SUMMARY

00:00:03 Intro

00:00:24 The family move to Dowlais when Huw is nine months old,

00:01:05 A childhood playing at Pant Park; memories of the ICI (Imperial Chemical Industry) ammonia plant before it closed in the 1960s

00:02:02 Remembering walking the ‘bryniau’ (hills), adjacent to Morlais Golf Club. A brief history of the Ifor Foundry, Dowlais

00:02:58 A love of railways passed down from father and grandfather; memories of the industrial railways

00:04:07 The contrast of the natural wonder of the Brecon Beacons, only a short distance from the heavy industry of Dowlais

00:04:43 Leaving South Wales for a career in academia means missing out on the big changes of the de-industrialisation of Dowlais; the loss of heritage

00:06:14 The 1970s spent in London as a researcher, then on the University of Wales Board of Celtic Studies

00:07:09 Working in adult education, a move to Brunel University London before a 25 year career at a further education college outside of Swansea

00:08:20 A long-term involvement of Adult Learning Wales (formerly WEA, The Workers Educational Association)

00:08:51 A passion for history, involvement in local history groups across the Valleys; the impact of the Covid pandemic on such groups; the strength of the local history scene in Hirwaun and the wider social benefits that come with it

00:13:08 The physical and social impact of Dowlais Foundry a passion for history

00:14:49 The historical, industrial railway lines and stations of Dowlais and the surrounding area

00:18:04 The Aberfan Disaster, a personal experience of the aftermath and academic historical perspective