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Oct 29, 2016

No stage fright for Belgian refugee


When a schoolgirl's fairy costume caught fire during a school concert in Llandrindod Wells in 1916, the only child brave enough to take action was a Belgian refugee called ...

Marcel Joostens. He quickly tore off the burning garment, leaving the girl unhurt. Marcel suffered burns to his hand and arm. Many Belgians were welcomed to Llandrindod during the First World War. Some were housed in Templefield House, later demolished to enable the Metropole Hotel to expand over the site. For more about Marcel and other refugees, scan the HistoryPoints QR codes at the Metropole's main entrance. Or click here