My grandmother, Mary Griffiths, was the first ever customer at Gus Jones’s shop in Bargoed. She bought a clock, which has Gus Jones, Bargoed on the dial. It’s still ticking away as I type. Mr. Jones gave her a set of Apostle spoons as a gift. My only sad memories of Bargoed involve Mason the dentist! His clinic was near the butchers. I think they trained him.
I was born in Aberbargoed. Bargoed was thriving in the 50’s. Both of my grandfathers were in the Rhymney Valley rescue team. My grandfather told me:- “The pit will close in the 70’s. Choose another trade. He was correct. I left in 1971. The people were so warm and intelligent. Communities were so close. I miss those days.
