About a year before I was born, my mother and father immigrated to Canada with my three sisters from Wales, in the U.K.
It was a scary undertaking for a young family, starting a new life nearly 4,700 miles away from everything you know and everyone you love.
Although one of the only Canadian-born members of my family’s lineage, I grew up with fond memories of our Welsh culture — from baking Welsh Cakes with my mom and delighting in imported floral gums when Nana and Papa came to visit, to seeing my sisters decked out in the traditional high hat, petticoat, bed gown, apron and shawl that is the Welsh costume. The Old Country will always have a special place in my heart.
So chuffed was I to learn and write about Brits on The Beach shortly after I first arrived in Ladysmith. Brits on the Beach is one of the many things to love about Ladysmith.
Once again, Ladysmith’s gem, Transfer Beach, becomes the picturesque backdrop for a positive, unique community attraction which, at the moment, is absolutely free.
Friends are sharing packed lunches on the grass beside their cars; enthusiasts are swapping stories and comparing notes while spectators and photographers take in the visual feast of 200 vibrant, polished cars (and a couple of motorcycles too!).
For many of these enthusiasts, the prize possession they work so hard to maintain is not only a labour of love, time and passion, but also a fond glimpse of yesteryear.
I can’t wait to see how Brits on the Beach will grow and continue to allow enthusiasts to share their passion for these beautiful pieces of culture with our community.
Good show, chaps. Good show.
— Niomi Pearson