About the authors

Deric John was born in Pontardulais in 1944. He lived in Oakfield Street and Glynllwchwr Road until 1969 when teaching duties took him to Cardiff and then Merthyr Tydfil. He attended Pontardulais Primary School, Gowerton Boys' Grammar School and Caerleon College of Education. He has lived in Aberdare since 1971. His three books to date are: 'Cynon Valley Place-Names', 'Notes on some Place-names in and around the Bont' and 'Historical and Hysterical Tales of Pontardulais Public Houses' (editor). His place-name website is at http://someplacenamesinsouthwales.mysite.com/

David Thomas was brought up in Pontardulais, 1945-1960, in Glanyrafon Road and St Teilo Street. He later worked in London for many years in community development. He has written several books on the life, and death, of Dylan Thomas. For further biographical information, please go to    https://sites.google.com/site/davidnthomasauthor/home