Cadw's open day at Neath Abbey ironworks

Open Doors - Neath Abbey Ironworks

Neath Abbey Ironworks is a place that changed our world. It manufactured steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution, making Wales the first industrial society. From 1792 until 1885 it produced locomotives, ships' engines, ships, gas works, and steam engines for national and global use.

See two superb eighteenth century blast furnaces built into a cliff for ease of charging, and the engine manufactory where the steam engines were constructed.

This year there will be more to see, such as the uncovered rolling mills and the site of the charcoal-fired seventeenth century blast furnace built over the Clydach river.  

This is only the second time that the Ironworks has been open to the public, and expert historian, Bill Zajac, will be guiding tours at 2pm on 29th and 30th September.
The Friends of Neath Abbey Iron Company will have an exhibition and literature which will explain the Ironworks' heritage, and will answer questions regarding the company. The Dyffryn Clydach Volunteers will be present explaining the work they have done on site. 

Refreshments will be served.

Neath Abbey Ironworks is accessible by the lane to the side of GMF Motor Factors, opposite the Smith’s Arms on New Road, Neath Abbey, Neath SA10 7NH on the A4230. There is plenty of free car parking in the area.

For transport by bus, there are stops adjacent to the entrance and outside the Smith’s Arms.

The site is flat, but uneven and rough. There may be difficulties for wheelchair users but it is accessible.

Neath Abbey, near by, is also holding an Open Doors event on the same day. Bill Zajac is also conducting tours there.

Dates, times and prices

Dates
29 Sep - 30 Sep 2018

Times
10.00am - 4.00pm

Prices
Adult - Am ddim / free
Family - Am ddim / free
Senior citizens, students and children under 16 - Am ddim / free
Member - Am ddim / free
Disabled and companion - Am ddim / free

Annual Meeting

A Report on the Annual Meeting of Resolfen History Society

The attendance was rather sparse in this year’s Annual Meeting with only 13 members in attendance. The Chairman, Mr Gwyn Thomas drew attention to the fact that even the Society President was absent owing to a long term medical condition and hoped that he would soon be able to attend meetings once again.

The Treasurer, Mrs Julie Hicks, gave a very positive financial report and noted that membership of the Society was very good value and stood steady at 33 full members. On another positive note the committee and officials agreed to carry on for another year en bloc.

In his address, Chairman Gwyn Thomas, thanked the officials and committee for their hard work during the year. He also stated that he had not played an active part in the Society over the preceding year owing to the final illness of his wife, Jean.

The meeting itself finished earlier than usual and in order to give the members the Secretary read the first chapter of the autobiography of Joe Cookson, a resident of Melincourt during the early decades of the twentieth century. The fascinating story of Joe’s first day at work in Clyne Merthyr colliery in April 1920 brought another era back to life. It also sparked animated discussion on the days of the small private mines which proliferated in this area.

Members were also reminded that two open days will be held at Neath Abbey and ironworks on the 29^th and 30^th of September with official guided tours of the site from 2o’clock in the afternoon.

Trefor Jones