Appeal for photographs of Parc Howard’s historic bandstand

An appeal is being made for photographs that show the bandstand at Llanelli’s Parc Howard in all its former glory.

The bandstand is being restored as part of the park’s centenary celebrations, but help is needed to ascertain the original design of the railings so that work can be carried out sympathetically. 

Kidwelly-based building firm Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd, working on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, is appealing for people to come forward if they have photographs which clearly show the design of the balustrades, steps and gate.

Mathew Dalziel said: “We are delighted to be carrying out this work as we understand the great importance it holds within the history of this wonderful park.

“It is especially pleasing that we are carrying out this work in the park’s centenary year when people will be celebrating 100 years since the mansion house and gardens were gifted to the people of Llanelli.

“Of course, we want to make sure that we carry out a careful and sympathetic restoration of the bandstand and to do that we would like to see as many old photographs of it as possible.”

The grade II listed bandstand was believed to be added to the park shortly before it was opened to the public in 1912, together with a hard-standing – since redeveloped – which was used for dancing.

Restoration should be complete in time for the centenary celebrations in September.

A host of events have been planned by the Parc Howard Association to mark the 100-year anniversary of the day Lady Stepney opened it to the public in celebration of her first wedding anniversary to Sir Stafford.

Cllr Colin Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council Executive Board Member for Property Services, said: “We are pleased to be working with one of our Framework contractors on the restoration of this wonderful historic structure in the heart of Parc Howard. This will be a sensitive restoration to bring the bandstand back in to use in time for the centenary celebrations.”

If you have any photographs of the bandstand, please contact Llinos Morris at Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd on 01554 891181 or email llinosmorris@dyfrigdalzielltd.co.uk.

For further information about Parc Howard and the centenary celebrations visit www.parchoward.org.uk