IN last week’s Now & Then we featured a picture of Tredegar Street in Risca.

THE main building contained in the Now & Then is the Mariah Baptist Church (built 1892/93).

Together with Glin Congregational (now U.R.C) and Bethany Baptist (both out of the picture but very near) they formed a formidable triangle of religious strongholds.

Newport changes are reflected in the mode of transport (every 12 minutes) 151, 116, 118, 506 whilst the old scenario shows a car and a gentleman carrying a briefcase and the cyclist.

The surrounding buildings reflect the changing mode of business. No soft furnishes, carpets etc, previously provided by Wallace Jones whilst its Moriah, previously providing substantial employment by Risca typefounders, printers etc. in the name of Yendle.

Doctor Donald Soper, the well-known Methodist minister brought the order of Christian Witness (O.C.W) to the Western Valley (Newbridge-Risca). The final rally of our march ended as usual. It was full with Dr Soper holding a Tower Hill (London) type of question time.

He invited the awaiting crowd to engage in a question and answers, with him which went as follows: Question one to Soper: “Dr Soper what do you think of flying saucers?” Soper reply: “You seem to have a smashing marriage, I would be pleased to talk to you later.”

Question two to Soper: “Do you have to go to the church to be a Christian?” Soper reply: “Where did you sleep last night me man?” Reply from question: “With my family of course.” Soper: “Well that’s your family home,” and turning, and pointing fingers at the Moriah he said “you belong to your family home, this is the Christian home, God Bless you all and goodnight.”

The following week the OCW campaign moved to Barry where both Rev Graham Learon and myself paid frequent visits.

John Powell, Cwmcarn

THE picture is of the main street in Risca, Tredegar Street. The church on the right is the Bethany Baptist church.

There next to the church is the park which is behind the bus stop next to the church. And where the bus is stopped on that side there use to be a Londis shop.

C Lloyd, Newport