MATHEMATICIAN and amateur historian Ewart Smith is one of Blackwood’s best known figures thanks to his books and local history knowledge.

His friend, Keith Richards, has now nominated him for the Lifetime Achievement honour in our Pride of Gwent Award - which seek to honour unsung heroes across the region.

Upon hearing he had been nominated, Mr Smith said: “I am pleased. I’ve done quite a lot in local history and it makes me feel appreciated.

“I do it because I like doing it, I don’t do it for any awards or financial gain.

“I’m happy to share my knowledge with people.”

The retired maths teacher has just published his 156th book, and he said his passion for writing first began after he went on a cruise.

“I got into writing by accident,” he added. “I went on a cruise in 1972 and having been to some wonders including Lebanon and Athens I realised I didn’t know much about my own county.

“As a family of five we went out around the area finding information.

“We used to visit four ancient churches on day trips.

“We visited 144 churches in total, which took quite a long time, and I made notes and photographs.

“A friend suggested I write a book, and eventually the first publisher I went to decided to publish it.”

Mr Smith recently published the seventh book in his series ‘Blackwood Yesterday: In Photographs’ and he says he still has enough material for another.

He is also working on a mathematics book for use in the Caribbean.

“It is very important to share knowledge because so much friction in the world is because people don’t share knowledge with each other,” he said.

There are only a few days left for you to send your nominations for the Pride of Gwent Awards, which contain the following categories:

  • 999 hero Award
  • Charity Champion Award
  • Life Saver Award
  • Special Recognition Award
  • Community Hero Award
  • Courage Award Award
  • Achiever Award
  • Good Samaritan Award
  • Volunteer Award
  • Carer Award
  • Local Hero Award
  • Environment Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

To nominate someone for an award fill in the form here. 

The closing date for nominations is January 27. with a judging panel picking winners in February followed by a ceremony in March at the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor.

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