Old Age Pensioners Association
A branch of the Old Age Pensioners' Association was formed at Fochriw during October 1938 with an initial membership of 98.
The first outing was to Barry Island in July 1939 when over 120 people were taken. Subsequent trips up to 1963 were to such places as Abergavenny, Brecon, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan, Porthcawl and Aberavon,
During September 1946 the O.A.Ps. in the Fochriw valley received gifts of food from the people of Queensland, Australia. The distribution was made by members of the O.A.P. organisation, in association with local ward members of the Council.
Funding was undertaken by means of concerts, Cymanfa Ganu, jumble sales, dances, raffles, benefit football matches and an annual “Mile of Pennies” collection which constituted door to door collections and collection tables at strategic locations in the villages of Fochriw, Penybanc, Pentwyn and Pantywaun.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES
Ivorites
“Merthyr Express” 9 December 1865
Quarterly Meeting of the Ivorites The Ivorites of this district held their quarterly meeting at the Tredegar Arms, Fleur-de-lis, on Monday last, when delegates from the different lodges assembled in the long room of the above house, D.P. Edward Davies in the chair, the vice being filled by P.D.P. Henry Williams, both of whom ably discharged their duties. After finishing the monetary business of the day, the meeting adjourned to partake of an excellent dinner prepared by mine host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who deserve great praise for their cordial reception and general kindness to the delegates. We find that this order is increasing in the district by continual accession to their numbers; there was an application also for the opening of a new lodge at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Vochriw, which is to be called the “Flower of the Mountain.” The new lodge is to be opened on the 1st January, 1866. The usual vote of thanks being given the meeting terminated, and all the brothers seemed delighted with the prospects of the order in general, and the success of the district in particular.
“Merthyr Express” 9 December 1871
Ivoritism The quarterly meeting of the Rhymney District of True Ivorites, St. David’s Unity, was held on Monday last at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Vochriw. There was a full attendance of delegates representing 21 lodges, under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Hughes. There were also present Brothers John Fisher, secretary, and John Jenkins, Bute Arms, treasurer. An application was made to open two new lodges at Maesycwmmer, which was granted. There has been during the past quarter eight funerals, but notwithstanding the heavy drain on the funds, they are in a very flourishing state. The district now numbers upwards of 1,200 members, with district funds amounting to nearly £80.
“Merthyr Express” 6 September 1873
The Ivorites The Ivorites held their annual feast at the Mount Pleasant Inn Fochriw on Saturday last.