1897 Directory

Homes of Historic Interest in and around Llanelli

was launched at Llanelli Reference Library on Saturday 23rd July 2011

The launch and signing of Homes of Historic Interest was a great success and the authors were pleased to welcome local author and historian, John Edwards, their friends and colleagues together with Nia Griffith, Member of Parliament for Llanelli, Councillor Hubert Hitchman, Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Susan Lewis, Chairman of Llanelli Rural Council with her Consort, Mr Ray Thorne.

Benita welcomed everyone to the event and gave a short talk about her aspirations to be an author in the 1990s when she and William became fascinated by the town’s colourful and vibrant history. At the time it was not possible to publish their history in book-form so they embarked on compiling CDROMs about local history. Finally, they achieved their ambition many years later when they proudly unveiled their first book.

Many people helped them along the way, especially Andy Taylor who first persuaded them to publish in digital format. If it had not been for him this book would probably not have been published.

So to everyone who attended the launch and signing and those who have helped the authors they would like to say a huge thank you to them and a special thanks to the people of Llanelli who have welcomed them into their community.

Nia Griffiths has her book signed

Nia Griffith looks on as the authors sign their book

Size: A5, 208 pages plus colour cover

Price only £10 plus p&p

If you would like to order contact: Meiros Publications for further details

When William and I arrived in Llanelli in the early 1990s we became fascinated with the town’s rich and colourful history. At the time I wanted to write a ‘Potted History’ because there was not one book that told the story of Llanelli from early times to modern day. That was rectified in 2000 when John Edwards wrote his Llanelli – Hanes Tref for the Eisteddfod followed by Llanelli - Story of a Town in 2001. Encouraged by William I started my project which just grew and grew and could no longer be called ‘A Potted History’. Undeterred, I approached a publisher but was disappointed when my manuscript was rejected.

Then I was introduced to Andy Taylor from Carmarthen who persuaded me to use digital format and suggested I produced my history on a CDRom. My first reaction was ‘A book on a CD – it will not work’. Then I thought about it and decided to give it a go. Andy, William and I worked together for three years and produced our first CDRom.

The rest, as they say, is just history.

So why a book now? Modern technology is great and so much can be stored in a small space and it is so easy to search for a particular topic, but there is nothing quite like holding a book. The smell, the feel and the look, is second to none. It is not necessary to have computer-ware to read the text and it is possible to read a book, anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

So here we are –our first book. We have chosen Homes of Historic Interest in and around Llanelli because houses and who lived in them is my favourite subject. William, Andy and I hope you enjoy reading about our choice of historic homes as much as we have enjoyed the research and finally achieving our dream.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and human nature being what it is, we apologise in advance for any errors that may have occurred.

Benita 2011

Contact: Meiros Publications for further details