| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: |
Linda Swanson
Tel: 07393 296375
|
| When: | Monthly on Monday mornings 11:00 am-12:30 pm Last Monday of the month at 11am |
| Venue: | Gilwern Library |
What started as a small gathering of family history enthusiasts has now blossomed into a network of researchers dedicated to preserving the rich history of Gilwern and its surrounding areas.
Whether you're a seasoned family historian or a complete beginner, we welcome you. Our experienced members are always willing to lend their expertise, share resources, and help you navigate the exciting world of family and social history.
From tracing family trees to uncovering fascinating local stories, we believe that every family has a unique narrative waiting to be discovered. Join us, and let's bring the past to life—one story, one connection at a time.
No prior experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and passion for local history!
Take a look at our two current projects below: ORAL HISTORIES and LIVING STONES.
Our completed projects are WW1 Llanelly Parish Remembers and Gilwern in Bygone Days
Forthcoming Meetings and Events
28th April 2025
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Group Meeting
Page last updated on 7th April 2025
Venue: Gilwern Community Centre
19th May 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Group Meeting
Page last updated on 7th April 2025
Venue: Gilwern Community Centre
30th June 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Group Meeting
Page last updated on 7th April 2025
Venue: Gilwern Community Centre
Our Current Research Projects
Oral Histories
Calling All Local Storytellers!
Do you remember Gilwern and the surrounding area before smartphones, supermarkets, and modern conveniences? Are you a keeper of local stories that might otherwise be lost forever? Gilwern u3a is on a mission to capture the living history of our community.
We're seeking the wisdom and memories of those who know our parish best - the long-term residents who have watched Llanelly Parish transform through decades of change. From childhood tales of Gilwern, Clydach, Maesygwartha, and Llanelly Hill to stories of local life that you've witnessed firsthand, we want to preserve your unique perspective.
This isn't just an interview - it's a chance to ensure that our community's past continues to pulse for future generations. We'll come to you, at a time and place that suits you best. Bring a friend if you wish, bring a memory, bring a story that only you can tell.
Your memories are more than just personal recollections - they're a precious historical treasure.
Would you like to be part of preserving our local heritage?
If so, please don't hesitate to contact Hilary Lipscombe on 07855 871055. Take a look at the oral history already recorded, click the link below.
Living Stones
Uncovering Local History at St Elli Churchyard
This project involves exploring the hidden stories etched in the weathered stones of St Elli Churchyard. We're not just documenting graves - we're respectfully remembering forgotten lives, reconnecting with our local heritage, and bringing untold stories back to light. There are many aspects to this project - photography, research, documenting and typing up family profiles - there must something that will interest and suit you? If you think so, please get in touch.
Click on Living Stones at the top of this section and take a look at some of our ongoing research. If you are researching someone who lived in Llanelly Parish try our searchable index but please remember this is a work in progress and it is being added to all the time so check back regularly.
If you'd like a chat about the project or are researching someone buried at St Elli Church, please contact Linda on 07393 296375 or email Linda Swanson
Latest News and Notices from the Group
- April Headstone - The Ellis FamilyRobert Ellis was born to Thomas and Mary Ellist and baptised in March 1797 in Shifnal, Shropshire. He would later become a Mill Agent where his life would unfold amidst the industrial landscape of the 19th century.
- Visit to Gwent ArchivesThe Family & Social History Group had a very interesting and useful visit to Gwent Archives in Ebbw Vale last Monday. We were fortunate to be shown around by Rhiannon Phillips, the Education & Outreach Archivist who explained to us how the centre is run, how artefacts are restored and organised together with the facilities… Read more: Visit to Gwent Archives
- Daffodils at St Elli ChurchyardThank you, John, for these beautiful photos - Spring has definitely arrived. Special thanks to the Churchyard Chums for all their hard work keeping the churchyard clear and the graves accessible.
- March Headstone - F144 David James EvansA sad St David's day on 1st March 1927 for Llanelly Hill resident David James Evans' friends and family. We follow the life of David, who, like his father and brothers, toiled in the local mines. His life was tragically cut short in the 1st March 1927 Marine Colliery disaster, leaving behind his wife Ellen… Read more: March Headstone - F144 David James Evans
- February Headstone - A19 Major T Lawrence, Dr Evan & Louisa Parry, Anna PyneThe Lawrence and Pyne families' story spans over a century, beginning with Thomas Lawrence’s military service, including the defense of the Îles St-Marcou in 1798. His sister, Ann Maria Louisa, married naval officer Henry Pyne, and their daughter Louisa wed surgeon Evan Parry. Across generations, the family’s journey unfolds through military valour and medical dedication culminating in their lasting legacy in Llanelly and beyond.
Completed Projects
To commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1 and to express the debt of gratitude we owe the servicemen from this area, Gilwern u3a Family & Social History group spearheaded the preparation of the biographies of all those servicemen who fought in WW1.
A collection of photographs of Gilwern from the past
Page last updated on 7th April 2025