The Bridges of Newport with reference to the Black and Amber.

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The Bridges of Newport with reference to the Black and Amber. 

By G. J. Chapman


I came to Newport in 1956 to start my education at Newport Hugh School. Apart from the Transporter Bridge  the only crossing of the River Usk was Newport Bridge, which at that time was struggling to cope with hundreds of shale lorries going to the site of Llanwern Steel Works. I very often had to leave the bus at Clarence Place and walk to the High School in Queen's Hill. 
This was the bridge in 1937 and the shops were not demolished
until 1968, so it would have looked like this when Geraint arrived in Newport in 1956.


I remember Newport RFC's greatest days in 1963, the victory over the All Blacks. There were 2400 in the crowd, most of whom had crossed Newport Bridge.


To see more click here: Reliving the day Newport RFC beat the 1963 All Blacks.

The George Street Bridge had been built in 1964 followed some years later by the Southern Distributor Bridge - both pretty remarkable structures which did reduce the traffic over Newport Bridge.

The pedestrian bridge built earlier this century was an iconic structure built by a Newport Company within a mile or two of its location. 

If and when the W. R. U. and so called Regional Rugby get their act together I look forward to crowds of rugby supporters crossing this wonderful bridge to Rodney Parade to watch a team playing in Black and Amber. 

http://www.blackandambers.co.uk/

Newport Museum and Art Gallery held  a Newport RFC, 140 Years of Rugby Exhibition


This is the opening evening of the ‘Newport RFC, 140 Years of Rugby’ exhibition at Newport Museum and Art Gallery. Former team captain, Brian Price gives his opening speech and generously takes time to talk to FoNMAG about the exhibition and of leading Newport RFC to victory against The All Blacks in 1963. Admission was free and the exhibition opened until 16th April 2016.



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