Books

Traces the ups and downs of varying fortunes of Carmarthen Golf Club over a hundred years. The author meticulously researched this highly interesting history, from four temporary homes to the final security of Rhyd-y-Marchog. The club finally blossomed to enjoy success on a wide scale after battling through two world wars and a host of financial crises. It is a story of human endeavour by some colourful characters.

Printed by Gwasg Gomer 2007.

A tale of three parish appendages which became one Community area, and four landed estates reduced to one. Dominated by the 4R’s (Road – Rail – River – Rocks), its development largely became the domain of 4 families until the middle of the 20th Century: then a surge of building from 1970 onwards, trebled its size.

From the traditional crafts of carpenters, blacksmiths, iron smelters, charcoal burners, shoemakers, clogmakers, tailors, seamstresses, spinners, weavers, quarry men and farmers; all, but the latter, had disappeared by the Millennium; replaced by a largely commuting and retired class of people; and sprinkled with the interesting variations of an antiques dealer, a race-horse trainer, a canoe specialist, an airline pilot and a rally driver.
From an almost monoglot Welsh community at the end of the Nineteenth century, Welsh culture remained strong for three quarters of the Twentieth century, before losing ground in the last quarter.

Printed by Gwasg Gomer 2002

Here was a parish that burst into prominence at various stages of its history. Into an area, steeped in a strong Druidic tradition,came the five saints to establish the first Christian church in the fifth century: the holy pools gaining a healing reputation as the local ‘Lourdes’.

After many undistinguished centuries, the arrival of the Nonconformists, the Baptists and the railway added further impetus: all of which culminated in the Golden Age of the first half of the twentieth century, when religious, economic, cultural and social activity peaked to a buzz.

Llanpumsaint produced more than its share of famous sons and daughters: two parish-born members of parliament, two ladies of extraordinary talents and two local benefactors of note. Add to this a host of real characters, all of whom deserve to be recorded for posterity.

Printed by Gwasg Gomer 2004