The Welsh Guards Collection
2084. Stanley Evans
Stanley Evans, originally from Cardiff now living in Cheshire, is a former member of the Welsh Guards who created the ‘Welsh Guards Collection’ in Oswestry over 30 years ago, and which continues to attract around 20,000 visitors each year.
Stanley joined the Welsh Guards aged 15, serving in the Regiment from 1960 to 1968, and started to build the collection in the early 1990s. The Museum is now home to more than 4,000 Welsh Guards artefacts including uniforms, arms and memorabilia as well as over 2,500 photographs, preserving, in one place, the Regiment’s heritage since its formation in 1915. Following Stanley’s passion and hard work, the museum received full accreditation as a military Museum by the Army Museums Ogilvy Trust in 2014.
Alongside managing the museum, Stanley visits schools to share more about local and military history, and has curated special exhibitions across Wales, including at Cardiff Castle to celebrate the Regiment’s Centenary in 2015.
In a personal letter to Stanley, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“Through your tireless dedication over the last 30 years, you have brought together a rich collection of artefacts and personal histories from the regiment which is being seen by thousands of visitors every year.
“It is wonderful to hear how you are further bringing military history to life for new generations by visiting schools and curating special exhibitions across Wales.”
Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, said:
“Stanley has made a tremendous impact with his tireless and longstanding efforts in preserving the Welsh Guards’ heritage and I am delighted that his achievement has been recognised by a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister.
“As well as his 30-year devotion to collecting Welsh Guards artefacts, Stanley’s work in schools helps ensure that the Regiment’s history is recognised by future generations. Many congratulations to Stanley on his award.”
Stanley said:
“I am very proud to be chosen for this award.”
See more about the ‘Welsh Guards Museum’