Oral History collection: Leonard A. Toft (born 1920) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about History of Mond Works, Clydach and of nickel refining in general; work experiences as Chief Engineer of Design Department at Mond Works (NB. He is not a local man - came to Clydach from London c.1954).

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Track 1. [00:02:20] Industry: Nickel came to Swansea in 1840's - Vivians bought it to Hafod from their mine in France. [00:04:20] Industry: Explanation of start of Mond works -Ludwig Mond and Sir John Brunner, Brunner Mond works (ICI). Continues to end of track with Nickel processing and Nickel production as a capital intensive industry.

Archive Record|Table of contents

Swansea Tape Recording Local History Project oral history collectionTH

Oral History collection: Alfred George Clarke (born 24 Nov. 1906) interviewed by Barry Fagg about His work as a ferry-boat man on the Foxhole ferry; Copper works etc. (White Rock) and life in the Lower Swansea Valley.TH 1

Oral History collection: Evan John Davis (born 1889) interviewed by Barry Fagg about Early life; work in Killan mine at Dunvant, Swansea.TH 2

Oral History collection: William Henry Francis (born 1 Jan. 1912) interviewed by Barry Fagg about Early life; work as a police officer pre-war; police and miners' strike in 1930s; bombing of Swansea.TH 3

Oral History collection: William Henry Francis (born 1 Jan. 1912) interviewed by Barry Fagg about (Cont. from TH03): Bombing of Swansea; Winston Churchill's visit, 1941; Swansea and the war; post-war police work in Swansea. .TH 4

Oral History collection: George Saunders (born 1913) interviewed by Peter Davis about Recollections as a boy and man of the Tennant canal, Swansea Trams and Mumbles Railway.TH 5

Oral History collection: a) Miss Witts; b) J. D. Williams interviewed by Henry Rees about a) Early life in Swansea and Horton; b) Early life in Swansea from 1914.TH 6

Oral History collection: William Jones (born 1908) interviewed by Michael Williams about Early life; school in Bishopston; farming, etc.TH 7

Oral History collection: a) William Jones; b) Bernard Griffiths; c) Gwendoline Mary Powell (born a) 1908; b) ?; c) ?) interviewed by V.E. Bodger and M. Williams about Early life/school/village - Bishopston, Gower.TH 8

Oral History collection: a) William Jones; b) Bernard Griffiths; c) Gwendoline Mary Powell (born a) 1908; b) ?; c) ?) interviewed by V.E. Bodger and M. Williams about (Cont. from TH08): Early life - Bishopston; bidding wedding; health, etc. .TH 9

Oral History collection: Walter T. Ace (born 15 Oct. 1907) interviewed by V. Bodger and G.M. Thomas about Early life in Murton; school in Bishopston, then Gowerton.TH 10

Oral History collection: Gladys Jenkins (born 1910) interviewed by Vanessa Bodger about Early life; school; growing up etc. in Murton.TH 11

Oral History collection: Edmund John Alban (born 2 Feb. 1913) interviewed by John Alban about Early life in Hafod in 1920s; work in copper works 1930- 1950; work in steelworks 1950 onwards.TH 12

Oral History collection: W.H. Grenfell (born 28 Sep. 1904) interviewed by Barry Fagg about Work as a clerk in Morfa Copperworks; description of works in inter-war years; processes and ownership of works; 'Q.F' Factory.TH 13

Oral History collection: W.H. Grenfell (born 28 Sep. 1904) interviewed by Barry Fagg about (Cont. from TH13): 'Q.F' Factory; work in war-time (WW2); conditions in works and methods of work during and post-war; management of I.C.I.; decline. .TH 14

Oral History collection: Jack Spooner (born 13 Nov. 1901) interviewed by Barry Fagg about Early life; chapel, Morriston and description of life as a boy; school life; work; WW1; work in Dyffryn, Morriston 1920s and 1930s.TH 15

Oral History collection: Jack Spooner (born 13 Nov. 1901) interviewed by Barry Fagg about (Cont. from TH15): Welfare Societies, 1922; working conditions in Dyffryn works, Morriston, Swansea.TH 16

Oral History collection: Ernest Llewelyn Clements (born 12 Apr. 1904) interviewed by Barry Fagg about Early life in Carmarthen Road; WW1 victory celebrations; work in Mannesmann Tube works.TH 17

Oral History collection: a) John Gwynne Morgan; b) Edward Bowen Meyrick (born a) ?; b) 30 June 1908) interviewed by Margaret Edwards about a) The history of the Mond Nickel works and of Clydach; b) Historical reminiscences of Swansea (Both formal talks).TH 18

Oral History collection: Roland Morgan interviewed by Vanessa Bodger about Early life and family; farming in Gower; Paviland farm.TH 19

Oral History collection: Lambert Noel (born 15 Nov. 1902) interviewed by Barry Fagg about Experiences of life in Plasmarl in early 1900s; descriptions of local works and collieries, canal and valley; memories of school; life in tinplate and spelter works.TH 20

Oral History collection: Lambert Noel (born 15 Nov. 1902) interviewed by Barry Fagg about (Cont. from TH20): 1946 - working for Min. of Supply - dismantling 'Pluto' pipeline at Llansamlet; work as Park Ranger at Parc Llewelyn, 1951-1967.TH 21

Oral History collection: Joseph Cullen (born 1902) interviewed by Margaret Smith about Early life/school; 'Vetch' football ground; street markets; Madam Patti; Coronation, 1910.TH 22

Oral History collection: David John Nathaniel (born 14 July 1894) interviewed by Colin Williams about His experiences as a bargeman on the Swansea canal; life in Plasmarl in the early 20th Century.TH 23

Oral History collection: a) Mary H. Lewis; b) J. Williams (born a) 1904; b) 16 Nov. 1904) interviewed by a) Colin Williams, b) Kevin Morgan about a) Experiences as a female labourer in local tinworks. b) Work experiences in Morriston industries, especially the steel industry.TH 24

Oral History collection: a) David John Dixon; b) Iorwerth Thomas (born a) 12 Jan. 1892, b) 12 Jan. 1904) interviewed by E.C. Williams and Kevin Morgan about Boyhood memories of the Plasmarl area, including description of copper-workers, Plasmarl school, trips to Mumbles, canal, etc.TH 25

Oral History collection: John ('Jack') Morris Davis (born 9 Feb. 1911) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Well-known local historian. Description of early life in Manselton.TH 26

Oral History collection: John ('Jack') Morris Davis (born 9 Feb. 1911) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about (Cont. from TH26): Food and living style c. 1914; parents - father's job in Baldwin's Steelworks; mother's attitudes; schooling in Manselton and Grammar school (Mun. Sec.).TH 27

Oral History collection: a) W.H. Jones; b) Daniel Hubert Jones (born a) 1894, b) 23 Jan. 1899) interviewed by a) E.C. Williams; b) K. Morgan about a) His work experiences as a mill operator; b) History of Llangyfelach.TH 28

Oral History collection: John ('Jack') Morris Davis (born 9 Feb. 1911) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about (Cont. from TH27): School experience: Manselton, Swansea Grammar (Side 1). Early work experience; British Mannesmann Tube Co., 1920; industrial relations; history, processes and layout of works; Technical College. (Side 2 - poor quality recording).TH 29

Oral History collection: John ('Jack') Morris Davis (born 9 Feb. 1911) interviewed by E.C. Williams and K.R. Morgan about (Cont. from TH29): Side 1 - Experience on Dole; applies to be student teacher at Waun Wen Primary School, 1931; description etc. of school; enters U.C.S.; Side 2 - Pres. S.U. experiences; Teaching Diploma; U.A.U. organised by J.M.D.; anecdotes re. student life.TH 30

Oral History collection: a) David John Dixon; b) Iorwerth. Thomas (born a) 12 Jan. 1892, b) 12 Jan. 1904) interviewed by E.C. Williams and K. Morgan about (Cont. from TH25): Early life/growing up in Plasmarl; early memories - general and Swansea; WW1; Mannesmann Works, 1920s and 1930s.TH 31

Oral History collection: Lewis Williams (born 1908) interviewed by E.C. Williams about Work as a miner in Swansea, with particular reference to Pentre Pit and Copper Pit.TH 32

Oral History collection: David Trevor Charles (born 12 Dec. 1898) interviewed by A. Charles about Boyhood in Sketty; work in Clyne Colliery; WW1 - service in Royal Naval Division; Depression; work at sea; work with South Wales Transport Co. .TH 33

Oral History collection: Cecil John Crole Lewis (born 17 Mar. 1902) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Work experience as a copperman - Morfa and other copperworks. (NB. Poor quality recording initially - side 2).TH 34

Oral History collection: Cecil John Crole Lewis (born 17 Mar. 1902) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about (Cont. from TH34): Early memories of Swansea - fairground on beach/bioscopes/plane at Blackpill, etc.; opening of King's Dock; work as copperman in Morfa and other copperworks; Swansea Trams. .TH 35

Oral History collection: Charles Henry Mew (born 21 Nov. 1885) interviewed by J.R. Alban about Military experiences in WW1, serving mainly in 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment ('Swansea Battalion') and Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 9th and 17th Battalions.TH 36A-B

Oral History collection: Henry Baker (born 16 Jan. 1912) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Memories of Bonymaen/Lower Swansea Valley; work at Copper Pit Colliery; work at Imperial Smelting Zinc works, Llansamlet.TH 37A-B

Oral History collection: Thomas Thomas (born 2 Sep. 1897) interviewed by K.R. Morgan about Coal mining in the Treboeth area; Mynydd Newydd colliery; Pentre Pit; Copper Pit; Tirdonkin colliery.TH 38

Oral History collection: Francis Parker (born 9 Jan. 1891) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Experiences sailing around Cape Horn under sail; later changed to steam; WW1 experiences in Merchant Marine; torpedoed; post-war voyages for Blue Funnel Line.TH 39

Oral History collection: Edward Griffiths (born 1903) interviewed by E.C. Williams and K.R. Morgan about Boyhood as orphan in Llansamlet area; work in Aber tin- works; emigration to USA; Welsh people in USA and experiences there in 1920s.TH 40

Oral History collection: John S. Davies (born 2 Jan. 1898) interviewed by ? about Early days/growing up; Pontardulais tinplate industry -Richard Thomas and Baldwins.TH 41

Oral History collection: Leonard Daniel Matthews (born 17 Sep. 1910) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Boyhood in Hafod, 1914-1920; work as clerk in Davy George Box Co.; King's Dock; work experiences as administrator in the Tinplate Industry, and a Secretary to Tinplate Conference, etc. .TH 42A-B

Oral History collection: Ebenezer Edwards; Mrs. Susannah Davies (born 31 May 1888) interviewed by E.C. Williams and K.R. Morgan about Upbringing in Morriston with special reference to chapel life; the tinplate industry - Dyffryn Works, the Edwards family; work processes; WW1 experiences in the Dover Patrol; conscription; (Mrs Davies) - teaching experiences; pupil-teacher system; Swansea Training college; Morriston trams.TH 43A-B

Oral History collection: Robert John Comley (born 27 Dec. 1896) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Grandfather's work at Cyfarthfa iron works, Merthyr and Morriston Brick Co.; father's work on railway at Neath and Landore; Waun Wen in early 1900s; Swansea before 1914; school at Waun Wen and Mun. Sec.; work experience on railway et al.; work at Mannesmann Tube Works, Landore - extensive description of works and its processes. .TH 44A-B

Oral History collection: Miss Deborah Bodycombe (born 21 Sep. 1899) interviewed by E.C. Williams about Life experiences in the Llansamlet area; Christmas; Devon origin of family; upbringing; parents' work in Aber and Worcester tinworks; education in Llansamlet; work experience in tinworks and processes; Llansamlet collieries.TH 45

Oral History collection: John Richard Morgan (born 1899) interviewed by E.C. Williams and K.R. Morgan about The tinplate industry in Morriston; life in the Morriston area. .TH 46

Oral History collection: Robert James Edmunds (born Sep-09) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Work experiences in Landore Brickworks; work experiences on L.M.S. Railway in Swansea Valley; bombing of Swansea. .TH 47A-B

Oral History collection: Major George Young (born 14 Mar. 1894) interviewed by Mrs. Susan Hopkins about Father's life as a sailor; career in the Army; experiences in WW1 - battlefields, etc.; 2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment - life in the trenches, etc.TH 48A-B

Oral History collection: Arthur Thomas (born 1 Aug. 1899) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Work experience in Mond Nickel Works, Clydach; old community in Glais; descriptions of Swansea and Mumbles; also Clydach.TH 49

Oral History collection: Leonard A. Toft (born 1920) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about History of Mond Works, Clydach and of nickel refining in general; work experiences as Chief Engineer of Design Department at Mond Works (NB. He is not a local man - came to Clydach from London c.1954).TH 50

Oral History collection: Mrs. Alice Maud Jones (née Rees) (born 11 Dec. 1920) interviewed by J.R. Alban about Upbringing in Morriston; trams and transport in Morriston; school and Sunday school; use of the Welsh language; work experiences in father's fish and chip shop; worker's sidelines.TH 51

Oral History collection: Evelyn Pugh (born 24 Jan. 1909) interviewed by E.C. Williams about Outline of life; domestic service; work in tinworks; work in Morriston Hospital; memories of WW2.TH 52

Oral History collection: David Harris (born 16 Dec. 1886) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Work experience as door-boy and miner in the following collieries: Bryncoch, Neath; Clydach - Merthyr; Nixon Colliery, Clydach; Felin Fran; Cefn Coed, Crynant. (Poor quality at beginning).TH 53

Oral History collection: David Harris (born 16 Dec. 1886) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about (Cont. from TH 53): Work experience as door-boy and miner in the following collieries: Bryncoch, Neath; Clydach - Merthyr; Nixon Colliery, Clydach; Felin Fran; Cefn Coed, Crynant. .TH 54

Oral History collection: Jack Jones (born 14 Oct. 1913) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Early life and schooling, etc. in St Thomas and Kilvey areas of Swansea. (1 May 75 - poor quality recording).TH 55

Oral History collection: Jack Jones (born 14 Oct. 1913) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about (Cont. from TH55): School experience at Dumbarton private school; early work experience in architect's office; family pride at his becoming a white-collar worker; work as planning assistant with Cardiff R.D.C. in 1930s. .TH 56

Oral History collection: a) Mrs. Annie Davies and b) Joseph Cullen (Side 1) c) Mrs. May Thomas and d) William Jones (Side 2 - NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC). (born a) 1881; b) 1902; c) ?, d) ?) interviewed by Unknown about Side 1 - a) Recollections of early life on farms at Pennard (Very poor quality recording), b) Duplicate of TH22. Side 2 - c) Daughter of last miller of Parkmill - memories of father's work in mill; early life/growing up. d) Retired farmer - Lunnon Farm - memories: Parkmill school; village life.TH 57

Oral History collection: P. Celfryn Jones (born ?) interviewed by Vanessa Bodger about Experiences as a teacher in Bishopston Primary School, 1947-1977 (he was headmaster of the school).TH 58

Oral History collection: Francis Leslie Smith (born 7 Oct. 1914) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Work in Melingriffith Works (tinplate), Whitchurch, Cardiff in 1920s; work in Elba works, Swansea; description of Lydney handmills, North of Chepstow; Trostre works, Llanelli. .TH 59

Oral History collection: Clifford Benjamin Jones interviewed by Unknown about Recollections, general; left school in 1912; Bleriot plane landing on beach at Swansea in 1912, etc; memories of WW1. (Poor quality recording).TH 60

Oral History collection: Ivor Watkins (born 29 June 1898) interviewed by E.C. Williams and K.R. Morgan about History of Sketty and his experiences living there.TH 61

Oral History collection: Miss Kathleen Owen (born 10 Nov. 1915) interviewed by Ruth Wright about Memories of village of Newton; trips to Killay by train; general life.TH 62

Oral History collection: Mathias Dixon (born 15 Jan. 1906) interviewed by K.R. Morgan and E.C. Williams about Early life and schooldays in Plasmarl; school trips; coalminers from local pits - Mynydd Newydd, etc.; work as copperman in Hafod and Morfa copperworks.TH 63

Oral History collection: a) Alfred Banks; b) Mrs. Margery Knight (born a) 1888, b) ?) interviewed by Mrs M.G. Banks about a) Early memories, first job in London; work experiences in sawmill there; accident; hospital treatment. (All prior to WW1). b) Blitz in Swansea in 1941; early memories/general life; 'ration books'; getting married. c) (A. Banks). General experiences pre/post war (cont.).TH 64A-B

Oral History collection: Mrs. D. Morgan (born 1903) interviewed by E.C. Williams about Life in Brynhyfryd, with special reference to the Coal Industry; Mynydd Newydd, Pentre, Cwm, Calland's Pits; general life. (Poor quality recording).TH 65

Oral History collection: Mrs. Doris Lewis (born June 1906 (1907 given in recording)) interviewed by Mrs. Glenys Bridges about Memories of childhood and schooling in Sketty; interest in literature; life at home; work on large local estates; work as a domestic.TH 66

Oral History collection: Arthur Anderson (born 03-Jun-13) interviewed by Mrs. Joyce Anderson about Experiences in the Home Guard during WW2.TH 67

Oral History collection: a) Mrs. Ada Sanders; b) ?; c) ?. interviewed by Mrs. Margery Knight about a) Various memories of youth; experience as a victim of WW2 air-raid; b) Various recollections of Swansea during the war; general life. c) Coal industry; diseases and compensation; labour relations (1940s onwards); involvement in Miner's Lodge Committee; NCB. Back to Mrs Sanders' memories.TH 68A-B

Oral History collection: Ivor Watkins (born 29 June 1898) interviewed by C. J. C. Lewis about Formal Lecture on his youth in Sketty.TH 69

Oral History collection: Mrs. Cecilia James interviewed by Miss P. M. James about Experience as a Nursing Auxiliary in St Thomas; first-aid station during WW2, 1939-1944.(Poor quality recording).TH 70

Oral History collection: a) Alan David Osborn; b) Mrs Linda A. Williams, née Stairs; c) Peter Burt (born a) 31 Dec. 1930, b) ?, c) ?) interviewed by a) Mrs. Shirley Osborn, b) D.J. Grant, c) M. Cook about a) Experiences as a child in Manselton; Dynevor School and general memories of Swansea during WW2. b) Childhood memories of WW2, as child in Townhill/Gower. c) Childhood memories of WW2, as child in Pennard.TH 71

Oral History collection: Unidentified interviewed by Jacqueline Rees about Recollections of life in Swansea during WW2, especially in Plasmarl, Cwmbwrla, Treboeth and Morriston areas.TH 72

Oral History collection: Norman Arnold interviewed by Mr. Terrett about Memories of Swansea during WW2, including the 'Blitz'. (Worked for water department of Swansea Borough Council).TH 73

Oral History collection: Bernard Evans; Hilary Banks interviewed by a) Linda Williams, b) Mrs. Margery Knight. about a) Early memories of Swansea; the 'Blitz', etc.; father's work in the Home Guard. (His house received a direct hit from a bomb).(Poor quality recording further into tape). b) Experiences as a house maid at Maes-yr-Haf, 1944.TH 74

Oral History collection: David Gwyn Thomas (born 1907) interviewed by H.M. McKelvie about Ambulance attendant in Loughor, served during the 'Blitz' in Swansea during WW2; bombing of Swansea Hospital.TH 75

Oral History collection: Mr A. L. D. Birt interviewed by Unknown about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 76

Oral History collection: E. A. Chilcott interviewed by Unknown about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 77

Oral History collection: Unknown interviewed by Unknown about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 78

Oral History collection: Peter Williams interviewed by Pauline James about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 79

Oral History collection: Miss G. M. Walters interviewed by Unknown about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 80

Oral History collection: Unknown interviewed by Glenys Bridges about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 81

Oral History collection: Ann Iles (born 1936) interviewed by Unknown about Second World War and Three Nights' Blitz of Swansea.TH 82

Oral History collection: Reg Kenwood interviewed by John Wright about Bus company in Mumbles.TH 83

Oral History collection: Reg Kenwood interviewed by John Wright about Bus company in Mumbles.TH 84

Oral History collection: John Jones ("Jack Sandy") (born Jan. 1896) interviewed by Margaret Smith about Pennard; farming on Gower.TH 85

Oral History collection: Mrs Williams interviewed by Mrs J. Vernon about Lunnon; farming on Gower.TH 86

Oral History collection: Jack Shepherd interviewed by Mrs J. Vernon about Parkmill; farming on Gower; Shepherds shop, Parkmill.TH 87

Oral History collection: Mrs Nansi Mascetti (born 1931) interviewed by Glenys Bridges about Chapels in Swansea, Second World War.TH 88

Oral History collection: Richard Evans (born 26 Sep. 1929) interviewed by Elizabeth Belcham about Penderyn; quarrying.TH 89i

Oral History collection: Mrs Annie Jenkins (born 17 Oct. 1890) interviewed by Leonard Beynon about Middleton; farming on Gower.TH 89ii

Oral History collection: Mrs Margaret Powell interviewed by E. C. Williams about Memories of growing up in Morriston.TH 90

Oral History collection: Garfield Kift interviewed by Sandra Thomas about Newton village in the 1920s and 1930s.TH 91i

Oral History collection: William Quigley (born 16 Sep. 1907) interviewed by R. T. Price about Memories of the Greenhill area of Swansea.TH 91ii