HISTORY

THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD: GENE TIERNEY

Born on 19 November 1920 in Brooklyn to a wealthy insurance broker and a socialite mother, Gene Tierney enjoyed a privileged upbringing, which opened doors in Hollywood. A successful movie career followed. However, Gene’s story is really about how she fought depression and a debilitating mental illness. Stressed through a failing marriage, a sick daughter and overwork, Gene fell ill. Later, she wrote about her illness with great insight. “As long as I was playing someone else, everything was fine. It was when I had to be myself that the problems began.” Gene entered a sanatorium where she received primitive treatment, followed by a spell in a clinic where the therapy was more enlightened. She wrote, “If you break an arm or a leg it takes months for it to really heal, and years for it to be the same again. So you can imagine the problems with a broken mind.” And, “More than anything, I learned that the mind is the most beautiful part of the body and I am grateful to have mine back.” Must see Gene Tierney movie: Laura, regarded as one of the greatest mystery movies of all time.

Hannah Howe, author of Tula, a novel about an actress in the Golden Age of Hollywood. https://hannah-howe.com

NOTTAGE TUNNEL

In 1847 the Llynfi Valley Railway acquired the Duffryn Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway with the intention of converting it to modern standards and to divert its route. Eventually it would result in the installation of Brunel’s broad-gauge track (7’¼”) and the laying of track through Nottage; thus, diverting the original tram route which had passed through the gardens of Nottage Court. The Act authorising these intentions was not officially authorised until 1855 because landowners Lady Charlotte Guest and Rev. Henry Hey Knight forbade “any locomotive engine or other moving power other than animal power…. without their consent.” (D.P.L.R. by Brynmor James) Although, the official opening of the new LVR broad-gauge line took place on 22nd August 1861, it was not before Rev. Knight insisted on a tunnel be built under Nottage to protect houses being damaged by smoke and sparks from the steam engines. Thus the 63 ft long Nottage tunnel was constructed through solid rock and remained part of the line until February 1965 when all traffic ceased on the Porthcawl Branch Line. Interestingly, prior to construction there are references to an ancient burial site being unearthed. Rev Knight, also an antiquarian, mentions such in his paper ‘Account of Newton Nottage published in 1853.

Ceri Joseph

Deadline date for the February issue is: SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY

JENKIN HENRY TEA

In 1919 Jenkin Henry, a native of Porthcawl gave a bequest to Porthcawl Urban District Council for them to distribute at Christmas. To mark the bequest Porthcawl Town Council host the Jenkin Henry Tea for older residents who were born in Porthcawl every year The recipients were invited to the Grand Pavilion and were served a cream tea after being entertained by Ceri Joseph of Porthcawl Museum with an illustrated talk on Porthcawl Police station (now the home of the museum). Each resident was presented with a certificate and gift bag by the Mayor of Porthcawl Councillor Mark Chegwen.

David Swidenbank

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