significant in their contribution were the two ironworks, at Pontardawe and Brynamman, though both became substantial producers of tinplate from the 1860s. The expansion in iron production inevitably created a heavy demand for local coal. The middle decades of the 19th century saw the expansion of existing mines and the sinking of new ones in the parish and the neighbouring districts. With the closure of the iron works and later the coalmines, Ystalyfera suffered very heavily on the economic front. Through the 20th century, the village rebuilt and redefined its role. At present, there are small businesses that run in the village. Many of the village's residents commute to Swansea or Neath to work. Gurnos Chapel The first chapel was constructed between 1839 and 1840 by Wesleyans. In 1858 the chapel was purchased by Congregationalists and in 1864 was rebuilt. The chapel was rebuilt again in 1913–14. Between 1884 and 1922 the minister was Reverend John Thomas. In about 1900 the chapel had an organ built and installed by Conacher and Co of Huddersfield. In August 1915 an organ recital was given by Professor Firmin Swinnen, organist of Antwerp Cathedral in Belgium. The Chapel celebrated its centenary in 1957. In 2011 it was sold into private ownership, with the owners allowing a food bank to operate from the premises. Present The village has Welsh language schools at both primary school and comprehensive school level. The Wern (English: Alder) Primary School, which was established at the end of the 19th century and Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera, the latter having consistently good examination results. These schools reflect the high proportion of Welsh speakers in the area. Ystalyfera is home to Ystalyfera RFC – a rugby union club, which is an integral part of the village – and a cricket team. The village was home to two cinemas, as well as one just outside the boundary, which were all later demolished. Ystalyfera is also the home to the Wern Fawr public house, and its Bryncelyn Brewery. A brewery used to exist on site and produced the Champion Beer of Wales in 2002/3 and 2003/4, coming 3rd in 2004/5. All of the beers produced had a Buddy Holly theme, these are now brewed by the '9 Lives Brewing' company which is no longer located on site. Population breakdown Population density (People / sq mi): 2.8 (24.9 for UK) Females / male: 1.07 (1.05 for UK)