THE latest community news from Harlech.

Historical Society

MEMBERS of the society were treated to a fascinating and well-researched account of life in Harlech during the First World War at the January meeting.

Harlech’s Home Front, presented by John Hirst and Carol Ball, told the story of how those left at home coped during the conflict, their contribution to the war effort and the aftermath.

y the early 1900s, Harlech was beginning to recover from a period of decay as traditional industries such as farming and mining declined.

However changes in society, and in particular land ownership, brought investment in new attractions such as tourism and golf and an influx of wealthy visitors.

The establishment of local government saw improvements in facilities including electricity, drainage and new municipal housing, which created local jobs. A new spirit of optimism pervaded the summer of 1914. Harlech was galvanised by the war effort.

Almost immediately, a branch of the Red Cross Society was formed, well-attended nursing instruction courses were established and work began on the making of hospital clothing.

A local Belgian Refugee Committee was established in Llanfair. Six Belgian refugees arrived in December 1914 and stayed at Frondirion until May 1916.

In 1915 the community also welcomed British troops on a route march and by all accounts treated them royally.

In that same year there were some less welcome “visitors” in the form of two German officers who had escaped from Dyffryn Aled POW camp, on the Denbigh Moors. They were recaptured on the road near Pensarn station by Harlech police after being spotted by a river watcher.

As wounded men began to arrive from the front, temporary auxiliary hospitals were set up. One such hospital was opened at Aber Artro Hall, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Prys Owen, with 30 beds.

Prys Owen was a matron aided by an assistant matron, a sister, six of their own indoor staff plus chauffeur and several VAD nurses.

Two local doctors gave their services and the local pharmacist provided medicines at cost price with no dispensing fee.

Although the conflict wrought a terrible toll on many, both civilians and military, it provided new opportunities for serving the community, not least for women whose contribution in many vital roles in society increased dramatically.

In addition to nursing duties, local women took up senior teaching posts in the area and further afield.

The local munitions factory in Porthmadog was manned largely by women who were billeted in the town because of a lack of public transport. Finally, on 11 November 1918 the Armistice was signed.

All around the country, including Harlech, Peace Bonfires were lit. As they marked the end of hostilities little did the onlookers realise that the Great War that was to end all wars was to become, in the words of one modern historian, the war that ended peace.

WI

AS January can be prone to adverse weather and travelling can be a problem, the members decided to have a bingo evening instead of a speaker.

President Christine Hemsley welcomed all members, county letter was read and the minutes from the last meeting also. There were quite a few things to be discussed and decided, then it was eyes down for a full house.

Gwenda Jones and Edwina Evans were doing the calling and there were a few legs eleven, two little ducks and two fat ladies flying about. It was a hilarious evening and fun was had by all, especially the naughty table, no names mentioned.

There were some lovely prizes and the winning ladies were surely glad to get home to put their feet up, light the candles, open the box of chocolates and the mini bottle of prosecco and relax.

There was no competition this month and the raffle was won by Christine Hemsley the president.

The next meeting will be a 21st birthday buffet taster evening, with members baking sweet or savoury items, this will be on 8 February at 7pm in Harlech Memorial Hall, all new members very welcome.

Community meeting

AN open community meeting is to be held at the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, 25 January for businesses and organisations in the area to discuss and draw up a calendar of events for 2017, the Year of Legends.

The meeting, organised by Harlech Tourism Association, runs from 2pm to 5pm and is open to all.

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