The above image dates to the 1920's and shows part of
what is now Parc Golwg yr Aman. A game of tennis is in progress in
the centre of the image and in the distance is the Amman Tinplate
Works. Clicking on the above image will give a better view of the
Tennis court.
The 16th Feb 1922 edition of the Amman Valley Chronicle
made a reference to the Glanyrafon Tennis Club having a successful
"last season" and that they were intending to lay a new
court for the forthcoming season.
The former Amman Tinplate site was purchased by Cwmamman
Town Council around 1996 and now holds a basketball area, rugby field,
skateboard park, fishing platforms and attractive landscaped features
with a solid cycle path and footpaths which are illuminated by street
lamps at night.
Across the river, Garnant Park which was originally
known as the Cwmamman Recreation Ground was sited on land owned by
Lord Dynefwr and once formed part of the Glanrafon Farm estate. The
first footbridge allowing access to the recreation ground from the
New Bethel side of the river was built around 1909. Essential repairs
were carried out to the footbridge four years later in July of 1913
and the Amman Valley Chronicle reported that it had been left to go
to a very dilapitated state and that it was a wonder that there was
any bridge left!
Footbridge to Cwmamman Recreation Ground c.1920
The Cwmamman Urban Council originally gave serious consideration
to taking over the recreation ground from its lease holders in 1913.
Unfortunately, approximately only 14 years remained on the lease and
the council suffered from a lack of funds. To complicate matters further,
the lease holdes at the time had a debt of approximately £300
and should the council have taken over the recreation ground, it was
expressed that they would be expected to pay half of the outstanding
debt. That meant that the council would require a loan from the Local
Government Board which would put an extra charge on the rates. As
the area was suffering from an industrial depression at that time
and the fact that it was unlikely that the loan would be granted for
such a short term lease, the council unanimously agreed not to proceed.
Cwmamman Recreation Ground looking towards Christchurch
c.1920
A paddling pool, sand pit and conveniences for a Children's
Playground were installed at a cost of £3,192 9s 5d after the
tender was approved by Cwmamman Urban Council at their monthly meeting
in July of 1950. The contract was given to Ben Morgan and Sons of
Glanamman. At that time, the aquisition of Penybont Field at Glanamman
for recreational development was also discussed by the Council and
the District Valuer was requested to negotiate with the trustees of
the estate who had stated that they were willing to sell the land.
In December of 1956, the Cwmamman Urban Council received
a letter from the Dynevor Estate Office confirming that Lord Dynefwr
was willing for the construction of a grandstand at Cwmamman Park.
The Amman United R.F.C. had proposed the construction and maintenance
of a grandstand at the Club's own expense.
Cwmamman Recreation Ground Aug 2008
An amusing feature found beside the footpath at Parc
Golwg yr Aman is the large stone with the appearance of a face. If
one looks closely, it is clear that the tongue is protruding. Perhaps
it is an indignant gesture towards those who stare at it as they walk
by.
Information on this page was taken from various
editions of the Amman Valley Chronicle and the Carmarthenshire County
Council website.
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