Cymdeithas Hanes

THERE was another excellent attendance for the April meeting, when Barbara Jones, secretary, gave the story of her father’s sea-faring days.Evan Watkin Jones was the son of David and Sarah Jones, Tynlofft, but the family came to live in Bryn Road at Church Hill, a house built by his father. On leaving Lampeter College School, Evan set his heart on going to sea and shortly before his 16th birthday, joined the HMS Conway – a training ship docked in the Mersey, near Birkenhead, at a cost of £685 a year.Through a PowerPoint presentation, it was possible to see what life was like on board the ship in those days and what was expected of the boys in their daily routine.After two years he joined the Merchant Navy as he wanted to work on sailing ships.He signed for an apprenticeship on the Milverton at a cost of £30, with his salary being £10 per an-num.Short films were shown of his first crossing across the equator and of rounding Cape Horn in a dreadful storm.He then joined the Royal Navy on HMS Laurentic soon after the beginning of the Great War, and after worldwide travels on board, left the ship at Liverpool in December 1916. Three weeks later she sank, with hundreds of her crew perishing. By this time Evan was in Scapa Flow, keeping an eye out for German U-boats.He left one ship to join another and despite the difficulties of the time, he sat his naval exams, gaining his tickets and progressing up the ranks.He was presented with two medals at the end of the war and also given a certificate by the Lampeter War Committee for his work and contribution during those times.He re-joined the Merchant Navy, travelling to all parts of the globe, but a serious eye injury forced him to leave the Navy and start another career. Having married, two children were born in Lampeter, but there was still a yearn to travel, and the family went to the USA, with Evan working as a lighthouse keeper on the shores of Lake Michigan. Returning to Liverpool after five years, sadly Evan lost his wife. He re-married in 1946 and returned to Lampeter where another two children were born, namely Glyn and Barbara, and where Evan and his sister Annie owned the sawmill near the station.Selwyn Walters, chairman, thanked Barbara for the fascinating history of her father and the tremendous research she had pieced together. Members were able to browse through numerous papers and records at the end of the evening.The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 17 May, when the AGM will be held, followed by a talk by Lester Mason entitled Lampeter Remembers.

Museum

ANOTHER valuation day will be held at the museum on Thursday, 19 May, when Ian Taylor from Peter Francis & Co, of Carmarthen will be present to give his opinion on treasures and artefacts brought in by the public. Bring along your treasures between 10am and 3pm for a free valuation.

St Thomas’ Methodist Church

ON SUNDAY, 15 May, there will be a service in English at 10.30am led by Rev James Patron Bell.A crèche and youth group is also available.Coffee and croissants will be served after the service to celebrate Pentecost and the beginning of Christian Aid Week.A special welcome to visitors.

St Peter’s Church

SERVICES on 15 May: 8am, Holy Communion in English; 10.30am, Morning Worship (bilingual).