In this community film which celebrates the 75th anniversary of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr, the vivid memories of past pupils are interlaid with photographs from the school’s archive and drawings by current pupils of the school.

In October 2024, a project began to capture the memories of past pupils who attended Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr during its early years in Cwmdare. In recording sessions at Aberdare Library and Cwmdâr County Primary School, and individual interviews in person and online, the past pupils shared stories and recollections of their early school days. Then, workshops were held at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr, where pupils interpreted the audio recordings through colourful, original drawings, and shared their own memories of the school including the games they play, school trips and the friends they’ve made.

The film encapsulates those happy early days at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr, which are reflected by the school’s current pupils, as well as the school’s strong sense of family which was imbued by teachers, parents and pupils, and led by the school’s revered first headteacher, Mr Idwal Rees.

This film was produced by the Altered Images project and Lilypad Films with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Multiply (UK Shared Prosperity Fund).

View the YGG Aberdâr exhibition: Still Here - YGG Aberdâr