Pontywood

For a small village of just over 800 souls, Pontrhydyfen stands out as an exceptional source of talent. It is of course the birthplace of Richard Burton, a fact I have blogged on before here and here, but it was also the birthplace of other celebrities.

Broadway theatre and musical star Ivor Emmanuel, who was also in Zulu, was born in the village as was international opera singer Rebecca Evans, and singer and songwriter Geraint Griffiths who played in Welsh language bands Hergest and Edward H Dafis. The Richard Burton Appreciation Society is also based there.

Now, as Wales-on-line reports, the village has its own version of the iconic Hollywood sign. It is the work of "mature undercover handymen" in the Afan Valley village, who wish to remain anonymous, as part of their work to brighten up the area, which also involves hanging bunting, strimming vegetation, erecting gazebos, and helping at community events.

The paper says that the sign is best seen from the village's aqueduct and featured in last year's film Mr Burton starring Toby Jones. 

But that is not all. Another article in Wales-on-line reveals that a striking new mural has been unveiled celebrating Ivor Emmanuel. The beloved musical theatre performer, television star, singer and actor is probably best remembered for his role as Private Owen in the 1964 film Zulu.

The new mural has been painted on the side of The Colliers Arms pub and shows him wearing the famous red tunic he wore in the blockbuster with an inscription alongside which reads: "Men of Harlech stop your dreaming, can't you see their spear points gleaming. See their warriors' pennants streaming to this battlefield."

Wrexham was of course the first Welsh place to install its own 'Hollywood' sign, but that city cannot boast the richness of talent associated with Pontrhydyfen, and their sign has since been dismantled.