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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Remembrance Services for Resolven and Clyne
On a typical cloudy grey Autumn Day, St David’s Church Hall was again the scene of the Resolven Annual Service of Remembrance, which was this year held on Sunday 10th November 2024.
The Service, organised by the Resolven Community Council was conducted for the first time by the Rev. Jayne Shaw who lives locally and is the Vicar of the Vale of Neath.
After a short service, the congregation moved outside where a large crowd had also gathered around the War Memorial.
The Act of Remembrance Service continued with the names listed on the Memorial being read out clearly by 5 Ynysfach Primary School children.
This was followed by the congregation pledging that:-
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Karen Cartlidge played the last post and the Flag Bearer, Martin Evans lowered the Union Jack as a symbol of respect.
The two minute silence was broken to the sound of the Reveille.
The Service continued with The Laying of the Wreaths and this year there were 15 Wreaths placed by representatives of different organisations involved within the community.
‘God Save the King’ and ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ were sung by the congregation to conclude the Resolven Service.
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Clyne Remembrance Service
At 12 noon a Remembrance Service was also held at Clyne War Memorial conducted by the Rev Jayne Shaw.
Keith Thomas, Clerk to the Clyne & Melincourt Community Council laid two wreaths, one on behalf of Cllr Dean Lewis, who was unavailable and one on behalf of the Community Council.
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Remembrance
2024 is a poignant year for the Royal British Legion as it marks the 80th Anniversary of many momentous battles around the globe which resulted in the turning point of the second world war.
The D Day landings of the 6th June 1944 was the largest seaborne invasion in history – and marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe.
Remembrance honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedom and way of life.
The wearing of a poppy is a reminder and a symbol of hope for a peaceful future.
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We will remember them.
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Family Reflections on Remembrance Day
FROM RUTH DAVIES
Today, as we pause to honor and remember those who fought for our freedom,
I reflect on my own family’s history.
My grandfather, Vernon Davies, served in World War II, and my great-grandfather,
Joe Hazel Davies, fought in World War I.
I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices they made and the bravery they showed during such a challenging time.
On Remembrance Day, I often notice how moments of reflection seem to arrive just when needed.
I’m not one to watch the clock, but for years now, every time I glance at it—whether it’s 11:11 in the morning, 1:11 in the afternoon, or 11:11 at night—I see those numbers.
It feels like a quiet, personal reminder, a sign of connection and remembrance, especially on a day like today, when we honor the courage of those who fought for us.
Let’s all take a moment today to remember, reflect, and express our gratitude.
Lest we forget.
Cats Halloween!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
