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Christmas Cards
Published: 25/11/2014
Flintshire Record Office has produced a set of four Christmas cards based on
the 1950s pantomime covers which form part of the Dennis Griffiths Collection
held in the Record Office.
Alderman Dennis Griffiths JP, wrote, produced and directed over 27 pantomimes
for the Buckley Amateur Pantomime Company from 1935 to 1959 which attracted
large audiences from North Wales and beyond and which raised many thousands of
pounds for charity. Donations from the Company were largely responsible for
the purchase in 1944 of Hawkesbury House as a community centre for the people
of Buckley.
Principal Archivist Claire Harrington said:
Although there are thousands of documents in our archives, there is a limited
amount which is suitable for reproduction as a Christmas card. These programme
covers are colourful enough to be marketable and the connection with Buckley
will interest many local people.
Councillor Chris Bithell, Cabinet Member for Education, said:
Alderman Griffiths was a man of many talents, He was a founder member of the
Drama Council for Wales and was a producer for the Buckley Drama Circle for
more than 25 years. He was also the first president of the Flintshire Drama
Association.
During an active public life, Alderman Griffiths served as a member of the
Court of the University of Wales, was on the governing body of Bangor Normal
College, Vice Chairman of the Welsh Joint Education Committee and, at one time,
Chairman of the Liberal Party in Wales. The cards the Record Office have
produced are a tribute to a man who was a highly respected pillar of the
community. I remember as a child going to his pantomimes and it is very fitting
to remember him and his contribution in this way and especially at this time of
the year.
The cards, which come in a set of four (one of each design) can be purchased
for £2 from the Record Office, which is situated on Rectory Lane, Hawarden.
Alternatively, if you can’t get to the Record Office and wish to purchase a
set, please ring the office on 01244 532364 and pay by card or cheque– a small
postage surcharge will apply.
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