Welsh Journals

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about the County to find the many things that existed of antiquarian interest and to meet people who were anxious to help in his work of collating such information. The Society decided to organise an Excursion every year to visit places of interest in and around the County. The preparation for these outings and all the necessary arrangements for talks to be given at the various stopping places were made wholly by him. Mrs. Stedman Davies assisted him to a great extent in his work. She was a keen photographer and she thus helped him to maintain a visual record of those items of archaeological interest which he wished to write about. He worked very hard for the Society, not only in Radnorshire, but also through his contacts with experts at the National Museum of Wales and at the National Library at Aberystwith. The results of which are shown by the articles they contributed to our Transactions. He often spent a holiday at Aberystwith, where the Library was of unfailing interest to him. My friendship with him began before the Society was formed and he came here regularly to see me three or four times every week. He was always such a cheery companion and one might be inclined to say that he took a light-hearted view of life. But to those who were privileged to hear him conduct a service this soon proved to be a mistake. His reverence while at Church belied that impression. There was an unusual atmosphere of sincerity always present on such occasions. I saw him for the last time only three days before he died and he went away, as he had done many times before chuckling at some joke or other I had told him. His love of humour was such that I often said to myself Steddy will enjoy this." He was particularly easy and understanding with children. He knew that young people of his acquaintance referred to him as Steddy and this would always give rise to one of his happy chuckles. With all his knowledge there was a simplicity about his character which endeared him to all who met him. He was never boisterously friendly, but his quiet serenity always impressed one. Few men have lived and died in this world who have left behind them such pleasant memories as David Stedman Davies. T. P. Davies.