Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Reverend Griffith Jones, Llanddowror, who did so much for literacy in Wales in the 18th century, was the subject of the first Gallery Talk organised by the Friends of the Carmarthenshire County Museum. The well-attended talk was given by Laugharne-based Peter Stopp who emphasised how Griffith Jones’ importance in ensuring that the Welsh language, which was in decline, began to thrive once again. Working with Madame Bevan from Derllys Court in Bancyfelin and later Laugharne, he was able to set up a college in Llanddowror to train people to teach reading. These students then went out to work in areas throughout Wales, both teaching and training future teachers. These Circulating Schools had a huge impact on literacy in Wales and were known internationally for their effectiveness in promoting literacy. Their effect is evident in Wales today. The Gallery Talks are an initiative of the Friends of the Carmarthenshire County Museum and they are held on the morning of the first Saturd...

The Friends of Carmarthenshire’s County Museum in Abergwili and the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society will be meeting and greeting people at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Llanelli this year and they are inviting people who have Carmarthen’s history at heart to spare them an hour or two of help. During Eisteddfod week (August 2-9), the Museum Friends and the Antiquarians are working together to interest people in aspects of Carmarthenshire’s history. The friends will be taking the Romans in Carmarthenshire as their theme and the Antiquarians are homing in on ‘We are what we remember’ – our parents and grandparents who fought to keep the home fires burning. It would not be necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of either theme to help on the stand. The groups will welcome everyone who could encourage an interest in the stand and its exhibits. Similarly, it is not essential for volunteers to be Welsh-speaking as arrangements will be made for a Welsh speaker to be present at al...