BRYNCOCH CHURCH WORKER’S FUNERAL

The funeral of Mr. Arthur Witts, aged 79, husband of the late Mrs. Margaret Witts, of the Post Office, Bryncoch, took place at St. Matthew’s Churchyard, Dyffryn, Neath. The Rev A.R.Davies, vicar of Dyffryn officiating. Mr. Witts was a parochial church councilor and sidesman at St. Matthews. He was a native of Monmouth, but had lived at Bryncoch for the last 56 years.

The precentor at the funeral was Mr.W.R.Tremaine, and the bearers were Messrs.John Williams, William Allen, Victor Thomas and Cyril Young. The Vicar, who played the ‘Dead March in Saul’, paid high tribute to the sterling qualities of Mr Witts.

The mourners were, Messrs Ivor Artle and Fred Witts, sons; Mrs May Rogers, Mrs. Lena Mayberry, Miss Flossie Witts and Miss Doris Witts, daughters; Mesdames Thelma, Florrie and Olwen Witts, daughter-in-law; Messrs Vivian Rogers and Graham Witts, grandsons; Mr. Mick Rogers, Son-in Law; Mr. Tom Pullens, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Williams and Mr. Evan Edwards, nephews and niece; Mr. Evan Rees Edwards, Mr. Augustus Edwards, Tredegar, cousins; Mr. Hurford, Sergt Leslie Hurford, Mr. Jones, Cilfrew; Mr. Oliver, Mr. Fred Robbins, Mr. Edgar Evans, Mr. Samuel Williams and Mr. David Evans.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr.D.H.Prout, undertaker and complete funeral furnisher, Bryncoch and Alfred Street Neath.

Neath Guardian 6^th April 1945

BRYNCOCH WHIST DRIVE

The whist drive organised by the Bryncoch Domestic Poultry Keepers Club, in aid of the St. John Ambulance, realised £6-3-0. The expenses and prizes were provided by the committee and members. The club intends running a concert in a few weeks’ time to provide prize money for the poultry show which is being held this year on August 4^th in conjunction with the gymkhana and horticultural show.

Neath Guardian 8^th June 1945

BRYNCOCH AMBULANCE AWARDS

Presentations of ambulance awards to successful students were made at the Ambulance Hall, Bryncoch, by Mr.E.R.Thomas, Divisional Superintendent, assisted by Mr.D.R.Price, Ambulance Officer, in the unavoidable absence of the vicar of Dyffryn, the Rev. A.R.Davies.

The Superintendent thanked and congratulated all students for their loyal support and success at a recent examination by Dr. Trevor Davies, Skewen, who spoke very highly of the standard of first aid by first year students at Bryncoch.

Among those successful are the following: Messrs E.R.Thomas and D.R.Price, labels; V.Roberts, medallion; G.Roberts, C.Jarvis, G.Edwards, Gil Edwards, D.Williams, labels; J.Evans, William Allen and W.Bryant, vouchers. First year students; Messrs Douglas Thomas, B.Gibbs, A.Wathan, B.Hire, C.Cassey, C.Watkins, V.Harris and B.Cantle.

The instructors were Dr. W.Taylor, Skewen. Mr.E.Rees Thomas, Divisional Supt. And Mr. D.R.Price, Secretary.

Music was provided by Mr. Ivor grey, Mr. Bert Fraley and Mr. Hire.

Neath Guardian 8^th July 19945

BRYNCOCH SCHOOL OPEN DAY

An open day was held in the Bryncoch Non-Provided School on Tuesday of last week, when there was a large attendance of parents and others, who warmly applauded the young pupils in their respective fulfilment of a varied and interesting programme, which reflected considerable talent and practical response to painstaking training on the part of the headmaster Mr.D.Beynon Gwynne, and his staff Mr.D.J.Davies, Mrs. Barrington, accompanist; Misses May Thomas and Elsie Paddock, who received much support from Mrs. Gwynne.

The action songs, choruses and dances by the senior and infants respectively, met with much appreciation, as also the recitations contributed by Terry Davies, Eunice Taylor, Carol Jenkins and the pianoforte solos by Priscilla Jones, Loraine Baskerville, Ann Matthews and Mary Prout. A prayer for the members of the Forces was followed by a salute to them; and upon a collection for the school fund, a subscription was handed to five former pupils to complete the list of gifts to those who were serving in the forces.

The Vicar of Dyffryn presided, and paid a tribute to all who had taken part in the proceedings.

Neath Guardian 13^th July 1945

BRYNCOCH AMBULANCE SOCIAL

A successful social was held at the Ambulance Hall Bryncoch, in aid of the Victory Fund, by Bryncoch Ambulance and Nursing Division. There were keen competitions, spot dance prize and beauty prizes, being given by ladies of the Nursing Division. Most of the judging was done by Miss Betty Thomas, Narberth.

Mr.E.Rees Thomas, the Superintendent, thanked patrons for their support, and also welcomed Signaller Jim Lewis, a keen ambulance worker, who has been in the Royal Navy abroad for three years. Music was provided by Mr. Bert Fraley, Mr. Hire and Mr. Ivor Gray, and the M.C’s were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Tynyrheol.

Neath Guardian 3^rd August 1945

BRYNCOCH MUSICAL SUCCESS

At the recent examinations of the London College of Music held at Swansea, Miss Ann Matthews, of “Avalon”, Bryncoch, was successful in obtaining the primary diploma in pianoforte playing. Miss Matthews gained a high percentage of marks. She is a pupil of Miss Nan Thomas LLCM Rhos, Pontardaw

Neath Guardian 24^th August 1945