Welsh Journals

THE DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETIES OF SOUTH BRECKNOCK FivE District History Societies, with their centres at Brynmawr, Cefn-coed and Vaynor, Crickhowell, Sennybridge, and Ystradgynlais have been established in South Brecknock, and it is pleasing to find from the following brief reports that the five have functioned with some enthusiasm during the year. BRYNMAWR. Secretaries: Messrs. J. R. Morgan and B. D. Price. Since its foundation early in 1955, the Brynmawr Local History Society members have been pursuing various lines of individual research. Work has been continued on the Public Health Survey Map of Brynmawr in 1853, the earliest known plan of the town. The local tramroads, which were largely responsible for the town's formation, have been traced and fresh information and plans have been collected. A collection of early photographs and drawings of the town is being made, and it is comprised of 24 photographs at the moment. A possible ancient British earthwork has been found near the town, and members hope, under guidance, to investigate it. A mine-detector to find buried metal is owned by one of the members. Work is also being done for the National Museum of Wales in surveying rare flora on the Llangafwg cliffs, and, recently, these cliffs have been proposed by the Society as a Nature Reserve. Work to open up new caves in the Llangatwg area is being contemplated. The lectures arranged by the Education Committee's Adult Service were well received and appreciated. CEFN-COED AND VAYNOR. Secretary: Mr. J. O. Evans. The Cefn-coed and Vaynor History Society was formed in March 1953, with the object of instituting research into the historical data of the Parish and to publish periodically, in pamphlet form, the information derived from the researches. The study of local history encompasses all the various aspects-General History, Geological Survey, Place and Field-names, Folklore and Customs, Farming Methods (past and present), History of Education and Religion, Local Govern- ment and Social Conditions, Natural Science, etc. When this material has been collected and collated, it should form a comprehensive historical account of the Parish. To enable the Society to publish its pamphlets and disseminate the knowledge contained therein, the Society has 140 Associate Members who pay a yearly subscription of 3/ This financial support enables the Society to publish its pamphlets quarterly. The following have appeared to date, and are available to