Next year marks the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Society and to celebrate the occasion there will be a dinner (cost £18) at The Towers, Jersey Marine on Tuesday, 7th March, with guest speaker the Lord Lieutenant Byron Lewis.
Please contact Mrs. Ann Harries or Mrs. Kitty Griffiths – as soon as possible if you have not yet paid your £10 deposit to secure your place at the dinner.
Copies of the Society’s book “Our Village in World War One” may be obtained from Skewen Library, Cresci’s Cafe, the Post Office in Arbourne’s Stores, The Gwyn Hall Neath, Hall’s Newsagent in Neath Market or by contacting the Society directly via email at
info@skewenhistoricalsociety.org.uk
or telephoning the Secretary, Mrs. Kitty Griffiths 01792 823651.
The book was reviewed in the Summer 2017 edition of “Chronicle” – the review is reproduced below.
“This wonderfully researched book tells much, more than the story of a Welsh village from 1914-1918. Written in the form of a diary, it tells of monthly events, both national and local during World War 1 and the effect that the war had on the people of Skewen and the surrounding districts.
Sources were gathered from family histories, newspaper reports and various websites.
A remarkable appendix lists 589 service personnel, including 120 fallen, who came from the district. They are hoping to add to this list by readers who might be able to contribute other names. Besides names, listed are the battalions in which they served, their rank, their awards and locations of their graves if they are known.
It tells of the conflicts and the pain suffered and is dedicate to the memory of the people of Skewen & District and to all those who served during WW1. 216 pages of fascinating reading with maps and photographs, including the Skewen Silver band c1910, the Cwrt y Betws Colliery workmen in 1913 and the Skewen Rugby Club 1912. A fascinating book, a pleasure to read.”
Tree guards and plaques have been put in place around the two acer trees the Society has planted in memory of the fallen of World War One in Skewen Park.
The Society is very grateful to Mr Chris Richards and his team for their help in erecting the guards and the plaques.
The Society was contacted by the “Wales at War” project to allow it to add to its website the Rolls of Honour from the chapels and church in Skewen, which we have photographed. This has now been completed and you can click on the links below to see the Rolls of Honour.
St John’s memorial: http://walesatwar.org/cy/memorial/detail?id=1430
St John’s roll of honour: http://walesatwar.org/cy/memorial/detail?id=1429
Calfaria: http://walesatwar.org/cy/memorial/detail?id=1436
Tabernacl: http://walesatwar.org/cy/memorial/detail?id=1428
Gorffwysfa: http://walesatwar.org/cy/memorial/detail/1437
It was with great pleasure that Life Membership of the Society was awarded to Mrs. Kitty Griffiths at the AGM held on March 2nd .
Mrs. Griffiths is one of the founder members of the Society, and has been a very active member of the Committee carrying out her duties as Secretary for the past eighteen years with great diligence and efficiency throughout. We look forward to her continuing with her duties for many years to come.
The whole Society offers its congratulations to Mrs. Griffiths.