It was an absolute pleasure getting the opportunity to interview Grafton. A true legend. Thank you for your comment, I will always try and get as many memories of locals recorded so they are with us forever.
Thank you Greg for interviewing this wonderful man. Giuseppi Macari, (Mr Macari as Grafton calls him) was my grandfather, and Elio, Olimpio and Tony my 3 uncles. My mother Elena was also involved in the Fortes business and ran the kiosk in Bracelet bay, sadly no longer there, but you can still see the steps leading up to it opposite the car park. His description of my grandfather was so accurate, outwardly he seemed very stern, but he was a loving family man with a gentle sense of humour. We all lived above the shop and I have so many happy memories of sitting with him by the fire eating olives and drinking “black beer” , I think it was Guinness , needless to say I wasn’t allowed the beer as I was only 3 or 4 years old, but I still to this day absolutely love olives! The films of the demolition of our business and home are quite distressing still, but it was lovely to see Uncle Olimpio walking amongst all the debris, typically with a Senior Service cigarette firmly in hand! Thank you Greg once again .
Thank you so Madeline for your comment. There is so much history here, so many memories from individuals. I feel so lucky to have got the opportunity to record a little of Grafton’s memories. Thank you again and best wishes, Greg
brilliant idea for video Greg. these testimonials are going to become so rare to record in future as those individuals sadly pass away. Wish somebody could record ss many as possible for future history documentaries etc There are so many subjects of interest such as mumbles train. the blitz etc which are far more interesting with audio testimonials of such testimonials as Mr Maggs.
Thank you, I couldn’t agree more. It was a privilege hearing what Grafton Maggs had to say. He really transported me to the 30’s and I’m sure in time others will watch and feel the same. Greg
(Paulette Pelosi of Killay commenting here) - Firstly, I was fortunate enough to discover this valuable, richly-detailed interview with an incredible subject, by chance, on exploring the excellent, 'A History of Mumbles' site. Greg, I congratulate you, for seizing the opportunity to interview this gentleman...a man rich from life's experiences...but, also a man with detailed memory -recall! He reminds me of my late father, who passed in 2001, in that Grafton states how he always listened to what people had to say...he obviously did as he's a treasure trove of recollections of Mumbles! This particular interview was a 'treat' for me personally, in that I am a proud, 'Welsh-Italian' - and I am often interviewed, by research students, on the subject of the Italians in Wales. For me to be 'entertained' by a Welsh man, who so obviously and lovingly recalls his own personal relationship with a family of those Italians was rewarding entertainment...I was enthralled. Also, coincidently, whilst a large proportion of Italians who migrated to Wales from Italy arrived from Bardi in the north, not all came from there, many, like the described Macari family and my own Pelosi/Di Marco family, came from the Picinisco/Lazio area of central Italian. My Grandparents, Giuseppe Pelosi & Maria Carmela Di Marco arrived in Yystrad, Rhondda, in 1907. Nonno Giuseppe worked in the mines for a short time. In 1908, with their firstborn, Angelina, they moved, to open their many cafe businesses in Swansea. Circa 1919-20, my grandfather chose to buy what became a beloved property, a once 28-room hotel at 680, Mumbles Road, Southend, Mumbles. The family loved this property. Time there was sadly interrupted, in 1940, when, as Grafton describes so well, Mussolini brought Italy into the war against Britain...and men like my grandfather were rounded up, as 'Enemy Aliens', some interned on the Isle of Man, many others, like my grandfather and his wife's brother were marched onto the ill-fated Arandora Star. July 2nd 1940, this once-beautiful luxury liner , transformed into a grey, military ship, decks covered in barbed wire, was torpedoed and sank, with dreadful loss of life. My grandfather survived in the oil-laden waters but his brother-in-law, Michele Di Marco perished without trace. My grandfathers 3 sons were in the British Armed Forces , but when Churchill issued the order, "Collar the Lot!", life changed, tragically for many. Grafton describes well, the local attitude by some at that time, windows of Italian premises smashed. In fact, dear Grafton explains everything so well, from the viewpoint of an intelligent, caring man of insight - his description of Mr Macari, his lack of smiles often misinterpreted encapsulates this. He observed that he was a shy man with little knowledge of English, who probably backed away because of this, makes sense to me. Grafton emphasises the 'cleanliness' of these Italians in their businesses - this is totally familiar to me - I was brought up in Swansea's Dillwyn Cafe, next door to members of a Macari family - my father always emphasised this cleanliness aspect, in relation to serving food. Little details which never leave me! I have, Greg, gone on here way to long BUT I just had to show my appreciate...of both yourself...and Grafton! May you both stay strong & well! Thank you for doing this interview! It would have been dreadful if all these details had been lost! I feel I want to share it , especially with the many Welsh-Italians, who may not have discovered it as I did! Ciao for now, Paulette.
I simply don’t know where to begin. Firstly, thank you so much for your kind, detailed comment. I really appreciate it as I know Grafton would too. It is my biggest passion and motivation to record these stories so they are here forever and not lost. It allows people like yourself to reminisce on past events and stories. I will continue with these interviews for as long as I can as these stories are too important to forget. Thank you again for you comment, could talk all day to you about this History! Greg
@@gregballantine Hi Greg! Paulette Pelosi here again, via husband David Evans. I am SO glad you enjoyed my 'detailed comment'...came from my heart. When I did that, I also left more heartfelt comments on your 'History of Forte's Ice Cream Parlour' video, but something went wrong and it didn't appear. I shall try again later! Yes, years ago, I worked on Swansea Museum's 'Oral History Project' and I agree with you, totally, about recording these interviews..."these stories are too important to forget" Although my grandparents loved their shop in Southend, Mumbles, I grew up, in my parents' 'Italian Cafe', in Dillwyn Street in the then 'town' of Swansea. We lived 'behind and above the shop' from 1959-1967 and I have a million stories of the cafe and my own experience of the 'ugly lovely town' I knew so well! Happy to share any time!
@@davidevans1623 Sounds like a great childhood! Perhaps if we have time we could discuss a potential video about your memories and experiences in the New Year! Would be great to hear more about what you have to share! :)
@@gregballantine HiGreg...good to hear from you! Yes, I'd be happy to help with that. Do you have an email I can use to contact you? I can also email you a radio recording I think would interest you. Ciao for now, Paulette.
@@davidevans7071 hello again, And yes I do! Feel free to email me at gregballantine@gmail.com. A radio recording would be great to hear definitely! Hopefully hear from you soon, Greg
Amazing man to the end, I was blessed and lucky .....he was my dad ❤
Hi Lyn, your dad was an incredible man and I’m so lucky I got the opportunity to record some of his Mumbles memories x
A wonderful man and absolute legend, sadly missed. So very pleased that these memories are documented forevermore, thank you. ❤
It was an absolute pleasure getting the opportunity to interview Grafton. A true legend. Thank you for your comment, I will always try and get as many memories of locals recorded so they are with us forever.
Thank you Greg for interviewing this wonderful man. Giuseppi Macari, (Mr Macari as Grafton calls him) was my grandfather, and Elio, Olimpio and Tony my 3 uncles. My mother Elena was also involved in the Fortes business and ran the kiosk in Bracelet bay, sadly no longer there, but you can still see the steps leading up to it opposite the car park.
His description of my grandfather was so accurate, outwardly he seemed very stern, but he was a loving family man with a gentle sense of humour. We all lived above the shop and I have so many happy memories of sitting with him by the fire eating olives and drinking “black beer” , I think it was Guinness , needless to say I wasn’t allowed the beer as I was only 3 or 4 years old, but I still to this day absolutely love olives!
The films of the demolition of our business and home are quite distressing still, but it was lovely to see Uncle Olimpio walking amongst all the debris, typically with a Senior Service cigarette firmly in hand!
Thank you Greg once again .
Thank you so Madeline for your comment. There is so much history here, so many memories from individuals. I feel so lucky to have got the opportunity to record a little of Grafton’s memories. Thank you again and best wishes, Greg
brilliant idea for video Greg. these testimonials are going to become so rare to record in future as those individuals sadly pass away. Wish somebody could record ss many as possible for future history documentaries etc There are so many subjects of interest such as mumbles train. the blitz etc which are far more interesting with audio testimonials of such testimonials as Mr Maggs.
Thank you, I couldn’t agree more. It was a privilege hearing what Grafton Maggs had to say. He really transported me to the 30’s and I’m sure in time others will watch and feel the same.
Greg
(Paulette Pelosi of Killay commenting here) - Firstly, I was fortunate enough to discover this valuable, richly-detailed interview with an incredible subject, by chance, on exploring the excellent, 'A History of Mumbles' site. Greg, I congratulate you, for seizing the opportunity to interview this gentleman...a man rich from life's experiences...but, also a man with detailed memory
-recall! He reminds me of my late father, who passed in 2001, in that Grafton states how he always listened to what people had to say...he obviously did as he's a treasure trove of recollections of Mumbles! This particular interview was a 'treat' for me personally, in that I am a proud, 'Welsh-Italian' - and I am often interviewed, by research students, on the subject of the Italians in Wales. For me to be 'entertained' by a Welsh man, who so obviously and lovingly recalls his own personal relationship with a family of those Italians was rewarding entertainment...I was enthralled. Also, coincidently, whilst a large proportion of Italians who migrated to Wales from Italy arrived from Bardi in the north, not all came from there, many, like the described Macari family and my own Pelosi/Di Marco family, came from the Picinisco/Lazio area of central Italian. My Grandparents, Giuseppe Pelosi & Maria Carmela Di Marco arrived in Yystrad, Rhondda, in 1907. Nonno Giuseppe worked in the mines for a short time. In 1908, with their firstborn, Angelina, they moved, to open their many cafe businesses in Swansea. Circa 1919-20, my grandfather chose to buy what became a beloved property, a once 28-room hotel at 680, Mumbles Road, Southend, Mumbles. The family loved this property. Time there was sadly interrupted, in 1940, when, as Grafton describes so well, Mussolini brought Italy into the war against Britain...and men like my grandfather were rounded up, as 'Enemy Aliens', some interned on the Isle of Man, many others, like my grandfather and his wife's brother were marched onto the ill-fated Arandora Star. July 2nd 1940, this once-beautiful luxury liner , transformed into a grey, military ship, decks covered in barbed wire, was torpedoed and sank, with dreadful loss of life. My grandfather survived in the oil-laden waters but his brother-in-law, Michele Di Marco perished without trace. My grandfathers 3 sons were in the British Armed Forces , but when Churchill issued the order, "Collar the Lot!", life changed, tragically for many. Grafton describes well, the local attitude by some at that time, windows of Italian premises smashed. In fact, dear Grafton explains everything so well, from the viewpoint of an intelligent, caring man of insight - his description of Mr Macari, his lack of smiles often misinterpreted encapsulates this. He observed that he was a shy man with little knowledge of English, who probably backed away because of this, makes sense to me. Grafton emphasises the 'cleanliness' of these Italians in their businesses - this is totally familiar to me - I was brought up in Swansea's Dillwyn Cafe, next door to members of a Macari family - my father always emphasised this cleanliness aspect, in relation to serving food. Little details which never leave me! I have, Greg, gone on here way to long BUT I just had to show my appreciate...of both yourself...and Grafton! May you both stay strong & well! Thank you for doing this interview! It would have been dreadful if all these details had been lost! I feel I want to share it , especially with the many Welsh-Italians, who may not have discovered it as I did! Ciao for now, Paulette.
I simply don’t know where to begin. Firstly, thank you so much for your kind, detailed comment. I really appreciate it as I know Grafton would too. It is my biggest passion and motivation to record these stories so they are here forever and not lost. It allows people like yourself to reminisce on past events and stories. I will continue with these interviews for as long as I can as these stories are too important to forget. Thank you again for you comment, could talk all day to you about this History! Greg
@@gregballantine Hi Greg! Paulette Pelosi here again, via husband David Evans. I am SO glad you enjoyed my 'detailed comment'...came from my heart. When I did that, I also left more heartfelt comments on your 'History of Forte's Ice Cream Parlour' video, but something went wrong and it didn't appear. I shall try again later! Yes, years ago, I worked on Swansea Museum's 'Oral History Project' and I agree with you, totally, about recording these interviews..."these stories are too important to forget" Although my grandparents loved their shop in Southend, Mumbles, I grew up, in my parents' 'Italian Cafe', in Dillwyn Street in the then 'town' of Swansea. We lived 'behind and above the shop' from 1959-1967 and I have a million stories of the cafe and my own experience of the 'ugly lovely town' I knew so well! Happy to share any time!
@@davidevans1623 Sounds like a great childhood! Perhaps if we have time we could discuss a potential video about your memories and experiences in the New Year! Would be great to hear more about what you have to share! :)
@@gregballantine HiGreg...good to hear from you! Yes, I'd be happy to help with that. Do you have an email I can use to contact you? I can also email you a radio recording I think would interest you. Ciao for now, Paulette.
@@davidevans7071 hello again, And yes I do! Feel free to email me at gregballantine@gmail.com. A radio recording would be great to hear definitely! Hopefully hear from you soon, Greg
My old dentist and friend of my parents