The South Wales Argus has uncovered ten photographs documenting events from twenty years ago during the first week of May 2006. These images offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past, with the series continuing its weekly retrospective focusing on that period.
The collection features scenes from throughout the former Gwent area. Among the highlights are schoolchildren studying sign language, boxer Joe Calzaghe during preparations for a championship defence, and parents helping to establish a school garden. The archive also captures spectators gathered for the placement of the new footbridge spanning the River Usk, as well as those who waited to pay tribute to former MP Peter Law in Abertillery.
The photographs include Joe Calzaghe of Newbridge at a May press conference preceding his world title defence at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in July 2006. Another shows supporters at Griffithstown Railway Museum, including Graham Thomas, Jim Dawe and George Schanzer from the Torfaen ex-servicemen and women’s association. At Llantarnam Comprehensive School, Bethan Bird, aged 16, and Damian Derrick, 12, are pictured using sign language in the hearing impaired unit. Theresa Chidoo-Roy, a Thomas Cook travel adviser from Coedkernew, appears at Newport’s Wave sculpture where she introduced a new lottery scratchcard in 2006. Ellis Anderson, 12, participates in a stepping exercise during a fitness and healthy eating event in Newport, observed by Margaret Jenkins from the Passport Office, Emily Jenkins and Casey Mann, 12, alongside Alyn Jones. Crowds in Newport on May 1, 2006, witness the new footbridge being positioned over the River Usk. Pupils from Ystruth Primary, Deighton Primary, Abertillery Primary and Ebbw Vale Comprehensive learn about preparing land for wildflower meadows at Nantyglo School. Pontypool scrum-half Owen Jones passes to his teammates during a match against Swansea on May 2, 2006. Crowds gather on Foundry Bridge in Abertillery to honour Peter Law in May 2006.