Resolfen History Society’s December Meeting Report
A report on the December meeting of Resolfen History Society
The notion of a members’ night was struck upon some years ago when it was decided not to have a speaker, since the Christmas period inevitably, meant a smaller audience. This year, however, Storm Darragh’s aftermath kept the attendance lower than normal though did not dampen the enthusiasm or enjoyment of the evening.
Mr David Woosnam started proceedings with an interesting discussion of how the internet allowed a person to inspect his own ancestry. By use of an algorithm he found that he was distantly related to several well-known figures including Marion Morrison (John Wayne), Charles Dickens and even (presumably through her mother) Queen Elizabeth the second!
Mr Colin Evans read a section of the Alun Evans and John Mc Mahon’s history of Resolven, involving the Marie Celeste of Wales, SS Resolven, a brig found abandoned off the coast of Newfoundland with the fire still alight in the grate. He has followed the story since 2010, but the story seems to have now run its course, and no new leads as to the origins of its name and the links with Aberaeron are appearing.
Mr Trefor Jones, then gave a short talk on the derivation of some Christmas traditions including Christmas cards. The Welsh Christmas and new year were then discussed, along with plygain, the Mari Lwyd , Hela’r Dryw and Calennig. This was illustrated with digital items of Triawd y Tabernacl, singing a plygain song and a live rendition of “Blwyddyn newydd dda i chi”.
The meeting concluded with a festive quiz and some mulled wine.
Nadolig Llawen from the History Society.
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Neath and Tennant Canals Meeting
Christmas Tractor Run – Saturday 7 December 2024
NEATH & DISTRICT YOUNG FARMERS CLUB
FESTIVE TRACTOR RUN
Raising money for The DPJ Foundation, Wales Air Ambulance and Neath YFC
If you wish to donate, please click on the link below:-
https://www.justgiving.com/neathyfc
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Resolfen History Society- November Meeting Report
The speaker this month was Mr Marcus Thomas of Ammanford, though formerly of Bryn Terrace in Melincourt. He spoke on the fascinating history of the Apostolic Church in Resolven and a large audience came to hear his talk. In addition to his role as a pastor in the Elim Pentecostal Church he is also the chaplain to Ammanford Rugby Club!
He began his talk by stating that Resolven originally had at least nine Chapels, 5 of which have now closed. Religion evidently played a significant role in the life of the village in that the Evan Roberts revival of 1904 had resulted in the cancellation of rugby fixtures for three seasons, and that the Salvation Army had a campaign there in 1910, establishing a cause in the vacated Seion Chapel (now the Community Centre) since the Calvanistic Methodists had moved in 1904 to a new chapel.
He then moved to explain that the Apostolic Church was a Welsh creation, and started in Ammanford and now has its world headquarters in Penygroes. However the movement had spread throughout the world since its foundation in 1916. It began its operations in Resolven in 1930, when it was based in a terraced house in Edwards Terrace, Abergarwed from 1933. It later moved to Neath Road where Tommy “Moscow” Evans had an organ included in the front room. The cause later moved to the “Ganu” at Melincwrt. In the post war years, Lambert Jenkins had hold of a cabin at Port Talbot and transported it to a site near the present day Scout Hut at Tan-y-Rhiw. Members at this time included Bryn Morgan, father of present Pastor Jonathan Morgan. Several other well – known residents were mentioned at this point including Marcus’s parents .The services were not formalised and were based on participation and included speaking in tongues , which the Apostolics believe is the actual voice of God.
The Forward Movement had a church in Resolven, which closed in 1960 near the park. This was then purchased by the Apostolic cause who renamed it Peniel, signifying that this was a place to meet God. The Tan-y-Rhiw site was then vacated. The children were encouraged to collect halfpennies which figured a ship, in order to promote missionary work. Members of the church went all over the world and some members are still working overseas to this day. One member, met a young Fortunato de Santos in Brazil, and he as everyone knows is now the minister at Sardis, which ironically has also purchased the vacated Apostolic church as their community centre.
Mr David Woosnam, thanked Marcus Thomas for a fascinating talk, and one was left with the impression, how many younger people would be aware of the rich history of the cause in the village?
Trefor Jones.
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Important information- Vale of Neath Practice
There may be some disruption to patient appointments during the change of Computer (IT) Systems therefore submit prescriptions well before the dates shown below.
Vale of Neath Practice
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