These stories were collected by Llandrindod Wells cadet Koren Morgan. They were then edited by Andrew Brimer.
David Owens – The Home Guard
David Owens – Evacuation
Margaret Owens – The Farm
Russell Owens – The Air Raids
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Green Hill Manor Care Home
Some of the cadets from Hirwaun division have been visiting Green Hill Manor care home in Merthyr Tydfil. Lucy Davies and Hannah Snedden spoke with one of the residents there, Ernest Nash about his time during the Second World War.
St John members visit Lewis School Pengam
Some of our young volunteers who are taking part in the Caring Connections project have been visiting Lewis School Pengam in Bargoed. The school runs an over 50’s lunch club on a Wednesday where anyone from the local community can have lunch at the school. The programme has been hugely successful. It’s a chance for the older people to meet once a week and play some scrabble and bingo. It’s also an opportunity for the younger students at the school to have contact with some of the older residents in the community.
Ernie Crick
We spoke with Ernie Crick who is a regular at the lunch club. He is also the bingo caller there. He had a wealth of knowledge and we were very grateful for this time. We’ll be uploading his story in a few days.
Wrexham Digital Story
Digital story created by St John members Chloe Hallam and Rhys Braisdell from Wrexham Division. The story features Wrexham’s oldest member Mr Reg Williams MBE who is still in uniform. View transcript
He joined cadets in 1936 then aged 11, and was driving the ambulances at 17. During his service he has attended many prestigious events, including being on duty outside for the St Paul’s Cathedral for the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981. He was awarded a Priory Vote of Thanks in 1960, and awarded a Serving Brother in 1983.
In 1995 Reg was awarded an MBE, this was presented by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. This he took in his stride, but having it announced to a large crowd at the Wrexham racecourse at the next home match, shocked him. When officially retired at the age of 70, a special night was arranged at the headquarters in prices lane. Reg was taken off out the way, while everything was organized. Jean his wife was brought down in secret and the room was assembled. On his return he entered the room and was surprised to find everyone there. He was presented with a retirement mug and everyone enjoyed a great party. In his years of service Reg has served as a cadet, a member, he served many years as officer in charge and he is still in uniform as a member of the fellowship.
Rhys and Chloe’s report on interview with Reg Williams MBE
“We interviewed Mr Reg Williams MBE about the past history of his life as a cadet and his history of his life. We interviewed him with a question sheet, we asked him numerous questions and recorded the interview. We then used audio to edit the recording of his past history and life. We found out a lot of information about St John life eg. about the old uniform etc. The interview was very interesting and we found out a lot of things we didn’t know before hand.”
Clydach Digital Stories
St John members in Clydach have made some excellent digital stories featuring older members from their community. You can view a selection of the videos below.
Digital story featuring Hilary Stranagham (née Canton) made by St John member Mathew Thomas from Clydach division as part of the Caring Connections project. View transcript.
Digital story created by St John members Kirsty Jones and Rebecca Marie Tyrell of Clydach Division. Mr Knight, 93 was a former member of St John. He was a young cadet when war broke out in 1939. View transcript.
Digital story made as part of the Caring Connections project at St John Wales. Rebecca and Kirsty interviewed Mrs Evans from Park View House, Clydach. View transcript.
This story was also made by Kirsty Jones and Rebecca Marie Tyrell of Clydach Division. The story includes Mrs Evans (featured in previous story) and her friend. View transcript
Mid Wales training dates.
The digital storytelling training dates for Mid Wales have now been confirmed. The 2 day workshop will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March in Llandrindod Wells. Although the project will be based here, training and participation in the project is open to other divisions in Mid Wales so if you’re keen to take part, get in touch.
Wrexham Training Digital Stories
These are some of the stories created by the St John members in Wrexham during their digital storytelling training that took place in December.
Digital story by Chloe Hallam.
Digital Story created by Joe Wiffen.
Digital story by Sandra Craig.
Digital story by Rhys Braisdell.
Digital story created by Jared Williams.
Digital story by Daniel Allen.
Digital story by Lewis Steen.
Mid Wales
Digital Storytelling training dates to be announced soon.
If you’d like to be involved with the project, please contact us.
Cardiff Bay
We’ve had a good response from the youth volunteers in Cardiff Bay Division. Training dates to be announced very soon. If you’d like to get involved with the project please get in touch.
Wrexham
The digital storytelling training took place early in December. We will be uploading the members stories here soon.