SECOND VOLUME OF RESOLVEN HISTORY BOOK LAUNCHED

Following on from his well-received photo-book ‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW’ last year, Resolven author William Willis has just published a second volume in this series. ‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW – VOLUME 2’, is on sale from early November 2018. The author has catalogued another selection of rare and largely unpublished photographs of Resolven and District from 1879 to the present day. As ever, it is the author’s intention to portray village life through the ages – whether domestic, social, rural or industrial – using black and white images accompanied by well-researched captions and potted histories of the subjects.

‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW – VOLUME 2′{Front Cover}

‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW- VOLUME 2’ has 18 chapters covering a new range of subjects such as historical village views, craftspeople and characters, Resolven Carnival, sports, entertainment, old inns and farmsteads. There are also dedicated chapters about Resolven’s lost buildings, Rheola House and Rheola Aluminium works, plus an interesting final chapter illustrating and describing Resolven’s Grade II listed structures.

The book is presented in paperback with a glossy cover. It has 100 pages, containing nearly 200 black and white photographs. The full colour inside covers portray the work of local artists, whilst the full colour back cover has an iconic photograph of Melincourt Waterfall in its full glory.

P.32 Resolven Silver Band at the Band Room, 1950
{Photograph courtesy of Brynmor Morgan}

William spent approximately six months gathering and taking photographs and compiling the annotated histories of the subjects. This could not have been achieved without the unwavering support and assistance of the people of Resolven, to whom the author acknowledges a great debt. Once again, it was demonstrated how strongly the community feels about its past and its present, and how this sense of belonging impacts on its future.

p.81 Resolven Boys’ Blackpool Trip, 1961
{Photograph courtesy of Brian Pritchard}

Such has been the cumulative effect of photograph-gathering, that the author plans to publish a third [and final] volume of ‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW’ in the Autumn of 2019. New subjects will include traditional shops and ‘front-room’ shops, cottage industries, old pastimes, Resolven children at play throughout the ages, military matters, local artists and vintage transport. Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to contact the author via the address contained in the book.

‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW – VOLUME 2’ may be purchased directly from the author, or from Marcia’s Shop [Resolven Post Office]. The  retail price is £10.00 per copy. There is only a limited number, so buy your copy now!!

~ ~ ~ ~

About William

William Alun Willis was born in Resolven. His parents, Joan and Vic Willis, ran the village Post Office for more than 40 years. His mother, Joan, was a serving Justice of the Peace for more than 20 years. William attended Ynysfach Primary School, Resolven (see photo below).

Ynysfach School pupils, 1969
William is the 4th pupil from left in the back row

He started writing comedy scripts with his close friends Eurfyl Davies and Geraint Evans whilst studying for ‘A’ Levels at Dwr-y-felin VI Form College, Neath. Publishers W.H. Allen took an interest, and encouraged the author to try to write professionally.

William attended the University of Wales at Swansea, gaining a combined honours degree in Social History, Sociology and Social Anthropology. However, much of his ‘studying time’ was spent writing and editing the University ‘Rag Mag’ – a charity publication. William was also editor of ‘The Beck Mail’, a residential hall newspaper.

In 1984, William gained his post-graduate qualification in Social Work Studies (specialising in Childhood and Adolescent Behaviour) at Southampton University, before returning to Swansea University to take up the post of Press Officer.

He worked in the training department at Milland Road (under the auspices of Neath Borough Council) for more than twenty years, specialising in special needs teaching and, later, key skills training. He became Training Officer for Neath Borough Council at Milland Road in 1988.

Between 1990-91 William took a gap year, first back-packing around Egypt, Libya and the Sudan; then accepting a year’s TEFL contract at the English Education Centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he taught English to professional groups such as doctors, architects and businessmen.

William returned to work for Neath Borough Council in 1991, where he met his partner, Joanna, in 1994. They have been together for 23 years, and have two wonderful children.

In 2001 he decided to re-train as a Law Costs Draftsman [legal accountant], from which job he recently withdrew to take up professional writing again.

Also in 2001, he began writing for radio and television and he entered a competition run by the BBC – ‘The Celtic Nations Comedy Cup’ – which was aimed at developing new comedy writers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. William was fortunate to be chosen as one of the winning Welsh entries, with a prize of his winning comedy play being staged at the West End in Glasgow. As a result of this, William was given a commission to write a comedy series for the BBC.

In 2002, the comedy series ‘Do It Yourself’ was completed, which followed the exploits of the staff at Dragon DIY and Pet Store. All six episodes of this first series were recorded before a live audience at Resolven Miners’ Welfare Hall in February 2003. The series was directed by ‘Only Fools and Horses’ director Gareth Gwenlan, produced by Darren Broome, and featured an all-star cast from Welsh comedy television and radio. The show was a resounding success, and over the next 5 years another four series (24 episodes) of ‘Do It Yourself’ were commissioned from William, and were recorded before live audiences in a range of local theatres, such as the Coliseum in Aberdare and in the Cwmaman Institute.

In 2007, William wrote another series for the BBC – ‘The Harder They Fall’ – a six-part comedy which followed the trials and tribulations of a compensation law firm. Gareth Gwenlan directed, and Paul Forde produced the series. The cast included veteran actress Margaret John (‘High Hopes’), Brian Hibbard (‘Twin Town’ and ‘The Flying Pickets’), and Richard Mitchley (‘Blackadder’ and ‘Dr Who’). This time, the complete series was recorded before a live audience at the BBC studios in Cardiff.

The First Volume of
‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW’

William returned to professional writing in 2017 after taking time out to be with his two young children. 

.

.

Limited numbers of copies of ‘RESOLVEN THEN AND NOW’ Volume 1 are still available directly from the author or by request from Marcia’s (Resolven Post Office). The retail price is £8.95 (softback; 88 pages of black and white photographs plus full colour covers).

 .

.

Among other local history projects, he is currently working on a comedy series for television.

~ ~ ~ ~

Resolven District News wishes William all the very best for his future projects.

~ ~ ~ ~

HL {RDN Team}

A new family business has arrived in Resolven opened by mother and daughter Helen and Kelsey Sandry.

They offer various aesthetic treatments.

“In essence”, explains Kelsey,” our clinic offers a range of skin rejuvenation treatments, dermal filler enhancements and anti-wrinkle injections. We also hold monthly microblading and massage clinics.”

  Time has been spent on giving the premises a full make over to a high professional standard.  Their  clinic is on Commercial Road, Resolven–next to Hers and Sirs

Both are local ladies who are fully qualified, bringing something new to the village and we wish them every success in the venture.

It’s run on an appointment basis that can be made by telephoning 07970735244

CLICK ON LINK BELOW  FOR WEBSITE

 http://rewindtimeaesthetics.com/ 

REPORT BY DIANE SIMS

Both are local ladies who are fully qualified bringing something new to the village and we wish them every success in the venture.

It’s run on an appointment basis that can be made by telephoning 07970735244

It is with regret to inform you that we will not be hosting a Christmas Fayre on the Square this year, due to financial and time constraints.

We’d like to thank you all, for your support over the previous years and hope to return next year.

Resolven Carnival will return Saturday 6th July 2019 and look forward to seeing you then.

Resolven Community Events Group.

Hi,
Could I please give you some information regarding the recent Festival and fundraising that is being done for the village ?

Resolven from Pentwyn

V-Trees Festival was set up with a view to bring the community closer, generate revenue for the village and to try and put Resolven on the map (for a positive reason).
Since the credit crunch and the closing of TRW, Resolven has struggled as a community with very little to offer to the generations growing up as well as the generations who have lived here for many moons.

As a direct result of V-Trees Festival it secured employment for the following:-
over 20 acts/artists
SIA door staff
bar staff(in excess of ten)
dancers,
food outlets,
marquee companies,
stage company,
sound systems and sound engineers,
printers and designers,
Aviation company (easy jet),
Fencing and timber,
Brewery.
Local business through advertising and increased tourists to the community.

Despite the appalling weather on 28th July 2018, which affected trade, V-Trees was still able to raise £250 for Noahs Ark Appeal as well as a generous gesture of £50 to My name5 Doddie, which is research into Motor Neurones Disease.
All of which was generated with a trouble free day.It is the aim of V-Trees to bring further entertainment to Resolven to help the community as well as generate funds for both local and national charities.

Stephen Harris and Matthew Young

V-Trees Presents is presently organising a Christmas party on 28th December 2018 where international DJ Ian Van Dahl is returning to Resolven, with this events Fundraiser going to Building Blocks Family Centre, Resolven. BBFC has been chosen because of the work it already does within the community is amazing and is essential to the village.

I would like to thank all the local business that have supported V-Trees and look forward to working with you in the New Year where we have events penned in on 16th March 2019 and the main Festival on 26/27th July 2019.

Cheers,

Matthew Young

Despite the appalling weather on 28th July 2018, which affected trade, V-Trees was still able to raise £250 for Noahs Ark Appeal as well as a generous gesture of £50 to My name5 Doddie, which is research into Motor Neurones Disease.
All of which was generated with a trouble free day.

It is the aim of V-Trees to bring further entertainment to Resolven to help the community as well as generate funds for both local and national charities.

V-Trees Presents is presently organising a Christmas party on 28th December 2018 where international DJ Ian Van Dahl is returning to Resolven, with this events Fundraiser going to Building Blocks Family Centre, Resolven. BBFC has been chosen because of the work it already does within the community is amazing and is essential to the village.

I would like to thank all the local business that have supported V-Trees and look forward to working with you in the New Year where we have events penned in on 16th March 2019 and the main Festival on 26/27th July 2019.

Cheers,

Matthew Young

Sent from my iPad

The 2018 Service of Remembrance

At Resolven

The Annual Service of Remembrance is held to commemorate all those who gave their lives serving their country. The service at Resolven was conducted by Moira Randall, the Church Warden of St David’s Church, Resolven and the Flag Bearer on behalf of the Resolven Branch of the Royal British Legion was Ashley Philbrick.

Moira Randall
Church Warden at St David’s Church

Ashley Philbrick
Royal British Legion Flag Bearer

The Original Site of Resolven Cenotaph

‘The Cenotaph’ The Resolven War Memorial  (one of many countless others all over the world) was built to honour and pay homage to a generation of our small village who were lost in the Great War of 1914-1918.

‘The Cenotaph’ has been a familiar everyday part of the village life as far back as any living person can remember.

‘The Cenotaph’ structure was erected and completed by November 1925, situated ‘pride of place’ in a prominent position on the Square, (the main hub of the village at the time), where it could be seen from Commercial Road, Neath Road, and Tan y Rhiw Road.

During the mid 1960’s, it was decided to moved the Cenotaph, probably due to the amount of traffic coming through the village, and relocate it to its present position, alongside the Church Hall (opened 1965).  It is still very much a feature of the village.

As time has gone by, sadly new names have been added to the list on ‘The Cenotaph’, all who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in other conflicts of war. This has therefore, given the cenotaph a respectfully new meaning to a younger generation.

On 11^th November 2018, 100 years after the end of the Great War, the large local crowd gathered around ‘The Cenotaph’, after the Service in St David’s Church Hall, to pay their respects to all those who were once part of the village community, but never returned home.

Ms Karen Partridge

Mr Ashley Philbrick lowers the flag

Walking away after the service, watching the crowds leaving quietly it was good to remember that ‘The Cenotaph’ and its importance is a meaningful part of our history.

~~~~~

HL & LL (RDN Team)