The Fforestfach History Website

A wonderful sepia coloured photo, showing these young ladies dressed in their 'Sunday Best' - a bygone era.

2nd left, back row: Miss Sarah Bowen aged 18 years (1865-1977)

Sarah Bowen was the 9th child and youngest daughter of Daniel Bowen and Margaret Evans of the Babell.

Her first language was Welsh and she attended Gendros School.

A member of Cadle Chapel, but also attended the English Congregational Church. Married Harry Hocknell of Sheffield in 1912.

Harry Hocknell was foreman of works at the trading estate and houses then being built at Garden City.

2nd left, front row: Miss Margaret Jane Davies aged 16 years (1887-1950)

Margaret Jane Davies was the daughter of William Davies and Sarah Jane [xxxxx].  William Davies was the owner of the ironmongery at London House, Fforestfach Cross (then Llandeilo Tal y Bont); Sarah Jane [xxxxx] was a housewife.

She was born in the house next to the Lamb & Flag in Waunarlwydd and her first language was Welsh.

A founder member of Saron Chapel, taking her membership from Cadle Chapel at the time Saron was built.
Married John Llewelyn Thomas of the Babell in 1916. John Llewelyn Thomas was chief clerk of Richard Thomas, the tin plate works at Cwmbrwla.

Both are buried in Cadle Cemetery and are grandmothers of J.S.Hocknell

Photo and Information supplied by J.S.Hocknell.

[1] The photo has been cropped to show the best viewing example.

A mention of the Fforestfach Choir winning 1st prize at Swansea National Eisteddfod in 1926.
Herald of Wales 28th March 1942