A look back at notable events from the historic Gwent area spanning the past century reveals several compelling stories reported by the South Wales Argus at two distinct points in time.
**Boys Brigade Recognition**
An 18-year-old sergeant from the 10th Newport company of the Boys Brigade was honoured with the organisation’s top distinction in 1976. Roger Snelling received the Queen’s Badge, which represents the highest recognition within the Boys’ Brigade and acknowledges exceptional service and accomplishment. The award was presented by Mr. J.B. Brockington during a ceremony held at St. Julian’s Methodist Church. As a member of the 10th Newport company, Mr Snelling had shown considerable commitment and leadership in his position.
**Young Patient Returns from Overseas Treatment**
A 12-year-old girl who travelled to Russia for medical treatment returned to her home in Llanwern in 1965. Julie Southall, who attended Caerleon Comprehensive School, had been receiving care for a rare muscular condition affecting her vision that left her nearly blind. Her father John Southall explained that Julie and her mother Margaret were scheduled to arrive at Heathrow on Friday before continuing to Newport the following day. Mr Southall stated that his daughter had completed her full series of injections and was due for final assessments on Wednesday and Friday. He mentioned they would be pleased to return home, noting the experience had been somewhat tedious while praising the Russian medical team’s care. A follow-up specialist appointment would be required six months after treatment. The journey and medical care were funded through community fundraising efforts.
**Forensic Laboratory Proposal**
The Home Office evaluated two locations in Gwent for a proposed forensic science facility in 1976 – one in Chepstow and another in Portskewett. Gwent County Council’s planning committee favoured the Chepstow site, which would be situated west of St Lawrence Road with access via Usk Road and received no objections. The Ministry of Agriculture objected to the Portskewett location due to its position on high-quality farmland. County councillor Sid Baldwin expressed opposition to development at Portskewett and supported the Chepstow alternative. The Home Office considered the matter urgent, with funding available for the current financial year if construction could commence quickly. Councillors recognized that permitting development at Portskewett could create pressure for additional building on productive agricultural land.
**Bypass Support**
In 1976, Gwent County Council’s planning committee chairman Fred Edwards and vice-chairman Frank Mathews accepted petitions advocating for a Risca bypass. The documents were submitted by Councillors R. Rendle, Mr Arthur Leeman, Arthur West, Keith Griffiths, and Mrs B. West.
**Industrial Disruption**
Reports from 1926 described serious concerns within the coal sector. The situation in the Tredegar district was considered particularly grave with all collieries at a standstill. In Blackwood, 3,000 employees at Oakdale Collieries and 1,000 workers at other operations were not working. While official staff and safety personnel continued at all collieries, hundreds of miners gathered in the main street discussing the circumstances and expressing concern that without a settlement by Monday, the disruption would extend considerably. In Blaina, 1,500 miners were impacted, though conditions remained calm as safety workers were permitted to continue their duties.
**Port Activity**
Coal exports from Newport Docks were halted by government directive in 1926. Ships fully or partially loaded with coal were prevented from departing, though general cargo operations continued normally. Coal supplies began reaching shops in 50-cwt quantities following failed negotiations. Some vessels had managed to leave South Wales ports over the previous weekend, but those remaining were held as the government took control of all national coal reserves. Customs officials declined to provide details on the number of delayed vessels or the quantity of coal involved.
**Structural Failure**
A significant portion of the playground at Abertillery Central School collapsed in 1926, with approximately 100 tons of stone and earth falling during a storm. The debris nearly obstructed a road behind the Station Hotel leading to Foundry Bridge. The collapse was likely caused by failure of an old retaining wall, with around 30 feet collapsing along with playground railings. Gordon A. Jones, surveyor for Abertillery Council, oversaw debris removal.