awards:- Soprano solo, Miss Elvira Jenkins, Bedlinog; trio, Mr. Daniel Jenkins and friends; duet, “Edifeirwch y meddwyn,” Daniel Jenkins and Burkley Angel, both of Vochriw; tenor solo, “Cwymp Llewelyn,” divided between Evan Evans and Burkley Angel, Vochriw; recitation, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” Miss Lizzie Ballard, Vochriw; reading music at first sight, Mr.John Bassett, Bedlinog; bass solo, “Gogoniant i Gymru,” John Bassett and John Thomas, Bedlinog; reading divided between Edward Williams and William Lewis; solo and chorus, “O tyred yn ol,” John Bassett and party, Bedlinog; an eisteddfod song by Mr. James Powell, Pontlottyn, was loudly applauded.

“Merthyr Express” 3 May 1890

31 August 1912   Presentation to Mr. Thomas Mantle   On Saturday last, a meeting took place at the Rising Sun Inn, the headquarters of the Lily of Fochriw Philanthropic Society, at which Mr. Thomas Mantle was presented with an illuminated address by members of the Society, in token of their appreciation of his services as secretary, which he has capably filled for 35 years. Mr. Mantle has lived in the village for about 50 years, and is an official at Fochriw Colliery. He is a faithful member of Carmel Chapel. Mr. James Lawrence, senior, who presided over the meeting, spoke in praise of Mr. Mantle, as did Mr. J. M. Evans, the newly-appointed secretary, and Mr. W. J. Powell, bandmaster. The address, which bore photos of Mr. and Mrs. Mantle, was presented by the two oldest members of the lodge, Mr. T. J. Morgan, landlord of the Rising Sun, and Mr. Edwin Evans, with the address being read by Mr. Thomas Thomas, Guest-street. Solos were rendered by Messrs. Wm. H. Jones, sd. Henry Evans, Charles Payne and Wm. Evans. A solo was also sung by Mr. Myall Williams, Dowlais, the words od which were composed by himself for the occasion. The meeting was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem by Mrs. Williams.

7 August 1915   Lily of Fochriw Philanthropic Society Disbanded  The Lily of Fochriw Philanthropic Society has been disbanded after being in existence since 1866. The funds were equally divided between the members on the 30th July, 1915, the proposition having been carried by a large majority to that effect. The officers of the society were: chairman – Mr. Thomas D. Thomas; trustees – Messrs. James Lawrence, Walter Walters, David R. Jones;

“Merthyr Express” 28 July 1888
Rechabitism   A prosperous juvenile lodge of this order has just been opened at Vochriw, and probably it will be found necessary to open one for the adults shortly.

“Merthyr Express” 22 November 1890
Gelligaer School Board: Letter of Application    A letter was read from the secretary of the Vochriw Rechabites asking for a loan of the shool at Vochriw for the holding of a concert. This was granted on the usual terms.


“Merthyr Express” 6 December 1890  
Order of Rechabites   On Thursday evening last, a concert was held at the Board School in connection with the “Blodeuyn Dirwest” Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites. The schoolroom was crowded, and the concert was a complete success. The members of this flourishing tent are to be congratulated upon the efficient manner in which the arrangements were carried out. Dr. Davies made a most able chairman, and commenced the proceedings with a most stirring address, in which he spoke of the great progress made recently by the order, of which he was an honorary member. Miss E. Kent Jones presided at the pianoforte in her usual able manner. The following programme was gone through: overture, piano, Miss Kent Jones; bass