Everlasting love
Ynysowen is a valley that has been living and changing over the years and for Sheila it's never lost its beauty.
"The first time I saw the valley, it had been snowing. The mountains and coal tips were clothed in white... just like the Alps.
I took a deep breath and fell in love.
Later, as a young married woman, I came to live in a colliery house with my husband. Gradually, we turned our little house into a home. We were blessed with three children. We were content. I made many friends and I began to feel truly at home.
Behind our little house was an old wooden bridge spanning the river. It led to stone steps that took you up to the top of the village. Many times I watched the miners using the steps waking to and from their shift work.
The village grew because of the colliery. It was six months before I got used to the noise - night and day. With the boiler house opposite issuing loud hissing noises together with the sounds of the hooter I would not be able to hear myself think, let alone sleep.
But over the years I got used to it and in fact when the colliery closed down, I couldn't sleep because it was too quiet!
The valley has always been beautiful for me, through all the seasons, the mists, the snow and of course the rain. Even in one day a change of light can alter my view so that I have never taken it for granted.
Now we have lived most of our lives here, through the good time and the bad. Of course, we enjoyed the good times, and during the bad times walking the length and breadth of this special place helped me heal.
Where else would I wish to live?
The valley has helped make me what I am today. I am blessed."
Sheila Lewis
