"Louvain brings local history to life" - Glamorgan Gazette, 20/3/14.

On the 13th of March I had an interview with WalesOnline's Abby Bolter - we had a lengthy dicussion about my work and my great-great grandfathers contribution during World War One. As a result Abby wrote this lovely article about my work, I would like to thank her for giving me the opportunity to be featured in the Glamorgan Gazette.  

Information about my great-great grandfather: Frederick Rowlands & 16th Battalion Welsh Regiment

The article has not been made available online so I have scanned the article for those that do not live in Wales.



Island Farm: Hut 9 Open Weekend, March 2014.




On Sunday 9th of March, I visited Hut 9's Open Weekend - The Hut was opened as part of the Hut 9 Preservation Groups efforts to preserve, restore and spread awareness of their cause.  (more information)

We were welcomed by the Bridgend County Borough Council Conservation Team who "booked" us in and showed us to our seats.

Brett Exton (Local Historian and owner of  islandfarm.fsnet.co.uk) gave an interesting and insightful talk about Island Farm's History: including before, during and after its time as a Prisoner of War Camp.  

Brett Exton

We were then split up into two groups: The group I was in was given a tour of the outside of the building by Military Historian Dr. Jonathan Hicks (Chairman of the Preservation Group).

We were then taken inside Hut 9 by Richard Williams (Living History Re-enactor and Historian) - he talked to us about the importance of the restoration and preservation of Hut 9, how it will be used to educate children from local schools and around the world about Bridgend's War history. 

If you would like any more information on Island Farm and Hut 9: check out the following links.

Hut 9 Preservation Group: http://www.hut9.org.uk/home.htm

Hut 9 Preservation Group: Twitter Facebook

Dr. Jonathan Hicks - John Thomas - Richard Williams




Corporal Ward 

































Sources: All images are mine (Louvain Rees) 
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