The Society has received the following request for history/stories from Elian Williams, Project Coordinator of CETMA (Community Engagement, Media, Technology & Arts):

“CETMA is supporting the Port Talbot Sea Cadets with their heritage project related to Harbour House. Do you, or do you know of anyone, who has any history/stories about the Old Harbour House, or the old Seaman’s Mission Building? Any information would be appreciated to help demonstrate the importance and the significance of Harbour House and show the need to keep the building operational. Anyone with stories/history to share can send them to ewilliams@cetma.org.uk. There will be an Open Day at the Old Harbour House on Saturday November 16th from 11am-3.00pm. Attendees will be able to further learn & watch the history behind Harbour House as well as speak with other attendees to share further stories & reminisce on past memories of Harbour House.”

A rowan tree has been planted in the Community Garden at Skewen Park to replace the three acer trees that were vandalised and died. The tree is to commemorate the men of Skewen & District who fell in World Wars One and Two. The Society would like to thank the members of the Community Garden who helped to source the tree and to plant it this morning within the protection of their garden. A commemorative plaque will be added soon.

Congratulations to John Richards, Vice-President of both the Skewen and District Historical Society and of the Dyffryn Clydach and Bryncoch Historical Society, who was awarded Honorary Fellowship of The Historical Association’s Swansea Branch. This well deserved award recognises John’s significant contribution to the study and appreciation of history in this area.”

On Thursday, 25th July 2024 at 10.30am in St John’s Church, Neath Abbey, there will be a service to mark 60 years since Canon Brian Lodwick was ordained. Refreshments will be available following the service. All are welcome to attend.

June 2026 will mark the centenary of the opening of Skewen Park. Coedffranc Council will be mounting an event to celebrate this landmark in June 2026. As part of the celebration, the Society will be putting up a photographic display of the park through the last hundred years. However, we need your help with this. Do you have any photographs taken in the park? Any date, any activity, any event – if you will lend them to the Society they will be scanned and returned – contact Anne Morgans on 01792 813300, or email info@skewenhistoricalsociety.org.uk Your photographs will be a welcome addition not only to the photographic display, but to the Society’s archives as well.

If you do not live locally you can email your photographs using the address given above.