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CHORISTER LAUNCHES BOOK

Press Release                                                                2 May 2006

 

 

Images of Wales Mumbles and Gower Pubs

 

Pubs past and present in Mumbles and Gower are studied in a new book which is officially launched in Swansea on Saturday 13 May 2006.

 

Written by Brian Davies, “Images of Wales – Mumbles and Gower Pubs,” covers over 150 years of hostelry history, and to mark the occasion, Swansea Brewing Company of Bishopston, ten years old this year, will be laying on a cask of ale at the launch at the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea (11.30am).

 

Brian is no stranger to the joys of real ale, as the son of a former Publican from Cwmbran, Gwent, and the co-founder of the hugely successful Mumbles Beer Festival which this year celebrates its tenth festival.

 

And Brian, a long time member of the Campaign for Real Ale will need to keep his throat well lubricated, as he will be joining some of his fellow choristers in the Morriston Orpheus Choir as they provide the entertainment at the launch too.  He is the recruiting officer for the internationally-acclaimed Choir, and had little trouble in recruiting them for his launch.

 

The book features around 80 pubs, about half of which are no longer there, but of those that remain, Brian admits he’s had to try most of them in the name of research.  Most of the research however has been carried out at County Archives, Museums, Libraries looking at many old records, maps, newspapers and directories and much of the social history of the area is covered in the book.

 

“It’s not all old pictures – the book also looks at some of the more recent times, and it’s interesting to trace how some of the older ones have changed over the years,” he said.

 

“It was great fun to research and write, and hopefully it will provide interest to history lovers and visitors to the area and an incentive for them to visit some of the pubs featured.”

 

“Illustrated with over 180 old photographs, postcards and promotional advertisements, this fascinating book offers an insight into the life of many Mumbles and Gower pubs, and highlights some of the changes that have taken place during the last 150 years" said Clive Williams, spokesman for the Morriston Orpheus Choir.  “We are very proud of Brian’s achievement.”  “It is not every day that a chorister writes a book and we are delighted to support the publication”. 

 

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors

 

1.         Included are images of the Antelope Inn – one of Dylan Thomas’s first calls when he visited Mumbles in the early 1930s – the Beaufort Arms in Kittle, the Greyhound Inn at Oldwalls and the Royal Oak in Penclawdd, as well as snapshots of pubs along the renowned Mumbles Mile. Glimpses of the working and social life, including a charabanc outing of the Pilot Inn’s regulars in 1924, and some of the pubs’ more lively clientele – including characters such as Dick the Fish and Mr X – are also featured; each image recalling the fascinating history of the peninsula’s pubs.

 

2.         You are invited to attend the book launch which will be taking place at The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea on Saturday 13 May from 11.30 am.

 

3.         Brian Davies will be signing copies of the book and light refreshments will be available.  Entry is free and all are welcome.

 

4.         The Choir holds rehearsals on Wednesday and Sunday evenings .

 

5.         Further information may be obtained from Clive G Williams or Brian Davies on 01792 367712 or Chris Jackson at Tempus Publishing on 01453 883300.

6.         Visit the Morriston Orpheus Choir web site at www.morristonorpheus.com

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