W H SNOW  -  Builder of Neath Empire

The contract to build the Empire Cinema Neath was given to W H Snow & Sons in 1925.    William Henry Snow had seven sons and Vincent (right), when in his mid twenties, was put in charge of the construction.    A member of the family said it was his first major contract.

When a builder creates a building, especially one like the Empire, a pride is taken in it that words cannot describe.

It is for this reason, and the fact that a member of the Snow family has been in touch with this website, that we print the photograph below.

The Snow family (pictured below) were special guests when the cinema was officially opened on 26th October 1926.

Vincent Snow is seated, first on left.   William Henry is seated, third from right.