Abertillery History

Jack Welig. Jack Welig, again I am not too sure of the surname, it is a bit scribbled and smudged. He seems to have written a quote from Othello on the page along with his signature.  (More information to come).

Gily O’Dempsey. Gily O’Dempsey, I am not too sure of the Christian name although it looks like Gily? signed the book and left a little adage, though did not leave a date. (More information to come). 

George Morris. George Morris signed the book on the 19th February 1915 and left a little quote, “In the midst of life I am in debt”.  (More information to come).

Unknown. Unknown and undecipherable signature left in the book during 1915. 

Hilda Glynn. Hilda Glynn (as seen left) appeared at the Metropole Theatre and signed the autograph book on 11th September 1915.            Apart from being a top list actress Hilda Glynn was also an accomplished snooker player. The newspaper clipping (as seen right) is from the Birmingham Daily Gazette.              (More …

The Belle of New York. Four female members of the “Belle of New York” cast – ? Evelyn, Kathlene Maguire, Dorothy Maguire and Estelle Zaradi signed in at Mrs Willis’s boarding house at Abertillery while appearing at the Metropole Theatre. Sadly no date written. (More information to come). 

Tony “Motto” Stoney. Tony Stoney was at the boarding house on 11th January 1916 and left his signature along with a few silly quotes and adages.

R. Talbot. R. Talbot of the Leonard Mortimer Co left his signature with a little adage while at the boarding house on the 2nd January, no year written. (More information to come).

Bertram Gates. Bertram Gates left his message and signature in October 1922. Mr Gates had previously lodged at the boarding house whilst appearing at the Metropole Theatre in September 1914. (More information to come).

A Celebrity Concert Programme – 1933. A signed concert programme for a celebrity concert held at the Methodist Church, High Street, Blaina on Wednesday 13th of September 1933 in aid of the Cwmcelyn Methodist Renovation Fund. Mr Arthur Fear. The programme is signed by Mr Arthur Fear (Baritone) of Blaina who was one of the guest artistes. At the concert …