EWSNEWS April 2022
The story so far …
Friday 4 March. Cinio Gwyl Dewi. Mortonhall Golf Club. 7 for 7.30pm.
Thirty three members and guests enjoyed a splendid meal at the golf club. We were well looked after by David Henderson and his team. Our President was sadly laid low with Covid but our lovely “First Lady” Alison stood in for him beautifully. Margaret Brandie said grace and we tucked in.
Following the meal not one but four guest speakers shared their reminiscences of the Society over the years. First, my daughter, Gilli, who grew up thoroughly embedded in the Society from the age of 5. Then Huw Thomas, President from 1991–2, recalled that he was welcomed not only to the Society, but to the strong Llanelli contingent. Thirdly, we heard how Megan Whitelaw joined as a student, left to concentrate on her finals, and joined again when she heard my name on the radio. And last but by no means least, Huw John, President from 2004–5, rounded off the evening with a toast to Dewi Sant. All four were delightfully funny, moving and entertaining. The evening was rounded off beautifully with community singing, led by Jim Hughes, assisted by Huw Thomas.
Sunday 6 March. Gymanfa Ganu. Reid Memorial Church large hall. 3.00pm.
A good turnout for our Gymanfa. As David Hughes was still testing positive, Huw Thomas and I stood in. It was lovely to be back in the Reid, and once we had finally located our Welsh hymn books and calmed down from the panic, our gymanfa began. Our members requested their favourite hymns and Huw Thomas played the piano and we sang. This was followed by a much appreciated cup of tea and slice of bara brith provided by Lilian John and a chance to chat, much missed over lockdown.
Date for your diary …
Thursday 5 May. Annual General Meeting via Zoom from 7.30pm.
We propose to continue with Zoom for this meeting as it reaches members we wouldn’t otherwise see. The current committee members are prepared to continue for another year, but we cordially invite nominations for new committee members. We hope to round off the evening with a spot of entertainment. Further details including the Zoom codes will be in my next EWSNEWS.
Society news …
I was very sorry indeed to hear that Geoff Alsop had died, shortly after his 92nd birthday. Geoff had been a much loved member of the society for many decades. He was Secretary from 1972–4, and President from 1980–81 and 1995–6. Apart from printing the annual programme cards, Cinio menus, certificates for the annual eisteddfodau etc. (all the things we now rely on the computer to do for us) he also took films and photographs of outings and events and used his skills as projectionist to put on film evenings.
Geoff was a gentle, kind man and will be greatly missed. Our condolences have been passed on to his sister-in-law Alice and her family. His funeral service will be held in St. Ninian’s Church, Corstorphine, on Friday 15 April at 1.30pm to which all are welcome. There will be a cuppa at the Marriott Hotel following the service, and Alice would very much appreciate your support, and numbers attending for catering, so please let me know if you are able to attend, and if we can help with a lift.
Exciting news …
Alun Harwood travelled down from Aberdeen with his wife Lynn, to join in our Gymanfa. He is now attempting to revive the Aberdeen Welsh Society and has asked for our help and support in this splendid venture. Do you have Welsh contacts living in or near Aberdeen? He would love to hear from you either by email: ku.oc.evilnull@doowrahnula or mobile: 07714 821780.
Subscriptions / membership …
After a two-year break, the Committee feel we should get back to normal – as far as possible – and that will require funds. Your membership subscription for the coming year will be £15 for an individual, £22.50 for a couple or family.
I should also like to refresh all the info on my circulation list so ask you to let me have your name(s), address, email address(es) and telephone number(s) when you pay. Please do this before May 1st to ensure you continue your membership.
I look forward very much to hearing from you.
Jennifer
Jennifer Welsher – Ysgrifenyddes CCD / Secretary EWS