I
am glad that somehow or
other you have found yourself at my web page. My name is Linda Stemp
(formerly Watkins). I live in a small village in
Blaenau Gwent, in the South Wales Valleys
called Llanhilleth. Llanhilleth is situated in an area which is increasingly
returning to its former pre-industrial/coal mining age of natural beauty. For many
years the one image that people have had of the Valleys are of ugly coal
tips and industrialisation. NOT any more! I think there was one working deep
coal mine left in the valleys, that of Tower Colliery in Hirwaun.
Sadly I believe this colliery has just closed after a successful buyout by
the miners which extended the life of the colliery for many years.
Steel making has also come to an end with the closure and demolition of Ebbw
Vale Steelworks. Gradually
the effects of over a century of heavy industry and mining are being
replaced with a greener, safer land.
If anyone is at all familiar with
things Welsh, then they will know the meaning of "Hiraeth" "a
longing for home for people and something deeper, a yearning". Anyway, it's
much more exclusive than mere "homesickness"! I hope these pages ease that
longing, in a little way.
For
Llanhilleth exiles, wherever you are !
The name of my village is, as I mentioned before
"Llanhilleth" I was born and bred here, though I left it for a long time and
lived in Germany, Cyprus and several other places the Army chose to send us
during my 21 years of marriage to a soldier.
I hope to introduce you to some of the places and sights I
have grown up with.
