A NEW book is shining light on the past of a village, which lies between Llanfair Caereinion and Llanfyllin, and has previously gone under the radar.

Pontrobert has been hidden in the Vyrnwy valley for a long time and the community was seen until recently as part of Meifod on the one hand and Llangyniew on the other.

However a new book looks set to place it under the spotlight.

Published by Clwb Hanes, Pontobert’s history club, the book sheds light on the life and times of the people of the village in the 19th and early 20th century.

It is called Pontrobert - A History in Pictures and Memories (Hanes ar Gof a Chadw).

The book is a collection of photographs and memories about various aspects of life in the village, from farming, religion, social life and much more.

It has been written bilingually, so that it can be appreciated by both Welsh and English speakers.

The idea for the book came from Mair White, whose family is rooted in Pontrobert.

Mair said: “The project has been ongoing for five years from when the history club was first formed in the village.

“Club members have been busy writing and collecting memories and photographs of local families, and searching in books and old newspapers to build a broader view of life in Pontrobert in the past.”

“This book is a result of that research, the history of Pontrobert village and invaluable memories of local people.”

Mair and Mike Spooner, a fellow member of Clwb Hanes, have compiled and edited the book, and a number of local organisations have made a financial contribution towards publication.

The book will be on sale from December 1, price £10.

To order copies contact Mair White on 07377263891, Gaynor Williams on 01938 500425 or email Mike Spooner via mikespooner49@gmail.com