Jane Austen Wales is the newest regional JA-interest group, having only been set up this year.
It is initially being run on an informal basis by two JAS members and, while not officially a
Branch of the Jane Austen Society (JAS), it maintains links with it. The group was primarily set
up to serve the interests of those living in or near Wales, but welcomes new members from all regions,
whether or not you also belong to JAS.
The Austens are believed to have visited Wales in the summer of 1802, staying at Tenby and possibly
going as far as Barmouth. JAW members are researching this further, to try and establish if there is
any more evidence to support this. In addition to which, JAW plans to organise a programme of social
events, outings, talks and, possibly, even an annual study day for members. The group held its first
event - a very successful outing to Llanerchaeron Villa, near Aberaeron, in West Wales - in September.
The house which is now owned by the National Trust was designed by the architect John Nash (1752 - 1835).
JAW also published its first newsletter in September 2006 and plans to produce two a year to keep members
in contact with one another. The first newsletter contained a good mix of articles including an update on
ongoing research into the Austen’s possible visit to Barmouth, a report on the Llanerchaeron outing, an
account of what it was like to be a Jane Austen tour guide, a poem inspired by the house in College Street
Winchester where Jane Austen stayed, and a review of the play Jane Austen Makes a Match, which features JAS
and JAW member, actor Kerry Steed, as Elizabeth Bennet, together with some members’ thoughts on what Jane
Austen means to them.
If you would like more details about JAW or would like to join the mailing list for the newsletter, please
contact Jill Derricott by e-mail at cadwr@tiscali.co.uk,
or by telephone on 01691 648515, or by writing to her at Felin Cadwnfa, Llanfihangel-Yng-Ngwynfa, Powys SY22 5JF.
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