A history expert has called it a day after working at Swansea Museum for over a quarter of a century.
Gerald Gabb, an education officer who’s worked at the attraction since 1983, retired at the end of August.
He’s brought the past alive to thousands of children over the years having joined Swansea Council from Llansamlet Junior Comprehensive School where he was Head of History as well as a Classical Studies teacher.
Gerald’s work has always given him a great deal of satisfaction.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed watching superb educators working their magic in our wonderful old museum and the interest shown by many of the visiting class teachers is infectious.
“My colleague Barry Morgan now looks after the co-operative projects with Theatr Na n’Og that brings in 5,000 children every autumn but I remember the feeling when I used to do it. It’s great when all the work bears fruit on such a large scale.”
One of the funniest moments Gerald can recall from his time at the museum involves a talk on the Second World War.
He said: “During an adult visit on the theme of World War II, some of the older people in the group were recounting memories and an old gentleman stood up and told us how, after so many bomb alerts, he and his wife didn’t always bother trudging out to the Anderson shelter.
“But one night the explosions seemed close and they struggled out of bed. Then halfway down the stairs, she stopped and started back and, when he asked her where she was going, she told him she was heading back for her false teeth- to which he replied: ‘Good God it’s bombs they’re dropping, not sandwiches’!”
Gerald says he’ll miss the job but already has plans for the future.
He said: “The museum staff are a great bunch. I’ll miss them as well as working with school classes of all ages. It doesn’t always work out exactly right but, when it does, it shows you they’ve both enjoyed and understood the subject- and that’s a real buzz.
“The plan now is to spend more time with my family- especially my mother and my wife, Grace.
“And as well as writing history and watching cricket, I’m going to stay involved with the Royal Institution, who are the Friends of Swansea Museum.
“I’ll be editing their Swansea History Journal, formerly called Minerva, and would welcome any contributions on the history of the area.
“I’m also organising the local history bookfair for November 14 and may even try my hand at building a dry stone wall.”
Iwan Davies, Swansea Council’s Head of Culture and Tourism, said: “Gerald has been a key member of Swansea Museum for many years and will be sorely missed.
“Almost two generations of children have been taught by him on the importance of heritage and history and he has helped instil in many a pride in Swansea that will prove invaluable as the youth of today develop.”
