Welsh Journals

ported on the year's activities to another full house of members. Mr. Baker, following his retirement as County Archivist, was elected as the third representative of the Council's individual subscribers, joining Miss P. Hockey, M.B.E., and Mr. R. Nichols. The Address was given by Mr. C. J. Pitt-Lewis who held the audience enthralled with his talk on "Family History", as he communicated so well his own enthusiasm for the subject. The Chepstow Society provided a magnificent tea, and we must extend our thanks to them for their generosity. Gwent Local History Journal No. 54 covers an interesting mixture of subjects, ranging from the vanished, through the forgotten, to those with quite substantial remains. The study by Harry Lewis of last winter, 1981/2 emphasises the differences between this one and the two previous hardest winters, 1981/2 being on the whole deeper but shorter. "Caerleon Park" is something else which has now disappeared almost without trace, but Mrs. Kennerley has researched and now reveals it, discussing also how its remnants (the farms) prospered in later centuries. "A History of the British Ironworks, Abersychan" represents a tremendous amount of work, both by the men who toiled in the 19th century to be defeated at last by economic factors, and by Kim Colebrook who has diligently reconstructed the story. A fascinating insight is given us by Mrs. Jones into the origins of the patient, skilful needlework abundant in the Diocese of Monmouth's churches. A modest activity with a quiet history, church needlework is a very lasting tribute to the faith of those ladies involved. Journal No. 53 Errata Apologies must be extended to John R. Guy, author of "Kilgwrrwg Church" in the last issue. Page 42 line 13-the date should read "1788" (not 1778). Apologies also to Mr. K. Kissack, Mrs. I. McGraghan and Mr. R. Nichols for the mis-spelling of their names on the Contents page. Jane Pearson