injured. The room had been built to afford the greatest amount of light possible, which was essential for treating injuries. A very large number of people congregated which shows the keen interest taken in the proceedings.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. E. Davies who stated that in looking at the new ambulance car, it reminded him of the contrivances used in the past for carrying the injured to his home. He remembered a time when a wooden door was used, then came the stretcher, then the litter, and now the beautiful car, which meant greater comfort to the injured on the journey home. He could remember the time when the ambulance members carried on their drill on the railway siding beside the coal-weighing machine. Things had improved since then, for now they had an excellent hall. Nine tenths had been subscribed by the workmen towards the purchase of one of the cars.

June 1912  the Fochriw Division attended the Royal Review at Windsor and during July 1912   was on public duty at Dowlais on the occasion of the King’s visit. Before going on duty, Mrs. Dr. Davies presented two of their number with the medals issued by the Order of St. John on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King George. The two members were Corporals H. Thomas and T. A. Jones, who represented the Fochriw Division at the Coronation in London.

February 1923 saw the start of the Fochriw St. John’s Ambulance Cadets, as young people were becoming keenly interested in all parts. Enrolment was open to boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18.

It was not only colliery men that were interested in ambulance work since, during February 1927 awards were made to the Fochriw G.W.R. ambulance class. During March 1933 the class went on to win, against 18 other teams, the Rhymney Valley Challenge Shield offered by the G.W.R. Co at Cardiff. It was the first time in the history of the competitions for the same team to win in succession, the second and then the first prize for beginners. By winning, they qualified to enter the semi-final at Newport on March 31st

During the presentation of awards in December 1935  it was advised that the members of the Fochriw division had attended 30 minor accidents, 20 stretcher cases, 80 minor colliery accidents, 45 stretcher cases, total number of cases - 175; mileage covered - 75.

Until 1940, Fochriw belonged to the Dowlais Corps, but with the introduction of Air Raid Precautions, they were compelled to join the Riches Corps, though they were reluctant to change.

In March 1963  the Fochriw Ambulance Team won the Glamorgan County Ambulance Competitions outright. They gained two trophies, a cup for the best ambulance team in East Glamorgan, and the Glamorgan County Shield for the best team in the whole of Glamorgan. The team members were Supt. Ivor Morgan (captain), Mr. T. Powell, Mr. Evan Warner, Mr. Lyn Edwards and Mr. S.M. James. The team also competed in the final in Cardiff on May 18. The Fochriw Junior Ambulance Team qualified for the Coal Board Competition at Porthcawl, representing Ogilvie Colliery.