Nickleby’s Bookstore in Llantwit Major has hosted a special book signing for Vale of Glamorgan councillor Gwyn John, who has published his first novel, The Boy from Amroth—a coming‑of‑age story set in 1950s West Wales.
The novel follows Joe Jackson, “born in scandalous circumstances in a small Welsh coastal community,” Cllr John explained. “His mother’s greatest wish is for him to become a success, and a split‑second decision on a local beach changes his life forever.”
Cllr John said his affection for West Wales made the Saundersfoot and Tenby area the natural setting for the book. “1950s and 1960s Wales is a fading memory and I wanted to give people an idea of what it was like to grow up at that time.”
The Boy from Amroth is Cllr John’s second published work. His first book, The Wrong Shaped Ball, released five years ago, chronicled his 60‑year association with local football and the revival of Llantwit Major AFC from the 1960s through to 2000. “It was a pleasure recalling all the great characters and matches in South Wales football,” he said. “I caught the writer’s bug and decided to write something that set my imagination free.”
Although inspired by people and incidents he has encountered, Cllr John emphasises that all characters in the novel are fictional. “Joe Jackson is a well‑meaning lad but has a rollercoaster love life and professional career. There’s drama, twists and turns. I’m now planning a sequel.”
Born in 1945, Cllr John is the seventh generation of his family to live in Llantwit Major—something he describes as having “Llantwit Major running through his blood.” His great‑grandfather was also a councillor, and community service has been a defining thread throughout his life.
Educated at Cowbridge Grammar School between 1956 and 1963, he went on to work at RAF St Athan for 25 years, receiving the Imperial Service Medal in 1989 for his dedication. He later moved into the engineering supplies industry, combining this work with decades of involvement in local leisure and sport.
A football fanatic, Cllr John has served as a Football Club Secretary for 40 years and is a long‑standing Swansea City season ticket holder. His autobiographical writing reflects this deep connection to the sport and its place in Welsh community life.
Cllr John first served on Llantwit Major Town Council from 1974 to 1979 before returning to politics in 1999. He was elected to the Vale of Glamorgan Council that year as a Conservative representative for the Llantwit Major ward, which includes Llanmaes, St Donats, Marcross, Monknash, West Camp St Athan and Picketston. In 2004 he resigned from the Conservative Party, standing successfully as an Independent and topping the poll in his hometown.
He is now Leader of the Llantwit First Independent Group. During his time in office, he has championed major local projects, including the reopening of the Vale of Glamorgan Railway, the creation of the Children’s Integrated Centre in Llantwit Major, and improvements to the town’s one‑way system.
With The Boy from Amroth, Cllr John adds fiction writing to a lifetime of public service, community involvement and sporting passion. His debut novel marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a new creative journey.
“I grew up in 1950s and 1960s Wales and it was a special time—for me at least,” he said. “I wanted to recreate that.”
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