North Wales author Adrian Hughes Deganwy has written a fascinating book on the effect of the First World War on Conwy, Llandudno Junction and Deganwy. Adrian, an amateur historian, has undertaken years of research to produce the 40 page illustrated booklet called 'The First World War in the Borough of Conwy'. It is published by Conwy Town Council in time for Remembrance Day. The illustrated book uses letters and newspaper accounts from the time to build up a fascinating picture of how Conwy, Llandudno Junctionand Deganwy experienced the war. He recalls many tales of a century ago. From the River Conwy, the Admiralty requisitioned a yacht called the Llys Helig. As well as taking the yacht itself the Admiralty also took her crew including its captain, Jack Craven. Remarkably the six sons of James Craven, a fisherman of Berry Street, Conwy all served in the forces during the First World War.

This book also discusses how the area was affected by the war including local convalescence hospitals and the arrival of Belgian refugees. Most of the Belgian refugees were housed in properties in Deganwy, with three houses on Pentywyn Road and one on Station Road being taken over. In Conwy, a Miss Miller of Glan Dwr on the Morfa in Conwy gave up her furnished home for seven refugees. The Belgians were treated as heroes. As well as the 'hearty ovation' they received when they arrived, trips and excursions were organised for them. Praising the author for compiling a fascinating panorama of events and memories detailing the impact of the war on local life and heritage, the Mayor of Conwy Bill Chapman commented that the book also brings together a tremendous selection of pictures to illustrate the text. "The First World War claimed the lives of many local men, and its legacy continues to be remembered today. Adrian Hughes has produced a memorial that keeps alive for a new generation the events of a century ago.

It shows how our heritage has influenced the present and will influence our future."Adrian explains: "There are so many stories, letters home and memories and it has been a fascinating project. I am grateful to the people who have spoken to me and shared their knowledge and family histories."* The book is now available for purchase from Amazon and/or from Conwy Town Council Guildhall in Rosehill Street, Conwy, North Wales: e-mail: info@conwytowncouncil.gov.uk.