Home   

Glanymor & Tyisha History Group

Grŵp Hanes

Book 8 Launch details

The History Group was formed with the help of Communities First when member Nevil Williams, with the support of group members, was able to apply for funding to enable him to publish a book which was a tribute to his stepfather and the former communities of Machynys and Bwlch-y-Gwynt. Eddie John and the Lost Community was launched on 4th December 2003 sponsored by Communities 1st, Foothold and the Welsh Assembly.

The first meeting of the newly formed group was held at Bethania Chapel on Tuesday 10th February 2004, at 4.30 p.m. The following attended the meeting:Hubert Hitchman; Alwyn Jones; Angela Jones;Angharad Jones; John Jones; Ken Jones; David Meadows; Joyce Mollet; Derek Newton-Goverd; Benita Afan Rees; William Rees; Gareth Watts; John Williams; Nevil Williams.

The first officers appointed were: John Williams, Chairperson; Alwyn Jones, Treasurer; Benita Afan Rees, Secretary.

From its inauguration, regular meetings were held on the first Thursday of every month and before too long articles and photographs came flooding in from local historians and members of the community.

A People’s History: Glanymor & Tyisha. Number 1 was launched at Trinity Chapel Vestry on Friday, 19th November 2004, less than twelve months after the history group was established. Number 2 was launched on Thursday 17th November 2005 at Trinity Chapel Vestry.

After the launch of Number 2, Chairman, John Williams stepped down due to ill-health and Nevil Williams was elected in his place.  Number 2, in the series proved to be a huge success and the demand for reprints of Numbers 1 and 2 necessitated a reprint of the two issues in one combined issue.

Number 3, followed the success of Numbers 1 and 2 with demand outstripping supply. The launch was held at Trinity Chapel Vestry on Thursday 17th November 2006 and demand was such that a reprint was necessary by 2007.

By 2007 the Group had a President and Vice-president; the officials were as follows: Catherine Thomas, President; John Edwards, Vice-President; Nevil Williams, Chairman; Alwyn Jones, Treasurer; Rev. Eldon Phillips, Secretary.

With sales soaring the members were treated to a trip to the Senedd organised by the then AM Catherine Thomas. Catherine invited the Group to the Senedd on 29th March 2007.

Members and relatives of the Glanymor & Tyisha History Group who visited the Welsh Assembly (Senedd) on Thursday 29th March 2007, at the invitation of the Group’s President, Catherine Thomas.

Members photographed in the Senedd reception area, 2009, l-r: Alan Lewis, William Rees, Eryl Williams, Benita Afan Rees, Charles Watson, Nevil Williams, Joyce Davies, Marion Griffiths, Des Thomas, Mrs Thomas, Vi Jones, Yvonne Jones, Alwyn Jones, Dilys Ward, Eddie Ward, Lynne Thomas.  Missing from the photograph are Meryl Watson, Elwyn Jones and Joyce Mollet. (Photo: Joyce Mollet).

Number 4 in the series was launched at Trinity Chapel Vestry, on Friday 19th October, 2007; another instant success. By January 2008 plans for Number 5 were well under way. A decision to publish a ‘bumper’ edition was discounted when the Group decided ‘to stick to the winning format’. The painting on the front cover for Number 5 was painted by member and artist Yvonne Jones who also designed our logo. The launch was held at Trinity Chapel Vestry on Friday, 26th September 2008 followed by the launch of Number 6 on Monday 28th September 2009 at Bethania Chapel. The paintings for the front and back covers were painted by member and talented artist Ethne Phillips. The 800 copies printed were sold before Christmas 2009.

Launch of Book 5 at Trinity Chapel, left to right: Alwyn Jones, treasurer, Benita Afan Rees, editor/executive officer, Nevil Williams, chairman.

Because demand for Numbers 1-5 was so great it was decided to combine the five issues in one. The launch was held at Bethania Chapel on Thursday 4th March 2010 and have proved to be very popular.

Because demand for Numbers 1-5 was so great it was decided to combine the five issues in one. The launch was held at Bethania Chapel on Thursday 4th March 2010 and sales have been beyond the Group’s expectations.

Launch of Book 6 at Bethania Chapel, left to right: Benita Afan Rees, editor/executive officer, Yvonne Jones, secretary, Alwyn Jones, treasurer, Nevil Williams, chairman and Rev Eldon Phillips, press/promotion officer.

The aim of the group has always been, and is, to promote and record the history of Glanymor and Tyisha before it is lost forever. The Group collects and records local history for future generations to enjoy, using verbal, written and photographic techniques. Our aims for the future are to build on the success of the material produced by the group since 2004, preserve the history of Glanymor and Tyisha and encourage as many people as possible to join.

The Group is often asked “What is the secret of your success?”  The answer is simple – Enthusiasm, Dedication, an Open Mind and encourage ordinary people to tell their unique stories.

The officials for 2010 are: President Catherine Thomas; Vice-President John Edwards; Chairman Nevil Williams; Treasurer Alwyn Jones; Secretary (and designer of the Group's logo) Jones Yvonne Jones; Press Officer Rev Eldon Phillips; Editor/Executive Officer Benita Afan Rees.

Demand for the books, now out of print, necessitated a reprint of issues Nos. 1-5 in a combined issued. A limited number are available at £10 each plus postage and packing.

Sincere thanks to members, relatives, friends and acquaintances, who have helped by providing information and photographs, without which, A People’s History, would not be possible. A special thank you is extended to our President, Catherine Thomas, for her support and our Vice President, John Edwards, for his guidance, support and editorial expertise.

The History Group is eternally grateful to Clive Davies of Clive Davies Design Associates, who has guided us through the process of producing A People’s History: Glanymor & Tyisha since the first publication in 2004. His patience and expertise are second to none and much appreciated.