Meryl has been one of Yr Ysgwrn’s seasonal staff since March 2018, but she started her journey at Yr Ysgwrn as a volunteer back in September 2017.
Here she shares her story with us and her reasons for starting to volunteer.
Why did you start volunteering at Yr Ysgwrn?
I retired in June 2017, having worked at the bank for 38 years. All of a sudden, there was a big void in my life and I didn’t know what to do with myself.
At the bank, I was with people all day. There was a nice group of people working there and the customers of course – who were also my friends by the end.
So I needed something to fill that void, and I heard that Yr Ysgwrn was holding an open day looking for volunteers.
At first, I used to come for a morning or afternoon every week – I would go with the staff when they did their tour of the house to learn about the history and I would help make tea and clear tables and so on in the café.
I didn’t have a great interest in Hedd Wyn before, and had never been to Yr Ysgwrn, which I am ashamed of, living just down the road!
But I’ve learned so much since then and have fallen in love with the history of Hedd Wyn and his family. I know a lot more about the war and the reality of living in the countryside at the turn of the century since I’ve been working here.
You’ve been working as seasonal staff since March 2018 – what is that like?
I love taking people around the farmhouse, especially small groups, and seeing how they marvel at the history.
I also like working in the cafe, especially when the group I’ve just been guiding in the house come down for a ‘panad’ (cup of tea). I then get to chat further with them and they can also ask me more questions if they wish after seeing the film.
What do visitors find most surprising when you tell Hedd Wyn’s story?
I think what surprises them most is the fact that Gerald lived in the house, as it is now more or less, until very recently. They just can’t believe that someone would have been able to live in this millennium without the ‘creature comforts’ that we are so familiar with!