Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society
Cymdeithas Hynafiaethol Sir Gaerfyrddin

Events in Spring 2005
March: The Buckley Memorial Lecture
Carmarthenshire Clocks and their Makers

The Society met at Llandovery College on Saturday March 19 to enjoy the second Buckley Memorial Lecture. This lecture commemorates the late Colonel Kemmis Buckley, the Society's highly esteemed President from 1971 until 1996. One of Colonel Buckley's many interests was the history of clocks and he was a collector himself. The Society was honoured to welcome Dr. William Linnard, Chairman of the Wales and Marches Horological Society.

Dr. Linnard gave a comprehensive account of clock making in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. He concentrated his lecture on clockmakers in the County - so far 55 different clockmakers have been discovered in Carmarthen, 16 in Llandeilo and 19 in Llanelli, together with individuals in small villages such as Talley and Llanarthne. Three of these fine long-case clocks may be seen in the County Museum at Abergwili. Dr. Linnard's talk was illustrated with excellent slides so that his audience could appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of the clocks. The silver, brass or painted faces contrast wonderfully with the polished wood, mainly oak, of the cases.

Dr.Linnard, who comes from a family of clock makers, is the author of "Wales Clocks and Clockmakers", published in 2003, the definitive reference work on clocks and their makers. However, he stressed that his research is ongoing and that he had discovered another Carmarthenshire maker only a few weeks previous to the meeting.

The afternoon ended with a pleasant afternoon tea which enabled the members to chat with the lecturer and with each other.

When space allows, prospective new members are welcome to attend events. Membership runs from January 1st.

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