By Anwen Francis

HISTORIAN Ken Jones of Hanes Emlyn History Society, will this Wednesday host a talk on ‘Notable Buildings’ in Newcastle Emlyn. With buildings dating back to the mid-1860s, they boast a wealth of stories and interesting facts and will include the Cwtch cafe to the Black Lion and Graig Villa to the Grammar School.

Held in the Old Library, Market Hall at 2.30pm with tea and biscuits to follow, Ken, a native of the town, will base his talk on 10 buildings, including that of the home of author Allen Raine. The Emlyn House (now the West Wales Properties estate agents) will be under discussion as it has gone through so many changes since it was built in 1876.

"The Grammar School, built in 1867 and had 40 pupils in it, with headmaster Thomas Timothy Elias, was originally one room, had three teachers and a piano and the children were aged between seven and 16 years old," explained Ken who wants to ensure that people remember the history of Newcastle Emlyn town.

He added: "I’ve come to an age, I’m 81 now, and when I go, a lot of history will be lost. I aim to discuss local topics before they are forgotten. We had two sisters call on spec from London today and I could tell them their ancestry from the 1930s. No one else could do that."

Ken has had huge support for his local talks in recent months, including a turnout of 40 or so people for his talk on the Llandysul Railway and around 30 people to hear of the talk on Llandyfriog.

This Wednesday, Ken will discuss what has changed over the years – Graig Villa on Cardigan Road was originally a chapel and Allen Raine’s property, Bank House, was a savings bank.

For further information, contact Ken on 01239 710620 or 01239 711297. Non members will be charged £2.50.