Doubtless you are one of many in our Society who enjoy a wee dram. But did you know that there are eleven distilleries in Wales, and hundreds of Welsh whiskies to discover? Seeking to plug the gap in everyone’s knowledge is the Welsh Whisky Society, officially launched in Autumn 2024, debuting at the first annual Wales Whisky Fest this month. As one of their Board told us: “In a nutshell, we as a Society look to promote the past, present and future of Welsh whisky and want as many Members as possible to enjoy exclusive offers as we can provide.” More details at this link.

While probably only briefly in active use, Offa’s Dyke and Wat’s Dyke have had enduring consequences for the making of both England and Wales. Our friends at Cwmulus have invited us to “Dykes as deeds: interpreting Offa’s Dyke and Wat’s Dyke”, an illustrated on-line talk by Professor Howard Williams from the University of Chester. Professor Williams will explore the latest fieldwork and thinking behind the interpretation of these long linear earthworks of the Anglo-Welsh borderlands, and consider the relationship between the two earthworks, their various functions, and their significance in the landscape of early medieval Britain.

The talk is at 7:00pm on Friday 19 November, and  you can register free of charge at this link.

Alan Campbell has let us know that Helen’s brother, Rev Gethin Russell-Jones of Cardiff, will be in Edinburgh next month. Members may remember that Gethin gave a Zoom talk to the Society on his book about his mother’s experience as one of Alan Turing’s codebreakers at Bletchley, and he is giving an illustrated talk on the subject in person to the Guild at Liberton Kirk on Monday 18 November at 7.30pm in the Kirk Centre. All are welcome. Gethin will also be preaching at Liberton Kirk at both services (9.30 and 11.00am) on the previous morning (17 November).

We’ve been advised that on 5 October fifteen autonomy- and independence-supporting regions of Europe, including representatives from Yes Cymru, are meeting for a major international conference at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh. The organisers, the Scottish Independence Convention in association with the International Commission for European Citizens, invite any of our members who might be interested to join them … there is also an evening ceilidh, and you will be welcome to go to either or both. The conference is 2:00pm–5.00pm and tickets are £10; those for the ceilidh with the Stan Reeves Ceilidh Band are £15 including a fork buffet. Details at this link, and tickets at this link.

Our friends at Cwmulus are hosting another on-line event at 7.00pm on Friday 4 October, when Howard Huws will give an illustrated talk about the wells and springs of Glamorgan and the rich folk culture associated with them. Cwmulus is no longer able to offer simultaneous translation into English, but language learners are welcome to watch the event in order to practise listening to spoken Welsh. There will be plenty of slides to assist understanding. Registration at this link.