allow the Brecon to Newport train to pass, since it also blocked the up line. Barry on that day was very crowded.

The years 1920 – 1940 were not very easy years, particularly for an area whose economy was based on coal and steel. The demand for coal after the 1914/18 war was very poor.

Prior to the war south Wales steam coal was exported worldwide and large stocks were kept at all major seaports. When the demand for coal could not be met pre war, customers had to look for alternative supplies. This demand was met by USA, especially to the south Americas. After the war these customers were lost to south Wales’ coal mines. The profits of the coal owners were being lost so they wanted the miners to work for less wages so that they could recoup their losses.

This led to disputes, and in 1921 there was a 3 month strike, but the coal owners won in the end.

In 1926 there was a 6 month general strike which was lost again.

In 1929 – 1933 there was a world recession so money-wise it was a very bleak time.

In 1929 – 1933 there was a form of unemployment benefit which was not available in 1921 and 1926.

In the early 30’s the people employed in the coal mines worked no more than 3 days a week.

Normally a coal mine worked 2 eight hour shifts a day, with a maintenance shift at night, but this was reduced to one eight hour shift a day, so half the normal workforce was unemployed.

When the day shift was over they did not know if there was work the following day. Each colliery had a large steam hooter. If there was work the following day the hooter was blown, each colliery having a set time after 6:00 pm.

The unemployed had to register every Wednesday and were paid on Friday. This pay was means tested. If you had earned a few coppers during the week that amount was deducted from your pay. If you did not declare earnings and were found out you lost a weeks pay. If it happened more than once you were prosecuted.

We were a family of four. The weekly pay was 27/6 (twenty-seven shillings and six pence) one pound 34 pence in today’s money, and there was no other benefit from anywhere.

The miners who were losing 2 days work a week had only 3 days pay and could not claim any benefit since they had to be unemployed for 3 consecutive days before being eligible.