- Abertillery Online Discussion Forum -

coolaid · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

Brinley Hammond Wholesale Grocer
Known as Bryn Hammond

I am hoping very much that there might still be people in the area who might have known or who may have memories of my grandfather.

His birth was registered in 1896 in Cwmtillery, the son of Samuel and Annie Hammond.

In the 1901 census he is recorded as being aged 5, and living in 7 Roberts Row, Abertillery. His sisters Nellie Hammond (b 1884), Ruth Hammond (b1889) and Lydia Hammond (b1892) were also living in Roberts Row in 1901. As was his younger brother, Alma Hammond who was born in 1899.

In 1917 Bryn married Lilian Vida Ovens, known as Lily. They had two children, a daughter and a son. Lilian Augusta the daughter, my mother and their first child was born in 1918, and was known as Lyn. At the time of Lyn’s birth, Bryn and Lily Hammond were living in Hillcote House, East Side, Cwmtillery. Bryn is described as a Coal Hewer on his daughter’s birth certificate.

Lyn, Bryn’s daughter attended the Grammar School in Abertillery during the 1930’s and afterwards went to Manchester University where she gained two degrees one in French and one in Spanish. I believe that just before the 2nd WW, she taught for a short time in Cathay’s High School in Cardiff before she joined the A.T.S.

Bryn Hammond’s career changed course however. My mother, Lyn told me that her father was not strong, and was warned by the doctors that he should not continue to work down the pit. I am told he went on to run a successful wholesale grocery business in Abertillery between the two world wars.

The family business was located in Glynmawr Street. The telephone directory entries from 1931 to 1940 read as follows:

Hammond Bryn, Grcr, 52 Glynmawr Street …………….Abertillery 154

By this time the family had moved, and were now living in Toronto House, Alexandra Road, Abertillery.

I know that Bryn was a keen golfer, and family memory indicates that he had a trophy named after him at the West Mon Golf Club. I accessed their web site a few years ago and saw the trophy listed, but it is not there now.

As for Bryn’s three older sisters: Records indicate that Mary Ellen Hammond, known as Nellie was married in 1904, possibly to a William Harrhy and Ruth Hammond was married in 1910, possibly to a Henry Edwards. As I do not yet have the marriage certificates I cannot be sure these “husbands” are correct. I know that Lydia Hammond lived in Abergavenny towards the end of her life as I remember being taken to see her by my grandmother Lilian Vida in about 1957.

Bryn Hammond died in 1943/4 of a heart attack whilst playing golf, on the course at West Mon. The wholesale grocery business was then sold.

If any of the above, jogs any memories I would very much appreciate your contact.

Many thanks

Jim Nicholas · Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 6

I was in the County School with Bryn Hammond jnr but lost touch when he joined the Merchant Navy and I went into the RAF. I would be very interested to know what happened to him. I remember being very impressed when he showed us his Luger automatic pistol which was part of his kit as a junior officer. I suppose that was about 1940.

coolaid · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

Hello Jim

Really nice to hear from you.

I can tell you that Bryn Hammond Jnr is alive and well and living in New Zealand. He continued his career in the Merchant Navy and became a Captain with Shaw Saville. He will be 85 this year.

We are in regular contact via email and I will remember you to him when I next write.

Jim Nicholas · Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 6

Delighted to learn that Bryn survived the war. We learned that he was engaged in the Russian convoys where the casualty rate was pretty high. I have the daughter of a cousin living in Christchurch, New Zealand, who will be visiting me in Eastbourne in June. Thank you for remembering me to Bryn.

Gill · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 3

Hi

My Mum was born in Abertillery and at one stage she lived in Alma Street
along with her Brothers and Sisters.

Her maiden name is Walker and she often tells me of her first job which along withe her sister Nancy was at Hammonds the grocers.

I am sure this is your grandfather and will be seeing Mum at the weekend
to verify.

Mums name is Winnifred.

I believe she was probaly working there 1935/39