Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe

Dating back to the 1800s, Ty Mawr is identified by Neath Port Talbot Council as a Building of Local Importance. It once formed part of the sprawling tinplate works owned by W. Gilbertson and Company, which at its peak provided employment for much of Pontardawe’s population and sustained families for generations.

Today, the rest of the site is occupied by Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, retail units and housing — leaving Ty Mawr as the sole surviving structure of the town’s industrial past.

Vacant since the late 2000s, and formerly used as an “Extra Care” facility, the building had fallen into disrepair. Now, thanks to housing association Pobl, working with T.A.D Builders Ltd. and supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, the landmark has been carefully restored and extended.

New homes and sustainability

The project has created 12 modern, energy‑efficient apartments for social rent — six one‑bedroom and six two‑bedroom units. A new build element complements the refurbished two‑storey detached structure, with improved access from the highway and enhanced parking arrangements. Solar panels have been installed on the roof to boost sustainability.

Jo Brown, Project Manager for Pobl Group, said at the outset:

“This scheme is an excellent example of Pobl’s commitment to build general needs homes and bring existing buildings back into fruition. We look forward to working with T.A.D Builders Ltd, and all being well, working toward a completion date in Summer 2025.”

That completion has now been achieved, with residents beginning to move in.

Blending old and new

A spokesperson for Pobl said:

“Restoring such an old structure came with challenges — from insulating thick walls to retaining its unique character — but the result is a striking mix of old and new.

“We’re so pleased to welcome new residents to Ty Mawr and see this much‑loved building once again playing an important role in the heart of the community.”

Local heritage preserved

By regenerating Ty Mawr, Pobl say they have helped preserve the character of Pontardawe’s industrial past while addressing contemporary housing needs. The building’s legacy as part of the tinplate works endures — but now with a new role, providing homes and stability for today’s community.

#BuildingOfLocalImportance #construction #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #Pobl #Pontardawe #renovation #socialHousing #TADBuilders #tinplate #TyMawr #WGilbertsonAndCompany

Scarlets unveil new away kit inspired by Llanelli’s heritage

Sosban Fach woven into the design

The shirt, produced in partnership with kit supplier VX3, carries the words of Sosban Fach, the traditional Welsh song adopted as the Scarlets’ anthem. The lyrics are printed across the front of the jersey, symbolising the club’s deep ties to its community and supporters.

A nod to Llanelli’s steel and tinplate past

The grey colour scheme of the shirt, shorts and socks is a deliberate reference to the tinplate and steel industries that shaped Llanelli and the wider West Wales region. Club officials say the design reflects both the area’s industrial heritage and the resilience of its people.

🥄 Why Sosban Fach matters to the Scarlets

Sosban Fach (“Little Saucepan”) is one of Wales’ best‑known folk songs. First adapted in the late 19th century, it became closely linked with Llanelli RFC and later the Scarlets regional side.

The connection comes from Llanelli’s tinplate industry, which produced saucepans and kitchenware for homes across Britain. Fans embraced the saucepan as a symbol of the town’s identity, and the song became a terrace anthem.

At Stradey Park, the Scarlets’ former ground, scarlet‑painted saucepans were famously fixed to the goalposts. The tradition continues at Parc y Scarlets, where supporters still belt out Sosban Fach before big matches.

The Scarlets’ official magazine is even titled “Sosban”, underlining how deeply the song is woven into the club’s culture.

On sale from today

The new away kit is available to buy from Friday 17 October at the Scarlets VX3 shop at Parc y Scarlets, as well as online at shop.scarlets.wales.

https://youtu.be/wsY7Kmi2-s4

🎶 Sosban Fach – full lyrics

Welsh:

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi brifo,
A Dafydd y gwas ddim yn iach.
Mae’r baban yn y crud yn crio,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
A gwt ei grys e mas.

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi gwella,
A Dafydd y gwas yn ei fedd;
Mae’r baban yn y crud wedi tyfu,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

English (translation):

Mary-Ann’s finger is injured,
And David the servant is unwell.
The baby in the cradle is crying,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
With the tail of his shirt hanging out.

Mary-Ann’s finger has healed,
And David the servant is in his grave;
The baby in the cradle has grown,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

Note: As with many folk songs, versions vary slightly, but this is the form most often sung by Scarlets supporters.

#awayKit #kitLaunch #Llanelli #ParcYScarlets #Scarlets #ScarletsAnthem #ScarletsAwayKit #ScarletsKit #SosbanFach #steel #tinplate #VX3

Moin !
Wie meine kurzen Abendstunden zur Zeit aussehen:

Eine Lok fertig und Zack schon wieder 3 im AW.
Diese Prozedur macht selbst für heißen italiänerinen nicht halt.
Aber Ende der Woche sind sie alle durch.
.
#Fleischmann #FS #Dampflok #H0 #Gruppo685 #fs685 #modellbahn #modelleisenbahn #1zu87 #1to87 #modeltrains #modelrailroad #TischBahn #tinplate #modellbahnwerkstatt

Was aus dem Archiv.
HAG (Nr. 131) SBB Te 101 in der 1. Version produziert von 1958 bis 1961.
Trotz der geringen Größe und ohne Haftreifen macht er sehr viel Spaß beim zuschauen wenn er seine Runden mit 2-3 Waggons dreht.
Reversibel umgebau auf Hakenkupplung. Noch 39 Tage bis zur Ausstellung.
.
#HAG #SBB #Te101 #schienentraktor #rangierlok #elok #TischBahn #h0 #tinplate #modeltrains #modelleisenbahn #modellbahn #modelrailroad #blecheisenbahn #2rail #1zu87 #1to87 #vintage

https://youtu.be/JAkzs6O9xSo?feature=shared

Kommt gut durch die Nacht!
Hier etwas vom heutigen Fahrtag mehr am Wochenende.

#modellbahn #modellbahnh0 #modelrailway #modelrailroad #Fleischmann ##fleischmannh0 #h0 #1zu87 #1to87 #marklin #maerklin #märklin #Hamo #2rail #tischbahn #tinplate