New book gives voice to a town at war
Llanfyllin & District Civic Society is commemorating the centenary of the Armistice which ended the Great War by publishing “Llanfyllin Voices of the First World War” which tells the story of the wartime years through the local men and women who lived through it.
The voices are drawn from all parts of Llanfyllin society, rich and poor.
The many stories have been collected by Richard Kretchmer, a local historian and former teacher at Llanfyllin High School.
“Local history is national history – but on a local scale – and there is no better way to really understand the world of a century ago than by hearing the true voices of the men and women who lived at that time,” he said.
Another local historian, Pauline Page-Jones, provided additional research and helped with the exhibition at which the book will be launched from 10am to 12.30pm at the Llanfyllin Public Institute on Saturday, November 3.
Among the tales are those from the local soldiers from theatres ranging from Gallipoli and Gaza to the Battle of the Somme.
Meanwhile at home, a local doctor is angry about the appalling state of Llanfyllin, the Rector of St Myllin’s implores the town to “turn to God," and conscientious objectors are threatened with death.
