I used to visit Cwm in the late 50’s when I was 8 years old. Travelled from Bristol by train and bus with my mother. Used to love watching the steam engine at the Marine Colliery shunting the coal wagons ready for collection. Stayed in a terraced house on Marine Street, always remember the smell of coal fired fires in the air. Nearly everybody had coal fires, as they got free coal from the colliery if they worked there. The river Ebbw that used to run through Cwm was always ‘red’ in colour - totally polluted by the Steel Works at Ebbw Vale. Wonderful times. There was a working mens club just up the road from where we stayed and only men where allowed in - women were banned!! How times have changed. Visited Cwm about 10 years ago after an absence of over 50 years. The place has lost its soul, so sad. The Marine colliery has all gone, the river Ebbw is no longer ‘red’ and no smell of coal smoke in the air. Even Jones the local bus service has long gone. Prefer the 50’s anytime!!
My mother came from Cwm her and my father's ashes are scattered on the mountain over looking her mother's house curre st I spent many happy time down there as a child and I still return now and then hopefully one day I'll be there for good I love it down there always have someone from Essex
