borough in parallel with the Digital Bridgend Project.
If you would like to have more information on listed buildings or conservation areas in the County Borough, or you are an owner of an historic building and would like some pre-application or grant advice please contact a member of the Conservation and Design Team on 01656 643164 / 643175 / 815214 or email: conservation&design@bridgend.gov.uk
BRIDGEND’S HERITAGE NEWS
www.bridgendsheritage.co.uk
Bridgend Heritage Network - FREE to join
For further details on how to join the Network and for other enquiries please contact Yiota Haralambos yiota.haralambos@bridgend.gov.uk or Tel. 01656 815078 Bridgend’s Rural Development Team, reach
www.bridgendsheritage.co.uk
Bridgend County Borough Council Conservation & Design Team
www.bridgendsheritage.co.uk/conservation
The Richard Price Society
www.richardpricesociety.org.uk
Bridgend Library Service
www.bridgend.gov.uk/services/libraries
Garw Valley Heritage Society
www.garwheritage.co.uk
Ogmore Valley Local History & Heritage Society
www.ovlhs.btik.com
Garw Valley Garden History & Heritage Society
www.garwvalleyghh.co.uk
Glamorgan History Society
www.glamorganhistory.org
Evanstown & Gilfach Goch Historical Society
www.facebook.com/GilfachGochHistoryGroup
Addoldai Cymru
www.yacwrbt-web.sharepoint.com
St.John’s House
www.stjohns-bridgend.org.uk
Glamorgan Archives
www.glamarchives.gov.uk
Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust
www.ggat.org.uk
Glamorgan Young Archaeologists Club
www.yac-uk.org
Heritage Lottery Fund
www.hlf.org.uk
Bridgend Local History Society
www.cobwebs.uk.net/bridhist
Garw Valley Railway
www.garw-railway.co.uk
Capital Regional Tourism
www.capitalregiontourism.org
People’s Collection Wales
www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk
Kenfig History Society
www.thekenfigsociety.weebly.com
Llynfi Valley Historical Society
www.facebook.com/maestegvalleys
Bridgend Civic Trust
www.bridgendcivictrust.org.uk
Churches Tourism Network Wales
www.ctnw.co.uk
Groundwork
www.groundwork.org.uk
Y Cefn Gwyrdd
www.ycefngwyrdd.co.uk
Bridgend Country Borough Council Tourism Team
www.bridgendbites.com
Coalfields Regeneration Trust
www.coalfields-regen.org.uk
Porthcawl Civic Trust Society
www.cobwebs.uk.net/pcts
Friends of Hut 9, Island Farm
www.islandfarm.fsnet.co.uk
Porthcawl Museum & Historical Society
www.porthcawlandthegreatwar.com
Kenfig.org
www.kenfig.org.uk
Coytrahen History Group
www.facebook.com/CoytrahenHistoryGroup
Porthcawl Shout Out Forum