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Archival description
Condry, William, 1918-1998
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Welsh Red Kite Archive

  • GB 0210 WELKITE
  • Fonds
  • 1944-2016.

Papers accumulated by Peter Davis, Kite Recorder for Wales, 1968-1999, secretary of the Red Kite Committee in Wales, 1968-1999, and trustee of the Welsh Kite Trust, 1996-2012, including earlier material from various sources.

Davis, Peter E. (Peter Edward), b. 1928

'Early Essays'

The file consists of items grouped by the author under the title `Early Essays', which do not appear to be specifically connected with the other books listed in this series and which include: handwritten observations on birds in remote areas of Powys, 1946; an amended typescript of an essay entitled 'Birdwatching in Central Wales' [c.1948]; four small bundles, comprising a season by season description of birds, animals and plants, starting in spring 1949, partly in diary form, combined with more detailed notes on individual species, sources, bibliography and author's projects, which appear to have been intended for a book entitled A Birdwatcher's Year in Wales; loose notes with headings March to July and September [1962 or later], which include remarks on the seasons, wildlife observations, outlines for chapters and illustrations; an amended typescript of the first two chapters of an intended book, Swallow Days, with a speculative letter to a publisher, 1962; a manuscript essay on the short-eared owl by Condry's friend, Ray Perry; and a letter from Irene (Benjamin) Vaughan, 1961, on daffodil species.

Perry, Ray ca. 1918-

General letters

The series consists of personal letters to Condry, from Ray Perry and others, on subjects relating to wild plants, bird and animal life, identification of insects, birdwatching in Britain and abroad, ornithological records, fundraising efforts for a conservation project, publishing, appreciation of Condry's 'Country Diary' articles and his books, A Welsh Country Diary and Thoreau, life during the Second World War, personal news from friends, Condry's connnections with Birmingham and enclosures of occasional printed items. Correspondents include Ronald Lockley, Ray [Perry], Morrey Salmon, H[arold Wright], Irene (`Benjamin') Vaughan, R.S. Thomas and his wife Mildred Elsie Eldridge (Elsi). There is also a letter from Condry to his niece, Chris (Christine Demmar), enclosing a story about his pet jackdaw, 1971.

Letters

The file consists of letters mainly about the habits and the identification, from photographs, of particular African insects, birds and plants, including a letter from [Desmond] Vesey-[Fitzgerald], 1966; other letters concern the illustrations for World of a Mountain, photographs of Ynys-hir and portraits of the author for a photographic reference library.

Vesey-Fitzgerald, Desmond, 1909-1974

Letters

The file comprises postcards, letters and relevant enclosures, mostly from Thoreau Society members in America, on all aspects of Thoreau's life and philosophy, some of the more notable themes being Thoreau's influence on British literature and politics, links with Henry Salt, the preparation and publication of Condry's book, closure of the Lyceum and the move to a new centre, celebration of the Thoreau centenary and wildlife, especially bluebirds and the involvement of Lillian Lund Files in their protection.

Biographical sources

The series comprises newspaper and magazine articles written during Condry's lifetime, obituaries and letters of condolence to Penny Condry, and other memorials and tributes, 1955-2020 (accumulated 1973-2020)

Obituaries and letters of condolence

The file consists of typed, printed and photocopied versions of obituaries, several of them acompanied by letters of condolence to Penny Condry; two of the articles are by Arthur Chater, 1998, 1999; other authors and correspondents include Dyfed Elis-Gruffydd, editor of Gomer Press, 1998, and Dafydd Davies, 1998; also included is a programme for the memorial service celebrating the life of William Condry, held at Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth, in July 1998.