09:00 - 22 August 2007

I Was born in September 1947 in Sawel Terrace, Hendy. I went to Hendy school and loved every minute of it. Most of my leisure time was spent in the park, playing on the swings, jerking the Jerka that would squeak very loudly and then slide the huge slide. Wonderful. Mum would cut sandwiches for me during the summer months, and I would go to the swimming pool at about 10am for the day. I would find a decent cubicle with no peepholes and spend the day in the pool for just a few coppers. The water was freezing and I would take a long time to go in - but once in, it was wonderful. In the evening, Mum would give me 8d - 4d for chips, 3d for a rissole and 1d for a glass of raspberry pop from Davies's chip shop on Hendy Square. We would sit on the wall outside the shop to eat them and have a lot of fun. Other times were enjoyed walking up to The Felin with Mr Morgan (manager of the then Co-op and chapel organist). I can't have been more than eight or nine years of age. We would chat about school or nature. It was lovely and oh so innocent.

I am now almost 60, and have lived in Swansea for more than 43 years and have only returned to Hendy to visit relations - although I did bring my husband and children to the swimming pool about 30 years ago. Hendy wasn't quite as I remembered. No Hendy Farm any more. The pool was falling apart and there were hardly any swings. I also noted a change in the flow of the river, and the rugby had been relocated to the park. I remember Terry Price winning his first cap for Wales. What a proud day for the village as they displayed it in the post office window.

I can hardly believe what's happening in Hendy at the moment. Where has all the fun gone, and what on earth is happening in our society? I feel it is so sad that young people are resorting to this sort of behaviour. I wish there was an easy solution. I hope the powers that be will find one quickly.