EWSNEWS December 2021
The story so far
Friday 26 November: “Life in Hut 6” — Talk on Bletchley Park at 7.30pm via Zoom
I counted at least 26 members and guests who zoomed in to hear Gethin Russell-Jones speak eloquently and movingly about his mother Mair’s wartime experiences at Bletchley Park. He and big sister Helen (Campbell) knew nothing at all about any of it until very late in Mair’s life when her work was recognised by former PM Gordon Brown, who awarded a certificate and brooch to all the code breakers, after which she felt able to spill the beans.
It was surprising to learn that several other members had family members working at Bletchley. In contrast, Gethin’s father was a conscientious objector, and I wonder if he might be persuaded to give us a follow on talk on his father’s very different war experiences at some future date.
Gethin’s books “My secret life in Hut Six: One woman’s experiences at Bletchley Park”, co-written with his mother, and “Conchie: What my father didn’t do in the war” are available from Amazon, and other booksellers.
Forthcoming events
Sunday 5 December: Christmas carol service at 3.00pm via Zoom
Our service of carols and lessons will be held in the cosy comfort of your home next Sunday afternoon, thanks to the technical wizardry of Margaret Brandie. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. If you haven’t received the Zoom joining details, please email our secretary.
Correspondence…
Have you wondered what was Gwylfa Hiraethog, the grand house on the mountain above Llyn Brenig of which nowadays only a heap of rubble remains? Cwmulus have advised us of a talk by Eira Jones (in Welsh with optional simultaneous translation) at 7.00pm on Friday 10 December. Details at this link.
Paul Gudgin is organizing/conducting a performance of Parts 1 and 2 of Messiah (plus the Amen chorus) at the Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline at 7:30pm on 2 January – professional soloists; orchestra; choir of 60 (of which Myra and Martin Tarr are two). Worth £19 of anybody’s money! If you’re interested, there is a way of saving the £3/seat booking fee by contacting your webmaster.
I hope you keep safe and well, have a joyous Christmas and New Year, and look forward to seeing you soon. Fingers crossed we might even meet face to face by 2022.
Jennifer
Jennifer Welsher – Ysgrifenyddes CCD / Secretary EWS