News

23rd June 2019

Prisoner Shop Portmeirion Village Official Opening

On Saturday the 12th of June The Prisoner Shop in Portmeirion celebrated its 20th anniversary.  Read Roger Langley’s report below of the official opening of The Prisoner Shop Portmeirion Village

On Saturday 12^th June the new Prisoner Shop opened in Portmeirion. Robin Llywelyn arranged a champagne reception, with invited guests. The premises has been extensively refurbished, with stone floor, new French windows and fitted display cases and units. In addition, the hotel was offering its own exclusive range of souvenirs. A new book on The Prisoner had been commissioned by the hotel.

 A large Rover balloon, several Prisoner ‘extras’ with their original badges, TV crew and an assortment of journalists and photographers were assembled. Robin made an opening speech, embracing the history of The Prisoner in Portmeirion, letters written to his grandfather and to himself by Patrick McGoohan, and found memories of so many local people.

Robin invited Roger Langley to say a few words and the address which followed touched upon the history of Six of One, its close association with the ‘Village’. Roger’s book ‘The Prisoner In Portmeirion’ was officially launched at the shop opening. Robin referred to the new work, stating ‘We are very proud to be associated with it production’

Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, presiding officer of the Welsh National Assembly, Huw Ediwn Jones of the Gwynedd Film Unit and Amelia Bedford from Carlton TV all echoed the sentiments of so many people originally involved in The Prisoner and other enthusiasts ready to enjoy the shop and the annual convention.

Decorative ribbon around the shop was cut by Lord Elis Thomas who pronounced the shop officially open. Robin thanked Roger and Six of One for supporting the event and hoped that a partnership between hotel and society will create a solid basis for the future meetings and shop promotions from now and into the next millennium.  

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