A North Pembrokeshire coastal town is to remember a much loved Welsh broadcaster this month.
Fishguard will play host to a celebration of the life and work of its adopted son Wynford Vaughan-Thomas on November 27th.
Family, friends and former colleagues will gather at Fishguard Library for an all-day celebration that will include some of his most famous broadcasts, programmes and tales.
Among them will be unforgettable live broadcasts from a bombing raid over Berlin as well as episodes of his memorable television history of Wales – The Dragon has Two Tongues.
“Wynford Vaughan-Thomas was one of TV and radio’s first great characters. The Swansea boy who, like his friend Dylan Thomas, had the gift of talk,” said Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Culture.
“Fortunately for him – and for us – he discovered the media, which was the perfect pace for him to use his gifts.
“He was the ultimate story teller who helped bring the tale of Wales to the wider world.”
Born in 1908 Wynford Vaughan-Thomas joined the BBC in the mid 1930s and often commentated on major state occasions. His reputation was firmly established during the Second World War with his reports from a bombing raid over Berlin, from Anzio and from Belsen concentration camp.
Leaving the corporation in 1967 he became a founder of Harlech TV (now ITV Wales) and also wrote many books on Wales and the countryside.
In later life he came to live in Fishguard and died in the town in 1987.
The highlight of the celebration later this month will be Remembering Wynford where the public can join his son David, TV director Colin Thomas, broadcaster Emyr Daniel and others as they recall the man and replay his contribution to radio, TV and publishing.
The day will also include three episodes from the classic TV history of Wales – The Dragon has Two Tongues, which will be shown at 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. Entry is free.
Remembering Wynford takes place at 7.30pm and is also free if booked in advance, or £3 on the door.
To book a place ring Fishguard Library on 01437 776638 or contact [email protected].
