Haydn Chilcott was born in Cardiff and moved to Swansea in 1972 following graduation from Birmingham University with a degree in Industrial Metallurgy. He has lived in Mumbles/Langland for most of the last 54 years (with approx. 8 months in 1984 spent back in Cardiff when he transferred to work at the Commercial offices of British Steel based in Llanwern).
Haydn started work with British Steel in the Research Dept. and moved on to the Works at Port Talbot in 1981. Then he moved through the Technical Dept. and ended up as Technical Manager covering Llanwern and Port Talbot Works. Haydn was involved when British Steel joined with Hoogovens, Ijmuiden and created the company Corus, which was eventually purchased by the Indian company Tata. He retired in 2010 after 38 years in the steel industry.
Haydn volunteers as a Friend of Oystermouth Castle (where he is a tour guide and involves himself with educational development) and in the Story of Mumbles group. He is keen on the history of the Mumbles area as a result of his involvement with these groups, particularly the contribution of the Normans and the Romans.
Haydn has been involved with the Gower Walking Festival in the last few years and has assisted James Harris on his informative tour of Mumbles and Oystermouth Castle. Haydn has also benefitted from an association with the verger of All Saints in Mumbles and a guided tour of the Church which provided valuable information about its history from initial Norman construction in 1141 to the current day.
Haydn has a great love of the Mumbles/Swansea area, and this is continuously updated by his volunteering with the Story of Mumbles Group, which is sponsored by Mumbles Community Council.
His favourite spot on Gower is Pennard/Three Cliffs. He has been involved with Langland Bay Golf Club, Mumbles Cricket Club and Mumbles Rangers Football Club (both as a player and coach of the under 8’s to under 12’s). He is now actively involved with Oystermouth Bowling Club and plays in the Swansea League.
For 2026, Haydn is leading the following walks:
The Development of Mumbles & Oystermouth Castle on Tuesday 8th September