Welsh Journals

President: Sir Richard Hanbury Tenison Chairman: Peter Strong 8 Pentonville, Newport, South Wales (01633)213229 County Hall, Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 2XH GWENT LOCAL HISTORY Formerly Presenting Monmouthshire Number 89 The belated appearance of this autumn issue of the journal enables the editor to be the bearer of the disappointing news of the County History Association's failure to secure Lottery funding for the project. While a renewed bid is being considered the Association will now continue its work without the substantial injection of cash that the Lottery would have provided. Other sources of funding have been and are being explored and fund-raising efforts so far have been reasonably successful. The project is so far advanced now that the Association is certain that the County History will now be published. Anyone with an interest in the history of the area is encouraged to take out membership and play a part in achieving this goal. From potential success to actual. We extend heartiest congratulations to Blaenavon on receiving World Heritage Site status in November 2000. Its bid was very much a collaborative effort that drew strength from community support. The town has every reason to feel proud of its achievement. Somewhat less dramatic but equally positive has been the continued progress of the Usk Castle Friends. It is always encouraging to see new organisations thrive. The Friends began life at a public meeting in October 1999 addressed by Jeremy Knight. Under Jeremy's presidency they have gone from strength to strength. Their day school on Owain Glyndwr was an outstanding success which drew a large attendance from all parts of the county and beyond. And so to the present journal. Three of our contributors are regulars and none the less appreciated for that. It is a particular pleasure, nevertheless, to welcome Philip Noel's first publication in these pages. May it not be his last. Secretary: Jenny Render Editor: Tony Hopkins Gwent Record Office Autumn 2000