The picture is of Bethany Baptist Church, Risca. I 'grew up' in the church, as did generations of my family before me, and I was married there 10 years ago. My Mum is church organist, as was my Grandfather.

The Church was set up to meet the needs of the English speaking Baptists who had moved into the area for work in the 1800's (as many of the chapels at the time were Welsh speaking). They originally met in a room in the 'Rolling Mill' pub until the chapel building was opened in 1875. The 'now' picture also shows the new Risca library in the former 'Palace' cinema building, which was recently refurbished.

Kate Blakemore, Risca

The photos shown are of Risca. The double fronted building on the left if the Bethany Baptist Chapel. I have fond childhood memories of the Whitson Anniversaries when Ty Isaf Mission (now Ty-Isaf Baptist Church) would combine for a service of poems and choral singing and of the Whit Monday march and tea with sports afterwards.

Opposite the Chapel is the Police Station and the park which is in a glorious setting. Further along the road on the left is the newly refurbished Palace Cinema now a state of the art library. The shops once traded in all items of clothing and furniture,but they are no more, although there is still a fair range of other shops and the town is still busy.

Jeanette Morgan

Today's old pic is of the main road in Risca. A busy by-way with all sorts of premises along the way. Many memories for many people.

Jim Dyer, Newport

The scene in South Gwent is Tredegar Street Risca. Looking up the street from what used to be Pontymister Secondary School and what was or still is the Police Station. The old Palace cinema is on the left to which we would attend the Saturday morning matinee in the 1950s! Later it was to become a bingo hall.

My parents were the Landlord/ Landlady of The Tredegar Arms Pub in the early 60s which would have been to the left hand side of the bus in the picture, next door was Mr. Watts the cobbler.

Carol Brimble

The Now and Then picture is of Bethany Baptist Church, Risca. I have lived in the area for the past fifty years and I used to regurlarly go to that church even though I was married in Moriah Baptist Church. I am not as mobile as I used to be, but I still go to the nearby shops whenever someone is kind enough to take me.

Mrs A Lovesey, Risca