The final Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market of the year takes place on Bank Holiday Tuesday, December the 27. With over 150 stands inside and out filled with quality antique furniture, ceramics, art and vintage jewellery it’s the perfect place to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.

One of the most fascinating pieces to be sold is a letter written by an officer of the 4th reserve battalion of the Welsh Regiment during the First World War.

Although the letter is only signed ‘Your affectionate friend, Evan,’ it tells us quite a lot about the author who is stationed at Llanion Barracks in Pembroke Dock and who has recently been discharged from hospital. He writes: “I have not written earlier because I have been waiting ‘till I rejoined my regiment. I am glad to be back with my old batt (battalion) once again.”

Evan also talks proudly of his regimental badge which is printed on the paper on which he writes: “At the head of this letter is my regimental badge - the same as I have in my cap - except that underneath there is the motto of the regiment. The motto is in Welsh, the English of it is ‘better death than dishonour.’ It is a good motto isn’t it.”

Robert Pugh, who along with his wife Carol organises the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market, would dearly like to find Evan’s family.

Speaking ahead of the event he said: “It’s a fascinating letter, but who Evan is we don’t know. He is writing to his friend Henry and makes reference to Henry’s cousins who have recently been home on leave. It would be wonderful to track down a relative; I for one would very much like to learn more about Evan.”

During the First World War, letter writing was the main form of communication between soldiers and their loved ones. The British Army Postal Service delivered around two billion letters during the war and receiving letters from family and friends was vital to morale, keeping men and women connected to the homes they had left behind. Letters such as the one written by ‘Evan’ are a fascinating source of information about everyday life in wartime Britain and are very collectable.

As one of the biggest events of its kind in Wales, the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market really is a great way to spend a few hours. As well as plenty of militaria, you’ll find many rare and unusual decorative pieces. It’s also the place to shop for agricultural items, toys and ceramics as well as vintage clothes.

The fair is open between 10 am and 4 pm on Tuesday, December 27. Admission is £4 for adults with accompanied children admitted free of charge. Carmarthen Showground is on the A40, minutes from the town.

In 2017, the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market will take place on the following Sundays: March 12, April 9, May 21, June 18, July 30, September 10, October 29, November 26, as well as Thursday, December 28.

For more information, including details on exhibiting at the Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market, visit www.towyevents.co.uk or call 01267 236 569. All indoor pitches must be pre-booked whilst outdoor pitches will be available on the day with set-up at 7.30 am. Meanwhile, keep-up-to date with all our news and events by following us on Twitter @TowyEvents or by liking our new Facebook Page ‘Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market’.