Editor

I recently turned 74, and decided to spend the weekend where I started my library career 50 years ago, when I was interviewed at Coleg Llyfrgellwyr Cymru in Llanbadarn Fawr, having shaved off my beard to ensure I made the right impression; in the event, the other candidates were both women!

I was interviewed by the entire CLW Academic Board (at least 20 people); the chairman was E D Jones, the former National Librarian of Wales; when asked for a comment, he simply said “Do you speak Welsh?” My reply as a Scouser was “No sir, but I’d be happy to learn!” And I got the job, staying till March 1973.

My weekends included many familiar haunts - the Hafod estate of Thomas Johnes, where we first stayed when I was a 15-year-old on holiday; Strata Florida Abbey, still wonderfully atmospheric; Teifi Pools: Borth; Devil’s Bridge; and even Ffair Rhos, as in “making a right Ffair Rhos”, a phrase taught me by Maldwyn Evans when I worked at the CLW Union bar with him.

However, the highlight of my visit has to be renewing acquaintance with Frank Hogg, the former principal of CLW, who started off my career as a librarian, ending up as the Picton Library reference librarian and rare books curator.

He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the University of Wales, and is a sprightly 92 years old. This letter is a tribute to his influence and advice, but I would also like to say hello to Paul Richards, Huw Davies and Hywel Jones who worked with me all those years ago - the happiest time of my life.

Martin Walker

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