History and Autobiography

Broth Again for Dinner introduces us to a young girl, Florence, from Whitland, Carmarthenshire who battled poverty and hardship in the aftermath of the First World War. Florence's stamina and humour saw her through and her words, which vividly describe life in Wales in the 1920's and 1930's, have now tumbled into life, leaving the reader moved and at times warmed by the picture which she has so effortlessly painted. A significant contribution to the social historical narrative of South Wales, Broth Again For Dinner reminds us that even in the midst of deprivation, the human spirit is able to triumph.

Broth Again For Dinner is published by Wolfian Press Publications, and remains in print. It can be purchased in paperback or in Kindle formats.

History and Autobiography

Simone dreamed of becoming a showbusiness star during her nights in the air raid shelter in the garden of her home in Southall, during World War Two. After joining the A.T.S. in the war, she became part of the concert party entertaining the troops, eventually joining the Windmill Theatre, rubbing shoulders with aspiring stars who became big names in showbusiness. Stepping Out Into Showbusiness chronicles her professional life, and her marriage and life in rural Wales, along with her later work in entertainment.

Simone sadly died in June 2020 at the age of 98, but Stepping Out Into Showbusiness currently remains in print, published by Wolfian Press Publications. It is available in paperback or in Kindle.

History and Biography

The Half-Shilling Curate, as he was affectionately known by his family, tells the very personal story of an Army Chaplain, the Reverend Herbert Butler Cowl from Christmas Eve 1914 to the end of hostilities in 1919. His descriptive account, from his own personal letters and writings, illustrate the value of faith during the war - the balance between serving God and carrying out his duties as a captain in the British Army.

Local History and Railway History

The Swansea Vale Railway - A Midland Outpost relates to the Swansea Vale Railway in the Swansea Valley. The railway also made its way up the Twrch Valley to Cwmtwrch, Cwmllynfell and Brynamman.

It was published by Blackdwarf Lightmoor, but may now be out of print.

Local History and Industrial History

Len Ley's history of the iron industry, and the cultural and social changes that industrialisation brought to the Swansea Valley.

All remaining stock of the book was bought by Cariad Books. Contact Chris on chris@cariadbooks.co.uk for stock information and prices.

Local History and Biography

Fresh Flowers for M'Lady is a history of Craig-y-Nos Castle by Tony Hibbert. Tony Hibbert tells the fascinating story of Craig-y-Nos, in the upper Swansea Valley, and its important role in the industrial and cultural history of South Wales. This was the author's birthplace and family home. For thirty years his grandfather was head gardener to Adelina Patti, the late nineteenth century opera superstar who made Craig-y-Nos Castle her home from 1878 to 1919.

The book is on sale at Cofion Cynnes ,Ystradgynlais , Craig-y-Nos Country Park, and Danyrogof Caves.

Local History

Penwyllt has a fascinating past. Around the village can be found the evidence of early tramroads, lime-burning, brick-making, and the Neath and Brecon Railway as well as the physical infrastructure of the close-knit former working community. The book describes these various facets of Penwyllt, as well as an overview of the geology, landscape and caves. The book includes three field walks which guide you around what can still be seen in this fascinating and beautiful area.

The second edition is NOW published, including many colour photos, new historical information, revision of three field walks taking account of local owners' wishes, being in A4 format with improved paper quality. There are also additional anecdotes and stories of interest gleaned from extensive searches of newspaper archives.

The book costs £14 plus £2 postage, and can be ordered by emailing Peter Burgess at wealdenpete@gmail.com

Local History and Genealogy

The Village Pub by William T. Davies is a detailed history of brewing in the Neath and Swansea valleys and the history and heritage of the local pubs of the area. All proceeds from sale of this book go towards Ystradgynlais Community Hospital.

The Village Pub was printed by Dinewfr Press, but they no longer produce books. The email address for the author, given at the time, was WilliamTD@yahoo.co.uk but please note this is information from the original publication date some years ago, and may be out of date. Failing that, second hand copies can be found online at Abe Books, Ebay etc, but usually at quite some mark-up from the publication cost.

Local History and World War One

Swansea Pals by Bernard Lewis is a history of the Swansea Batallion, part of the 38th Welsh Division and the engagements which it took part in during the First World War.

The print edition appears to be no longer in print, but can be ordered second-hand on Amazon. The Kindle edition remains available.

Local History and Biography

Local author J. Gethin Williams' book 'From Miner to Millionaire' is an account of his father, W. Cyrus Williams' life and career going from miner to owner of a large transport business in Neath. Copies are available for purchase by telephoning the author on 01792-813351.

There is a stub of an Amazon listing, which appears to show used copies of the book available, so this is linked to below.

Local History and Scouting History

Still Glow The Embers by Skip Morgan is a history of Scouting in the Upper Swansea Valley. It is a vintage book now, but can still be purchased second hand on Amazon.

Local History and Railway History

A history of the Neath and Brecon Railway.

Its Amazon listing appears corrupted, talking about poetry. But the ability to order the book there second-hand seems to exist, so it is listed below.

History and Autobiography

Eileen Baker wrote two autobiographical memoirs of life growing up in the Swansea Valley, the first of which is titled 'Yan Boogie'. Our Ystalyfera History website has a section on Eileen Baker.

Yan Boogie is out of print but used copies are frequently listed for sale on Amazon and Ebay, and can be searched for by clicking the links below.

Local History and Industrial History

The heritage of Smiths/Ingersoll watches and clocks, Gurnos Works, Ystradgynlais. 1946-1980. Local historian and former engineer at the "Tick-Tock", Mr Mansel Jones has recorded the history of the watch and clock industry in the Upper Swansea Valley and has kindly made his research on this important aspect of the economic and social history of the area available to the Powys Digital History Project. This is an edited version of the above book.

The link below is to an online version of the book, which is presented in 3 parts, with a foreword.