Our History
The Memoirs of J.W.Burr
Born July 9th,1870 in London
Borough Electrical Engineer, Swansea
(1914-1939) and Consulting Engineer.
Llanmadoc
"The little village of Llanmadoc is one of the most charming in Gower with its quaint little church commodation of 60. We took up residence at St. Madoc in 1924 and found the village life much to our liking. We joined in all the activities and thoroughly enjoyed them. Here the communal spirit was very much evenident."
(The memoirs of J.W.Burr pg.35)
St. Madoc Christian Youth Camp
"The land of Gower is a place of legend and beauty. About 15 miles from Swansea in the parish of Llanmadoc in the year 1944 a site was dedicated by my dear wife and I as a Youth Camp for the Christian Service of Youth. The Camp is set in one of the most lovely and less frequented places in Gower. The site of some 76 acres reaches the sea and has an extended beach, open headlands and bracken covered fields. There the beauty of unspoiled nature, the meaning of mystery of the past together with the visions and service of young people are joined in a protracted venture of Youth Leadership and training for the building up of the new world. At the taking over ceremony Doctor Olive Wheeler of Cardiff University College described the camp as one of the most important experiments in Youth Work."
(Memoirs of J.W.Burr pg 38/39)
The Rev. Gwilym Rees, moderator of the Congregation Union of Wales, agreed that is was one of the biggest contributions to Wales to the Youth Movement. The Rt. Hon. James Griffiths and several other speakers also expressed their appreciation of the gift. One press reporter said:
"All the speeches at the handing over of the deeds of St. Madoc Christian Youth Camp, Llanmadoc and they were of an unusually high standard did not give any idea of the wonderful gift Mr. and Mrs. Burr had made to the Youth of Wales. At Least this was the impression their visitors had after walking over Hills Farm site. It must be one of the most beautiful spots in Gower"
Those who could stay for the unveiling service in a converted barn had an experience which will remain with them for years. In a setting of rough white-washed stone walls with enchanting views from the windows which let in a slanting evening light, a young girl reading the lessons provided the perfect picture, symbolical of the intentions of the Saint Madoc Camp.
The tablet was not yet ready but a replica was unveiled commemorating the gift. The gift was actually made during the Swansea Raids. Yesterday's ceremony marked the completion of legal formalities. The inscription is as follows:
"These buildings and site were given to the trustees of the Saint Madoc Christian Youth Camp by Mr. and Mrs. Burr, 21st August, 1944.
While life was being shattered this place was given for healing of the soul."
(Memoirs of J.W.Burr pages 39-40)
Llanmadoc Re-Visited
"When we re-visited the Camp we noticed that the principle drawback was that it had no proper entrance. The approach was through a narrow lane with hedges on both sides which had practically gown together and a very rough road.
The entrance was quite impassable at times for pedestrians as well as cars. In order to make the Camp more approachable a new roadway has been cut so that any vehicle can pass down the main lain and negotiate the road to the Camp. The roadway was declared open by His Worship the Mayor of Swansea (Mr. W. George) on April 2nd 1960, and dedicated by the Mayor's Chaplain. The opening ceremony was followed by an inspection of the Camp by the visitors and a commemoration service in the Chapel."
(Memoirs of J. W. Burr page 43)