WHEN local historian, Alan Thorne, spoke to the Friends of St Augustine's back in November on notable characters buried in the churchyard, he promised to return in the New Year with another clutch of fascinating anecdotes.

True to his word, Alan is returning on Saturday, February 22, at 2pm (in St Augustine's Church) to complete his presentation aptly entitled ‘Grave Stories’.

The November event had the audience enthralled as the exploits and adventures of various Victorian heroes, publicans, entrepreneurs, and men of the sea were explained.

Particular interest was aroused by composer Joseph Parry whose tomb is in the churchyard.

For his forthcoming talk Alan will be concentrating on Penarth's seafaring and industrial community from the Victorian era. Of particular interest is the Angel family; in 1876 William Angel owned 4 vessels, his son Michael became a ship-owner and three of Michael's sons also became ship-owners. One, Claude had vessels captured and sunk by Franco's rebel forces during the Spanish Civil War.

Alan will also be talking about mining engineer and industrialist Gasgoyne Dalziel, ship-owner and timber importer Valentine Trayes who lived in Belle Vue in the 1860s, and former Dock Master Murray Pengelley, ex-commander RN who saw action in the China Expedition in 1842 and the Crimea War.

Chair of the Friends, Tricia Griffiths said: "This promises to be another gripping event. Last November Alan who managed to inspire us about people from the past, but also knew about half the audience and got them talking about their memories. He is something of a magician!"

Tickets for ‘Grave Stories 2’ are £5 on the door (£4 for members) and include tea and cake. Once again all proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Roll of Honour in time for the commemoration of WW1 in August.

See www.friendsofstaugustines.co.uk for more information.