Troedrhiwfuwch Memories
Troedrhiwfuwch Project
in co-production with Swansea University
Our Story
On 13th March 2021, Swansea University began a research project, in collaboration with the Troedrhiwfuwch Community Group, that will enable an historical legacy for Troedrhiwfuwch and future generations.
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This research project is a collaboration between the AWEN Institute and Computational Foundry at Swansea University and the FabLab of Cardiff Metropolitan University and has been supported in part by European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and in part by EPSRC Cherish DE.
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A team of academics led by Dr Liz Jones (now at Cardiff Metropolitan University, formerly at AWEN Institute, Swansea University) and Professor Alan Dix (Director of the Computational Foundry, Swansea University and Professorial Fellow, Cardiff Metropolitan University) have been working alongside the Troedrhiwfuwch community applying state of the art research to the communities extensive archives.
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This has included developing novel technology for recording oral history, 3D scanning of items from St Teilo Church by PHD Students at the Computational Foundry, Swansea University, and new ways to use QR codes as part of the Memorial Gardens restoration. As well as practical impact on the ground in Troedrhiwfuwch, the research has led to several invited talks in the UK, Italy and Greece and an article in the journal Interacting with Computers.
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For More Information
The War Memorial Garden
Dennis, 93,
3rd December 2023
This memorial garden stands on the site of St Teilo’s Church. It and the mural (funded by Caerphilly RDP & WG LEADER Fund) commemorate the lost village. It pays tribute to the unique history and sacrifice of the village, where from 94 households, 110 young men left for the First World War, more than 1 per household. This was the second greatest concentration of war service enlistment in the country for the size of the small community, which totalled 600 – a commitment and sacrifice recognised by King Edward VIII, when he toured the South Wales Valleys, in 1936.
The average age of men who died in World War 1 was 22, and only four have known graves, this garden and mural therefore symbolises a respectful tribute to their memory and brave sacrifice.
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Restoration started in the grounds of St. Teilos Church in 2022. The Diocese of the Church sold the deeds of the land to the council in 1985 for £1, on the condition it would be maintained as a War Memorial Garden. Prior to Swansea's involvement, the grounds were in a neglected state. With thanks to Swansea's input and Councillor Eluned Stenner of New Tredegar, new benches were installed and maintenance was carried out. With thanks to funding by The Rural Development Programme, restoration began.
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Pictured in the Garden is Dennis Morris, Born 1930, to Albert & Violet Morris of 7 Lawrence Terrace. Dennis always likes to come 'Home' when he is visiting his family in neighbouring villages.
Meet The Team
Kevin Eadon-Davies
Working with dedicated and enthusiastic groups like Troedrhiwfuwch help projects like the Cwm a Mynydd Rural Development Programme really celebrate what is important to our local communities. They have really brought history to life with innovative and thoughtful ideas that help all of us remember our past and we look forward to continue working with them.
Prof. Alan Dix
The first time I'd actually met the people of Troedrhiwfuwch ... was online. My first impression was both of their enthusiasm, the wealth of materials that they'd gathered and the expertise and knowledge that they brought to that. With an academic hat on I was blown away as well as with a personal hat on I was just embraced into this community. I felt like I was part of it.
Dr Liz Jones
“It has been really inspiring working with the community, and helping them to begin to achieve their long-term aspirations for the archive, war memorial and garden. We hope to work alongside them on several future endeavours which will provide a lasting legacy about the historic importance of the Troedrhiwfuwch for future generations.”
Co Production
