Llanelli Festival 2011

Llanelli Miscellany 25th. Anniversary

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is the UK’s largest voluntary provider of adult education. Ever since it was founded in 1903, in order to support the educational needs of working men and women, the WEA has maintained its commitment to provide access to education and learning for adults from all backgrounds, and in particular those who have previously missed out on education.

EDITORIAL

The 25th edition of Miscellany is compiled from a selection taken from previous issues; a Silver Anniversary collection. Reading through twenty-four volumes of the annual publication was an enjoyable task but I soon realised it was not going to be as easy as first thought to select from such a wealth of material. I finished with enough articles to fill four magazines.

I hope you will enjoy reading my final selection; a varied mix of articles, stories and poetry from writers well-known to readers of Miscellany. Sadly, some of the writers are no longer with us but this is a tribute to their work.

The first Miscellany was launched in 1986 and was the idea of Brynmor Voyle, who was then Chairman of the Llanelli branch. John Edwards, who has edited fifteen of the Miscellany, writes in his history of the Llanelli W.E.A., 'It was called Miscellany/Amrywiaeth, for that was what it was, a miscellany, or variety of articles on local history, short stories and poetry.'

Many people have collected Miscellany over the last twenty-five years, and copies are now much sort after. Recently, the W.E.A. was able to present a complete set for Llanelly House.

I would like to thank Arfon Rees for nominating me as his successor, and John Edwards for his encouragement and belief in my ability. Twenty-one years ago John published my first article, 'A Bridge in Time', and I have been a contributor since.

I don't want this to sound like the Oscars, but my thanks must go to Caroline Streek and Jane Carter for typing some of the articles, to John Edwards for writing the preface and his invaluable help reading the proof, and to Clive Davies, our designer for many years, for all his support in producing this issue.

My aim is to maintain the ethos of Miscellany and raise the profile, both locally and nationally, in Wales. If you would like to contribute to the next issue please contact me.

Carole Ann Smith