Growing Up in the Varteg – A Trip Down Memory Lane
Some Excerpts
Preface
For some time I have felt that there was a need to put pen to paper and to give some idea to my grandchildren of what life was like during the period when I grew up in the Varteg.

This book is the result.

Chapter 1- The Varteg – A Very Special Place
At the beginning of the 20th Century, the inadequate housing situation in Ystalyfera was a cause for great concern. There was continual uproar about the need to improve the situation and eventually the Pontardawe Rural Council was forced to take action. They decided to build 28 houses on what had previously been the Budd Estate. The houses were completed in 1913 and the area was named Varteg Road.

The houses were semi-detached, with a kitchen, living room, pantry and three bedrooms. The kitchens contained a sink and open bath, hot and cold water and an airing cupboard. The living rooms had an open grate, with back boiler and an oven on the side. There were outside toilets and a coalhouse near to the back door. Each house had gas lighting. In those days, noone had a lawn or patio and the gardens were used for the growing of vegetables and fruit. Some families kept chickens, which provided a valuablesupplementto the family income.

I lived at No 23, Varteg Road-one of the original 28 houses-from the day I was born until I married at the age of 28 in 1953………………………………………..