THE Now and Then picture is of the Methodist Church, Blackwood, which I remember very well from my childhood, as the local school choirs used to meet there once a year for a concert. I particularly remember the church’s beautiful balcony.
The church also used to play host to many other choirs, the Rhondda choirs even making the journey for a concert. Outside the church and down some steps used to be a gentlemans toilet, I remember as boys, one of my good friends being glued firmly to the seat as a prank.
The shop on the corner used to be the Bargoed Emporium, one of the last big, old stores in the town: nowadays of course, it’s the Argos store. There also used to be a beautiful ladies-wear shop in the street called Jones and Richards. Further up on the main road I remember an air-raid shelter which was used as a bus stop after the war.
The Miners’ Institute, now refurbished, hosted the famous dances every Wednesday and Saturday and used to be hired out for annual dinner and dances also.
On the opposite side of the road is the Square café, which has been there through two or three generations.
While growing up, the main road area of the town was famous for “monkey parading” where as lads, we used to gather to whistle at the girls, and maybe be even be lucky enough to invite one to the cinema. I have many happy memories of a town with a proper Valleys welcome.
Cllr Leon Gardiner, Argoed
THE Now and Then picture is of Blackwood Methodist Church. I was married there in April 1942 and I still attend the church at the age of 91. Services take place every Sunday, 11am and 6pm, and a warm welcome always awaits any new members.
The Bargoed Emporium was the large store at the corner of the street which is now the Argos store and the back of the church is now used as a car park.
Mrs E Cruickshank, Blackwood
THE Now and Then picture shows the Methodist Chapel in Blackwood. At the bottom of the hill, on the right-hand side, is the Argos store and opposite is a disability aid store as well as Luis’ fish and chip shop. I have many happy memories of the town and used to visit regularly on a Tuesday and Friday for market day. Behind the church on the left-hand side is a small car park,
Mr W Price, Swyffrd
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