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Home , Ystradfellte

ISSUE 66 NOVEMBER 2019

Editorial Introducing The Forum BRECKNOCK MUSEUM Contact: Nigel Blackmore, Senior Curator Tel. 01874 624121

BRECKNOCK SOCIETY AND MUSEUM FRIENDS Contact: Elaine Starling Tel. 01874 711484 email: [email protected]

BRECON LIBRARY The Brecknock HIstory Festival, which Tel. 01874 62334 headlined the Adelina Patti events marking 100 years since the opera BRECONSHIRE LOCAL & FAMILY singer died, was a great success. Now HISTORY SOCIETY we move into the winter period and Contact: Hilary Williams Tel. 01874 the fireside beckons. But please try to 624432 email: [email protected] get out for some of the excellent events being promoted around the & DISTRICT HERITAGE county. SOCIETY Contact: Anna Page Tel. 01982 553376 Hanes is published every 3 months. Mal Morrison [email protected] The next edition is to be published February 1st 2020. Please email any CHRIST COLLEGE ARCHIVE articles or information about events Contact: Felicity Kilpatrick etc. with the heading "HANES" to [email protected] Tel. 01874 615440 by January 30th 2020

CRICKHOWELL DISTRICT ARCHIVE LOCAL HISTORY CENTRE SOCIETY Secretary: Wendy Parker. Contact: Ann Jessopp Tel. 01874 Contact: 730431 [email protected] email: [email protected]

CRICKHOWELL & DISTRICT HISTORY LLANTHONY HISTORY GROUP SOCIETY Contact: Oliver Fairclough Contact: Carol Jenkins Tel. 01873 890 540 Tel. 01873 812184 email: [email protected]

CUSOP HISTORY GROUP & DISTRICT HERITAGE http://cusophistory.wix.com/cusop & ARTS CENTRE Contact: Rob Thomas CYNON VALLEY MUSEUM Tel. 01591 610661 Depot Road, CF44 8DL. email: [email protected] Tel: 01685 886729 www.llanwrtydhistorygroup.com Email:engagement@cynonvalleymuse um. LLYN SYFADDAN HISTORY GROUP Contact: Roger Reese HAY HISTORY GROUP email: [email protected] Contact: Peter Ford Tel. 01497820676 COUNTY ARCHIVE OFFICE email: [email protected] email: [email protected] www.Hayhistorygroup.co.uk www.powys.gov.uk/archives www.haytours.co.uk Tel. 01597 826088

HEREFORDSHIRE FHS and POWYS REGIMENTAL MUSEUM OF THE FHS ROYAL WELSH email: [email protected] Contact: Richard Davies / Celia Green 3, Cagebrook Avenue, Hunderton, Tel. 01874 613310 Hereford. HR2 7AS Tel. 01432 355723 AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Sheila Lovell Tel. 01874 Contact: Sue Lilly 711096 Email: [email protected] Tel. 01591 610792 Email: [email protected] FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Caryl Jones Tel. 01269 825306

News AND EVENTS Tuesday January 21st 2020 John Lloyd the Radical, 1833-1915 - the Cuckoo in the Nest!" Young Archaeologists’ Club Ken Jones Venue to be arranged 3.00pm The Beacons Young th Archaeologists’ Club is part of a Tuesday February 18 2020 network of Young Archaeologists’ Roland Mathias: his life, his poetry Clubs across Wales, and the UK, and the prize. Professor Jane Aaron administered by the Council for British The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon Archaeology. YAC is the only UK-wide 5.00pm club for young people up to the age of 17 interested in archaeology. YAC’s Breconshire Local and vision is for all young people to have opportunities to be inspired and Family History Society excited by archaeology, and to th empower them to help shape its 5 November 2019 at Brecon future. The Brecon Beacons Young Library 2.00pm Archaeologists’ Club was established The Catholic Church in Brecon by by a group of local volunteers in order Monsignor Clyde Hughes Johnson will to fill a gap in the provision of YAC talk about the history of the Catholic branches in the Brecon Beacons and congregation in Brecon. Light the Usk Valley. Brecon Beacons YAC is refreshments available. supported by the Brecon Beacons There is no meeting in December National Park Authority. th You can find out more about the 7 January 2020 at y Gaer Brecon Beacons Young Archaeologists’ (to be confirmed) Knock Down that Club by visiting our blog Brick Wall – bring along your family http://bbyac.wordpress.com/ history queries and let us see if we can solve them together. Very useful hints and tips with emphasis on Brecknock Society and families in but applicable to any part of UK. Members Museum Friends and non-members are welcome at all

th meetings. Non-members pay £1.00 Tuesday November 19 2019 per meeting. The Treasures of the Guild Hall, Brecon. A guided tour by Ieuan The Society has a website Williams 3.00 pm www.blfhs.co.uk where we provide information about the parishes in the old county of Brecknockshire. Our

members can also access transcribed 18 March 2020 parish registers and memorial Ghee Bowman-Lahore to Llangattock. inscriptions for some parishes through Muslim soldiers in Crickhowell in the the website. Membership details are Second World War on the website. [email protected] Meetings are held on Wednesday evenings in the Parish Hall, Church

Lane. Admission charge for non Builth Wells Heritage members £4-00.

Society Elan Valley Visitor Centre 1st Nov 2019 - Builth Wells High School - Dr Colin Hughes taught at the school for many years and produced a book on its history. Dr Hughes is no stranger to our meetings and all of his talks have been well attended due to his charisma and knowledge. Come even if you never attended Builth Wells High School; you won’t be disappointed. * please note - the change of date has been made to avoid clashing with our friends at the Royal British Legion’s annual remembrance concert. December – no meeting, annual Dinner on 12th January (tbc)

6 October 2019 to 31 December 2019 Crickhowell & District 10am - 4pm History Society Fable and Myth 20 November 2019

Dr Celyn Gurden-Williams:Lady A.K. Skipsey's colourful exploration Llanover and her circle into fable and myth, old and new,

fantasy and truth, set in local No meetings in December or January landscapes. There's a story here for

everyone depicted on lively vibrant 19 February 2020 canvases. Annual General Meeting:Speaker to be confirmed

Hay History Group

The History Group held a very successful and well attended pop-up museum during the History Festival in collaboration with Cusop History Group. The Smith-Soldat annual lecture was given to a packed audience by Tim Hoverd, Project Manager for Herefordshire Archaeology, on “Recent research into 1 November 2019 10am-4pm Marcher Castles in Herefordshire”

which explored recent evidence for Moon Day the origins, development, use and demise of a number of castle sites Just in case you missed our July event, within the county. The talk was here’s a second chance to celebrate recorded and can be seen on: the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 https://youtu.be/FdkKQ2nHnlQ moon landing. Come to the Elan Valley Dark Sky Park and take part in fun, astronomy themed activities for Hay Castle Trust all ages, including an evening observing session, weather Remembering Richard Booth permitting. Elan Links History group will be asking you for your memories of the Lunar Landing on 20th July, 1969.

27 December 2019 10am - 1pm

Dambusters Walk

A 4 mile guided walk to learn about the area, including the remains of There was sadness in Hay last month Nant y Gro Dam which was used for as we bade farewell to the Castle’s tests before the WW2 Dambusters most famous recent inhabitant. Raid. Richard Booth, the King of Hay, died on 20th August, and his passing There is a steep climb of 40metres up prompted a huge outpouring of the steps to the top of the dam and nostalgia and respect for the man then a very steep 140 metre climb. who put Hay-on-Wye on the map.

Richard’s funeral took place at St listed building and ancient monument, Mary’s Church in Cusop, and was and answer questions from residents attended by his family, friends, and and visitors alike. hundreds of well-wishers from the town. Richard was a lovable, if Nancy Lavin Albert, Managing eccentric figure, and the effect that he Director, will report on the project to had on Hay is immeasurable. Without date. She'll recount the low points and him, it’s difficult to imagine how this highlights of the journey so far, with quiet Welsh town could have been bats, medieval arches, roof tiles and transformed into a global cultural hub, 90,000 metres of scaffolding thrown attracting many thousands of visitors in for good measure. This talk will give each year. Hay Castle was Richard’s a glimpse into the inner workings of a home for many years, and in restoring large-scale heritage conservation it we are respectful of his legacy. project and some of the lessons learned along the way. The event is Visitors to the Castle will be reminded free but ticketed – see of Richard wherever they turn. A www.hayfestival.com for more permanent exhibition of his “crown details. jewels” (fashioned from various items o f household plumbing!) will be on Carved Stone Head display in the Castle. Outside, in the Honesty Bookshop, a bronze sculpture from local artist Penny Chantler will immortalise Richard in a prominent position. Inside, visitors will be able to browse in the new King of Hay bookshop, featuring a carefully selected range of new and second- hand titles.

The King is Dead – Long Live the Kingdom of Hay! Our archaeologists have made Hay Festival Winter Weekend another important discovery to add to our collection of intriguing treasures. Peter Dorling and Dai Williams were The Hay Festival Winter Weekend th investigating an area on the town side runs from Thursday 28 November to st of the great gate when an interesting Sunday 1 December. Hay Castle stone embedded in the ground caught Trust are hosting an event at 5.30pm th Peter’s eye. He picked up the stone on Thursday 28 November to explain and was astonished to see a face more about the restoration of the carved on the underside.

On closer inspection he realised that However, it could also be an earlier this was probably a very early Celtic carving that was used to artefact, possibly Norman considering decorate the tower, as was the style of the carving. The lines call fashionable at the time. In any case, to mind a Norman helmet. The piece most people think the face looks has obviously suffered much damage rather friendly. over the years. The carving has been worn away either by weather or by Castle Opening Date the stone having been buried. Further research and consultation indicate As we’re sure you can imagine, with that this could indeed date back to such a complex project involving so the 11th or 12th century. It may once many variables there is always the have formed a decorative section of a potential for delay. Our priority is to window arch in the original medieval create a space which will inspire, castle. educate and thrill visitors for generations to come. Bearing all of Richard Suggett of the Royal that in mind, the current date which Commission on the Ancient and our contractors are planning to hand Historical Monuments of Wales said the building over to us is June 15th the find is ‘intriguing and exciting. You 2020. If that remains accurate, we occasionally get carved heads set over would expect the Castle to be open in doorways in houses and this may have August 2020. We’ll keep you up to been one. Perhaps there was a whole date with any changes. series of mounted heads at the ringwork. The imagination runs riot.’ Hereford Archives

This isn’t the only stone head 11th November 2019 associated with the tower. There is 11:30 - 12:30 Cost: £6.00 another face that has been gazing down onto the market square all Evacuate Forthwith! along, though few people are aware A look at the role Herefordshire of it and it is difficult to spot. It is on played in this mass exodus and the the north face of the tower on the impact it had on the evacuees and right at about four or five metres from local communities. The 80th the ground. It is incredibly worn, but anniversary of the mass evacuation of the features are still discernible. This children from the major cities at the section of the tower was rebuilt in the th start of the Second World War. A look 16 century, so the head probably at the role Herefordshire played in was carved at that time. It may this mass exodus and the impact it represent James Boyle the Lord of the had on the evacuees and the local Manor of Hay in the 1580’s.

communities through the records held Wednesday 15th January, 7.30pm at HARC Mal Morrison, (Local author and historian), “The Day Buffalo Bill came HARC - Herefordshire Archives and to Town” telling the fascinating story Records Centre, Fir Tree Lane, of the wild west travelling show Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6LA. coming to Wales. Llanfihangel and Llanwern hall. Non 12 November - 10 December 2019 members welcome £3 at the door. 09.15 - 17.00 (Tue-Fri. only) Free

Law and Order in mid-17th Century Llanwrtyd Heritage and Hereford An Exhibition focusing on the archives Arts Centre that bear witness to the turbulent mid-century and the impact which civil war and lawlessness had on the lives of the county's populace.

Llyn Syfaddon History Group

Since opening in the summer our local History information centre has attracted a good amount of attention. It is a former BT telephone kiosk situated in the former railway village of Talyllyn and contains photographs, maps, and information about the

Talyllyn railway station and junction in addition to many other historical Wednesday 6 November: features around Lake. Next to “Lady Hamilton and Nelson”. With the kiosk is a “memory bench” where Anna Knowles. all are welcome to record memories of the area in a notebook provided. If Wednesday 4 November: you are visiting the Llangors area why “RAF Bomber Command, the not go and have a look. Its on the only Lancaster and Barnes Wallis”. With through road in Talyllyn. Rob Thomas.

Powys Archives The Regimental Museum of

the Royal Welsh (Brecon) A small exhibition of 2019 accessions and popular records from the archives will be running at Radnorshire Museum from the 11th December.

Recent accessions from Powys Archives relating to Breconshire:

Addition to accession 2367: Dewi Cynon (David Davies) typed essay on Hermon, Ystradfellte, Breconshire

1856-1938 (Acc 2581) The Regimental Museum has a new Records from PAVO (Powys website! Association of Voluntary Organisations), mainly Brecon’s famous Regimental Museum correspondence with partner of The Royal Welsh has a new organisations, 1960s - 1970s (Acc website. It has long been an 2586) aspiration of the Museum’s staff to create a modern and flexible site, and Small bundle of memorial cards, the results can be seen at 1890s-1920s (Acc 2587) www.royalwelsh.org.uk. The site focusses on three main themes: the Records from Brecon Local & Family Museum’s Friends Group, our History Society, Breconshire including education offer and the Museum documents relating to the formation itself. It utilises many images, both of the society, signed committee contemporary and historic, to create minutes, AGM papers 2011-2017 (Acc an impactful and informative site that 2588) is easy on the eye. It launched on 21st October, so please do keep visiting 5 copies of photographs from the and watch out for the many updates Second World War, with names: Crai we have planned. Home Guard; OC and Unit NCOs; For highlights of the recent visit of the Senni Home Guard; 1st Breconshire Zulu monarch to Brecon, see Btn., Home Guard, White Cup www.royalwelsh.org.uk/friends/visit- Competition 1943; Home of-king-goodwill-zwelithini-to-brecon- Guard. Breconshire. (Acc 2593) 2019

gallery and community facilities, will Ystradgynlais History open to the public on Thursday Society December 5.

Ystradgynlais Family History Society In a joint statement Powys County has rebranded and changed it names Council Cabinet Members, Cllr Rachel over the Summer. Due to lack of Powell and Cllr Phyl Davies said: “We members and with most things being know that y Gaer will play an overtaken by the digital age we have important part in the county’s future decided to move more into the economic and cultural well-being. The History of Ystradgynlais rather than ambitious project has faced huge the family history side of things so will challenges during its construction, and be called the Ystradgynlais History we know that residents share our Society. We will be still keeping the frustration at the time it has taken to facebook and website going in order finish the project. for people to be able to have their queries etc answered but after 25 “We are confident that as soon as the years in some form of role on the impressive building opens its doors committee I have had to stand down. residents will see it was well worth John Williams is now the Chairman of waiting for. The combination of a this group and once I have his wonderful Grade II listed building, authorisation for you to add contact which has dominated the town for details for him to the magazine I will generations, with a modern stylish be in touch. addition is eye-catching and a real asset for the county.

Work on the first exhibition at y Gaer

is well advanced and details of the News Release first watercolour exhibition will be y Gaer opening date revealed announced shortly.

Brecon’s new flagship cultural and Opening in December will mean that historic attraction y Gaer will open its the town’s Ship Street Library will doors to the public for the first time in have to close in order to move stock December, has and its operation to y Gaer. The announced. service will close at the end of the session on Saturday November 9. Work on the town centre facility is nearing completion and the centre, Library users are being reminded that which features a refurbished Grade II* they can borrow up to 20 items on an listed museum, a new library, art adult library card, 10 items on a junior card and take extra books to cover the period until y Gaer opens on “Gwyddom y bydd y Gaer yn chwarae December 5. Books can also be rhan bwysig yn llesiant economaidd a renewed and borrowed online to be diwylliant y sir yn y dyfodol. Mae’r collected from any of the county’s prosiect uchelgeisiol wedi wynebu libraries. heriau anferth yn ystod cyfnod yr adeiladu, a gwyddom fod trigolion yn Other services including bus pass rhannu ein rhwystredigaeth oherwydd applications and council enquiries will yr oedi wrth gwblhau’r prosiect. be dealt with by the county’s other libraries. “Rydym yn hyderus y bydd trigolion yn gweld bod y cyfan yn werth yr aros E-books, e-audio downloads, e- pan fydd yr adeilad trawiadol yn agor magazines and e-comics will be ei ddrysau. Mae’r cyfuniad o adeilad available 24/7 for extra great reading rhestredig Gradd II, sydd wedi bod yn choices from the council’s website rhan mor amlwg o’r dref ers www.powys.gov.uk cenedlaethau, ac ychwanegiadau cyfoes llawn steil yn cipio sylw ac yn Datganiad Newyddion gaffaeliad go iawn i’r sir.

I’w Ryddhau Mae’r cynlluniau ar gyfer arddangosfa gyntaf y Gaer ar y gweill a bydd Datgelu diwrnod agor y Gaer manylion yr arddangosfa dyfrlliwiau cyntaf yn cael eu cyhoeddi’n fuan. Mae Cyngor Sir Powys wedi cyhoeddi y bydd yr atyniad diwylliannol a Bydd agor y ganolfan fis Rhagfyr yn hanesyddol newydd blaengar yn golygu y bydd yn rhaid i Lyfrgell Aberhonddu, y Gaer, yn agor ei bresennol y dref yn Heol y Defaid gau ddrysau i’r cyhoedd am y tro cyntaf er mwyn symud ei stoc a’i ym mis Rhagfyr. weithredoedd i’r Gaer. Bydd y gwasanaeth yno yn cau ddiwedd y Mae gwaith ar y cyfleuster yng sesiwn ddydd Sadwrn 9 Tachwedd. nghanol y dref bron â’i gwblhau bellach, a bydd y ganolfan, mewn Atgoffir defnyddwyr y llyfrgell y adeilad rhestredig Gradd II* wedi’i gallant fenthyg hyd at ailwampio yn cynnwys amgueddfa, llyfrgell newydd, oriel gelf a chyfleusterau cymunedol, yn agor i’r cyhoedd ddydd Iau, 5 Rhagfyr.

Mewn datganiad ar y cyd, dywedodd Aelodau Portffolio’r Cabinet, y Cyng Rachel Powel a’r Cyng Phyl Davies:

Calling green fingered Harry said he was grateful to be given volunteers the opportunity to create a beautiful public outdoor park for the community and visitors to Brecon. “Being able to design a natural landscaping scheme in the public realm, inspired by the local scenery for people to enjoy walking through, sitting and reading a book in or socialising over a cup of coffee has been a real delight. I am looking forward to working with local people to care for the planting and plan to A new public garden space has been regularly enjoy the space when my created at y Gaer in Brecon designed family and I visit y Gaer.” by local award-winning garden Members of the Brecknock Gardening designers Harry and David Rich, of Association recently visited the site BBC’s ‘Garden Rescue’ fame. for a sneak preview, meeting Harry The beautifully laid out groundworks and his parents Liz and Malcolm who and planting on Captain’s Walk has have been helping out with the established well over the summer establishment of the scheme. months benefitting from the mix of Association vice chair Pat Wilkie said: rain and sunshine. “We are delighted to have the Cabinet Member for Culture, opportunity to view the Captain's Councillor Rachel Powell said; “The Walk Gardens as well as Y Gaer. Once development of the Captain’s Walk it is open it will prove to be a area, adjacent to y Gaer, into wonderful asset for the Brecon and attractive gardens has been district community as well as visitors supported with project funding from to the area. As a resident I feel so the Welsh Government and now that proud of what is being provided.” it is almost complete, it is possible to Any groups or individuals who may see how beautifully it sets off both the like to be involved, at any level, are new and historic aspects of the encouraged to get in touch with the y cultural hub building. Gaer Volunteer Co-ordinator - Andrea “We are fortunate to have had the Mansfield at nationally renowned Rich Landscapes [email protected] or create such an imaginative planting by calling 01874 624121 scheme in the town centre and I hope people of all ages and abilities will enjoy and make use of the public space.”