| 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 |
Our small group of family history enthusiasts are dedicated to preserving the rich history of Gilwern and Llanelly Parish.
Whether you're a seasoned family historian or a complete beginner, you are very welcome to join us.
Take a look at our two current projects: ORAL HISTORIES and LIVING STONES.
Our completed projects are WW1 Llanelly Parish Remembers and Gilwern in Bygone Days
Forthcoming Meetings and Events
Our Current Research Projects
Oral Histories
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 is 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.
Would you like to be part of preserving our local heritage? If so, please don't hesitate to contact Linda Swanson on 07393 296375.
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
March headstone - Lt Col Robert Preston Sandeman & Jessy
Gilwern u3a Social History Project - 2024
February headstone - Meredith Kenvin
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