Italians Enrich Welsh Society ; Anita Arcari

Summary

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THE irresistible aroma of fresh coffee, hissing and spitting from the enormous coffee machine, its silver tubes thrust into meat pies, belching out steam until gravy bursts through the seams; and taking pride of place, a marble soda fountain topped by a silver eagle with an impossible wing-span. Yet it is the memory of ice cream that lingers uppermost, rich, smooth and velvety.

Do you remember the Italian cafes with fondness? Perhaps you would call in after work, ready for a hot drink and quick chat to round off the day. Or a 'courting couple', seeking out the seclusion of high-backed wooden benches and stained glass panels? Why does this evoke nostalgia, a longing for times when life was slower and people had more time for each other? Was it the congenial Italian people, Southern Piciniscani and Northern Bardigiani first settling in the early 1900s, with a second wave in the '50s, drawn by the lure of coal and steel? They slipped naturally into Welsh life, a culture where, like their own, hardship knocked on most doors and poverty was no stranger. The sense of 'family' and high standards were as strong here as in Italy. The hywl and easy-going nature of the Welsh embraced the Italians who, eager to please, demonstrated their commitment by learning our languages.

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Italians Enrich Welsh Society ; Anita Arcari

In Swansea alone were Arcari's , Vela...

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