The Rise & Fall of Carmarthen Bay Power Station 1946 ~ 1991

[@LynzDr]

D. L. Jones, Len, was my grandfather, he would have loved to see all his hard work put together so well like this, thanks for taking the time and effort to do such a good job. He loved taking and collecting all the photos over the years, and I remember him spending hours compiling the album. Thanks again, I loved it.

[@robmasterman]

+Lyndsey Clarke Hello Lyndsey....you look the spitting image of your Mother, I was delighted to be able to do this for your Mother, and it's so rewarding to have such a positive feedback ....You're Grandfather, will be smiling at all this attention and recognition that his lifetime's work is receiving...Best wishes...Bob

[@martin-mi3cg]

An unusual design, how we took pride in our power station architecture in days gone by! It's a shame none of them were saved and put to alternative uses. Brilliant collection of photos thanks for uploading these - and top choice of music as well.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Martin, this has always been an iconic landmark in the area...Hard to believe such a large structure once stood there now.

[@andrewwilliams2353]

It's always a bit sad to see a familiar landmark disappearing. I was born in Llanelli in 1952 - perhaps I should have said Llanelly as that was how it was spelled then. But, all things come to an end and I now thoroughly enjoy cycling the coast path - which couldn't have been done when the power station was there. I was present when the middle stack came down and took some shots as it tumbled - fairly quietly as I remember. About 4 o clockish in the afternoon with a large crowd gathered to witness it. The coast looks better now, what with Duport gone as well. But so many jobs went also and they'll never be replaced

[@robmasterman]

Hello Andrew, Thanks for sharing your memories from Home, and as you say, Carmarthen Bay was an iconic sight on the horizon as you came back into Carmarthenshire from the East. It's still a wonderful place to live, despite the changes. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to you and your Family.

[@JPMiller14]

A fascinating array of photographs, never seen anything like it before, amazing. Interesting aerial shot of the wagon yard at 4m 15. Very well put together Bob.

[@robmasterman]

+JPMiller14 Thanks Justin, it's a rare collection indeed of this iconic building....the image you refer to was taken from the Power Station roof.....Bob

[@aplinewalker]

What a wonderful collection of photographs capturing the cutting edge of power generation and engineering of the time and the working life of Mr D.L Jones and thanks to his foresight this precious historical record now lives on in this wonderful production by Bob, for everyone to share and look back on what has gone forever. Many thanks and credit also to Mrs Lauraine Clark for preserving this historic record.

[@robmasterman]

+Alan Plumb As always Alan, your warm and well thought out comments are greatly appreciated....Bob

[@48snapper]

Another lovely video from you Bob, very well put together with great professionalism and attention to detail. This Power Station was an important part of Carmarthen's industrial history. The story that D L Jones and you have told is especially interesting to me, as one now living near Carmarthen. It was good to see a few railway shots too! Thanks again for this Bob - and for all the very fine work you do throughout the year. I look forward to what you will bring us in 2016. From Bill.

[@robmasterman]

+48snapper Thanks Bill, and I'm delighted that you've enjoyed this upload. I was pleased to do it for the family who are delighted at the response to it. The loco is still on show, albeit in a sorry state at the Kidwelly Industrial Museum. Thanks again for your kind comments and I wish you all the very Best doe the coming year.....Regards...Bob

[@roblane6368]

Very enjoyable watch - I can't believe that this has only come up as a suggested view for me. When the Bay was under demolition I was driving artics for MRJ Philips of Machynys who were contracted to Controlled Demo and we took machinery in and out of the site in addition to taking scrap metals and waste away for recycling. A good friend of mine living in Silver Terrace (long passed away) videotaped nearly all the blowdowns at the site and much of the heavy haul movements leaving the site; he was a very keen video enthusiast and I understand that his widow (who still lives in Silver Tce) still has his collection. All these industrial facilities have a finite lifecycle however seeing this film has brought a pang of sadness at the remembering of the passing of such an iconic local landmark, as well as many of my colleagues who have also passed. I also had the pleasure of visiting the station on a school tour in the 1970s'!

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much for your kind comments Rob, and I'm delighted that it's brought back many happy memories for you. Carmarthen Bay's three stacks were an iconic local landmark, that always showed, that when they came into sight, you weren't far from Home.

[@acw71000]

A wonderful collection of images Bob. Mr.Jones obviously showed great foresight in taking these photos and leaving such an excellent record of his life and times at the power station. You've made a great job of transferring them to video

[@robmasterman]

+acw71000 Thanks Austin, his family are delighted with the results and how many people have watched it and the warm comments received....Regards...Bob

[@arthurpendragon7224]

I dare say like all the heavy industry that closed its doors in the eighties, like Duport in Llanelli, our dear Maggie Thatcher had a hand in it. Wonderfull pictures of this iconic landmark, one of the powerlines that it fed run over my garden and are still being used.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much, Carbay was a landmark that you could see for mikes, and a major employer in the area.....a sad loss when it had to close.....Bob

[@carparkcampers8407]

Excellent video sat here right now watching this video after walking round the skate park where it once stood , Thanks for sharing

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much for your kind comments, I'm pleased you've enjoyed it.

[@PhilbruProduction]

Great job transfer and video editing. The story of a career summarized in 6 minutes 30. His daughter should be proud of his father and your work. A film full of emotion. Congratulations, Bob. Philippe

[@robmasterman]

+Philbru Production Thank you as always Philippe, it took some time to do, but his family were delighted with the results......Pob hwyl unwaith eto...Bob

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

What a fine collection of photos. A very worthy tribute. Well done Bob!

[@robmasterman]

+ADMIRALSCORNER Thanks Mike, It was a privilege to be asked to do this, and it's a rare opportunity for many local people to re-live past memories of the Power Stn...Bob

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

+Robert Masterman I well remember your fine video of Aberthaw power station , a place we can see from our coast. It was especially good to see how it has its own railway system and what goes on there still today.

[@bobnweaver]

Excellent record of the life of the power station Bob. A great collection of quality photographs by Mr Jones superbly put together on your video. Well done to everyone involved. Regards, Jeff.

[@robmasterman]

+bobnweaver Thanks Jeff, it was an honour to do this for the family, and they are delighted to see the results....Very Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, and a healthy New Year.....Bob

[@MervynPartin]

Very enjoyable compilation and production, Bob. Having worked on power stations at the construction stage and then seeing them demolished is very sad. I only went to Carmarthen Bay once,during my apprenticeship, on a lorry from Upper Boat Power Station to collect some spare parts for the pulverised fuel mills. At that time, Carmarthen Bay was stiill fully operational. It is good that Mr. Jones kept a photgraphic record. Best wishes for Christmas to you and Mrs. Masterman..........Mervyn

[@robmasterman]

+Mervyn Partin It was a very Modern Plant in it's day Mervyn, a major employer in the Town, and an iconic landmark which could be seen from Miles away. It's nice to know that you've been there, and can I also wish you and Mrs P a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2016...Regards...Bob

[@letrainavapeur]

Thanks for another great video Bob, don't know how it took me 6 years to find it. This is particularly interesting for me since I started my first job at Carmarthen Bay on 24 June 1965 in the operator training school and spent two years there, I retired from the industry 45 years later. The only one I recognise is the canteen lady carving the Christmas turkey although I can't remember her name.

[@robmasterman]

My pleasure Peter, and I'm delighted you've enjoyed watching it. It was an impressive place, that gave much needed employment to the local community of Burry Port

[@stephensrailways]

Superb Rob!

[@robmasterman]

Thank you Stephen, much appreciated.

[@EMuksteam]

What a great selection of photos of the history of the power station by D L Jones. Bob C&A

[@robmasterman]

+EMuksteam Rare indeed C&A, such a rare treat to see so much of the behind the scenes detail, throughout the life of the Power Station...Bob

[@Knappa22]

So sad that it was allowed to decay and get demolished. The facade was so handsome especially the porthole windows and brickwork. It must have been state-of-the-art when it opened. Thanks for such a super compilation of pictures :)

[@robmasterman]

I remember it being built, a large employer in the Town, unfortunately high levels of asbestos were present in the structure.

[@hovermotion]

wow what an amazing collection of pics in times gone by...great vid..

[@robmasterman]

+hovermotion Thanks very much, it was an iconic local building.....Bob

[@JKelcy]

Thanks Bob for an awesome show and for someone who is so far away I felt like I was there!

[@robmasterman]

+Earle Evernham That's kind of you Earl, and your comments are appreciated as always...Bob

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

A superb record of Mr D L Jones collection of the History of the Power Station. He captured some excellent images throughout it's life, and showing the Human element too just adds to it...The Barclay Shunter No 2 looked pretty good...is it in a Museum now ? Well done for doing such a great job of showing His work...You've done Him and His Family proud.....Best wishes...Steve.:)

[@robmasterman]

+Steve Lewis Video Channel. This collection is unique Steve, and one that is treasured by his family, so it was a great privilege to be asked to do this for them, The loco is now residing at Kidwelly Industrial Museum, and I never saw it working in the Power Station, despite it having been there for 40 years!....Best wishes...Bob

[@halesworth01]

what a lovely photo montage Bob, pity Sizewell A power station couldn't be taken down so quickly (I live 3 miles away) mind you I used to work on "A" station and will miss it when most of it has gone...the rest won't go until i'm long gone!!! about 2125!!!

[@robmasterman]

+Clive Clarke-Watson Thanks Clive, Carbay was such an iconic landmark, and a large employer in its time, fortunately coal burning, so non of the concerns that surround Nuclear Plants.....Best wishes...Bob

[@Bevoin1970]

Aww that was brilliant Bob, very sad but brilliant. Loved all those photos. Not much of a life was it, some 45 years, hardly any life at all, such waste. You should get those photos on Flickr so the whole world can see them. They are worth it. RIP Mr DL Jones, you left some wonderful images behind.

[@robmasterman]

+Bevoin1970 Thanks very much Paul for your kind and honest comments. It's already had 1,500 hits, and the family are delighted....Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you and your family....Best Wishes...Bob

[@davidfrobel7582]

Remember it well Bob,,always wanted to see it inside, nice video,

[@robmasterman]

+David Frobel You couldn't miss it when travelling in the area David.....Best wishes Bob

[@MegaMobs123]

Thanks always wanted to know the history of it,and what it looked like inside:)

[@robmasterman]

My pleasure Wayne, it was an iconic part of the local landscape, and many of the local community fond employment there....Regards....Bob

[@MegaMobs123]

Robert Masterman yes remember it well as a child going for a spin down the harbour with my parents:)

[@hemerdonbank]

Wonderful stuff, Bob, and very interesting. Thank goodness for those that think to take photos of scenes such as these. Always sad to see working infrastructure destroyed. As we with an interest in railways know only too well. Keith.

[@robmasterman]

+hemerdonbank Very true Keith, it was a privilege to be asked by the family to do this upload, and they are thrilled with the response....Thanks as always for your support...Regards...Bob

[@rpcomms1]

I can still remember the rumbling sound of that power station bob,when I visited my grans in Burry port from early 70s-late 80's,any reason why it was shut down? Im trying to find pictures of the "slag beach" which was near the power station,i know its all been cleared up now,i still even now pop down to Burry Port love the place,too many fond memories even thou my gran passed away a while back.great video Bob.

[@robmasterman]

+rpcomms1 I'm not sure the precise reasons, but it was outdated, but a sad loss to the town none the less. If you visit the 'Memories of Burry Port' Facebook page, you'll see a few photos of the 'Slags Beach'.....Regards...Bob

[@rpcomms1]

+Robert Masterman thanks rob,will do,my gran did say was a loss job wise when it shut down.I vaguely remember dropping 2 way radios off to the demolition contractors on hire when I was doing 2way radio job in Cardiff,i didnt mind as I know the area well,was a shame to see thou.Thanks for the info on slag beach will take a look thanks rob!

[@fatheribrahim11]

A well presented tribute. Thank you for sharing. I wonder if anyone has anything like this for our long gone local power station? (Blyth, Northumberland)

[@robmasterman]

+Moshe Sapper Thanks Moshe, there is so much work hidden away in boxes in homes all over the Country, with the current owners unaware of their importance...Bob

[@peterdovey5182]

Great film of what looked like a big employer for the area,we had a power station on the site that is the Dean Forest Railway here in Lydney The coal came out of the pit where the station platform is on a conveyor and into the power plant where the railway car park is today A great watch well done.

[@robmasterman]

+Peter Dovey Thank you Peter. I wasn't aware that there had been a Power Station at Lydney....very interesting, and goes to show, that these important structures can so easily be wiped of the face of this Earth, without any trace...Regards...Bob

[@tafgull53]

Very Good I spent 1 week at the Bay long time ago Being a ex Pembroke lad and this is great showing the start and end of Carmarthen Bay power station we employed a lot ex bay lads at Pembroke as well CEGB days all gone now sadly

[@robmasterman]

+Nigel Gullam Thanks for adding additional information to this fascinating story Nigel....Regards...Bob

[@theworldthroughalens5324]

Execellent ! Very enjoyable watch 👍🏻

[@robmasterman]

+The World through a lens Thanks very much and greatly appreciated...Bob

[@balmesh]

Well done, Bob. Just for the record, for an old newcomer, where was it built?

[@robmasterman]

+balmesh Hello Alan, it was situated to the South of the Main Line on the East side of Burry Port ...an iconic building seen from many miles away...Bob

[@banksroadmodernimage7358]

Very interesting!!! Ive subbed

[@robmasterman]

+n moughton Thanks very much...Regards...Bob

[@struck2soon]

Great work Bob. There aren't many sights sadder than seeing a useful and functional structure being torn down. According to the govt. announcement last week, looks like we will be seeing the death of the remaining coal-burners soon...

[@robmasterman]

+struck2soon It was very important to this Town, employing 500+ people at it's height....and sadly it's gone without trace....sign of the times regrettably.....Bob

[@struck2soon]

+Robert Masterman , mixed feelings on this: morally, I know we have to get co2 emissions down and coal produces quite a bit when burnt, but what a great piece of equipment the coal-fired power station is. From the rail operation to bring the fuel in to the actual turbine machinery, it is a fascinating way to make electricity.

[@robmasterman]

Like so much in life today, everything has a short working life, and no matter what the subject is, we love to see how things work....Bob