THE latest community news from around Aberystwyth.

Bibliographical Group

THE group’s annual outing was a trip to Carmarthenshire on Thursday, 22 September, courtesy of Thomas Lloyd, Wales Herald of Arms Extraordinary.

In the morning, members visited the Carmarthenshire County Museum, housed in the beautiful surroundings of the former Bishop’s Palace in Abergwili.

After coffee Mr Lloyd gave an introductory talk about the museum’s substantial library, amassed in the 19th century by the curator George Eyre Evans, who also donated many books to the National Library at its foundation.

Members then had time to look at a number of interesting books which had been put out for them to view.

From Abergwili they travelled the short distance to Pontargothi for an excellent lunch in the Cothi Bridge Inn.

In the afternoon they visited Cwrt Henri, Mr Lloyd’s ancestral home near Dryslwyn. After a brief introduction to the history of the house, which dates back to the 15th century, their host led them into the dining room where they had put out a selection of antiquarian books to view.

A keen book collector for many years, Mr Lloyd takes a particular interest in the former owners of his books, especially those with Welsh connections.

Again, he gave a talk about the books and their origins before giving members time to browse.

The party was then taken upstairs to see a collection of Welsh watercolours, before enjoying a delicious tea.

The bibliographical group’s next programme of lectures will begin on Tuesday, 18 October, at 6.30pm in St Paul’s Methodist Centre, when Dr Karen Attar, rare books librarian at the Senate House Library in London, will speak about the newly published Directory of Rare Book and Special Collections in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Royal British Legion

THE September meeting held in the railway club was well attended with four new members.

The audited annual accounts were presented by the treasurer, who explained that the branch was in a secure financial position. Income was slightly less than expenditure over the year due mostly to the increase in postage costs. The accounts were accepted by the members.

The on-going activities were highlighted with the news that the Festival of Remembrance preparations were well in hand and the star of the show, Shân Cothi, was looking forward to the evening.

All proceeds from the event go directly to the Poppy Appeal. Tickets are available from Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 01970 623232.

The number of people wishing to travel on the trip to the National Remembrance Arboretum is growing, but there still some seats available.

The coach will leave from the car park opposite the police station at 8.30am on Saturday, 29 October.

Aberystwyth veterans are presenting a film festival over the weekend of 25 and 26 November in the National Library of Wales as well as a precursor concert in Canolfan Arad Goch on 11 October with the Royal Marines Sweetheart Kirsten Osborne, supported by Jane Price and Stephen Greenaugh.

Work to renovate the display unit is under way and will be completed by Poppy Time.

Local firms are carrying out the work for the branch rather than using contractors from away.

For further information on the RBL or events, contact John on 01970 358095 or Sean on 07974 914691

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