My Memories of Oakdale - Wayne Morgan

My name is Richard Wayne Morgan and about 1968, went from Pontllanfraith Junior School straight to what was then a brand new school at Penmaen.

I did enjoy my time at the school, but the memory that I most remember was when I used to go to the Institute with my parents (who are Arthur and Enid Morgan) on a Saturday night, Then go into the fish-shop to get my bag of scrumps and eating them while waiting for the bus to take me home to Pontllanfraith.

My father used to work at the colliery and my mother used to be a housekeeper during the war years, and lived in Llwynon Road.

I didn't spend my childhood in Oakdale as I was born in 1957 and always lived in Pontllanfraith, except for the time that I spent in the armed forces.

I know very well that when my parents moved to Pontllanfraith a thing that I used to enjoy was visiting my parents' old friends in Oakdale. I am sorry, but I only remember a few of their friends. These included Auntie Vanno (Williams), Mrs Coggins, Mrs Bridge, Auntie Vi and Uncle Edwyn Hall. These all lived in Llwynon Road, and Mr & Mrs Davies lived near to the Institute.

When the Institute went to St Fagans, I remember my father was furious as he stated that all the miners helped to pay for the building by having money taken out of their wages every week. My mother and father are now deceased as well as one of my sisters, whose name was June.
She was brought up in Oakdale with my eldest brother, Gerald, just after the war.

If anyone knew my parents, or have photographs with any of my family on them, I would be most grateful if I could see them please.

Many thanks to you all who have read this story.