THE latest community news from Tywyn

History society

THE society’s meeting on 16 July was a members and local residents’ night relating to June’s talk by Dylan Foster Evans on Welsh medieval poets and their patrons.

Two members, Hilary Harrison and Liz Deakin, took up the challenge, employing complementary styles of presentation, skilfully demonstrating their enthusiasm for their chosen topic and careful research.

Liz turned to the work of an English bard, Shakespeare, and with the help of Quentin Deakin read a key scene from Henry IV Part I featuring Owen Glendower (Owain Glynd?r).

Hilary gave an extensively researched, beautifully illustrated account of everyday life in earlier medieval Wales in all its aspects, with particular emphasis on the people of the local area and its unique history. Both contributions were well received.

It is hoped that other members and residents will be emboldened to share their own particular interests or to undertake research related to the current themes in future members’ meetings.

Before the member presentations, the society welcomed Mari Beynon Owen, from the Snowdonia UNESCO World Heritage Bid, who consulted members on opportunities and issues relating to listed and other historical buildings of note in Tywyn.

She said the town might look to a ‘Destination Plan’ that would contribute to economic regeneration through projects arising from one of more heritage sites.

Mari was thanked for her stimulating presentation and she expressed her gratitude to members for their contributions.

The final item of the evening was a reminder of the forthcoming trips to Holywell, Harlech and Penrhyn and the return visit of Harlech Historical Society to Tywyn on 30 July.

On Thursday, 18 July, a small but appreciative group of members participated in a car-share excursion to Holywell in Flintshire, suggested and organised by Julia Wilson.

The long journey was more than justified by the rich historical feast on offer.

The group was hosted for a full day guided tour by Gladys Harrison, chair of the Holywell and District Society.

The tour began with a walk through the centre of the extraordinary town which, as late as 1755, possessed the largest population of any town in Wales.

Holywell has preserved many of its handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Its economy was based on industry and the substantial remains of its early industrial revolution factories were seen on a stroll along the adjacent Greenfield Industrial Heritage site.

The tour continued with a visit to the magnificent remains of Basingwerk Abbey, the wonderful Heritage Lottery-funded Folk Museum and finally, the world-famous St Winefride’s Well, a destination for pilgrims since the saint’s death in the seventh century – often referred to as the British Lourdes.

Regular monthly meetings will resume on 16 September, when the theme will be the development of transport in the district.

Hearing aid clinic

THE next walk-in session of the Betsi Cadwaladr Heath Board Volunteer Hearing Aid Clinic will be held on Thursday, 1 August, from 10am until noon in the usual venue of the Baptist Church.

If you feel your hearing aid requires a service, new tubing, new domes or just new batteries, then just go along to the clinic. No appointment is necessary.

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