NARBERTH and District Probus Club enjoyed a fascinating presentation at its last meeting when Bruce Wallace gave a slide show of old photographs of Carmarthen, St Clears, Bancyfelin and surrounding areas. 

Bruce took up a post as a Geographer and Town Planner in Carmarthen in 1970. He and his family moved to Bancyfelin in the late 1980s and after early retirement in 2007 he concentrated in researching the history of Bancyfelin, Llangynog and neighbouring areas, resulting in over 70 articles documenting the cultural and social history of the two parishes. He has a vast collection of old photographs and it was amusing for the audience, when challenged, to try to identify places and people from photographs taken 100 years and more.

Bruce started in old Carmarthen with pictures of the jail, mart ground and coracles; the seven-arch bridge in the 1920s which is now the three-arch bridge. In its day, Carmarthen was an important port: boats arrived from Bristol with cargoes of wine, returning with agricultural products. Photos of the Quayside showed how important horses and carts were. The 1850 cantilever bridge which lifted to allow vessels through was replaced by the current bridge in 1900. 

Further pictures were of Towy works (known as Aladdin’s cave); a charabanc fully loaded with passengers outside the Ivy Bush en route to Llansteffan; the judge, accompanied by police, marching to court; the Clock Tower and horse troughs still around in 1970; and the library where Sir Thomas Picton enjoyed his last meal before heading for Waterloo. 

Bruce showed photos of the then Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Diana, who stopped of at St Clears in 1987, and this was followed by interesting photos of people and events in Bancyfelin.

Bruce has a huge collection of photos and information on Bancyfelin and its surrounds. From Coombe Mansion once occupied by shipping magnate Lord Kilsant and its history as a boys home, to a Cheshire care home complete with gardens and peacocks on the lawn. He has also taken a keen interest in Llangynog and has a vast knowledge of farms and inhabitants in the area. Bruce is happy to give talks to groups in and around Bancyfelin - contact details are below.

If you have an old photograph of Whitland, St Clears, Bancyfelin or nearby and you are willing to share it, Bruce is very interested. Contact him on 01267211207, 07817583720 or email at [email protected].

The Probus Club is a gentlemen only club attended by mostly retired people who meet once a month to enjoy conversing with others, listening to an interesting talk by a guest speaker (or a club member) followed by lunch.

Narberth and District Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth at 12.30pm for the talk followed by lunch at 1.15pm. The Club is always looking for new members and speakers: contact Patrick Jones (07846 660904, email [email protected]) or any other Probus member.