Main Picture: Garnet 'Garnie' Davies and Cllr Emily Durrant from Llangorse, with the swordless stone
FYI Talgarth went out to find out the latest on the growing local story.
On Saturday 14 of November somewhere late in the night, one of Llangorse's well-known treasures was mysteriously stolen. The 'Sword in the Stone' featured on the front of Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Guide 2017 and was photographed by one of the local photographers Adam Tatton-Reid. The disappearance of the sword from its' stone and was reported missing on Sunday by Garnet Davies, Director of Lake Side Caravan Park and Boat Hire.
We asked Breconshire police about the story they said " police are appealing for information about the removal of the replica sword from the lake at Llangorse. This crime is more than just the value of the item stolen it is the memories and sentimental value that has upset the local community and those visiting the area. Please contact Brecon Police on 101 with information." Ps241 Craig Morgan.
The sword which was funded by local lakeside caravan owners several years back was forged locally by Bronllys Forge. The Iron sword is popular with photographers and visitors alike. Many children and adults have posed with it on the edge of the beautiful tourist attraction Llangorse Lake.
FYI Talgarth became aware of the story yesterday and also alerted Powys County Councilor Llangorse Ward Cllr Emily Durant to the growing story. Emily a Llangorse resident was the first elected Wales Green Party Councillor and took post earlier this year. Emily told FYI that she, along with the community was distressed to hear of the missing iconic attraction and said that despite the humor surrounding 'Arthurian' links, there are the obvious speculative stories as to how it had been taken. Joking aside the sword is fondly held at the bosom of the people of Llangorse and its disappearance remains a mystery.
We were told that a crowd-funding page organised locally has now realised enough funds to replace the sword. With many residents and local businesses such as Brecon Carreg Water generously donating to the replacement appeal.
The onslaught of obvious humorous references including references to the hand in the lake, led to a social media campaign and liaising with Breconshire Police, the story has now reached the National level with Garnet Davies about to do an interview on BBC Radio Wales tomorrow morning.
We caught up with Garnet and Emily at the lakeside earlier this evening, standing there by the now swordless stone they urged anyone with information regarding the theft to report it to Breconshire Police in the first instance.
Unless Arthur himself comes forward, or as one social media pundit said "What if it was drawn by the king that was and the king that will be, woken from his slumber beneath a Welsh hill to defend Britain in its hour of need?" the theft remains a mystery.
We are sure someone knows of the 'trophy' theft and hope it is returned, however, the Crowd-funding venture will ensure that if not, a new and improved sword will be forged to take its place.
To follow the story use #bringbackthesword
If you have any information please report to :
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/cy/
To contact Councillor Emily Durrant
Call 07976 928077
@cllremilydurrant
cllr.emily.durrant@powys.gov.uk
If you have a local story you would like us to cover please message us or call 07792 677457
The Sword in the Stone featured on the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Guide
Picture credit: Adam Tatton-Reid Photography
The Sword was located at the entrance to the popular 'Crannog at Llangorse Lake'
Picture credit: Ann Dierikx Photography
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