GURNOS CHAPEL 1920
A WELCOME HOME

In 1920, a service took place at Gurnos Chapel, remembering the First World War, the fallen of that war and celebrating those who fought and survived.

The members and congregation of Gurnos Chapel has shown a praiseworthy interest in their boys, - as well as in a lady member who is a nurse, - during the war; and on Tuesday evening last at the Church Hall a welcome home knife and fork tea, concert and presentation took place, when 70 returned men, the nurse and the next-of-kin of two men since deceased, one on the field of battle and the other since returning home - were presented with gold centred silver medals, suitably inscribed. The two deceased men were Mr Llewellyn Oswald Williams Varteg and Mr Tom Hughes Williams.

After the sumptuous tea, the medals were distributed by Miss Maggie Thomas, all the men being assembled on the stage. After the next-of-kin of the deceased men had been presented, Mr J Hopkin played a Cornet solo, "Let me like a soldier fall", and after the men and Nurse Williams had been presented, Mr George Kendrick played "The Conquering Hero" on the cornet. The miscellaneous part of the program was then proceeded with, when Mr D R Williams presided in the absence of Mr W L Morgan.

Miss Lizzie Jones, a promising young soloist from Abercrave, received well merited applause for her solos. Mr D R Hopkin was then baritone soloist; Mr James Evans, a returned prisoner of war, the tenor; Mr George Ernest Davies comedian; and Mr George Kendrick, Mr John Hopkin, Mr Paul Evans and Mr J Hutchings instrumental quartette. Mr D Nicolas Jones sang penillion entitled Arwr Llon by Tarrenydd, to the tune of Mentra Gwen. Mr David Jenkins read verses supplied by friends whilst Mr Joseph Davies read verses of his own composition. Mr WD Clee A.R.C.O., proved an able accompanist.

The building was artistically decorated by the ladies and at the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to all who had taken part, on the motion of Mr DR Williams seconded by the Rev John Thomas, special mention being made of the energetic secretary Mr David Jenkins.

An enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, Miss Lizzie Jones singing a solo.

The History and Heritage of Ystalyfera is put online by Swansea Valley researcher Val Trevallion and Wolfian Design. All copyright remains with the original copyright holder, and all original research is copyright Val Trevallion, YEARGroup.

You can contact Ystalyfera History by emailing: contact@ystradgynlais-history.com or Val Trevallion by emailing yeargroup@hotmail.co.uk.