On a wet Wednesday afternoon in September, a large group of the Ynysfach WI travelled to the Melyncrythan area of Neath to enjoy a very different experience of a time long gone.

We arrived at a home in Pant yr Heol in Penrhiwtyn where we were taken past the house, to the top of the garden where there was a large shed like building. We climbed some very steep steps and as the door opened, we literally stepped back in time to reveal a room in the style of a 1940’s small cinema, complete with reupholstered plush cinema seating for about 25 people, a fabulous coloured lighting feature, a walled screen with red and white curtains, lots of photos and memorabilia on the walls, and two small organs in the corner. It was an unexpected surprising scene.

The owner, Mr David John gave us an introductory talk on how the retro period had inspired him and his wife to create this cinema over 30 years ago and that it was still giving them both a lot of enjoyment and happiness in these troubled times. He explained that all the items were taken from old cinemas in different parts of the country. It is surely a lasting legacy that they are justly proud of.

He said there was no charge but donations are always gratefully received for the MND Association. He explained that his wife Lynette had suffered from a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease for the past 10 years and as he was talking, his wife Lynette was watching from the wheelchair with a big smile on her face clearly enjoying the whole experience, with her daughter by her side.

We were treated to a 1951 black and white film of a group of factory workers visiting the sights of London, which included a river trip down the Thames, showing a very funny scene of them all singing with actions of ‘bobbing up and down like this’.

There was a short interlude and two ladies ‘the usherettes’ brought ice-creams around on a tray.

The second half was a silent film with Charlie Chaplin style humour, with Gareth, the family friend and organist accompanying on the Christie Organ.

After the film, tea and coffee and biscuits were served, again by the ‘Usherettes’.

Before leaving, we were invited to go under the building to see the workings and the pipes of the organ which was really quite astonishing.

A very different visit which was fully enjoyed by all who attended.

On behalf of the Ynysfach WI, we send a very big ‘THANK YOU’ to David and Lynnette John, their daughter and the two ladies who came to help and lastly to Gareth the talented organist.

They all gave us a flavour of a time gone by when technology was in its infancy and slap stick humour was the fashion of the day, It was a wonderfully unique retro experience.

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Jen Colley & Lorna Lewis

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The Sport of Bowls can be played from the age of eight to over the age of eighty eight and in the last 20 years more young people have experienced and enjoyed the technique and tactics of a sport that is now played world wide.

On the 4th August there was a great day of bowls in Resolven enjoyed by many people during some overdue dry weather. Everyone, players and spectators alike, were treated to world class bowling.

As well as a number of local bowlers taking part in the Resolven Bowls Club event it was also supported by many top players from across Wales who made for an excellent spectacle once again for the big crowd.

Welsh Internationals, Jack Davies, Jarrad Breen & Ross Owen successfully defended the John Hopkins Memorial Trophy coming through and showing their class under pressure situations in the Quarter Final and a close Semi Final against Resolven BC’s Simon Ace, Stephen Allen and Andrew Hopkins.

All who took part said that the green was a great surface to play on throughout the day, due to a lot of hard work from many volunteers led by Gareth Evans and groundsman Roy Gillespie.

Umpires John Jenkins and Meurig Evans were required for the day and they appreciated some better weather than the previous two years.

The complex organisation fell to Mr Mike Herbert, tournament convenor who carried out the task with enthusiasm and expertise as usual.

The following photographs give a flavour of the day at the Resolven Bowling green.

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Welsh National Finals

Only a few day after the ‘Festival of Bowls at RESOLVEN’ reported above, were the Welsh National finals at Llandrindod Wells.

As previously reported local bowlers Regan Ace, Simon Ace, Strephen Allen and Andrew Hopkins were successful at County level to go through to the Welsh National Finals which were played from the 9th to 19th of August.

In the National Finals, Regan won his 1st round Under 25 game but in a very close game unfortunately lost 21-20 in 2nd round. A couple of days later he was in action again with his Father, Simon in the Open Pairs in another close match, narrowly loosing.

A couple of excellent days for Stephen Allen winning both 1st and 2nd round Singles matches in convincing fashion 21-7 and 21-3.

A few days later Stephen lost to eventual Welsh Champion Carl Wood of Llanbradach in the Open Singles Semi-Final.

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In the Open Pairs section Andrew and Stephen Allen won in the 1st and 2nd rounds but narrowly lost to RTB Ebbw Vale’s Owain Dando and Steve Harris by 1 shot after an extra end.

Resolven Bowls Club say they are very proud of the way that Regan, Simon, Andrew and Stephen represented their Club and the West Glamorgan County in the Welsh National Finals in 2024.

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