Book Launch – Post-war Crickhowell, 1945–1970
Posted: 2nd May 2026The years following the Second World War reshaped communities across Britain, and in Crickhowell those changes were felt in everyday life — in homes, schools, places of worship and the rhythms of work and leisure. This May, a new publication invites us to look again at that period through the eyes of two people who lived it.
Crickhowell District Archive Centre is publishing its latest book, Post-war Crickhowell, 1945–1970, and is marking the occasion with a launch event at the Clarence Hall on Sunday, 10 May at 7pm. It promises to be an evening rooted in memory, community and shared history, with an opportunity to meet the authors, Ryland Wallace and John Webb, and hear some of the stories behind the book.
For Wallace and Webb, the years after the war were formative. For Crickhowell, as for much of the United Kingdom, they were transformative. Their book traces the changes that shaped the town during this time, exploring themes such as housing, religion, education, health, work, leisure and sport. These broader reflections are interwoven with personal recollections — anecdotes of local characters, glimpses of daily life and thoughtful insights into how that period shaped both the authors and the place they call home.
The result is not simply a record of change, but a vivid portrait of a community in transition, told with warmth, detail and a strong sense of connection to place.
This launch event offers a chance to hear these stories in the authors’ own words, to reflect on a shared past and to rediscover something of the character and resilience that continues to shape Crickhowell today. Tickets include a complimentary glass of wine, and there is also the option to purchase a ticket that includes a copy of the book at a discounted rate.
More information and tickets from: https://crickhowellarchives.org.uk/archive-shop/
