A selection of articles and Videos



by Grafton Maggs

Photo|: Gragton Maggs

It is with great sadness that we heard the news that Grafton Pearce Maggs has passed away on 13th November 2022.

Beloved husband of Wai Chow and the late Irene and the late Maureen. Loving father Neil, Glen and Lyn (Bobby), dear father-in-law to Heidi and Cath, proud grandfather to Richard, Alex, David, Georgia and Josie and great grandfather to Joe, Caitlin, Seb, Scarlett and Finlay. Cherished brother of Colin and dear uncle to David, Roger, Nigel and Sarah. Grafton will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends in the Mumbles community.

His funeral will take place at 10.30 on Thursday 8th December at All Saints' Church, Oystermouth, Mumbles, followed by a private interment at Oystermouth Cemetery. Family flowers only please but donations in lieu if desired may be made at the service to All Saints Church. Further enquiries c/o William Pressdee Funeralcare Tel. 01792 366513

An amazing person, a local Mumbles Boy, who led a long and eventful life. He has left behind so many stories, which could make you laugh and cry. His book 'Didn't Quite Make It!' is a treasure trove of memories.

He was the first person to ask about anything which happened in Mumbles over the many years of his life. He was always very willing to talk, perhaps about a recently discovered photograph or query and often these chats, using email, ended up as articles on these pages.

Generously, he gave his time to film-maker Peter Hall, who produced two impressive videos, published on YouTube concerning his life and times.

It's hard to imagine Mumbles without him.

The Swansea Blitz

Painted by Grafton Maggs

In action with Mumbles Home Guard, during the Swansea Blitz, Grafton created this painting. while still a 16 years old schoolboy.

After serving in 1st Platoon, Mumbles Home Guard, Grafton Maggs left in 1943 for Sandhurst and the Parachute Regiment. Active service: Central Med and Middle East Forces.

A book by Graft Maggs

On sale at:
'Cover to Cover' Newton Road
Norton Stores, West Cross Avenue

All profits go to the All Saints' Church Clock Fund

Grafton Maggs busy signing copies of his latest book at All Saints' Church, 2018


by Grafton Maggs

Like most Mumbles boys, I'm not sure which came first, the ability to walk or the ability to swim.

One of the many articles written by Grafton Maggs, which help to bring back a spirit of the times.

By Grafton Maggs

I remember so well those cold, drizzly, winter mornings, waking, as a little lad, to the soft grey light that filtered through the bedroom curtains.

More: Video Selection >

Producer - Peter Hall
You Tube :https://youtu.be/Sx68HezliO0

More: Video Selection >

2021 Interview

Interviewer - Greg Ballantine - Producer - Peter Hall
You Tube : https://youtu.be/QjD9zlxD5ak

Articles by Grafton Maggs

Gower Place, Oystermouth, 1914

by Grafton Pearce Maggs

I look back on my childhood in the thirties as on halcyon days, a great deal of that happiness coming from shared moments with so many ..

by Grafton Pearce Maggs

‘Schooldays are the happiest days of your life!’, expressed a sentiment with which I have never been in full harmony.


By Grafton Maggs


Another of our favourite landmarks began its life at the end of 1934, when the corporation workmen appeared in Dunns Lane to clear the site opposite the Victoria Hall.

by Grafton Maggs


By the way, those of a certain age call it 'The Wireless.'

By Grafton Maggs

Another favourite pastime in the 1930s was ‘Going to the pictures.’ It was a special occasion with an excitement far exceeding that of a visit to the impersonal ...


by Grafton Pearce Maggs

I was born in 1925, which implies that my conscious memory extends back to the late 1920s. So, by ‘Prior to World War Two’,

by Grafton Maggs

Our generation was expert on ice cream in the thirties and with some justification as the days of the great mass producers had not arrived.

By Grafton Maggs

The Home Guard, fondly remembered as 'Dads Army.' At the end of May and beginning of June 1940, the remnants of the BEF were evacuated from Dunkirk and Britain and its Empire stood alone.

Video

Producer - Peter Hall
You Tube :https://youtu.be/ABYja_9R8Zc

As recalled by Grafton Maggs& Duncan Bishop >


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