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The CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation) runs a Tuesday club at the Welfare Hall every other Tuesday from 11am until 1pm where people meet and socialise. Recently, they invited Trefor Jones from the Resolfen History Society to give a talk and he chose his subject well, recalling the anthracite strike of 1925. Trefor made his talk really interesting telling us how the coal industry was run in the past and how the South Wales Miners Federation endeavoured to improve the life of miners locally. It was at the time when streets and tips were named after local colliery owners – for example, Lyons place and Tweedle tip were named in Resolven after such owners. This was pre war, pre NUM, pre NCB and pre welfare state and the collieries were in many cases small businesses whose wages fluctuated with the price of coal.
In a nutshell, the story unfolded that after WW1 there was a boom in anthracite mining in Wales that created a takeover of the small mines in the south Wales coalfield. Small collieries were bought out by people such as Alfred Monde and companies were created from combined small mines. This led to the breaking of what were spoken rules among miners and the small mine owners In that they were not recognised by the more affluent new company owners. As anthracite coal became more profitable and the takeovers progressed, the intimate relationship of the small owners with their workers was lost.
In June 1925, a particular breakdown of the unwritten rules led to what was to be known as the ‘boxer rebellion’. It began in the Bettws collieries in Ammanford where dissention grew over the breaking of the unwritten rules, and they were backed by the South Wales Federation and other pits. The story goes that 2 mines – 1 in Crynant and 1 in Glynneath – were the only collieries in the Swansea area not to support the strike and a 400 man gathering fronted by a silver band marched from Bettws to Crynant . They met the men going to work and requested they support the strike. When support wasn’t immediately given the men who came by train from Neath were ‘encouraged’ back onto the train and went home – this might be where the name ‘boxer rebellion’ came from. There were a few police at the site who were ill prepared to meet the 18,000 strong crowd of men that had joined the original 400 on route from Ammanford to Crynant. The next day the men marched to Glynneath where they encountered a very different force of police and there was a pitched battle where miners were badly beaten. One father of 5 with a dependant widowed mother to care for in particular was so badly beaten that he never worked again. After this the dispute fizzled out.
The police of that day were said to have told how the crowd of 18,000 sang ‘Aberystwyth ‘en masse which was intimidating and put fear into the police. It must have been something to hear 18000 men so united. Another story told was of how the sergeant in charge on that day was a rugby player, and thefollowing year he incurred a sport injury that resulted in him never working again just as the beaten miner the year before – coincidence?
In August, police arrived from Cardiff and there followed a series of conflagrations where the police were housed in the Abernant Inn in Cwmgors and the dissent that erupted included dynamite being thrown at police in Gwaun Cae Gerwyn and carnage was the result . The aftermath was that 1 colliery flooded and was closed down, 180 miners were arrested and jailed until the case reached parliament and a judge released them, claiming them to be dependable solid people. So in the future when you hear of the 1926 general strike you can look back to 1925 and remember the boxer rebellion that preceded it
There was so much more to this story and there are many more stories like this that we might never hear of without the knowledge of Trefor Jones and the Resolfen History Society and if you would like to hear more they meet monthly in St David’s Church Hall at 7pm
DIANE SIMS
IMAGE MIKE DAVIES
Our talented RDN photographer Mike Davies, or Abergarwed boy as he still likes to call himself, captured this stunning shot of the moon juxtaposed with an image of Neath town clock recently. Mike says it was named a Beaver Moon by the American Indians, because it appeared as winter approached and helped them to hunt in fading light.
Mike has been in the spotlight himself recently. He is a B.B.C Weather Watcher and he was chosen as our Welsh representative in a programme to celebrate the Weather Watchers 2nd anniversary. Well done Mike!
This is part of the letter he received from the B.B.C programme makers:
“Mike has been a regular weather watcher for 2 years although he has been involved with the BBC for over 10 years, we like Mike’s work and every photo tells a story of whatever the weather is like in his part of WalesOther candidates chosen were from Aberdeen, Northern Ireland, England and the West Country”
The producers came down from London to talk to him and Mike gave them a guided tour of our area
Melincourt Falls-IMAGE MIKE DAVIES
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
AT
RESOLVEN
The annual Sunday Remembrance Service was held at St. David’s Church Hall at 10.30a.m on 12th November 2017.
The Service this year was conducted by Father Andrew Davies and the Flag Bearer standing proudly beside him was Mr Ashley Philbrick. Before Father Andrew commenced the Service, he stated that he was full of praise to see so many people from the community attending the service (every seat was taken with standing room only) and gave thanks to all who had come together to remember those from the village and the surrounding area who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Corporal & Cadet Davies
take part in the
Service
After prayers and hymns from the Remembrance Service Sheet, the congregation moved outside to the War Memorial where a large crowd had gathered.
The Act of Remembrance then commenced and all the names were read out from the War Memorial by three young children helped along by Mr David Richards.
The Royal British Legion Flag was then lowered by Mr Philbrick to the emotional sound of the ‘Last Post’ by Ms Karen Partridge, (who is now a familiar figure to the local community as she has been the Bugler for Resolven for well over 35 years.).
The two minute silence was followed by the raising of the Royal British Legion flag as Ms Partridge played the ‘Reveille’.(a military bugle call which is played after a ‘silence’).
After prayers by Father Andrew, it was time for the Wreath laying ceremony. This ceremony is performed at War Memorials the world over, and the small community of Resolven are proud to show their respect by the many local organisations who participate with the giving of a Wreath.
The order of the Wreath Laying for 2017 was as follows:-
Resolven Community Council
As NPT County Councillor Desmond Davies was not available the wreath was laid by Cadet Davies.
Royal British Legion
Leah Thomas
Sardis Baptist Church
St David’s Church
Ynysfach Women’s Institute
Ynysfach Primary School
Resolven Cubs and Beavers
Resolven Miners Welfare
Resolven Football Club
Resolven Rugby and Cricket Club
Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
As the Service was nearing the end, the sky darkened and the rain, which was just a drizzle during the laying of the wreaths, started to fall quite heavily. It was noticeable that as the National Anthems were being sung, there was no movement in the crowd until the service was finally over. As the crowd left quietly the Resolven heavy rain continued to fall.
(Taken from the poem ’For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon)
———————————————————————————————————————–
A footnote of thanks
Later that afternoon Mr David Richards who is the Secretary of the Resolven Branch of the Royal British Legion was seen busy removing the posters around the village regarding the 2017 Service of Remembrance, so we took the opportunity, with his permission of course, to take a photograph of him at the War Memorial.
Unfortunately, the Royal British Legion Club building at Resolven closed its doors some time ago and it is mainly due to the efforts of Mr David Richards and Mr Roger Place and others that the Resolven Branch of the Royal British Legion is still active.
Grateful thanks to all involved.
Clyne Remembrance Service Report
The Remembrance Day Service at Clyne War Memorial was well attended by local people and conducted by Father Andrew Davies and Reader/Lay Minister Moira Randall from St. David’s Church, Resolven, with Pastor Peter Mitchell from Clyne Free Mission and members of the Resolven Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The children present played an important and dignified part in the ceremonials. One of them read out the names of all those who were lost in battle, and they all read Remembrance poems. They also placed small wooden crosses on the steps of the Memorial One young boy and his father, a serving soldier, were both in full uniform. Although not locals, they both wished to take part in the Remembrance Service
The weather was cold with a few heavy showers but did not deter the villagers of Clyne.
Presentation and Images by Mike Davies
You Tube presentation—click on link below
https://www.youtube.com/
A sure sign of the approach of winter as the first hard frosts arrive on Rheola Lock gates.
Image Mike Davies Nov. 13th
Resolven Bowls Club rounded off their season in magnificent fashion by winning the inaugural ‘Barry Bowl’ tournament in the season ending finals day held at Barry Athletic BC on Sunday 17th September.
2017 has been a landmark season for the club with a fresh impetus added with the addition of some key players following the unfortunate demise of TRW Cam Gears Bowls Club in 2016.
The inaugural ‘Barry Bowl’ tournament was entered by 40 clubs in April, all with hopes of landing the cash prize of £1000. The competition provided a fresh new format with just 8 players required in a two rink match. With the draw for each round being performed live on Facebook, it proved popular with players from across Wales.
Starting the competition as rank outsiders, the Resolven bowlers were keen to face some different teams rubbing shoulders with some of the top clubs in the country.
In getting to finals day, Resolven recorded some convincing victories in the opening rounds, overcoming Pontrhydyfen, St Fagans and Kidwelly Town with some excellent performances.
Resolven -v- Pontrhydyfen
Resolven -v- Kidwelly Town
~~~~~~~
Finals day saw them line up alongside Ferndale, Machen and favourites RTB Ebbw Vale in front of a big crowd of travelling supporters from the 4 clubs. With the semi-final draw being conducted live on Facebook in the Barry Athletic pavilion, the green and golds (Resolven) were somewhat relieved to avoid RTB Ebbw Vale by drawing Machen.
The semi-final proved edgy with both teams not at their best in the opening few ends. Lionel Stock’s rink unlucky to be 7-0 down early on. However by the half way point, parity was ensured between the two teams, with Andrew Hopkins rink cancelling out the deficit on the other rink.
The game changed in the space of around 15 minutes, with both rinks picking up successive counts to surge Resolven into a big lead. By now, both rinks were playing with far greater confidence, having got rid of any early match nerves. The margin of victory was an excellent 17 shots with Shaun ‘Ned’ Kelly, Simon Williams, Stephen Allen & Andrew Hopkins winning 25-14 and Gareth Evans, Steven Gall, Simon Ace and Lionel Stock coming through in the end to win 23-17
With the result secured, attentions turned to the other semi-final, Ferndale against favourites RTB Ebbw Vale.
It was the Rhondda valley side, Ferndale who came through to play Resolven in the afternoons eagerly anticipated final.
Resolven was ‘breaking new ground’ in it’s first major national final as a club after many false dawns in the Welsh Cup Competition, the Carruthers Shield. This match followed a similar pattern to the mornings semi-final.
With Ferndale having exerted significant efforts in their tight semi-final, they found an inspired Resolven a step too far. The middle third of the game where the real damage was done with Resolven racing into a 19 shot lead across the two rinks at one point.
The travelling supporters sensed a special evening to follow, celebrating a first national title as a club. And so it proved, the deficit being too much to overhaul for Ferndale in the closing stages, the margin of victory for Resolven was 16 shots.
When Captain Andrew Hopkins accepted the Winners Bowl he added “….at the start of the season we saw this competition as a great addition to the Welsh Bowls calendar, and in truth we were happy to make up the numbers. The manner of the performances in each round has been incredible and to think that our margin of victory in the first round – 10 shots against local rivals Pontrhydyfen was our closest game, really is remarkable. I want to pay tribute to our players who have been wonderful this year and our supporters. The support we receive from the community is fantastic”
Jubilant celebrations followed on the green with Captain Andrew Hopkins popping the prosecco and duly showering the players.
Andrew went on to thank the supporters, umpire, other teams, the venue and the organiser of the competition, Chris Wright (shown on the right) from the Barry Athletic club on a wonderful new tournament that has captured the imagination of many.
The RBC club pocketed a cash prize of £1000, but most importantly the title of the inaugural winners of the tournament.
Pictured from Lt to Rt the successful Resolven bowlers:
Shaun ‘Ned’ Kelly. Steven Gall, Simon Williams, Ieuan Ace (Reserve), Andrew Hopkins (Capt.), Nigel James (Reserve), Gareth Evans, Stephen Allen, Lionel Stock, Simon Ace.
On Friday the 10th of November, at 11 a.m, Class 6 from Ynysfach Primary School took part in a moving Remembrance Service at the village War Memorial. The Resolven Branch of the British Legion and St David’s Church were both involved in organising what has become an annual tribute to “The Fallen” by Ynysfach pupils.
There was a brief flurry of rain before the children arrived, but the sun shone fitfully throughout the service conducted by Father Andrew Davies.
The children took part by reading aloud every name on the War memorial They also read poems and a Remembrance Prayer for Children and a youngster solemnly laid a wreath on the steps of the Memorial on behalf all his schoolmates.
The youngsters observed a sombre silence throughout the whole ceremony, which included the Last Post and the Raising and Lowering of the Flag.
Mike was up the crack of dawn to get RDN these spectacular images of Storm Brian as it hit Porthcawl recently. High tide was at 8p.m and Mike says he has never witnessed such a storm as this before.
Don’t worry! Mike was safe and out of harm’s way and says he’s looking forward to the next one!
Last term Ynysfach Primary School held a “Grow A Pound” initiative. All pupils were given £1 and asked to come up with ideas on how to turn the £1 into more money. There were many fantastic ideas, many community based and the pupils raised over £2000. The money is being spent on things that the pupils want. The first things to arrive are a wooden train, pirate ship and a messy table.
Playtime games have also been bought
and new benches for the yard.
Well done to all the pupils, parents and the community!
Donna Stroud
Father Andrew Davies and members of St. David’s Church Resolven, together with the Resolven Branch of the Royal British Legion, will once again, be conducting this year’s Remembrance Day Services at both Resolven and Clyne.
The Resolven Service will commence at 10:30 am in the Church Hall, then just before 11:00 am it will continue outside at the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance.
The whole Service at Clyne will commence at 12:00 noon at the War Memorial.
During recent years the attendance at both Services has significantly increased and both the Church and the Royal British Legion look forward once again to your support.
On Friday, 10th November, 2017, the senior class at Ynysfach School will be attending at the Resolven War Memorial, where during a short Service a member of the class will lay a wreath in Remembrance of the fallen.
It is right that the children are taking part in such a solemn and important occasion and the Church and Legion wish to thank the Headmaster, Mr. Morgan and the children’s parents for their support, without which, the occasion would not be possible.
The organisers ask that, if available, the local community make an effort to attend as this would encourage the children and be a good omen for their attendance in future years.
It seems a dim memory now but at the end of August we enjoyed a wonderful day at Blenheim Palace.
We were blessed with the most beautiful weather in which to explore the magnificent house and glorious grounds.
The Palace is, of course, steeped in history, from 1704 when the estate was given by a grateful country to the Duke of Marlborough following his success at the Battle of Blenheim, up to the present day when it is celebrated as the childhood home of Winston Churchill.
The magnificent interiors and excellent incorporated exhibitions make it a hugely enjoyable and interesting place to visit – highly recommended!
In September we enjoyed ‘ a most diverting evening in the most fashionable company’! June Ashton- Mears was our speaker. She makes accurately detailed copies of Victorian costumes (mostly using recycled fabrics!) they really were beautiful – although the six of us that modelled the gowns were relieved that we were not asked to wear the original corsetry on display!
Our gallant models were June Davies, Dot Evans, Carole Jeffrey, Jean Hill and me, led by Brenda Rees dressed as Queen Victoria herself.
I don’t know if you have tried to sit down while wearing a crinoline but…….!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, our speaker was amusing and informative and had brought along many original accessories to show us. June’s husband took some very professional looking photos of us, including Brenda as a very regal Queen Victoria and Jean taking an elegant stroll.
It was a fashion show of a rather more relaxed style that we experienced at the end of the month. Along with a few other WIs we attended a ‘Lunch and Fashion Show’ at Norton House Hotel, Mumbles. The lunch was delicious and the fashions from Solo and Goose Island were altogether more casual – not a crinoline or bustle in sight!
JEN COLLEY (President Ynysfach W.I)
