Vic Williams -Tribute to a Deeside heritage champion

It was Buckley historian, Paul Davies who first introduced me to the fund of local knowledge and gentle authority that personified the late Vic Williams of Connahs Quay, North Wales.

We chatted often on the telephone -each trying to fill those gaps of memory of things passed down through generations. Vic was passionate about Deeside and the folk who made it what it was and still, largely is. Always happy to share with me his painstakingly uncovered insights on the fabulous heritage of the Deeside about which he was so diligent and informed.

Vic shared with me much of his knowledge of the early days of shipbuilding at Connahs Quay. We discussed his local history books and the fine Welsh language poetry written by his own grandfather when a young Welsh miner.

In a couple of delightful meetings in the purposeful room at his modest home, surrounded by his orderly files and memorabilia, his relaxed but thoughtful manner was always evident.

This clip was not a formal "interview" -rather an aide-de- memoire to serve my inability these days to sustained, hand-written notes.

It is taken from a 30 minute conversation we had in 2009, principaly to support my researches about the Gladstone/Hawarden/Liverpool connection. "Welsh" Liverpool was a topic particularly dear to Vic since his antecedents were a part of the vibrant, culturally rich scene that was that English port city during the 19th century.

Then Vic spoke about Wepre Hall -and the origins of the Connahs Quay swimming baths.

Sadly, Vic passed-away 5 February 2011 he will be greatly missed. He told me in one conversation that he hoped that his collection of Deeside memorabilia and his extensive research notes and commentaries might, in due course, be conserved for the benefit of future generations.

I hope this clip -and indeed the whole interview recording when available- might go some way towards an appropriate tribute to the dedication and enthusiasm of a remarkable citizen of Our Lovely Land. JB

Category:

Education

Tags:

• deeside
• vic
• williams
• connahs
• quay
• Rhos
• wepre
• hall
• swimming
• baths
• liesure
• butler

[Lindopski]

Ive been looking for him in the old Quay house, such a shame - he knew loads of history. god bless him!