THE latest community news from Harlech

Historical society

THIS month’s lecture was given by John Hirst who spoke about ‘Municipal Enthusiasts: The Rise of Local Government and the Decline of the Gentry’.

John worked as a librarian and went on to become director of leisure services for Shropshire County Council.

In retirement, John did an MA in social history with Open University and received a PhD at Aberystwyth University for a thesis on the development of the Cambrian Coast Resorts in the 19th century.

Ideas about what was needed to develop resorts and improve conditions generally came from within the communities themselves.

Local government was the means by which these ideas could be put into action.

Tywyn was the first local town to adopt a board in 1851 and was followed by Aberdyfi, Barmouth and Criccieth in the next 20 years, though Harlech had to wait until the Local Government Act of 1888 for its facilities.

The key figure in local government in Barmouth in the period was John Davies, the manager of the Cors-y-Gedol Hotel. He argued that if Barmouth wished to be the favourite place for tourists then changes and improvements must be made. In all the communities local people wanted the same things, the removal of rotting rubbish, a good and regular water and gas supply, control of animals passing through or being sold in the town and the regulation of pig keeping.

Local boards were dominated by Liberals and the men who ran them (they were almost all men!) were mainly Nonconformist businessmen, tradesmen and professionals.

There was a shift of power away from the gentry, the Anglican landowners who had dominated politics previously.

John ended his talk by invoking George Eliot who said tha: ‘the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts’ which were done by people who ‘lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs’.

In his talk he brought them to life and allowed us to remember them.

John’s talks are always a pleasure to attend and this one was no exception.

His relaxed and confident delivery, combined with a leavening touch of humour, rendered his detailed analysis of this formative period both accessible and enjoyable.

Next month’s talk will be presented by Sheila Cole who will be discussing ‘Thomas Pennant’s Tour of Merioneth 1781: Caer Drewyn to Barmouth’.

It will be held at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall, Twtil.

Members free others £2 at the door.

HAL

HARLECH Ardudwy Leisure’s regular chef Liz Stringer will be off to the Gambia next month and will share the plans she has made while she visits at a coffee morning on Tuesday, 28 January.

There will be a coin swap, so bring a 50p coin.

There will also be a collection dish if you’d like to donate more.

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]