Exploration Tywi celebrates Christmases past, present and future

Residents and visitors to Llandeilo are being invited to learn all about the Exploration Tywi Project, as part of the town’s Festival of the Senses.

The festival, taking place on Friday, November 20, will see hundreds of local people and tourists flocking to the town centre to kick start Christmas celebrations.

And as part of the evening, Dyfed Archaeological Trust is throwing open its doors so that people can learn all about the new historical discoveries of the Tywi Valley.

Exploration Tywi, or Chwilota’r Tywi, is one of the four themes within Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd project and is run by the archaeological trust.

The project aims to provide an opportunity to take participants of all ages on an exploration of the Tywi Valley’s past through the excitement of geological, archaeological and historical discovery.

Project officer Hazel Williams said: “During the evening visitors will have a chance to learn what has been achieved so far on the graveyard survey at Sant Teilo churchyard, the headway we’ve made with our House Detectives, and our study of the hedgerows and dry walls of the area.

“They will also have a chance to talk to the archaeologists and volunteers who were working on the recent digs, and can put their names down for any of the future projects which will include The Valley at War and our Big Dig next Easter.”

The Exploration Tywi event is taking place at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, on Friday, November 20, from 6.30pm-9pm.

There will also be mince pies and punch and a chance to learn some old Welsh Christmas recipes.

Children’s activities will include puzzles and games and a chance to have their photo taken with a Christmas medieval knight.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration, said: “I hope people will come out and lend their support to this project, which has already unearthed some fascinating discoveries about the Tywi Valley.

“The project is putting people in touch with their past, and tying this in with the Christmas celebrations is a great way to get people involved in their own heritage.”

For further details contact Alice Pyper or Hazel Williams on 01558 823121 or email a.pyper@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk

• Exploration Tywi, or Chwilota’r Tywi, is one of the four themes within Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd project and is run by The Dyfed Archaeological Trust.
• The project aims to provide an opportunity to take participants of all ages on an exploration of the Tywi Valley’s past through the excitement of geological, archaeological and historical discovery.
• Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd (Tywi a River Through Time) is a £2.4million project, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, which is aimed at conserving the area’s landscape, biodiversity and history; and creating a legacy for future generations.
• The project received £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £557,378 from the Rural Development Plan, and support from the Countryside Council for Wales, Menter Bro Dinefwr and National Trust.