A special “Thank You” event, in conjunction with The Royal British Legion, will take place in the CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket at Glamorgan’s headquarters at Sophia Gardens on Friday, November 9th (starting at 6.30pm) as Glamorgan CCC commemorates the members of the cricketing community of South Wales who gave their lives fighting for King and Country, besides looking at the cultural and historical impact of World War One.
With the 100th Anniversary of the 1918 Armistice taking place that weekend, the evening will also look at the work of those who fought and returned home. By showcasing some of the work the Club has recently undertaken with local schoolchildren, the evening will highlight their legacy.
The evening will start with a short introduction by Ant Metcalfe, the Area Manager Wales/Cymru of The British Legion, outlining their “Thank You” campaign and its achievements in marking the sacrifice made by so many during the Great War. This will be followed by a series of short films commemorating some of the Welsh cricketers who died, in addition to presentations by representatives of local schools, including Llandaff Cathedral School.
The next section of the evening will focus on those who fought and returned, including Freddie Mathias, the Glamorgan cricketer who won the Military Cross during the War as a young pilot with the Royal Flying Corps, before becoming a stockbroker in Cardiff and playing county cricket. This will include a film about Freddie’s achievements plus an interview with his son Tim, reflecting on his father’s wartime experiences and his life after the War.
The last part of the evening will look at the legacy of those who returned and helped to make South Wales a better place in which to live, in particular the work undertaken by Frederick de Courcy Hamilton, a former Glamorgan cricketer and Cardiff-based solicitor who ensured that living conditions improved for the residents of Butetown.
This will involve a short talk by writer Dave Brayley who over the past few months has been engaged in a project (sponsored by Literature Wales and Fusion) working with pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School. The evening will conclude with the premiere of the film which the pupils have made about Frederick’s life and legacy.
Tickets for this special evening MUST be purchased in advance and cost £3 for Glamorgan members, and £4 for non-members. Complimentary refreshments will be available from 6.30pm with the talks and films starting at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased either from Reception in the Discover Leeks Pavilion during normal office hours, by ringing 02920 419383 or by sending an email to museum@glamorgancricket.co.uk