Those that were at SDUC Lampeter with me in the late ’70′s will remember the subject of this posting. The more astute amongst them will also recognise the the connection with the recent Lemon Boys photo posting.
We came into Jo Conti’s orbit because we loved a cafe with a Juke Box. In Lampeter that meant smoking cocktail Sobranies in Leno Conti’s cafe. And that’s how we met Welsh-Italian Jo Conti.
An occassional star of BBC Wales, her latest appearance on My Secret Wales takes on the story of how Italian prisoners of War interned in Henllan, Ceredigion, transformed a camp hut into a home-from-home Catholic Church; fresco-ed and decorated with what they could scavenge they created a remarkable gem of transplanted vernacular architecture.
Cuttings and transplants can take and some can blossom and endure.
Planned books:
Current books:
Recent books:
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Jo Conti: The Lampeter – Italian Connection4 comments to Jo Conti: The Lampeter – Italian Connection |
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You mention Italian prisoners of war turning a hut into a chapel……..are you aware of the Italian Chapel on Orkney? Very similar idea and a wonderful place. Nothing to do with Wales, but there you go.
Thanks for your post, Bernie. I didn’t know about the Orkney Chapel. A Wiki search took me to this rather dry account but it looks like a splendid achievement. I’ve never been to Orkney though I have seen the lights as I ferried to Shetland. One day i hope to see more.
I too went to St David’s, as a mature student, and I am still living in the area. I would love to visit the POW chapel, but can’t find any info on how to obtain permission to do so. Can you advise me, please?
Hi
Not sure who to contact now but Parish Priest and Shrine Rector at Cardigan is Father Jason Jones. I belive he holds mass there from time to time. Maybe he could help?
Father Jason Jones
Our Lady of the Taper R.C.Church
North Road
Cardigan
SA43 1LT
Tel. 01239 612615
Email mair@tapyr.orangehome.co.uk