Hello All,
Had a great day at Blaen Cwm School, Brynmawr primary school yesterday
(Saturday 4th December). It wasn't a great turnout but that was because
there was so much going on in Brynmawr and Christmas shopping etc. But
those that were there had a real treat!
Lookup your genes, see:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales/shows/lookupyourgenes.shtml
Gwent Family History Society was represented by Frances (ex-Gwent FHS
membership secretary) and John Thomas also Gwent FHS secretary Nicola
Thomas who all manned the Sales and help desk.
Brenda and myself were on the Glamorgan/Gwent/Powys lookups along with
Caroline Jacob, the Merthyr Tydfil reference librarian and secretary of
Merthyr Branch of Glamorgan FHS. Brenda and Caroline were busy with the
two laptops and helping researchers queries, while I helped with the
'technical side' and 'marshalled' researchers to various stalls.
On hand were Glamorgan FHS who provided the bookstall. Rosemary Smith,
Glamorgan FHS Vice Chair was the team leader. Gwent Records Office was
represented by the extremely popular Dr Eluned Davies. Our friend, Janet
Karn (again, extremely popular) of Blaenau Gwent libraries was on the
library helpdesk with Phillip Davies and Karen (?) Janet's boss. Karen
took lots of photos, especially of Janet on her lecture spot. Karen is a
real laugh!
The Brynmawr helpdesk was run by Ann Axford and Vivienne Williams who
are volunteers and officers of Brynmawr Museum. Alan Williams and Hywel
Axford made appearances. Both are officers with Brynmawr Historical
Society and also the Brynmawr museum officers and local historians as
well.
Notable attendees were Trevor 'the milk' Jones O.B.E. with his rare Roy
Noble (BBC Wales presenter) T-shirt. Now, Trevor can talk the head off
anyone than I have ever known and if he was up for presidency in the
U.S.A. it would be no contest!
Trevor gave an interview for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)
for over an hour! That interview was curtailed and probably will be
serialised into a 24 part documentary on Tredegar if the BBC have
sufficient funds:)))
Trevor retired from his milk round last year but his knowledge about
Tredegar town is unfathomable!
Trev is computer illiterate, as most old historians are. It is a
blessing that he is at Tredegar library (Blaenau Gwent) on frequent
occasions. His Jones's are from Llamgamarch, Breconshire. Forbid! my
Jones's on my mothers side (Jones!) came from there as well! One side of
Trevor's family are Bagley(?), from Ireland. Perhaps, or more probably!
Trev has a bit of the Irish 'blarney' in him;)
Peter Morgan Jones of Tredegar (B-G Heritage Forum Chairman) gave a talk
at the event and then had to rush off to Bedwellty House, Tredegar where
it was the launch of his video (to be reported later)
Janet Karn, Blaenau Gwent libraries, gave a talk 'two sides of the coin'
which is usually a talk that she does with David Rimmer, Gwent Records
Office Archivist. David was absent through family illness,
unfortunately. Janet's talk was on the resources of the Records Office
and Blaenau Gwent Library and was very well received.
Eifion Lloyd Jones, secretary of Brynmawr Historical Society and the
Museum as well, gave a fascinating talk on Brynmawr. Now, Eifion is
originally from Denbighshire, Wales, a Welsh speaker and a real
character, who is an ex-teacher and family and local historian at
Brynmawr. Eifion was dressed in Victorian costume;) I have listened to
his talks at Brynmawr Historical Society and his enthusiasm is
exceptional! A true Welshman!
Geoff Riggs, Gwent Family History chairman, gave two talks (12pm and
3-30pm ) and were as usual were very well received from a top notch
family and local (Gwent) historian who thoroughly knows his stuff!
Penny Arnold, Cat Whiteway and Charlotte Evans and the rest of the BBC
team were marvellous, as usual, in these Welsh events. We had access to
endless cups of tea and coffee and sandwiches, paid for by 'the Beeb'!
Sue Ball of the Brynmawr partnership, Museum, etc. made an appearance in
Victorian costume in the afternoon. Sue is 'Mrs Brynmawr' and besides
many other Brynmawr guises is also a Radio presenter on Brynmawr FM
Radio with hubby Robert, who has a separate slot on the station.
Brynmawr FM is closed down as present but will eventually be made
permanent (report later)
best regards
Barrie Jones, Gwent