Hafodyrynys Coliery Washery

[@julianharvey6584]

Thank you. I remember it as a small child. My grandfather used to drive me from Cardiff to it and park up so that I could watch the steam engines. Great in the evenings with the fires glowing. Have a sub Sir.

[@bobsrailrelics]

We used to drive past in its later years and watch the 08 shunters working. Now I have to explain to people what was there! Thank you for your support.

[@julianharvey6584]

@@bobsrailrelics Your are welcome. Video was very good Bob. Weird how a place like that can hold so many memories. I find it sad when things like that close down. I used to work for Aeroquip hose in Cardiff making all the hydraulic hose for all of Britain's mines. I did the shipping for it all. very sad when that stopped.

[@jpjackson4982]

Hey Bob another good one I used to work MGR trains with two 37s from Aberthaw to Hafodrynys to collect coal from 1975 to 1980.

[@bobsrailrelics]

I will be going back sometime as I have been told the mine entrance is still visible even though it's plugged. Just need some better weather

[@althomas3168]

Looks splendid as it is.. a reminder of bygone times. I worked at Six Bells Colliery demolition in 1989.. there’s a vid of that on YT if anyones interested. Good films Bob.. ta

[@bobsrailrelics]

Yes I am. Could you share the link please? I am always amazed at how vast sites such as collieries have ended up so differently to their original use. I remember Hafforynys when it was operating and the whole area was a mess. It's certainly not now.

[@fhwolthuis]

Great video, Bob. Would make a nice home for somebody I think 😁👍🏻

[@bobsrailrelics]

It would but the main road is so close it's really in the wrong position 😃

[@walkinglosthistory]

Enjoyed the video, would make a good museum, thanks for sharing David & Shell

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thank you. I agree it would be a great use of the building

[@simongore29]

Thanks for the great video - a lovely bit of history. Do you know why it's grade 2 listed?

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thank you. I don't actually know how the listing system works, but from what I can understand it's because of its architecture being a concrete structure of a certain build and style. Hence anyone wanting to do anything with it would have to stick to some tight planning regulations.

[@rpcheesman]

I've been past this a few times, and desperate to go back and get my own photographs of it. Would be amazing to get to see the inside of it, but I hear it's not possible. Maybe some drone footage could be gained?

[@bobsrailrelics]

@@rpcheesman It definitely on private property but a drone flight would be amazing. Mine is rubbish but hoping to get a new one soon and will have a look at past videos such as this to add some flight shots on.

[@rayjones9786]

My uncle was one of the carpenters who done the shuttering on the washer at this colliery

[@bobsrailrelics]

It was a work of art when it was constructed, a really well built piece of architecture. Your Uncle did a great job.

[@rayjones9786]

@@bobsrailrelics Thank you Bob!

[@chrisandteresabartley438]

The top of the drift mine entrances is just up from where you were standing. I managed to find it a few months ago.

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thanks, I thought they had covered it over. Is it well defined? I will go back and get some photos.

[@chrisandteresabartley438]

Meant to say one of the drift mine entrances, as I believe there was another one on the other side of the valley.

[@chrisandteresabartley438]

@@bobsrailrelics it is only the top of the entrance, but you can see the 1954 date. If you go west from the rotunda, there is a vague path to the right (guessing 50 yds along?). You pass a bit of wall, then the entrance is a few yds away slightly uphill. It had a temporary barrier and a coal authority warning sign. It was easy to see from the road in January, but may be hidden by vegetation in summer

[@bobsrailrelics]

@@chrisandteresabartley438 I need to go back! I walked up that but it was getting a bit hot so I didn't pursue it. Many thanks for the directions

[@Rail_Focus]

Great video, definitely looks like it's worth saving, just a shame it'd probably be difficult to do anything with it.

[@bobsrailrelics]

It's a real conundrum. Needs something done with it but what?

[@Rail_Focus]

@@bobsrailrelics I think a lot of these structures just need maintaining. Especially if they're listed, can't be demolished, but can't easily be turned into anything, so need funds from some to at least keep them structurally sound

[@don1estelle]

I've often wondered what this structure was Thanks for enlightening us all! mybe it could become a Burger Restaurant lol

[@redemrys5342]

Would you look at that !

[@don1estelle]

Has any one noticed the two UFO's waiting to land! Only joking its probably the airial Ropeway taking to waste up the tip!

[@stephendavies6949]

The closure of this colliery so soon after the mega investment was legend within the South Wales mining community. I was fortunate to visit the home of the "father of brutalism", Frank Lloyd Wright, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From what I remember it was more like a Victorian manor house than a concrete carbuncle. He designed the Gugenheim in NYC, which has a passing resembleance to that rotunda in the video!