From the London Welsh Centre l at Grays Inn Road LWTachwedd/November 2013 • Rhif/IssCue 69 L £2.00 www.londonwelsh.org

London Welsh Festival p13

Cylchgrawn Cymry Llundain The magazine of the London Welsh 2 LW CLl O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE A stellar performance for the London Welsh Centre’s first Festival Over the years we’ve had a forum, hosted We want to create a space that will be all sorts of events and put on plenty of the natural home for festivals and first-class one-day courses at the London Welsh events showcasing the talent we represent in Centre. But have we ever hosted our own London and Wales. But more than that we FesTIvaL at Gray’s Inn Road? want people to be excited about coming to In October after months of planning the Centre and to leave with a lasting sense and preparation, the Centre successfully of our cultural identity, as much as they staged the inaugural London Welsh might when they leave the Wales Literature Festival with fabulous Millennium Centre or the Guggenheim. contributions from across the literary It is a bold ambition. But the London spectrum. Welsh have always been bold. We may not I want to thank and congratulate Iain, stretch to flamboyant architecture, but in Rhian and all the team for bringing such a emulating the vibrant atmosphere and bold project to life at the Centre. If you capturing the essence of our community we missed it, you can read all about the are absolutely determined to deliver a stellar cast of speakers and performers in Alex Meredith mini-Guggenheim or Wales Millennium this edition of the London Welsh Magazine. Centre. If you were there, please send your thoughts and feedback on the We know it will not come cheaply. Raising the capital to complete events to Iain and the team. We want to make the Festival a key part of the project will be a challenging task. For that reason, we are currently our cultural programme for many years to come so, as with all aspects taking a huge step towards delivering our vision by recruiting a Head of of the Centre, your views are extremely important to the staff and Development to join the team at the Centre. The advert for the Head of trustees. Development can be found in this edition of the magazine and on the One thought that struck me after such a landmark success was as Centre website. follows; if we can do this in our current facilities, imagine what we could The Head of Development will be focused exclusively on raising the do in a spacious, modern, well-equipped environment? capital we need to deliver the refurbished Centre. Working with trustees, I was lucky enough to visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao over staff and supporters, the successful recruit will develop a fundraising the summer. Like the Wales Millennium Centre, the Guggenheim is a programme that allows us to realise our vision. building of truly jaw-dropping scale and flair. This is a key appointment for the Centre and we want to spread the It enthrals with its astonishing architecture, incorporating shapes net as widely as possible in order to attract the most talented candidate. that yield surprises at every turn, both inside and out. even in a short If you are interested in the position please apply, and please share the afternoon there, you sense how the building brings the activities, advert with anyone who may be interested. exhibitions and people within it to life. No matter what is happening in I look forward to introducing the successful candidate in the next such a space, it is exciting. edition of the magazine! Our vision is to deliver a building to capture that kind of spirit at the Alex Meredith, Chairman London Welsh Centre. @admeredith

LWC Ll - The Magazine of the London Welsh Published by London Welsh Centre Ltd. It’s Christmas… 157 Grays Inn Road, London WCIX 8UE. Telephone: 020 7837 3722 Thursday 12 December - at the Centre www.cymryllundain.org.uk / www.londonwelsh.org.uk EDITORIAL TEAM: Eirlys Bebb, Theo Brueton, Rita Clark, 6.30pm - Wales & British & Irish Lions legend Gerald Davies launches his new book David Daniel, Gordon Roberts, Bob Trevor and Gethin Williams. at the Centre to kick off the 2013 Christmas Party. Looking at Rugby’s greatest tries, DESIGN SUPPORT: Taliesin Communications. Gerald weaves his way through some of Rugby’s greatest moments in his legendary ADVERTISING: Rita Clark. PRINTED BY: Y Lolfa Editorial contributions may be sent to the address lyrical style. above or, preferably, emailed to [email protected] 7.30pm - 2013 Christmas quiz - looking back over 2013 and ahead to 2014, Christmas Advertisers may also contact Rita Clark Views expressed in this publication must not be taken at the Centre wouldn’t be the same without a quiz! £10 per team. as necessarily representing those of the London Welsh 9.30pm - Christmas drinks – join us for Christmas drinks as the Centre winds down for Association. London Welsh Centre Trust is a Registered Charity. This the Christmas break. statement is given to support any advertisement which For further information: contact Iain Richards – [email protected] appears in the columns of London Welsh Magazine from time to time in the name of the Trust and deemed, in 0207 520 0070 terms of the Act, to be fundraising.

Front cover: Pictures from the London Welsh Literature Festival – page 13 Copy from contributors and advertisers is required by January 6 for inclusion in the next issue. O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE LW CLl 3 Young Welsh Singer of the Year 2013 The Young Welsh singer of the Year 2013 is Joshua Owen Mills, a tenor from Neath. second prize was awarded to Céline Forrest, a soprano from swansea and third to elinor Rolfe Johnson, a soprano of Cardiganshire-born Grandparents. The biennial competition has long been established in the London Welsh Centre calendar and once again provided a platform for exceptional Welsh singing talent on saturday 26 October.

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The audience thoroughly enjoyed the six finalists’ o g e performances and were also treated to two songs by alys Mererid r G

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Roberts, whom the judges awarded the ‘Most Promising Young r a K singer award’. Céline Forrest also won the audience Prize for the : o t o

Welsh song. h P The other finalists were mezzo-soprano eirlys Myfanwy Davies Competition organiser Geraint Lewis with winner Joshua Owen Mills and Main from Trimsaran, swansea-born soprano Rhiannon Llewellyn and Sponsor Philip Carne on behalf of the Richard Carne Trust baritone euros Campbell, who is originally from Bangor. Congratulations to all six finalists and thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Grays Inn Road. ‘Handy’ new recruit at LWC The London Welsh Centre would like to thank the event Welcome to William Rae who has joined the LWC team as sponsors and donors and all who made this year’s competition Facilities assistant. William is a carpenter by trade and will be possible. responsible for maintenance and general upkeep of the Centre. Geraint Lewis who has organised the competition since 2007 We extend a warm welcome and wish him well in his new role. announced that this would be his last year at the helm. Rhian Jones, CeO and compere for the night refused to accept Geraint’s resignation and said she would try to persuade him to Painting party / change his mind over a drink in the bar later that evening…the jury is still out! Parti paentio We are looking for volunteers to help give parts of the Centre a ReCRUITMeNT much-needed lick of paint. If you are available on saturday, Head of Development - 18 January, please let us know by phoning 0207 837 3722 or London Welsh Centre emailing [email protected] The Centre is recruiting a Head of Development whose main Your hard work will be rewarded by refreshments and an responsibilities will be to diversify the Centre’s sources of income and to lead the fundraising programme for the incredible sense of achievement. We are very grateful to Calon Centre’s refurbishment project. The Head of Development will subscriber BetiLyn alwyn-Jones, a former member of the have an important role to play in establishing a sustainable Chorale now living in Carmarthen who has very kindly donated future for the Centre and delivering a major project to money to help improve the appearance of the Centre. Diolch yn transform its facilities. fawr BetiLyn. The role is full time and will require regular attendance at the Centre, though flexible working arrangements will be considered. Cardiau Nadolig / Candidates are sought with previous experience of delivering both major capital projects and core cost campaigns. Christmas Cards For a full job description and application form please visit www.londonwelsh.org or email Rhian Jones, Chief executive Bilingual Christmas Cards in different designs are available to Officer – [email protected] buy at the London Welsh Centre. Proceeds towards Tenovus The closing date for applications is Friday 29 November. and the Centre. Room hire – great rates – flexible options – central location For more information contact The London Welsh Centre 020 7837 3722 www.londonwelsh.org 4 LW CLl O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE Waw Ffactor – The X factor – London y Ganolfan yn serennu Welsh Centre is rising Cyfoethog, bywiog, cynnes a chroesawgar –ambell air a Rich, vibrant, warm and welcoming – just some of the words used to ddefnyddiwyd i ddisgrifio Canolfan Cymry Llundain dros yr describe the London Welsh Centre in the past few weeks. wythnosau diwethaf. at the risk of sounding like a judge on one of the many Tv talent Mae peryg o swnio fel beirniad ar un o’r sioeau talent hynny sy’n shows currently doing the rounds, “You’re what this competition is rhoi rhyw glod nawddoglyd a ffug i gystadleuwyr. Ond mae’r all about” – recent events at Grays Inn Road really are what the Ganolfan yn haeddu pob clod yn dilyn y digwyddiadau diweddar ar London Welsh Centre is all about . Grays Inn Road. I have often written about the importance of our room hire Rwyf wedi ysgrifennu sawl gwaith am bwysigrwydd ein busnes operation, in financial terms and in the diversity it brings to the llogi ystafelloedd, yn ariannol ac yn y Centre. This is still true but the buzz and ffordd y mae’n rhoi amrywiaeth i waith a positivity created by our own cultural events delwedd y Ganolfan. Mae hyn yn dal i fod over four consecutive weekends in October is yn wir ond mae’r wefr a’r teimladau surely unsurpassed, in recent London Welsh cadarnhaol a ddaeth yn sgil ein Centre history at least. digwyddiadau diwylliannol ni ein hunain The inaugural London Welsh Literature dros yr wythnosau diwethaf yn ddiguro, o Festival, the return of Gŵyl Halibalŵ Llundain leiaf yn hanes mwyaf diweddar y and The Bloomsbury Festival for the second Ganolfan. year, and the long-established biennial Young Telir sylw haeddiannol i Ŵyl Welsh singer of the Year Competition are all Lenyddiaeth gyntaf Cymry Llundain, Gŵyl given much deserved attention later in the Halibalŵ Llundain, The Bloomsbury magazine. Festival a chystadleuaeth Canwr Ifanc y a job well done by everyone involved - Flwyddyn yn hwyrach yn y cylchgrawn. and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you Da iawn i bawb fu ynghlwm a hoffwn to everyone who has contributed to the dalu teyrnged i’r sawl a gyfrannodd i success of these events. lwyddiant y digwyddiadau uchod. equally important is understanding and Mae hi’r un mor bwysig i ni ddeall a appreciating the longer-term strategic gwerthfawrogi pwysigrwydd strategol a thymor-hir yr hyn sydd wedi importance of what’s happened at the Centre this autumn – of digwydd yn y Ganolfan yn ystod yr hydref – rydym wedi meithrin partnerships and friendships forged, awareness raised, respect ffrindiau a phartneriaethau, wedi codi ymwybyddiaeth, wedi ennill earned, income generated and experiences cherished. parch, wedi elwa’n ariannol a wedi cael profiadau bythgofiadwy. If we can engage with people and organisations now through Os oes modd i ni ddenu pobl a mudiadau i’r Ganolfan yn awr offering a rich and diverse cultural and social calendar – think how trwy gynnig calendr diwylliannol a chymdeithasol cyfoethog ac well it bodes for a newly-refurbished Centre. amrywiol – dychmygwch beth allwn ni wneud mewn Canolfan ar ei some of my colleagues and I have been fortunate to represent newydd wedd? the Centre at events and functions in London and beyond. People Bu rhai o fy nghyd-weithwyr a fi yn ddigon ffodus i gynrychioli’r have been pleasantly surprised and genuinely impressed by what we Ganolfan mewn digwyddiadau yn Llundain a thu hwnt. Mae pobl tell them - where we are now and where we are going. wedi eu siomi o’r ochr orau ac wedi eu plesio gan yr hyn rydym yn ei Our fledgling team continues to develop and improve and we all ddweud wrthynt – am beth sy’n digwydd yn awr ac am yr hyn sydd share a deep sense of pride in the Centre and its activities. ar y gweill. Goodwill does not pay the bills and the last 12 months have Mae ein tîm ifanc yn parhau i ddatblygu a gwella ac rydym oll yn again posed substantial financial challenges. Translating goodwill hynod falch o’r Ganolfan a’i gweithagreddau. into actual benefit may be a long game. Nid yw ewyllys dda yn talu’r biliau ac mae’r flwyddyn ddiwethaf But we will keep on chipping away, confident in the knowledge eto wedi bod yn heriol yn ariannol. Mae trawsnewid ewyllys dda yn that the investment in time, money and effort will be worthwhile in rhywbeth go iawn yn gallu cymryd amser. Ond daliwn ati, yn hyderus the longer term. y bydd y buddsoddiad mewn amser, arian ac ymdrech yn werth This approach gets my vote every time. chweil yn y tymor hir. a’r ffordd yma sy’n ennill fy mhleidlais i bob tro. Teaser : in the last edition I asked what the 7 languages spoken by Cwestiwn cyflym: yn y rhifyn diwethaf gofynnais pa saith iaith the 6 members of LWC staff were. mae chwe aelod o staff y Ganolfan yn eu siarad. answer: Welsh, english, French, German, Basque, spanish and ateb: Cymraeg, saesneg, Ffrangeg, almaeneg, Basgeg, sbaeneg a Bengali. Bengali. Unsurprisingly there were no correct answers! Heb lawer o syndod, ni chafwyd yr un ateb cywir! Rhian Jones, Chief Executive Officer Rhian Jones, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol [email protected] www.londonwelsh.org @LondonWelshCCLL

Room hire great rates • flexible options • warm welcome www.londonwelsh.org DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS LW CLl 5

A personal appeal by London Welsh President Huw Edwards Justice for Jewin? The story of the Welsh in London is such an absorbing one. It has certainly absorbed me for the past few years as I have slowly assembled my research on the city’s Welsh chapels. One member of the London Welsh community challenged me on the usefulness of the work: why I was ‘bothering’ with the ‘stale old world’ of the chapels? some publishers have asked the same question. s

They are missing the point. Without the chapels, in all their curious d r a complexity, today’s London Welsh would be a far weaker bunch. This w d E

assertion may cause indigestion in some quarters. But it is made on the w u H

basis of many hours of digging in the London Metropolitan archives, : o t the Lambeth archives, the National Library of Wales, the British Library, o h Dr Williams’s Library, not to mention the surrey History Centre and the P Islington Local History Centre. It is impossible to appreciate the development of London Welsh below). But we all recognise the importance of roots, of origins, of a society, or to measure the contribution of the Welsh to the life of the starting point. city, without understanding the world of the Nonconformist chapels. Jewin is the longest-established Welsh church in London. From the end of the eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth, It has survived many notable storms: its first leader, edward Jones, a they provided the solid network which sustained the lives of tens of licensee known to his critics as ‘Ginshop Jones’, was a bully whose thousands of Welsh people in London. Without the chapels, the shape conceit nearly ended the cause. It has risen from the ashes: Jewin was of our London Welsh community today would be very destroyed during one of the worst nights of the Blitz in different. 1940 only to be rebuilt and reopened 20 years later. It has and unquestionably poorer, in my view. been a prime centre of London Welsh life for nearly 240 From Willesden to sutton, from ealing to years: its vast congregation (dominated by the dairy trade Leytonstone, this London-wide chapel scene enriched the for many years) sustained and enriched the best of Welsh lives of so many. They were important centres of faith at a culture in London. time when collective worship was the norm. But they But this important church faces a very uncertain were social and educational centres, too, and they were future. prime promoters of Welsh culture in London. Declining numbers and rising maintenance costs have In many cases, they also provided essential welfare forced the elders to consider all options, including closure. services when the state provided next to none. The members, whose dedication cannot be faulted, have This stimulating story starts in the marshy fields of reluctantly agreed to consider those options, but there is a mid-eighteenth century Lambeth and the teeming desire to make ‘one last effort’ to save this iconic church. alleyways of smithfield. Our most powerful link with those early days is so this basic history lesson ends with a heartfelt appeal. Jewin, the Welsh chapel that stands today in the shadow of the There are tens of thousands of Welsh-born people in London today. Barbican. The church was formed If a tiny fraction decided to play a part, Jewin could be safeguarded for in a rented room in smithfield in the 1770s. We have no precise date, future generations of the Welsh in London. The church offers a warm but I am working on it (as far more gifted researchers have done over welcome, Welsh amity and fellowship, and a reassuring tradition of the years). Christian worship. Crucially, this is a search for new members, not in any Distinguished historians including Gomer Roberts and John Thickens sense an attempt to draw loyal people from other churches. have produced valuable books and articles on the origins of the London This is a very important moment for the Welsh community in Welsh chapels, but it is fair to say that the full story has not been told. London and I urge you to consider supporting us. Let’s show that we are Original source material is extremely difficult to find, and we have had serious about our heritage. Were it ever to happen, the closure of Jewin to rely on oral accounts from the mid-nineteenth century collated by Dr would be the deadliest of blows to the spirit and traditions of the Owen Thomas and a few others who realised the value of producing a London Welsh community. narrative for future generations. Come along to Jewin on sunday morning, 17 November 2013, at I am hoping to publish my book on the London Welsh chapels next 10.45. The Revd Richard Brunt and his team will welcome you warmly. year at the National eisteddfod in Llanelli. My debt to so many people There will be plenty of tea and Welsh cakes to follow the service, and for sharing their experiences is already a hefty one. There are many we can all discuss our plans for the future. others whose views and stories I am still eager to record; I am making see you there. slow but steady progress. every Welsh chapel in London has an interesting story to tell. each Huw Edwards one has made an important contribution. some, like Kings Cross and Castle street, have been truly exceptional in their influence. Thankfully, Details of the London Welsh churches and service times can be found on we are blessed with a handful where the work continues in 2013 (details the back page 6 LW CLl CORAU/CHOIRS t r a w e t S

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The Gwalia Choir singing at Greenwich o h P Octogenarian choristers in full voice as Gwalia celebrates The past few months have been busy ones for the Côr Meibion newlyweds said that the guests Gwalia begining in July with a joint celebration for the 80th greatly enjoyed what for many birthdays of two of long serving choristers, Russ Jones and John had been their first exposure to Conisbee. The new octogenarians show no signs of slowing down Welsh choral singing. and were in full voice for the ‘end of term’ party that also The Gwalia’s undoubted provided an opportunity for a big ‘Thank You’ to Dave Hurlbut, highlight of the last few weeks t r who stepped down as secretary of the Gwalia after a marathon was its appearance in the a w e t S

14 years of service. The Choir looks forward to continuing to sing beautiful and historic Painted Hall l l i W

alongside all of them for many years to come! at the Old Royal Naval College in : o t

Greenwich as the sole o h after-dinner entertainment at a P Dave Hurlbut Gala dinner for 300 delegates from all over the world who had been attending a major conference on fibre optic technology. a varied programme reflected the diverse nationalities of the audience and received

t generous applause. anyone expecting Welsh standards would no r a

w doubt have been pleased to hear ‘Rachie’ and ‘O Gymru’, and e t S

l

l lovers of show-tunes could have tapped their feet to ‘stout i W

: Hearted Men’ and ‘Rhythm of Life’. o t o

h Others would, perhaps, have been a little more surprised to P John Conisbee and Russ Jones on the occasion of their 80th birthdays at hear the choir turn their hands - quite literally - to a very spirited the end of July rendition of ‘Hava Nagila’ - complete with synchronised Dave Hurlbut is taking a well-earned break from the choir, hand-clapping. all in all a very enjoyable performance. and we all wish him well. It is a measure of the scale of his after taking part in the Bloomsbury Festival on 16 October at contribution and dedication to the Gwalia that his workload is the Centre, the choir performed at Jewin Chapel’s Remembrance having to be shared between Geoff Rogers, who is the new Day Gymanfa Ganu on 10 November, with a full concert at secretary, and steve Davies who is combining the roles of Clapham Welsh Chapel compèred by the Gwalia’s President Chairman and Concert secretary. Huw edwards on 30 November. For more information on any of In september the choir was delighted to be part of a wedding these events please visit www.gwaliamalechoir.org.uk. celebration when it took a trip to the pretty church of st Mary with st alban in Teddington. It was a very special day and the Richard Killoughery CORAU/CHOIRS LW CLl 7 London Welsh Rugby Club Choir in moving tribute to fallen countrymen The London Welsh Rugby Club Choir followed in some heroic footsteps when they travelled to the Netherlands to help commemorate a defining moment of the second World War. The annual ceremony honours the lives of the 146 Welsh servicemen of the 53rd Welsh Division who died, and the hundreds who were injured, during the liberation of ’s-Hertogenbosch (or Den Bosch) in the southern Netherlands in 1944 and as a mark of respect and expression of gratitude the s

townspeople hold a series of events in October each year, and e n o J invited the choir to lead proceedings in 2013. e o J

It was in the summer of 1944 that the 53rd Welsh Division : o t o

had landed in Normandy and was involved in heavy fighting in h the days leading up to Operation Goodwood, the British P offensive against the Germans through northern France prior to the advance into the Netherlands, suffering high casualties the liberation of the city after the second World War. There is a liberating ’s-Hertogenbosch in October. huge bond between our city and the Welsh and it is great to see The choir embarked on a five-day tour of the region leading a that bond continuing.” memorial service and wreath-laying at the 53rd Welsh Division The choir also performed at the impressive De Taling elderly Memorial monument in the company of two survivors of the Persons home and were invited to a social evening hosted by battle, before joining Gemengd Koor s’Hertogenbosh, a local Gemengd Koor ’s-Hertogenbosch, both occasions to be choir, to sing at the Liberation concert at the town’s impressive remembered. Heironymous Bosch art Centre. Choir chairman Joe Jones said: “It was an enormous honour There was also a visit to both arnhem Oosterbeek War to be invited to commemorate the heroic achievements of our Cemetery, which is home to more than 1,700 graves from the countrymen nearly seventy years ago, in what was a remarkable second World War and Uden Military Cemetery where most of and moving ceremony. It’s testament to the growing reputation the Welsh casualties are buried. Wreaths were laid by the choir of the choir, and we we’re thrilled to represent not only the at Uden and at the Memorial monument where chorister Don London Welsh Rugby Club but also the Welsh nation. We did not May, a war veteran, laid a wreath on behalf of all servicemen and realise the extent of gratitude that the local people have for by chairman Joe Jones for the choir. Wales and marking this anniversary each year is a wonderful way Jan de Wit, chief executive of ’s-Hertogenbosch City Council, of keeping the names of those who died in the Welsh Division has said: “The services are unique in europe for commemorating alive in their memories.

Voices from the past – an oral history The experiences of young Welsh women who went into domestic George was appointed the president. also notable among its service between the two world wars have been woven into a new membership was annie Hughes-Griffiths of Charing Cross Chapel, book entitled No job for a Little Girl . Based on an oral history while Frances Rowlands of Kings Cross Chapel was a stalwart. Our project carried out two decades ago by the author Rosemary own organisation, Young Wales as it was known at that time, was scadden this is a fascinating read, particularly for many who are represented by Mrs. Woodward Owen and Mrs. Will Jenkins. By currently enjoying the Tv drama production, Downton abbey! But 1927 it was reported that already 230 cases had been investigated, there is little romance in the stories, mostly the tales are of many of which raised complex issues. Funding to keep the project hardship, drudgery and loneliness. going was sought and endorsed by a meeting held at Dame Of the twenty who provided reminiscences for the book, eight Margaret Lloyd George’s home had come to London with varying amounts of trepidation and Rosemary scadden touches briefly on this organisation in the huge problems were encountered by many others. In recognising book which also contains personal remembrances of London in the problems, the London Welsh community rallied to provide that era, including visits to ‘the London Welsh club’ and to the support. In a project driven mainly by prominent members of the traditional hymn singing at Marble arch on sunday evenings. numerous London Welsh chapels, The London Welsh Friendly aid ‘No job for a Little Girl’ is published by Gomer Press society for Girls was formed in 1926. Dame Margaret Lloyd Rita Clark 8 LW CLl CORAU/CHOIRS

Mixed London Traditional Welsh Centre choir German Christmas for Patagonia 2015 for London Welsh 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Welsh settlers in Patagonia and the region will see a feast of cultural Male Voice Choir events in celebration of this anniversary. edward-Rhys Harry - Musical Director of the London The London Welsh Male voice Choir has recently sung at the City Welsh Centre’s resident choirs, the London Welsh Chorale and Temple, Holborn viaduct and at Barry Memorial Hall where there the London Welsh Male voice Choir - has been invited by the was a packed venue. By the time this edition of the magazine is British ambassador to argentina to visit Patagonia to conduct published it will have sung at a full eton school Hall on a Cymanfa Ganu and adjudicate at an eisteddfod as part of 16 November, all tickets for the over 500 capacity venue were the celebrations. sold over a month before the concert date. excitingly for the London Welsh community, edward has In December the Choir will spend a long weekend in Germany also been asked to form a mixed voice choir, drawn from the staying at Kork and Odelshofen in Baden-Württemberg – just London Welsh, to join him on this visit and perform in across the border from strasbourg in France. as well as making argentina in this special year. the most of the Christmas shopping opportunity, the Choir will If you are already a choral singer or think you might like to sing outside the Town Hall in Gengenbach on saturday afternoon. get involved, look out for further news and details in the The town hall is turned into a major attraction every year at coming months. The tour is likely to last 10 days and take advent, its 24 windows are turned into the largest advent place over the last week of april and first week of May with calendar in the world. However, the Choir’s main concert will be the choir giving concerts in Buenos aires and in Trelew and on the sunday evening at the church in Legelshurst. Trevelin, the main centres for the Welsh community in On 15 February, 2014, the Choir will perform at the Patagonia. prestigious Milton Hall in the Barbican. If this introduction to the tour has whetted your appetite Ticket application arrangements and other details of next already, let us know that you may be interested in taking part October’s biennial London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs at the e: [email protected] Royal albert Hall, will be given in the next edition of this magazine. Chorale launches young composer competition as part of next year’s celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the fascinating place, sampling its mix of classical and modernist birth of poet Dylan Thomas the London Welsh Chorale announces architecture, wonderful food and piquant contrast of city and the launch of a competition for young composers to mark this seaside. We hope to see Cor signum in London next year when we centenary by setting Thomas’s poem “The Hand That Signed the will attempt to return their hospitality and show them – with your Paper” for (saTB) choir and keyboard accompaniment. help – a warm London Welsh welcome. The winning entry will attract a prize of £200 and be Next in the calendar for the Chorale are the Nine Lessons and premiered at the Chorale’s concert on 12 July 2014. The Carols at the London Welsh Centre on 8 December and Handel’s competition will be judged by a panel comprising simon Halsey Messiah on 14 December at st sepulchre’s. and edward Caswell (leading international conductors of choral Meanwhile, the London Welsh Camerata has had a bumper music), edward-Rhys Harry (composer, conductor and Musical year singing at occasions ranging from charity events such as the Director of the Chorale and the LWMvC) and Huw edwards first Tunnel to Towers race (commemorating the firefighters who (broadcaster, journalist and President of the London Welsh died in New York on 9/11) to several weddings, including the association). The winning entry will also be given approval by the lovely wedding of one of our own singers, carol singing at st family of Dylan Thomas. The deadline for entries is 1 January Benet’s (where we will be again on 18 December this year), special 2014. Full competition rules and the text of the poem can be birthdays and an invitation to a small group to sing at the found on the Chorale’s website. Parliamentary Reception to showcase next year’s Dylan Thomas The Chorale will have returned from a tour to Barcelona where centenary. It gives us great pleasure and pride to help you mark we joined Catalan choir, Cor signum, in a programme of Catalan, important dates in your lives. Please do get in touch through our Welsh and english songs and the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. website if we can help you to celebrate a key date or event. Members managed to fit in a bit of sightseeing in this Lynne Tew DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS LW CLl 9

What’s on and Where Interested in artists from Wales performing across a wide range of genres? Here are some dates for your diaries, see also London Welsh events on page 16. November 11 Cate Le Bon - Rough Trade east, Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane e1 12 Huw Stephens presents The Keys - (Free entry) The social 6 Little Portland st W1 13 Future of the Left - Heaven, villiers street, WC2 14 Sweet Baboo - Islington assembly Hall Upper st. NB No tickets sold at venue. Tickets via sweetbaboo.co.uk gigs page. 16 Tree Of Wolves (o Gaerfyrddin) - Dublin Castle Camden 17 Jets to Zurich (aberdar/Caerdydd) - Dublin Castle 21 Kids In Glass Houses - Forum, Hatfield Hertfordshire 21 TEYR (teyr.co.uk) Folk Rising, Cecil sharp Ho., 2 Regent’s Pk Rd NW1 22 Vinna Bee (vinnabee.webs.com) onstage 8pm sharp! Dublin Castle 23 Kizzy Meriel Crawford - a Welsh speaker with Barbadian heritage - London Jazz Fest, The albany, Deptford 25 Paper Aeroplanes Boileroom, Guildford 26 Huw Stephens introduces Lyricism : new artists and poets discuss lyrics, inspiration - and perform! - Roundhouse, Camden. 27 Cate Le Bon Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road W12 28 Stereophonics - London O2 arena 28 Martyn Joseph - Cecil sharp House 29 Al Lewis supporting Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - Royal albert Hall 29 TEYR supp. na-mara - (free entry) Folk in the Foyer, Barnet Folk Club, arts Depot N12 0Ga December 5 Paper Aeroplanes and alessi’s ark, The Leisure society O2 shepherd’s Bush empire 5 Bullet for my Valentine - Wembley arena 9 Katherine Jenkins Royal albert Hall 9 Los Campesinos! Heaven, villiers st 12 Georgia Ruth Williams Folk Rising, Cecil sharp Ho., 2 Regent’s Pk Rd NW1 14 Cerys Matthews : Hook, Line and Carol singing - Norden Farm, Maidenhead 2014 11 January 5.30 Schubert 9th rehearsal - listeners welcome - London Welsh Centre 20 Feb Martyn Joseph - Cecil sharp House 7 March Mike Peters - academy Islington 25 april Funeral for a Friend, Boysetsfire academy Islington 9 May Karl Jenkins 70th birthday concert - Royal albert Hall 14 May Catrin Finch and seckou Keita Bush Hall 10 LW CLl O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE Gŵyl Halibalŵ Llundain d

Roedd y ddraig goch yn cyhwfan ymhlith balŵns o bob lliw tu allan i d y f f u

Ganolfan Cymry Llundain yn barod ar gyfer dros 120 o bobl cymuned r G

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Cymraeg Llundain, y rhan fwyaf yn blant a’u teuluoedd ar gyfer Gŵyl a

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Wrth i’r cyw a’r ddraig, dau symbol grymus o ddiwylliant plant o t o

Cymreig, hedfan ochr yn ochr yn y gwynt roedd y plant yn canu, h P dawnsio, chwerthin a chwarae gan fwynhau eu diwylliant yn eu hiaith Criw cyw yng Ngw ˆyl Halibalw Llundain eu hunain. Mae’r dathliad blynyddol yma yn dod â chymuned Gymraeg gwasgaredig y ddinas at ei gilydd i Ganolfan Cymry Ychwanegodd einir “ Roedd llynedd yn wych felly dw i wrth fy Llundain, canolbwynt diwylliant Cymraeg Llundain. Mae’n cael ei modd yn dod yma eto. Mae’r plant wedi bod yn wych, mae’n drefnu gan rieni tri chylch chwarae Cymraeg y ddinas: Miri Mawr, ddigwyddiad arbennig iawn.” Dreigiau Bach a Cwtsh i godi arian sydd ddirfawr ei angen ar y Roedd amrywiaeth anhygoel o bethau ar werth gan y siop cylchoedd chwarae. Gymraeg, yn ogystal â llyfrau plant a nwyddau Cyw. Roedd eleanor Y cyflwynwyr gwadd eleni oedd einir, Rachel a’r môr leidr powld Gardener, style-id yno hefyd, arbenigwraig delwedd i’r sêr, i roi Ben Dant o Cyw. Nhw oedd yn arwain y canu, y dawnsio a’r gemau. cyngor ar sut i edrych ar eich gorau a Rhian ap Gruffydd, Cafwyd bore prysur o baentio wynebau, crefftau a neidio ar gastell ffotograffydd Cymraeg yn Llundain yn tynnu dyddiadur lluniau o’r bownsio yno hefyd. bore. Yn ogystal roedd llond bol o bice ar y maen, bara brith, Yn ôl Rachel “Roedd hi’n anhygoel gweld cymaint o Gymraeg yn cacennau bach a phaned oedd wedi’u paratoi gan Gymdeithas Rhieni Llundain. Pan ddaeth einir a Trystan yma llynedd a sôn cymaint am y athrawon Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain. diwrnod, doeddwn i ddim yn gallu dychmygu bod cymaint o Diolch i ymroddiad y tîm roedd gwobrau penigamp yn y prif raffl gymuned Gymraeg gref yn y ddinas. Mae’n rhoi cymaint o foddhad i a’r cynnig cudd. Daeth y gwobrau i gyd o gwmnïau Cymreig neu mi ddod i weld y plant yng Nghanolfan Cymry Llundain heddiw.” gwmnïau Llundain â chysylltiad Cymreig gan gynnwys pedwar tocyn i gêm Cymru v Yr ariannin, taith o amgylch stiwdios BBC Cymru ble mae rhaglenni fel Doctor Who yn cael eu ffilmio, tocyn cinio yn Creu gyda geiriau yng Greenberry Cafe, Bryn y Briallu, nwyddau Jo Malone a chlustog Halibalŵ wedi’i gynllunio’n arbennig gan gwmni Bodlon a nifer o Nghanolfan Cymry Llundain hwdis, siwmperi a chrysau T Cymraeg. Roedd cymunedau eraill efallai bod rapio gyda phrydydd (bardd o’r cyfnod canoloesol) gan Llundain fel y capeli Cymraeg a theuluoedd estynedig hefyd wedi gyfansoddi barddoniaeth am Lundain gyfoes yn swnio fel stori noddi elfennau o’r diwrnod. blant ryfeddol, ond dyma’n union beth wnaeth plant o Ysgol “Mae wedi bod yn wych. Mae’n anhygoel clywed cymaint o Gymraeg Llundain yn ddiweddar. Roedden’ nhw’n cymryd rhan Gymraeg yn Llundain. Mae hi mor braf bod yn rhan o’r diwrnod mewn gweithdy undydd gydag aneirin Karadog Bardd Plant heddiw,” meddai aeron Pugh sy’n actio cymeriad Ben Dant. Cymru i ddathlu Gŵyl Lenyddol Cymry Llundain 2013, Codwyd swm helaeth tuag at gronfa Halibalŵ Llundain yn ystod y gynhaliwyd yng Nghanolfan Cymry Llundain Hydref 3ydd - 5ed. dydd ar achlysur hapus, llawn bwrlwm. aeth pob plentyn adre gydag Cyflwynodd aneirin sy’n rapiwr Cymraeg ac yn gyflwynydd atgofion melys, cân yn eu calon a sach sbri yn llawn nwyddau teledu, fyd rap i’r plant yn ogystal â hud geiriau. Yn y sesiwn bore Cymraeg cyffrous. bu’r plant yn chwarae â geiriau, odlau a rhythm drwy gemau Os am weld lluniau o’r Ŵyl neu am fwy o wybodaeth am difyr, trafodaethau a rap. Gylchoedd Chwarae Cymraeg Llundain cofiwch am wefan newydd y Yn y prynhawn fe archwiliodd y plant ac aneirin agweddau Cylchoedd Chwarae www.halibalwllundain.co.uk cadarnhaol a negyddol bywyd yn Llundain. Fe fynegodd y plant Awen Duggin eu teimladau a’u barn mewn grwpiau bach drwy greu cerddi. Yna cyflwynwyd y cerddi, dan y teitl Maniffesto, gan y plant. Dyma un gweithgaredd o lawer sydd wedi atgyfnerthu’r berthynas glos sydd rhwng Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain â Chanolfan Cymry Llundain dros y blynyddoedd. “am brofiad syfrdanol i’r plant. Roedd gweld y mwynhad ar eu hwynebau wrth iddyn nhw ddatblygu eu creadigrwydd drwy farddoniaeth yn amhrisiadwy. Diolch i Rhian Jones a Chanolfan d d

Cymry Llundain, mae gweithgareddau diwylliannol gwych ar y f f u gyfer staff yr ysgol, y disgyblion a’u teuluoedd.” meddai Miss Julie r G

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sullivan, Pennaeth Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain. n a i

Cafodd y plant i gyd fodd i fyw, a bu rapio brwd yr holl ffodd h R

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Sara-Ellen Scalise P Criw cyw yng Ngw ˆyl Halibalw Llundain O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE LW CLl 11

The London Welsh school gets creative with words s h t fi f i r G

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: o t o h P Rapping with a real life bard (a poet from the medieval times), poetry was priceless. Thanks to Rhian Jones and the London Welsh whilst composing a poem about modern day London sounds like a Centre, there are always amazing cultural activities for the school’s strange children’s story, but was the reality for the children from staff, pupils and their families to be involved in.” said Miss Julie The London Welsh school. They participated in a one-day sulivan, Headteacher of The London Welsh school. workshop with aneirin Karadog the Children’s Poet Laureate of The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children, who rapped Wales (Bardd Plant Cymru) to celebrate the 2013 London Welsh and rhymed all the way back to school in West London. Literary Festival. Sara-Ellen Scalise aneirin, also well know as a presenter on s4C (Welsh Channel 4) and Welsh language rapper, introduced the children to the exciting world of rap and the magic of poetry in Welsh. In the morning session they played around with words, rhyme and rhythm through fun games, discussion and rap. The afternoon session consisted of the children and aneirin exploring the positive and negative aspects of life in London, which they expressed by creating poems in small groups. The title of the poems Manifesto, were then presented by the children. s h

This activity is one of the many that has forged a strong t fi f i relationship between The London Welsh school and the London r G

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Welsh Centre over the years. a M

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“What an amazing experience for the children. seeing the joy t o h

on their faces as they developed their creative minds through P Swans in town to celebrate Building on our popular previous events and to celebrate the Jacks – in – London community. The evening has been specially continued success of the team on the pitch (both home and scheduled for the night before the fixture against Fulham and with abroad!) the London based chapter of the swansea City free admission and numbers strictly limited book now to avoid supporters Trust has organised a FRee social night on Friday 22 disappointment. November at the London Welsh Centre. The night will feature an Doors will open at 6.30pm with the Q&a beginning at open Q+a with swansea City Chairman Huw Jenkins , legend and 8.00pm. The evening will come to a close at 11pm. current club ambassador and youth coach Lee Trundle and a selection of snacks will be available to purchase on the former Captain and Welsh International John Cornforth. There evening at the bar. will also be an auction and raffle giving the opportunity to win Numbers are strictly limited so to reserve your free place some fantastic exclusive swans prizes plus fun and games and please email: [email protected] further ‘Jack related’ entertainment! There will be the opportunity any profits will go to the swans Trust and venue costs go to meet some old friends and make some new ones in the growing directly to the London Welsh Centre. 12 LW CLl O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE Tributes to the iconic Tea Time In Belgravia Welshman - Cliff Morgan Cliff Morgan - President of the London Welsh Male voice Choir for 20 years - died peacefully at home on 29 august, at the age of 83. He was the iconic Welshman - a fly-half capped 29 times (he also captained Wales), an accomplished amateur musician with a voice and repartee to wallow in. Many tributes have been paid to him in the national press over the last few weeks, but to us, he was also a London Welshman. He was born in Trebanog in the Rhondda on april 7, 1930 and attended Tonyrefail Grammar school. He played rugby for Cardiff and gained his first Welsh Cap against Ireland in 1952. There was a Grand slam success in the following year, as well as the Wales defeat of the New Zealand ‘all Blacks’. In 1955 he was outstanding for the British Lions in The WOWs outside the Goring Hotel south africa, which led Gareth edwards in his eulogy to say The WOWs – Welsh, Older and Wiser! – are a group of ladies “I have been to south africa many times, even on a winning Lions who have met socially at the LW centre for many years. Recently side, but all people wanted to talk about was the try Cliff scored they enjoyed a special celebration tea in Belgravia. The group was under the post, leaving some fine springboks players in his wake”. formed by members and friends of the celebrated ladies’ choir, Having suffered a life-threatening stroke aged 42, which left him The Dylan singers. Whilst enjoying a friendly chat and supporting speechless and paralysed down one side, he recovered and was the Centre, they also contributed to their own lottery syndicate. appointed the Head of BBC outside broadcasts in 1975. Later he With accumulated modest winnings over the years they have presented the ‘sport on Four’ magazine programme for BBC Radio 4. enjoyed Dinners, shows, a Trip to Lille on eurostar, and finally, a His funeral took place on Friday, 13 september, at Holy Trinity Champagne tea at the Goring Hotel. Iola Bilson who has Church, Bembridge, IOW - his home for over a decade - with the managed the syndicate since 2002 describes the Champagne Tea vicar of Bembridge, Canon andrew Menniss officiating. sports and as the highlight. ‘a lovely afternoon in very good surroundings, media personalities had made the long journey to pay their final food and Champagne and the service was excellent.’ respects, many wearing flashes of red as suggested by his widow, although the ladies have decided to declare their lottery days Pat, who wore a wonderful scarlet ribbon on her black hat. over, the group will continue to meet regularly at the Centre. Iola There were family tributes from his son Nick and grandson Jack. thanks everyone for taking part in their ‘flutter’ with Camelot. In Gareth edwards spoke of The Rugby Man , and Nigel starmer-smith return, we, the WOWs thank Iola for her expert attention to the of The Broadcaster . Max Boyce sang his praises in tribute to The accounts and making sure to include everyone in the benefits Welshman . enjoyed and giving us many happy memories. Other notaries attending included Roger Lewis (CeO) and Dennis Diolch yn fawr Iola. Gethin (President) from the Welsh Rugby Union, Des Lynam, Clive Rowlands (former Wales captain, selector and chairman of the WRU), as well as former Lions Gerald Davies and Barry John. OPEN INVITATION He was President of the London Welsh Male voice Choir for 20 Philharmonia Britannica years. adding to this his prior years as vice president, and subsequent invite you to attend an informal play through of years as Past President, he served the Choir actively for almost 40 schubert’s 9th symphony “The Great” years – even a few weeks before he died he wrote a letter of on Saturday, 11th January 2014 condolence to an ex-chorister. He informally conducted the Choir on at the London Welsh Centre several occasions - notably in the stand at Old Deer Park at a Garden Commencing at 5.30 pm Party in front of a large audience in July 1981. The Choir, under the (Donations would be most welcome) direction of its former conductor Hayden James, took a prominent part in the service, as well as singing Take Me Home as the coffin, Phone office for details or sophie Prett on behalf of Philharmonia Britannica on draped with the Welsh flag, was carried into the church, and We’ll 0750 801 8930 Keep A Welcome as it left the church. O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE LW CLl 13 Poetry, a masterclass in punk and the London Welsh Literature Festival

In the lounge area, legendary Cardiff music shop spillers Records, the Vision becomes reality oldest of its kind in the world, transformed the space into a ‘pop-up’ record shop. London Welsh cultural development officer Iain Richards had a dream, In the Main Hall, we were treated to the finest music writers in Wales and and his dream was to host a Literature Festival at the London Welsh beyond, discussing a wide range of musical issues. With sessions on the Manic Centre. and this October the dream came true - after one or two Street Preachers , the Cardiff music scene, the history of the NMe, the history sleepless nights along the way. of independent record labels and legendary punk icon John Robb giving a Congratulations to Iain and the whole team for delivering the first master-class in Welsh involvement in punk, the quality of the event was ever London Welsh Literature Festival and thank you to everyone who enough to rival anything staged throughout the UK. The evening provided supported us along the way. compelling evidence of the Centre’s ability to stage a multi-dimensional Huw edwards, London Welsh Centre President hailed the festival event making full use of the spaces and facilities available. as “a very exciting, enterprising and successful initiative”. We hope this will be the first of many at Grays Inn Road. Here, Iain Day three tells the story of those incredible days in early October: Day three began with a rousing session by the Centre’s President Huw edwards. engaging, intelligent and entertaining, Huw informed and challenged the audience on what shapes media decisions and television The inaugural London Welsh Literature proved a resounding success for the scheduling and how we receive news in a multi-media era. It was a dynamic London Welsh Centre and over a varied three day programme, showcased the and memorable start to the day. very best of Welsh writing, music and performers under one roof. The day then allowed a variety of options: exploring Welsh identity with Ifor ap Glyn, Jasper Rees, Rhian e. Jones and Day one Centre rugby writer Peter Daniels, a two hour poetry slam in the bar, Ifor’s The event began on National Poetry Day with a look at the Centenary of the Welsh language session ‘Lloerig and Llundeinig’, rugby icon John Dawes senghenydd mining disaster. Patron of the Centenary commemorations, shared the stage with poet Owen sheers to discuss the changes in the game Broadcaster Roy Noble recounted the events of that fateful morning on over the past forty years, Mary Medlicott delivered a first-class display of October 14 1913 He gave apassionate and poignant account of how 439 men story-telling and to round off the day-session, sioned William launched her lost their lives to an explosion that left a tiny village in the south Wales new book ‘Dal i Fynd’ while emily Macaughlin outlined the history of the valleys grief-stricken and an event forever etched in the pantheon of great Royal Court Theatre. With the partnership between the Centre and the industrial disasters. Chairman of the committee Jack Humphries outlined the Theatre now firmly established after the summer production, it proved a work the committee over the past 5 years to ensure the National Mining fitting way to conclude the day’s events. Memorial would be complete and unveiled on October 14 2013. The evening was allocated entirely to the Centenary of the birth of Dylan Rhondda writer/actor/musician Boyd Clack completed a memorable Thomas – DT100. With a year-long festival of events beginning in November evening by recounting tales of his own upbringing in Tonyrefail and how with the sir Peter Blake exhibition at the National Museum in Cardiff, the mining shaped and influenced the character and people of the valleys. It Centre has its own unique place in the life and times of Dylan Thomas. proved a fitting way to begin the festival and the Centre can be justifiably London Welsh Chorale member and staunch Centre supporter Trefor ellis and proud of being the only organisation outside Wales to host an event to his daughter Hannah ellis are son-in-law and granddaughter respectively of commemorate the disaster. Wales’ most famous poet. The event began with Jasper Rees interviewing Owen sheers and Hannah Day two ellis about the Centenary plans and Thomas’ work. Insightful and passionate, Day two of the festival began with Welsh young people’s laureate Martin Owen sheers proved to be a masterful commentator on the Thomas cannon, Daws and Bardd Plant Cymru aneirin Karadog hosting workshops at the while Hannah spoke with affection and a determination to preserve the Centre with pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Llundainand Brecknock school in legacy of her Grandfather’s work and ensure new works are influenced as a Camden. The success of this day is further evidence of the benefit the result. acclaimed string quartet The Kane Players provided a stunning musical Centre’s ongoing partnership with Literature Wales has brought about. interlude. Leader Bernard Kane, who hails from Cardiff and studied at Yale The evening saw the Centre performing at its peak! delivered a sensational set of compositions largely influenced by the rivers of With four bands in the bar in the first ever Welsh Music Prize concert held Wales. Owen sheers then delivered some of his own work.his own poetry outside Wales, the room was full to capacity with music lovers seeking the poetry The Kane Players concluded the evening with a new work influenced best of Wales’ up-and-coming bands. by the Dylan Thomas poem ‘and death shall have no dominion’. sung by Instrumental rock & visual band Fist of the First Man won the award for Canadian soprano Yvette Coleman, the 9 minute piece was a spectacular volume, with gentler sets from the majestic Winter Villains and rising stars conclusion to a triumphant and ground-breaking event for the Centre and all Little Arrow bringing some balance to the occasion. With the sublime sound of present could safely say ‘they were there!’ Trwbador completing the line-up, a preview of the award ceremony in Cardiff Iain Richards was complete and the Centre can lay claim to say it staged the best that Cultural Development Officer Wales has to offer. Diolch i bawb am gefnogi Gŵyl Lenyddiaeth Cymry Llundain 2013. 14 LW CLl CHWARAEON/SPORT Welsh Lead Greene King Championship after 4 Games The writing of this column, this season and last, has involved me in an only one home game thus far, they lead the table with 18 points, increasing amount of time and effort. attendance at London Welsh followed by Rotherham (17pts), Cornish Pirates (15), Leeds (14) and home games at the Kassam stadium in Oxford requires a 3 hour, 104 London scottish (13). mile, round road trip, with travelling by car also preventing any Two reverses have however followed, to London scottish and compensatory alcoholic reward. Pontypridd in the British & Irish Cup. The next 3 league games, against Last season, circumstances forced London Welsh to go in search of particularly stiff opposition in the form of Pirates, Leeds and Bristol, a 10,000 plus seater stadium to accommodate aviva Premiership will test Welsh’s resolve to bounce straight back to the Premiership. membership requirements. Following relegation, the club probably still Welsh’s strengths actually mirror those of last season’s Premiership has to remain at the Kassam, to continue to build an Oxfordshire fan side, with success to date being mainly built around a very strong base, and to allow for the possibility of an immediate return to the scrummage, irrespective of which front row Burnell chooses to start a Premiership. game. The formidable front row contingent includes 3 Welsh exiles: ex But in the absence of the massive away support of Premiership scarlet ‘Pete the Meat’ edwards, ex Osprey Cai Griffiths and ex Blue clubs, staying at Oxford won’t necessarily generate larger gates than Nathan Trevett, plus ex england & British Lion hooker, andy Titterrell. Old Deer Park. When last in the Championship, London Welsh’s The back line is built around fly half, and assistant coach, Gordon average ODP home gate in the normal part of the season was 1,521. Ross, plus captain, and ex england centre, Tom May. Welsh have at For the recent league game at Oxford, against Plymouth albion, there times attempted to play an expansive game, but the pressure of their were 999 in attendance. extremely forward gain line alignment has often resulted in passes Greater efforts need to be made to maintain the involvement of going astray. Yet again reminiscent of last season, wings ajuwa, Rhys the previous loyal support, in my case of 40 years standing. Yet the less Crane and seb stegmann , plus centre James Lewis, have also managed important British & Irish Cup game was played at Newbury rather than to conjure up some opportunist tries. ODP, and the next Championship fixture against Cornish Pirates has a Most points have however still come from scrummage pressure, or revised kick off time of 6.30pm on a saturday evening. My 3 hour overlaps created by that pressure, plus the high kicking success rate of round car trip will not even see me back home in time for the Ten Gordon Ross. o’clock News. a sad fact is, that given the RFU’s insistence on a high percentage On the field at least the London Welsh are showing signs of early of eQPs (english Qualified Players), only 6 of those named in the 36 season promise. Relegation from the Premiership saw massive player strong squad in the last home programme, are Welsh qualified. Not departures, but the many new signings have bonded quickly into a only can the team no longer be called London, but neither is it Welsh. formidable outfit, under new coach Justin Burnell. Be that as it may, if London Welsh gain promotion and an Unbeaten in the league after 4 games, with victories over Bedford, immediate return to the Premiership, I will no doubt still be there in Nottingham, Plymouth and Rotherham, and despite having played Oxford supporting them next season. Peter Daniels Bloomsbury Festival The London Welsh Centre welcomed the Bloomsbury Festival Welshart moves West for the second year running along the theme ‘Welsh Bites’. Côr after 18 years in London, specialist dealer in Welsh art, Miles Meibion Gwalia invited festival goers to attend an open Wynn Cato and his wife Kimberly have moved from their Lower rehearsal and sing-song on October 16th. This proved a highly sloane street address to Ludlow in shropshire. We will miss enjoyable and entertaining evening, in particular the them and wish them well in their new surroundings. Miles will audience’s rendition of Delilah! On saturday, October 19th the be opening his new gallery at 137 Corve Street, Ludlow, Centre showcased projects from Wales that are Shropshire SY8 2PG. Until they are settled, viewing will be by commemorating the Dylan Thomas Centenary in 2014. There appointment only . Tel. 07766 460127. w: was also a panel discussion around the famous poet’s work. www.welshart.co.uk for more information. The day culminated in the London Welsh Centre Community Drama Group’s production of Under Milk Wood. a packed Main Hall was treated to an exceptional performance Voyagers Christmas Lunch of one of Thomas’ most famous works. Well done to Dewi evans and the cast and crew of volunteers who worked hard to & Raffle Draw deliver such a high quality production. We are very proud to sunday, December 15, 2013. see the return of community drama at Grays Inn Road and Old Deer Park, Richmond. hope this will be the first of many productions from our 12.30 For 1.30pm budding thespians. Cost £30 per head For further details go to www.voyagers.org.uk Issdeitlaudeitlau Subtitlesubtitles

9.30 newydd ditectif au yfres d a nos I C Fawrth Bob nos eries tective s ys New de Thursda ys and Tuesda

k s4c.co.u Who’s doing what, and where Events at the London Welsh Centre London Welsh Chorale 16 November Autumn Rugby International WALES v Argentina Musical Director: Edward-Rhys Harry (kick off 2.30pm – doors open 1pm) 8 December Nine Lessons & Carols at the London Welsh Centre 21 November Clebran – Bubbles and Bling! 7.30pm (£10) To reserve 14 December 7.30pm: Handel’s Messiah , st sepulchre without call: 0207 520 0072 Newgate, Holborn viaduct 22 November Autumn Rugby International WALES v Tonga (kick off 12 April venue TBC, Rutter, Mass for the Children; Harry, In 7.30pm – check website for details) the Shadow of Mamayev with Cor Bro Ogwr 22 November Swansea City Supporters Trust event Choir rehearsals are held from 7.15-9.30 pm every Tuesday at the London 23 November Cwtsh (Welsh playgroup) 10.30am Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. all visitors and potential new members are 30 November Autumn Rugby International WALES v Australia (kick always welcome. For more information, or if you are interested in joining the off 5pm – doors open 3.30pm) choir please see our Website: www.londonwelshchorale.org.uk or e-mail: 3 December Mitch & Friends acoustic night [email protected] The London Welsh Camerata, drawn from the 7 December Cwtsh Nadolig (Welsh playgroup Christmas party) main Chorale membership, is a small group performing regularly at weddings, 10.30am and special occasions of all kinds. If you would like to find out more about the 8 December Nine Lessons and Carols – 6pm Camerata, to discuss repertoire, or to make a booking, please contact Rhiannon 12 December Gerald Davies book launch 6.30pm Hughes: [email protected] LWC Christmas Party and Quiz 7.30pm 20 December Centre closes for Christmas 2 January Centre re-opens Gwalia Male Choir Musical Director: James Hearn Accompanist: Wyn Hyland London Welsh Male Voice Choir 30 November A Musical Evening compéred by Huw Edwards with Musical Director: Edward-Rhys Harry. Glenys Roberts (soprano) at Clapham Welsh Chapel, Accompanist: Annabel Thwaite. Beauchamp Rd sW11 (7.30) 29 November Choir dinner and Noson Lawen at Old Deer Park Tickets £10 from Bryan Howells 020 8874 9543 or see 6 December Vist to Kork and Odelshofen in Germany website 8 January Choral Workshop , London Welsh Centre 7 December Wedding, St Mildred’s Church , Tenterden, Kent 15 February Milton Hall , Barbican, London 11 December Carol Singing at St Thomas’s Hospital se1 in aid of the 5 April High Street Methodist Church , Harpenden evelina Children’s Hospital (1.00-6.30pm) Choir rehearsals are held from 7.30 – 9.30 every Thursday evening at the 23 March 2014 Charity Concert St Mary’s Church , Horton Kirby, Kent London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. all visitors and potential new (3.00) choristers are always welcome. For more information, please see our up-to-date 5 April 2014 Wedding , st Mary’s Church, Hitchin, Herts website at: www.londonwelshmvc.org The Gwalia rehearses on Wednesdays (7.30-9.30) at the London Welsh Centre where a warm welcome to visitors and new members is guaranteed. see: London Branch of the www.gwaliamalevoicechoir.org.uk Welsh Family History Societies Montgomeryshire Society Programme 2014 11 January 2014 AGM President: Michael Gibbon QC Meetings are held at 2 pm at Borough Welsh Congregational Chapel, 90 11 January 7.30pm - Members’ Party at the home of Margaret & southwark Bridge Road, London se1 0eX. anyone with an interest in Welsh Philip Jones, 9 Walpole avenue, Kew, surrey, TW9 2DJ family history is very welcome to join us. 5 February 6.30pm - June Gruffydd Memorial Lecture Dr. David Details of meetings can be found by contacting the secretary, anne Jones, on Stephenson “Re-thinking 13th century Powys” The 0208 925 4000, e-mail [email protected]. Medical society of London, 11 Chandos street, Cavendish square, London W1G 9eB 21 March 7pm for 7.30pm - Annual Dinner , The Old Hall, Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion Lincoln’s Inn,Guest speaker: The Rev’d Dr. Leslie Griffiths, President: Prys Morgan, DL MA, DPhil, FSA, FRHistS. The Lord Griffiths of Burry Port Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all lectures are delivered at: The 21 June Day trip to Oxford including a tour Jesus and Magdalen Medical society of London, 11 Chandos street, Cavendish square, London W1G College 9eB, at 6.30pm . 5 July 2.00 pm - AGM venue: TBD 19 November How Welsh was Mrs Piozzi? Issues of being Welsh in For further information, please contact secretary the eighteenth Century by Dai Morgan evans, with Mrs Margaret Jones 0208 255 39690 [email protected] arwyn Lloyd Hughes, Council Member in the chair. 14 January Llewellyn Wyn Griffith and the Great War - 100 years The London Welsh churches and service times: on by Lt General Jonathan Riley, with Geraint evans in Jewin, 70 Fann Street, London eC1 (1045 and 1500) (nearest station: Barbican) the chair. Eglwys Unedig Canol Llundain , eastcastle street, W1 (1100) (nearest station: 5 February Re-thinking 13th Century Powys - by Dr David Oxford Circus) stephenson, Honorary research fellow in Welsh History Borough, 90 Southwark Bridge Road , se1 (1100) (nearest station: Borough) at Bangor University, with Michael Gibbon QC, President St Benet, Queen Victoria Street , eC4 (1100 and 1530) (nearest station: Blackfriars) of the Montgomeryshire society in the chair. In Seion, Ealing Green , W5 (1100) (nearest station: ealing Broadway or south ealing) association with the Montgomeryshire society (The June Clapham Junction , Beauchamp Road, sW11 (1100) (nearest station: Clapham Gruffydd Memorial Lecture). Junction) 11 March The Business of Empire: Welsh Nabobs and the Eglwys y Drindod, Freston Gardens , eN4 (1700) (nearest station: Cockfosters) making of money in the British Empire c1760-1830, Moreia, 881 Leytonstone High Road , e11 (1100 first sunday of month) (nearest by Professor Huw Bowen, swansea University, with station: Leytonstone) Jenkin Thomas, Council member in the chair Harrow, Lower Road , Ha2 (1100) (nearest station: Harrow-on-the-Hill) For details of further meetings or to become a member consult the Honourable Sutton, Lind Road , sM1 (1530) (nearest station: sutton) society’s website www.cymmrodorion.org or contact Peter Jeffreys, Hon. secretary, Cymmrodorion, P O Box 55178, London N12 www.londonwelsh.org 2aY Phone: 01582 832971 or 07739 179120.