Patterns In Paint

The history and memories were originally what bought me to the village but the more time I spent there, the more I became increasingly interested in the ageing, weathering and destruction that had created new patterns, colours, images and forms. I found myself picking out pictures formed from the decay of the paint. The village is ever changing with the elements it is now exposed to.

Sanitary Block

Dining Hall Interior

View of the Camp

The St Athan's Camper

The Boys Village had its own camp magazine, ‘The St Athan Camper’ which was published each summer and included articles of varied interest, as well as countless photos and cartoons, giving both the visitor and camper a happy reminder of a visit or a fun filled holiday.

An old view of the camp- 1937.

Camp Chapel/War Memorial

During the Second World War, the camp was closed and instead used as a rest camp for beleaguered forces returning from Dunkirk. It remained occupied for various military purposes until 1946. However, during the grim depression years, many boys still trekked from their homes to help build the proposed ‘Camp Chapel’, in which its young guests could later use as a holy place of worship.

Several thousands of club boys served in HM forces, whilst the younger members also played there part. It was reported that a number of boy messengers had been killed in civil defence. A War memorial was built after the Second World War. It still remains. \inscribed on the altar;

'Dedicated to the memory of the youth of all nations who felt that war might end the boys of the South Wales Coalfield who at this altar dedicate themselves to complete the task so nobly begun'.