Belgian Refugees in Rhyl

This project started as a way to mark the start of World War One, 100 years ago.

It had to be something about Rhyl, and about how the town was affected by the early stages of the war in Europe.

Rhyl History Club had posted something a couple of years before about Belgian Refugees arriving in Rhyl, and this was the initiative that led to our interest in the Refugees.

After much research, and two visits to Belgium, we have now extended our project as more information and details of the lives of the people who came to Rhyl becomes available.

Welcome to

“The Belgian Refugees in Rhyl”

& “The Stories from the Martyr Towns”

 

Take part in this global commemoration to mark the First World War Centenary. Find out what’s happening in your area – visit http://www.1914.org/

 

 

 The Ambassador Award

Because of the Refugees in Rhyl project, which I have worked on for two years and has been a real labour of love, I was invited to the Mayor of Rhyl’s Awards. It took place at The Pavilion Theatre, and it was a brilliant show. I received the “Ambassador for Rhyl” Award. I cannot say how wonderful it is to know that people nominated me for this award, and how fantastic it is to have received it. Thank you to the people who nominated me. Thank you to the Mayor of Rhyl, the Town Council, and the organiser of the event. Thank you to the 30,000+ people who have looked this website, all across the world.

Antoni.

 

 

Thanks to…

Rhyl Town Council

We would like to thank Rhyl Town Council for allowing us the very great honour of presenting the Town Crest to the city council of Aarschot.

 

 

St. David’s Residential Home

St. David’s is one of the most impressive buildings on Rhyl’s promenade. Built in 1903, it was originally a school, Colet House.
In St. David’s they have a programme of Reminiscence Therapy, and they were eager to join us in our research about Rhyl and people from Rhyl in the First World War.
We found that Richard Conway Lowe, a former pupil of Colet House, was decorated with the Military Cross for his actions in the Flanders Fields. We prepared a biography of him that we presented to the residents when they enjoyed a slide show prepared by Rhyl History Club.

St. David’s are the host venue for the unveiling of the memorial plaque to Franciscus De Roover.

St. David’s Residential Home can be contacted for enquiries about their services on 01745 353621

 

Rhyl History Club

The whole idea for this project came from a post to their blog two years ago. They have exhibited in the Tourist Information Centre, and as already mentioned, presented a slide show in St. David’s.

www.rhylhistoryclub.wordpress.com

 

 

Aarschot City Council

Very welcoming when we visited, and very enthusiastic about our project.

www.aarschot.be

 

Thanks to everyone for their hard work and enthusiasm. It really is amazing what can be done with absolutely no budget but loads of energy!