Tywyn society hear about Welsh rivers and visit Aberystwyth

At their meeting on Monday 21st September, Tywyn and District History Society members were pleased to welcome Dr Lee Raye.

The Research Officer at Bangor University, Open University Lecturer, Fellow of the Linnaean Society, and author of recently-published ‘Creatures of Story and Song’ gave a talk on ‘Welsh Rivers in History - and the Life Around Them’.

Dr Raye selected Medieval and Early Modern accounts of animal species which became extinct in Wales. The viability and desirability of re-introducing these was considered. Those described were the beaver, the whale, the white-tailed eagle and the sturgeon. Only one species, to which he referred, the Greak Auk, has suffered world-wide extinction.

Lee's account was told with reference to myths, beliefs, stories and songs of the time and enhanced by contemporary illustrations and recital of some of the Welsh language sources. The speaker was warmly thanked for a fascinating, enlightening and very enjoyable talk. Questions and discussion followed.

After the refreshment break there was a presentation by secretary Dr Quentin Deakin, which looked forward to the society's planned trip of the coming Saturday.

On 26 September, the society visited Strata Florida for an introductory talk and accompanied tour of the site, which continues to expand and enhance its potential as a major medieval site in the history of Wales.

In the afternoon they visited the equally important centre of learning in the medieval history of Wales - St Padarns Church in Llanbadarn Fawr.

Canon Andrew Loat, himself a society member, gave a presentation on the history of the church and a guided tour of its features.

The permanent exhibition was studied and the able (or foolish) climbed the steep spiral staircase to the belfry! Finally, afternoon tea was enjoyed at the Aberystwyth’s Park Lodge Hotel.

The next meeting on Monday, 19 October will be a members' follow-up to Dr Raye's talk. All welcome.