Roger Parmiter, Chair of the Friends of Oystermouth Castle (FOC), is looking for volunteers to play a part in safeguarding their local heritage as one of Swansea’s most popular visitor attractions is given a new lease of life.

The 12th century Castle is undergoing major restoration work thanks to the investment of £764,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The City and County of Swansea will use some of the grant to fund the employment of a Castle Community Coordinator to help engage the wider community in a new programme of activities.

Founded by William de Londres in the early 12th century, its origins are in the Norman conquest of Wales and it has visible remains from the 12th up to the early 14th century. The historic building is being conserved and a new indoor interpretation centre is being built within the disused chapel block which will provide hands on experiences for visitors.

The aim is to give visitors access to 95 per cent of the Castle and increase visitor numbers from 4,500 to 17,000 per year. There is currently a 24-strong group of committed volunteers, ranging in age from 20 to 77 years old, who manage the day-to-day running of the castle. The FOC need more volunteers to help visitors make the most of their experience by acting as tour guides, among other roles.

Roger Parmiter, who has been volunteering as a member of FOC for the last 13 years, shares his experience: “I was attending a Welsh History course at Swansea University and Oystermouth Castle formed part of my selected project work and, following a meeting with the Chair I was invited to join. Thirteen years on and I haven’t looked back.

“I’ve met people from all over the world through my work as a volunteer and every day is different. All new volunteers would be trained as guides on every feature of the castle and its history. First time visitors want to know lots of details about the history of the castle and that’s where we can help. Overseas visitors often ask ‘Who were the Normans?’

“Aside from tourists we also give guided tours to schools, diverse groups and organisations. We also put on medieval re-enactments for the public with our own living history group – Gwerin o Gwyr.

“With so much going on at the castle, now is a great time to get involved. There are opportunities to meet and work with archaeologists, historians and researchers and learn new skills. But what’s more it’s a great way to meet new people and we do have a lot of fun!”

Jennifer Stewart, Head of HLF in Wales, said: “Volunteers play a vital role in making the projects we invest in happen. Visitors want to experience our culture, our way of life. The best people to interpret our heritage for visitors are the men and women who live here and who take pride in the heritage that surrounds them on a daily basis. These people truly help to enhance the visitor experience and we are really pleased that there is already such enthusiasm within FOC. Oystermouth Castle is the largest castle open to the public in Swansea and this is the chance for local people to play a part in taking their local heritage forward.”

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “It’s vital we look to the future in Swansea but it’s equally important we celebrate our proud heritage and this is why schemes of this nature should be welcomed.

“Oystermouth Castle is one of our historical gems and this scheme means the attraction will be conserved for future generations and will offer a visitor experience that’s befitting of the 21st Century.

For information on how to get involved contact:

The Chairman: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Secretary: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Gower Show takes place each year on the first Sunday in August and this year’s show will be on 1st August 2010.

The Show is held in the beautiful grounds of Penrice Castle Park, overlooking Oxwich Bay, to the west of Swansea.

The Gower Show is a traditional one-day agricultural show with displays and exhibits housed in marquees dotted around the castle field, and an opportunity to get close to and see some of the finest livestock and horses in the area.

There are 2 main competition rings, one for livestock and a separate large horse arena.  The horse section is always a highlight and competition is set to be of a high standard with this year’s show offering Royal International Horse Show 2011 qualifiers, and other national and area qualifier tickets.  Full details are available at the website.

In addition, there is a Countryside Display ring, where this year there is a chance to see the South Wales Police Dog team show some of the special skills needed to be part of this elite squad. There will be other fantastic displays and events too including the fast and lively fun of dog flyball and terrier racing along with the more traditional country pursuits of falconry and a display of gundog training. There will be local live music and much more.  Fiery Jack will be running circus workshops throughout the day where you will have a chance to try your hand at juggling and magic. The spectrum of events is guaranteed to entertain all the family.

There will be the usual displays of artistic flower arranging in the Horticulture marquee, and a chance to compare cooking skills in the Cookery tent.

Plenty of local arts and crafts are on display and a selection of fine local foods is also available to taste. There can be no finer setting than Penrice Castle Park on Gower Show Day to join in and celebrate the countryside.

The show will run from 9.00am – 6.00pm.

Admission on the gate for adults is £8 and Children/Seniors £4 however significant savings can be made by buying your tickets in advance. Please call Sue Thomas 07905 677505 or visit the website at www.gowershow.co.uk