Cultivating curiosity and Critical thinking since 1914

THE WILDER SHORES OF DYLAN THOMAS

29 October 2026

Selwyn Samuel Centre

Jeff Towns

The second talk of this year's exciting WEA programme, scheduled to coincide with Dylan Thomas's birthday, is by the renowned Dylan expert, Jeff Towns. Jeff will share his reflections on fifty years of collecting, dealing, investigating and promoting Dylan Thomas. Few, if any, now alive can have handled more Dylan artefacts.

The talk will draw on Jeff's latest book which contains hundreds of photos, illustrations and Dylan memorabilia. In addition there are eighteen wide-ranging essays showcasing differing aspects of Dylan, his life and his work. Jeff will draw upon this opus, and share some fascinating and obscure details about Dylan Thomas.

Owain Glyndŵr and the Mortimers

17 September 2026

Selwyn Samuel Centre

Gareth Jones

Commencing an exciting programme of talks for the 2026/2027 season, we are delighted to welcome Gareth Jones from the Owain Glyndŵr Society

In June 1402, Owain Glyndŵr’s army defeated a large English force at the battle of Bryn Glas near Knighton; the English were led by Sir Edmund Mortimer, who was captured after the battle and then held for ransom by Glyndŵr. This talk will describe the battle, then go on to explore Mortimer’s relationship with Glyndŵr - and particularly his daughter, Catrin. Edmund married Catrin immediately after his release from six months in captivity, when he also announced his allegiance to Owain’s cause.

Owain Glyndŵr is regarded as the quintessential Welsh hero who fought against English oppression at the beginning of the 15th Century - yet four of his daughters married into the landed gentry of the English March.

This talk will focus on the story of Glyndŵr’s relationship with the most powerful of his in-laws.

When Wales Banned Beer

21 May 2026

Selwyn Samuel Centre

Dave Timbrell-Hill

Explore a curious episode in our recent social and political history. For a century Welsh pubs were closed on Sundays by law. Find out why it happened, how we responded, our struggle to get a Sunday pint and why this was seen as a precedent for Welsh home rule.

Presented by Dave Timbrell-Hill, once a student looking for a Sunday pint in Lampeter and now owner of Beer Park Llanelli.

Who Cares About Wales? Why the Welsh need to get Angry

16 April 2026

Will Hayward

Award winning investigative journalist Will Hayward examines the complexities of Welsh identity, politics, and society, with a focus on the perception that Wales is frequently overlooked within the UK. Combining investigative journalism and personal perspective, Hayward addresses topics such as devolution, language, history, and cultural representation. His talk presents an analysis on how both Westminster and the Welsh government have addressed, or failed to address, living standards in Wales and discusses the ongoing challenges for recognition and representation in Welsh communities and policy decisions.

The enduring appeal and influence of Sir TH Parry-Williams in the 21st Century

19 March 2026

Bethan Mair

The poet, author and academic Sir TH Parry-Williams is one of Wales's greatest bards, the first to win both the National Eisteddfod's Chair and Crown in the same year twice. He was renowned for his insightful poetry and essays and advanced Welsh literature advocating Welsh heritage. His poems, which seem simple at their first reading, offer a wealth of ideas which are just as relevant today as they were a hundred years ago.

Author, lecturer, and commentator Bethan Mair takes us through his life and work and shows how his literature still inspires and captivates readers today.

ARE WELSH VOTERS DIVERGING FROM TRADITIONAL POLITICS?

19 February 2026

Dr Jac Larner

Is Wales on the cusp of a political transformation? Dr Jac Larner, an expert in political psychology and voter behaviour, will be looking at the question - are voters in Wales pushing back against the traditional preserve of Westminster politics at the next Senedd election? Is society ready for a change to consensus governing with full Proportional Representation? Are voters and politicians truly ready for such change? And how much do Westminster's politics and media still influence the choices made at the Senedd ballot box?

Dr Jac Larner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Cardiff University and member of the Wales Governance Centre, is uniquely placed to shed light on the forces shaping our political future.

Gain fresh perspectives ahead of the Senedd elections this May and discover what kind of government Wales could have representing us over the next five years.

'They Can't Stop Us Singing': Film, Television, and the Representation of the Welsh

15 January 2026

Dr Daryl Perrins

Welsh people have been depicted in different ways on the big and small screen, from 'How Green is My Valley', 'Zulu' and the BBC Gavin and Stacey TV series. Dr Darryl Perrins explores how the Welsh working class have been depicted, is it accurate, and how it affects us today.

Birdland: A Journey Around Britain on the Wing

20 November 2025

Jon Gower

Ever wondered where our birds have gone? Has climate change affected us around our wonderful estuary already?

The changing birdlife of the UK in the past 50 years and the people watching them have some amazing tales. Listen to Llanelli born author Jon Gower, former BBC Wales arts & media correspondent and author of over 40 books, talk about his observation on birds and people from his new book, Birdland.

Don't miss this chance to hear stories from one of Wales' most celebrated writers. Bring your friends and your curiosity!

The Stonehenge Bluestones: Mythology versus Science

23 October 2025

Dr Brian John

Curious about the origins of the Bluestones at Stonehenge? Ever wondered how they got to Salisbury from West Wales, and where did they come from?

Dr Brian John, a glaciologist and a leading voice on the ice age in Wales gives his view on how they got there and how famed archaeologist may have got this incorrect as he talks about his extensive studies of the relationship between megalithic structures and the Preseli's.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Buffet

21 May, 6:00 pm

Selwyn Samuel Centre

Members meeting

Members are invited to attend our Annual General Meeting, followed by a buffet thanks to the generosity of Llanelli Rural Council. Details will be sent to members by email. This meeting will be followed by a talk given by David Timbrell-Hill.