Category Archives: Transport

From Hescwm to London via Swansea

Posted on May 15, 2015 by bookvolunteer

This photograph comes from a period of my grandfather’s life that I knew nothing about until recently. I had always assumed that Evan George went straight from Hescwm Farm, Dinas to an apprenticeship on the barque ‘Glance’ at Swansea and then, when … Continue reading →

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Train spotting in the Preselis

Posted on May 12, 2015 by bookvolunteer

Fishguard Harbour, the nearest station to Dinas, is the end of the line. Your only options are to take the ferry to Ireland, at 2.30 am or 2.30 pm, or go south towards Carmarthen. As there are only seven trains a … Continue reading →

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Master of MV Laurelwood pining for home

Posted on February 17, 2015 by bookvolunteer

  Captain Joseph Francis of Eryl, Dinas Cross, decided to retire at the age of 53. He had just completed two stints as Master of the Laurelwood, one of the largest tankers in the fleet of John I. Jacobs and Co. of … Continue reading →

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Marie Elsie’s list of do’s and don’ts

Posted on February 13, 2015 by bookvolunteer

When* the Scaramanga brothers entrusted a few thousand pounds worth of ship and cargo and a good percentage of their fortune to Captain Joseph Francis of Eryl, Dinas, you’d expect them to mention a few do’s and don’ts. The letter confirming his appointment is typed in purple … Continue reading →

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Ann Gent and Graham Coles invite you to rummage

Posted on February 10, 2015 by bookvolunteer

From the outside you can’t tell that the Carningli Centre is an art gallery and a second-hand book shop as well as a destination for lovers of old railway signage, collectors and connoisseurs of oil lamps and indeed anyone who loves to … Continue reading →

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A Famous Visitor

Posted on October 28, 2014 by bookvolunteer

Fishing boats, like the one in the foreground, were regulars in Pwllgwaelod bay at a time when the little port was known for its fine catches of herring, so the photographer’s lens was actually trained on the ship you can … Continue reading →

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Marie Elsie and the Man with the Golden Gun

Posted on August 11, 2014 by bookvolunteer

Capt. Joe Francis (of Eryl, Dinas) was captain of SS Marie Elsie in 1915 – a dangerous time to be a sailor. Fortunately, by the time the Marie Elsie was torpedoed and sunk on its way to Arkhangelsk in June 1917 … Continue reading →

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Car spotting and other nerdy pursuits

Posted on February 7, 2014 by bookvolunteer

With a possibly unjustified generalisation I’ll categorise people interested in the finer points of buses (or trains – planes – cars) as either geeks or nerds – probably nerds. I don’t think it is overly unkind as I’m going to … Continue reading →

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