On Sunday 17th October 2004 we were happy to see the unveiling of the Basque Children of '37 Association : UK's second blue plaque in Caerleon, South Wales. Fortunately the weather was bright for the ceremony. Pendragon House in Cross Street, housed over 20 Basque children for a few months prior to most of them being repatriated. The day brought out over 110 people to witness the event and many local dignataries were present, some of them contributing by making short speechs.
The chilrden were originally housed in Cambria House in Caerleon which was set up in 1937 by the Mayors of Newpoet and Cardiff. Fifty-six children were taken in. The money to support the children was raised by many local people and there was no shortage of help in making Cambria House habitable. The children had to move out of the house in 1939, and went to Pendragon House. Cambria House was demolished in 1982 to make way for an ambulance station.
The unveiling at Pendragon House was conducted by Gail Giles, who wrote her undergraduate thesis some years ago on the Basque children's experiences in Caerleon from 1937-1939.
The main speech was made by Gail, who enlightened the audience with the history of the Basque children who were brought to South Wales during the Spanish Cicil War in 1937 to escape the bombing of civilians by Franco's air-force led by Hitler's Condor Legion.
The ocasion continued in a local hall where refreshments were provided.
There was two book stalls, selling relevant material, and a small exhibition of photographs and newspaper cuttings which was much appreciated. |
