Fishguard, Fairbourne and Milford Haven

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Fishguard, Fairbourne and Milford Haven


Fishguard's carnival, Fairbourne's trains, Milford Haven's swimming pool: summer attractions filmed by Fishguard pharmacist J J Thomas.

Water cascades down the Claerwen Dam in the Elan Valley, is sailed upon by a beautiful wooden boat with blue sails and swum through by children , enjoying Milford Haven's outdoor swimming pool. As steam it plays its part on the Fairbourne Railway and the Talyllyn Railway (at Abergynolwyn). With the onset of winter (perhaps that of 1962-63) it changes form and the Fishguard streets that were full of floats and fancy-dressed people on carnival day become impassable due to snow.

This footage was shot by Fishguard's pharmacist, John James Thomas, who is seen with his wife Florence Joan nee Lewis and their three children Cherry, James and Judith. J J Thomas was known for making his own, effective medicaments (recipes for which were a secret), particularly a cream for nappy rash and a cough mixture. Milford Haven's attractive outdoor swimming pool was built on The Rath in the 1930s but became Water Gardens in the 1990s.


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