From the Welsh Trust and Association at Grays Inn Road www.cymryllundain.org.uk Tachwedd/November 2008 • Rhif/Issue 50-22 £2.00

And we welcome a new President too - see p5 TUD/PAGE 2 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE

Diary Building on success – but events

Saturday 8 November - Cwrs Undydd Cymraeg – intensive one day course for need organisers, and support! all levels. (See bottom of page for details) Saturday 8 November 2.30pm – Bar, It has been a busy few Big Screen Rugby v South Africa, Friday 14 November 7.15pm – Bar, Big months at the Centre. We Screen Rugby Wales v Canada have now had our first two Friday 21 November 7.30pm – Bar, Comedy Club evenings, Clwb Comedi – Stand up comedy Saturday 22 November 5.15pm – Bar, which have been very big Screen Rugby Wales v New Zealand successful. I am also Saturday 29 November – Bar, big pleased to announce that Screen Rugby Wales v Australia continuity of the Forum has Monday 1 December 7pm – Forum, Ted Sellick and Friends meet with been assured. Jerome Kern (Showboat) Following Lodwick Sunday 14 December 6pm – Nine Davies stepping down as Lessons and Carols Saturday 24 January 7pm – Gwawr the person responsible after Owen and Côr Caerdydd – a concert of three successful years, it is mixed classical and popular music now being organised by a Monday 26 January 7pm – Forum, Alex Meredith – an illustrated talk on Tour de triumvirate (including Lod!) Kaz – cycling in Kazakhstan and the next two events 28 February – St David’s Day Concert have already been announced. Our Advertisers My thanks to the team Please mention this responsible for the London Barrie Lloyd with Andrew Craven of Tenovus charity at the recent concert (see page 3) magazine when contacting Welsh stand at the our advertisers.If you know of a potential advertiser . After many years please contact Rita Clark: of organising this, they now feel it is someone Trio. Unfortunately, partly due to the inclement [email protected] else’s turn. I would be pleased to hear from weather and partly because we had a clash volunteers who would be prepared to take over with other events, the support for this event WEB INFORMATION; this role to ensure continuity of this very was disappointing and after deduction of costs Don’t forget to visit the London Welsh Centre’s bi-lingual web pages at important function. we were only slightly above break even. www.londonwelsh.org.uk for up to date A couple of weeks ago, I attended the If, therefore, anyone who was unable to information on all events at the Centre. Festival of Male Choirs at the Royal Albert attend the event would like to make a Also included is a special section for Wales in London events and links to Hall. As one would expect at such a feast of donation to this very worthwhile cause, this other in-house groups and other related choral music, it was a sell out and I’m sure can either be done directly (the website organisations. everyone else enjoyed it just as much as I did . address is on page 3) or we will pass on any See What’s on and Where page 4 As you will be aware, Lord Morris stepped donations sent to us. for London Welsh activities elsewhere down this year as our President and was My colleagues and I are currently involved Published by the London Welsh Association. succeeded by Huw Edwards. The formal in intense discussions about planning the way 157 Grays Inn Road, London WCIX 8UE Telephone: 020 7837 3722 handover took place during the Albert Hall forward for the Centre. We would like to hear www.cymryllundain.org.uk / concert and Huw used the occasion to make from you what you want from the Centre and, www.londonwelsh.org.uk EDITORIAL TEAM: Eirlys Bebb, Theo an impassioned plea for support for the importantly, what you would like to do for the Brueton, Rita Clark, David Daniel, Gordon Roberts, Bob Trevor and Gethin Williams. London Welsh Centre (obviously omitting to Centre. DESIGN SUPPORT: Taliesin Communications mention that it is just down the road from We want to build on the successes of ADVERTISING: Rita Clark PRINTED BY: Y Lolfa ITN!) recent events, because only by doing so can Editorial contributions may be sent to the we ensure our financial viability and address above or, preferably, emailed to Another new event in our calendar for the [email protected] first time this year was the Chairman’s Charity continuity. Success does not come cheaply Advertisers may also contact Rita Clark Views expressed in this publication must not Concert. The chosen charity was the Welsh and requires a considerable load to be shared be taken as necessarily representing those of cancer charity Tenovus. amongst many people. the London Welsh Association. The London Welsh Trust is a Registered We were entertained by an excellent Barrie Lloyd Charity. This statement is given to support any advertisement which appears in the performance of chamber music by the Galliard columns of London Welsh Magazine from time to time in the name of the Trust and deemed, in terms of the Act, to be Copy from contributors and advertisers needed by 10 January 2009 for inclusion in next issue. fundraising. Front Cover Picture: Lord Morris of Aberavon and Huw Edwards. See pages 2 and 9 for details. Photograph by John Downing O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE TUD/PAGE 3 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008

Congratulations There’s lovely see – Welsh To Mrs Elisabeth Dilys Davenport who celebrates her 90th birthday stand-up is alive at London Welsh in November. To David Sweet (Gwalia) on the birth of his son Sion Owen. CLWB COMEDI the other four acts on the night. To Elinor and Michael Delaney on So, apart from a free drink, what else do the birth of a grandchild – Cerys Anne daughter to William and Stand up comedy is alive and kicking at the you get for your ticket money? Well for a start Leonie Edwards. London Welsh Centre. Clwb Comedi, with its you have a good laugh. Those who have come To Leis and Tom Lloyd Williams familiar catch-phrase ‘There’s Lovely See’ has to the first two gigs have been treated to who celebrated their Golden now been going for two months. For the price moments of pure comic genius. There have Wedding anniversary in October. To Euron Walters (Castle Street) of a £10 ticket (£8 for London Welsh been a few near misses where the gags haven’t on his success at the national members) that includes a free drink at the bar, worked quite as well the comedian might have Eisteddfod. He was awarded First you can enjoy some seriously funny comedians hoped, but that’s life. And when they have Prize for a tune to accompany a hymn which had won first prize in ply their trade. To make the appeal as broad worked, the vast majority of the time, it’s been a previous eisteddfod. Euron and as possible the comics speak in English but very good indeed. The array of comedians who the writer were presented to the the Welsh connection is alive and well as a fair have graced Clwb Comedi so far have earned audience at the Gymanfa Ganu before hearing a quartet sing his proportion of the comics are from Wales, their experience working in the clubs and pubs, tune “Gelliwastad” on the stage. especially in the large frame of compère Sion many of them have performed at the Euron ’s tune will be heard again James. Edinburgh and other big Festivals, and some at the Gymanfa Ganu at Castle The October gig was a delight with the have been on national TV. You would pay a lot Street on 9 November. He also won First prize for a variety and quality of the comedy. Welsh more to see them at other London venues and march for the organ, arranging a comedians Steve Parry and Paul Harry Allen you wouldn’t necessarily have the relaxed psalm for a choir, and setting a were joined by magician-comic Ali Cook from atmosphere of the Centre bar to enjoy them in. piece of contemporary poetry to music using a poem by Emyr and James Dowdeswell whose West And don’t forget that all the proceeds from Lewis. Llongyfarchiadau Euron. County burr disguised the fact that his mother tickets go to the London Welsh Centre. Oh, To Brian and Rowena Lewis on is from Merthyr and he went to University in and you can buy a rather fetching T-shirt with the birth of a daughter – Catrin Soraya to son Kevin and his wife . The November gig was headlined by a Welsh red dragon and a ‘There’s Lovely See’ Karen. Patrick Monahan, the renowned half-Irish, half- slogan on it. Come on down and have a laugh . To Arthur Leaves (Harrow) who Iranian funny man from Middlesbrough. Henry celebrated his 100th birthday Paker and Paul Harry Allen were the pick of earlier in the year. Members who remember Eisteddfod y Cymdeithasau in London will remember Arthur competing in the Recitation section as a learner. To Graham ‘Newport’ (LWMVC) Tenovus? Galliard three’s and Azy Roberts on celebrating their silver wedding anniversary; To Edward Tudor (LWMVC), charity fund-raiser whose historical novel ‘A Message Delayed’ is being considered for the Welsh Book of the year Torrential rain did not deter some of our most Andrew Craven from Tenovus spoke awards. faithful members from attending a delightful movingly about the important work being done, Best wishes concert at the London Welsh Centre on the challenges and ambitions, and the constant Our very best wishes for a full Saturday 1 November. The concert given by need for funds to extend the reach of the recovery are extended to a number the talented Galliard Trio was organised on Charity. More details are to be found at of members who are receiving behalf of the Centre by David Johnson. www.tenovus.com and pictures appear hospital treatment or have been to hospital recently: The concert enabled the Centre to on page 5 . Brian and Rita Clarke , Hannah reconnect with the important Welsh Charity, Roberts , Colin Jones , Sheila Tenovus, who were to benefit from the concert. Taylor , Tom Lloyd Williams , Anne London Welsh Forum Snelling , Dewi Thomas , Tudor The Galliard Trio gave an exemplary Jones and Brian Lewis (Harrow). performance; the William Mathias divertimento Commencing with the events organised for he composed in 1966 was very well received, the current season (see page 4 for details) Sympathy We offer our sincere sympathy to as well as the more traditional pieces of the London Welsh Forum will be run by a Joint-Chairmanship of Graeme Jones, Ted Eleri , Lynwen and Gareth Mozart, Dvorak, Poulenc & Albeniz. The Ebenezer on the death of their fireworks exploding outside during the Sellick and last year’s chairman, Lodwick father Jack Ebenezer (Jewin) who performance suggested Handel should have Davies. Please contact them with any ideas died in October – a very youthful 91 years old . been added to the programme. for future events. TUD/PAGE 4 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS Who’s doing what, and where

GWALIA LONDON WELSH CHORALE Musical Director: Janet Haney Musical Director: Dr. Kenneth Bowen Accompanist: Christopher George 13 December 7.30pm - Handel’s Messiah at St Paul’s 29 November 90 th Birthday party at Sidcup Old People’s Church, Knightsbridge Home. 14 December 6.00pm - Nine Lessons and Carols (in Welsh 13 December Joint concert with the Jubilate choir at St. John and English) at the London Welsh Centre, the Evangelist Church, Crystal Palace Gray’s Inn Road (with the London Welsh Brass Choir rehearsals are held from 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. every Ensemble) Wednesday at the London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. 4 April 09 Spring Concert at Dukes Hall, Royal Academy All visitors & potential new members always welcome. of Music. For more information, please see our website at: Choir rehearsals are held form 7.30 – 9.30 pm every Tuesday at www.gwaliamalevoicechoir.org.uk the London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. All visitors and potential new members are always welcome. For more LONDON WELSH TRUST FORUM information, or if you are interested in joining the choir please see Joint Chairmen: Graeme Jones, Ted Sellick & Lodwick Davies our Website: www.londonwelshchorale.org.uk or e-mail: All meetings take place on Monday evenings at the London Welsh [email protected] Centre, 157 Gray’s Inn Road at 7.00pm for a 7.30 start. The London Welsh Camerata, drawn from the main Chorale 1 December Ted Sellick and Friends membership, is a small group performing regularly at weddings, – “Meet with Jerome Kern” and special occasions of all kinds. If you would like to find out 26 January 09 Alex Meredith – an illustrated talk on more about the Camerata, to discuss repertoire, or to make a ‘Tour de Kaz’ booking, please contact Rhiannon Hughes: Should any member know anyone who would like to entertain us, [email protected] . please feel free to let us know, there is a pigeonhole for the Forum, if you wish to leave a message. The recommendation(s) LONDON WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR will be appreciated. Thank you. Musical Director: Dr. Haydn James. Accompanist: Annabel Thwaite LONDON BRANCH OF THE WELSH FAMILY HISTORY 11 November Cenotaph, Whitehall, London. SOCIETIES 2009 13 December Lancing College Chapel, Worthing, West Sussex. 7 February AGM & Members’ Interests 10 January 09 Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, 16 May FRC speaker: Records at the Family History 1 March 09 (Sun 4pm) Millennium Centre, . Centre Choir rehearsals are held from 7.30–9.30 every Thursday evening 12 September TBA at the London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. All visitors 21 November Dr David Ben Rees: Howell Harris of Trefeca in and potential new choristers are always welcome. London (1739-1750) For more information, please see our up-to-date website at: Venue: Meetings are now held at the Family www.londonwelshmvc.org History Centre, 64-68 Exhibition Road, Kensington, London SW 7, at 2pm. ANRHYDEDDUS GYMEITHAS Y CYMMRODORION Anyone with an interest in Welsh family history is very welcome to President: Prys Morgan, DL, MA, DPhil, FSA, FRHistS join us. Further details from the Secretary, Anne Jones, on 0208 19 November “A Society for the relief of Emigrants”: The 925 4000, e-mail [email protected] Welsh Society of Philadelphia and Welsh emigration to Pennsylvania 1798 - 1850” . A LONDON WELSH RUGBY MALE VOICE CHOIR lecture by Dr Richard Allen , University of Wales Musical Director: Michael Wyn Jones. Newport Accompanist: Mari Williams The programme for Spring 2009 will include lecturers by Derek 8 November City Hall, Cardiff, for London Welsh RFC Shiels, Peter Stead and Teri Rees. Supporters Lectures are delivered at 6.30 pm at the British Academy, 10, 15 November All Saints Church, Leavesden, Herts. Carlton House Terrace London SW1. Further and up-to-date 9 December (Tues 6.30pm) St Martin ‘s in the Field, information on www.cymmrodorion1751.org.uk or from Jon Trafalgar Square. Parry, Hon. Secretary, 30, Eastcastle Street, London. W1W 8DJ DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS TUD/ PAGE 5 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 Who did what, and where

The singing of the audience hymn under the baton of Haydn James, at the end of the London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs at the

LWT chairman Barrie Lloyd congratulates Huw Edwards on his installation as London Galliard Trio at the London Welsh Centre Welsh Trust President, as Lord Morris of Aberavon, the retiring president, looks on

A happy winner at the Quiz night (page 7) Cerys Matthews performs at the Dragon Ball (page 8) TUD/PAGE 6 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 CELFYDDYDAU/ARTS

Capital Welsh choir in the Capital…

Côr Caerdydd, one of Wales’ leading mixed choirs returns to the London Welsh Centre to give a concert on Saturday 24 January. The choir’s conductor, Gwawr Owen is delighted with this return visit as she has happy memories of the time spent at Gray’s Inn Road during her student years. She’s looking forward to seeing familiar faces and is confident that there’ll be a good informal sing song in the bar afterwards. Côr Caerdydd has won at the National Eisteddfod ten times, including the Cardiff 2008 Eisteddfod, and the concert will feature popular choral and solo items. The choir will stay overnight in London and all the members are looking forward to their weekend in the capital city and to performing to the London Welsh audience.

Gwawr Owen

Wales in London Clwb Comedi Christmas Reception (sponsored by HSBC) November 21st, 7.30pm till late Wednesday 10 December London Welsh Centre, 157 Grays Inn Road. 4 young Welsh English-speaking comedians. at HSBC Tower Canary Wharf £10 entrance (£8 members) including 1st Pint. Info. at www.walesinlondon.com Don’t miss it! DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS TUD/ PAGE 7 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008

Out to Africa – quiz fund-raiser

The second Quiz for Africa to raise funds for a bore hole and The grand total raised was £560 which now pushes the fund pump for Kasupe Farm in Zambia Africa drew a full house to the towards £3000. If anyone would like to help nudge the fund up Centre on the 1 October. A great night of hwyl, drama and and over that sum then contact Fraser Cains by e-mail at mayhem in the bar saw the quiz go to a tie break and almost [email protected]. Diolch i bawb. more winners than losers in the raffle that ended up giving prizes Fraser Cains. away as there were so many!

Newlywed Alyson wins something for the home Ceri wins the pickles

Ysgol Glanaethwy O Fortuna Finalists of BBC Last Choir Standing with an outstanding From Wales to the World collection: Adiemus, The rhythm of life, Circle of life, Cerddoriaeth Gwlad y Gân … The London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs 2008 on DVD and CD With the Cory Band, tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones and soprano Gwawr Edwards The Welsh Gold Collection Showstoppers Wales’ fi nest male voice choirs sing hits from the shows: The rhythm of life, Anthem, You’ll never walk alone… The Welsh Gold Collection Heartstrings Traditional melodies from the heart by Wales’ fi nest harpists. Tunes include Bugeilio’r gwenith gwyn, Ar lan y môr, Myfanwy…

Paul Carey Jones BARITONE & Llyˆr Williams PIANO Der schiffer, Ozymandias, Y môr enaid, Y llyn, Y bardd…

Kenneth Bowen TENOR Mae hiraeth yn y môr A collection of Welsh songs from his early recordings David Kempster Baritone “The CD is sure to bring a great deal of pleasure to so many. Bravo David!” DENNIS O’NEILL, 2008 Other Christmas releases by Nadolig Llawen i holl Gymry Llundain! Llanelli, Hong Kong, Talgarth and Y Foel MVC, Calan folk band and singer-songwriter Huw Chiswell www.sainwales.com tel 01286 831.111 fax 01286 831.497 DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK BY PROPER DISTRUBUTION [email protected] TUD/PAGE 8 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS

Cerys and Caryl help make Red Dragon Ball a tasty treat

Cerys Matthews, Caryl Parry-Jones and succulent Welsh lamb helped make The Dragon Ball, held on 4 October a truly massive success. The Ball, sponsored and paid for by International Property Finders, a company owned and run by Eleri Cosslett and Adam Musson who are both passionate supporters of the and parents at the London Welsh School, raised an astounding £45,000. The money will mainly go to the Welsh School in London to pay for a new garden and multi-purpose play area for the benefit of all the children but other charities such as The London Welsh Trust, The Home Towers Marie Curie hospice in Penarth, The BHT Trust, a charity based in Cardiff to assist The Dragon Ball was held at the Porchester Hall and was an outstanding success brain-damaged and severely disabled children in the capital to live independently, The Iolo Morgannwg charity to help fund a arrangements. In truth, said Eleri, we just wanted to get the memorial to him in Primrose Hill and lastly The Downs’ Welsh in London together and to be able to celebrate our Syndrome Education Trust. culture and language in style, which is what I think we The evening was a true celebration of all things Welsh, from achieved. the colossal Welsh Dragon Flag which framed the backdrop to When asked whether she would be doing it again she said Cerys Matthews and Caryl Parry Jones’ stunning performances “that it would be great wouldn’t it to be able to do this on an to the Welsh lamb and the amazing red green and white flower annual basis, but that she would need a long holiday first!”

Cyrsiau Dwys Undydd 2009 Intensive One-day Welsh Courses

Croeso i Ddysgwyr o Bob Safon! All Levels Welcome! including Complete Beginners

Cyrsiau nesaf: 4 Mawrth, 13 Mehefin, 28 Tachwedd 2009

Next Courses: 4 March, 13 June, 28 November 2009

Manylion a ffurflenni cofrestri Details and registration forms www.anoeth.demon.co.uk/pdc.html

Pwyllgor Dysgwyr Cymraeg ymholiadau enquiries [email protected] DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS TUD/ PAGE 9 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008

Concert of 800 Voices – This show will run and run Standard arrangements applied for the biennial Festival of Male heart” to an excellent Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall on 18 October. Eight hundred men published programme and from 16 choirs assembled in their multi-coloured jackets on stage, afterwards underlined his and their families and friends formed the bulk of the 4500 personal enjoyment of the audience out front. festival, included in a This was the 21st such occasion. “It has taken us 39 years to message conveying get here,” remarked organising committee chairman David appreciation of “Cochyn” Williams. “But having started on a wing and a prayer in organisational work, talent far-away 1969, this show could go on for ever.” and invention: Hosts London Welsh MVC were joined by six choirs from “Llongyfarchiadau – Wales: Brecon, Builth Wells, , Dunvant, Onllwyn Ardderchog”. and Treorchy. There were four from : Alcester, Cheddar, In addition to David Hampshire Police and Rushmoor and one each from Australia Williams, the festival David Williams, chairman of the Festival Committee, [Melbourne Welsh], New Zealand [National Male Choir], the committee comprised talking with Sir Graeme Davies at the President’s United States [Boston Saengerfest] and Slovenia, all joined by the Patrick Hodges reception. sartorially elegant Hong Kong Welsh MVC. [secretary], Kenneth Photo Rebecca Heald Conducting for the ninth time was Haydn James, with Adams, Byron Davies, Clive Jones, Colin Jones, Geoff Jones, Clive Annabel Thwaite at the piano and Jeffrey Howard at the organ. Lewis-Jones, Bob Mountney, Harry Planche, Keith Warren and Tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones and soprano Gwawr Edwards provided Peter Williams. solo items and added a duet for good measure. The presence of After the interval, Lord Morris of Aberavon installed Huw the multi–prize winning Cory Band offered variety and brass Edwards as his successor as president of the London Welsh Trust. support. Frank Lincoln compèred. Wearing his badge of office for the first time, the new president President Cliff Morgan made his inimitable contribution “Go commented “This will look good on the Ten O’Clock News”. home with a spring in your step because there is a song in your Barri Hurford

Wetlands Reserve by Monmouth artist Richard Corbett , in WHAT’S ON AND WHERE association with the RSPB - The Smithfield Gallery 16 West Smithfield, EC1 020 7489 7550 Interested in artists from Wales performing across a wide range 26 - 7 for 7.45 - £13 - Lleuwen Steffan is the special guest of of genres? Here are some dates for your diaries Waterson:Carthy - the leading folk band in England for 30 years November East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf E14 5AD 4 - headline at The Forum 9-1 Highgate 30 - 5.30 for 6pm - Cymanfa: Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol Rd, NW5 (their album “Memory and Humanity” was - Haydn James yn arwain, recording of two programmes for recently released) by a production company - Eglwys Unedig Gymraeg 5 - Cerys Matthews with Paul Heaton at ULU - £17.50 Canol Llundain, 30 Eastcastle Street, W1N 7PD (ticketweb) 6 - The School (Cardiff) supporting at The Windmill, Brixton December 9 - 6.30 - Cymanfa Ganu - Castle Street, 30 Eastcastle St, W1 7 - 6.30 for 7.30 - with the RPO - Songs and - www.egcll.org Carols to celebrate Christmas - indigO2 (next to the O2 10 - 6pm - £44 - with Seasick Steve, in support arena) Millennium Way SE10 0AX - www.theindigo2.co.uk of MENCAP at the Union Chapel, Islington 0844 844 0002. 13 - 7.30 - £10-£15 - Evan Davis , economist, and presenter 13 - 7.30 - £10 - Handel: Messiah - London Welsh Chorale - on Radio 4 “Today”,: speaks on Dishonesty in the Memorial St Pauls Church, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge SW1X 8SH. Lecture for Richard Price DD FRS (1723-1791) “one of 14 - 6pm - United Service of Lessons and Carols - with the Wales’ most distinguished philosophers”, mathematician, London Welsh Chorale and London Welsh Brass Ensemble – theologian, actuarial pioneer, national finance expert, LWC. political pamphleteer, defender of human rights, and minister 27 - £13.50 adv / £15 on the door - MAN - the legendary 60s at the Green - Newington Green Church, N16 9PR psychedelic band celebrate 40 years - Rhythm, downstairs 26-28 - 10am-6pm - Exhibition of art inspired by the Newport at 100 Club, 100 St. TUD/PAGE 10 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 CORAU/CHOIRS

Gwalia A little Hanky Panky at St Mary’s Church concert

The Gwalia has been busy during the summer and early then as the bride walked up the aisle, instead of the normal autumn. In July we returned to St. Mary’s Church in the wedding march, the choir sang the first verse of The Rose by village of High Halden in Kent for a concert organised by one Amanda McBroom, a special request of the bride. of our choristers, Huw Davies. During the signing of the register Ted Sellick sang the Our guest soloist was the soprano Sally Silver who gave a wonderful hymn How Great Thou Art with the choir joining in tremendous performance featuring classical opera and lighter the choruses. As the bridegroom was Scottish, we then sang numbers such as Gershwin’s Summertime , and was given a the lovely Hebridean classic, Eriskay Love Lilt, and ended standing ovation at the end of her last number. with the classic Welsh hymn Gwahoddiad. The Gwalia’s own top tenor soloist, Ted Sellick, sang Our fifth engagement was on Sunday, October 5th at the several numbers including the spiritual No-one knows the Richmond Golf Club who were holding what has become an trouble I’ve seen and a very beautiful, rarely sung traditional annual Welsh day. We sang ten numbers for them, all English folk tune I gave my love a cherry , made famous by unaccompanied, mostly firm Welsh favourites such as Harry Belafonte. Myfanwy, Men of Harlech, Sospan Fach and Cwm Rhondda . Ted ended with Goodbye by Robert Stolz, or The Hanky As an added bonus, we had the baritone Mark Evans Song as it was dubbed by our compère Mark Bevan. In this with us who had been persuaded to come along and sing by song, Ted invites the audience to join in the choruses by our conductor Janet Haney. Mark sang My little Welsh Home waving goodbye with their handkerchiefs above their heads. and received tremendous applause. The choir were very well Many thanks to our guest conductor Haydn James and to our looked after by our hosts and there was a lot of informal accompanist Chris George for their contributions to a very singing in the bar afterwards. Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable and successful concert. enjoyable day out. We performed at three weddings, including the wedding For details of forthcoming engagements over the next few of the daughter of one of our choristers, Geoff Rogers. This months, please see the Gwalia website at: was held at St. Mary’s Church, Ide Hill, Kent in September. www.gwaliamalevoicechoir.org.uk . As usual, we sang several numbers as the guests arrived and David Hurlbut

London Welsh Chorale Ken Bowen bows out – with the Messiah

The next big event in the the Chorale’s diary is especially And the Camerata was also active having been accorded important. It is a performance of Handel’s Messiah on 13 the honour of performing at a ceremony at the US Embassy December 2008 at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge. in London to mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of It will be Kenneth Bowen’s last major concert as the 11 September 2001. choir’s musical director after an extraordinary 25 years’ From January 2009 Gareth Hancock will be taking over service. As such it will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion as musical director. He has an impressive background having and the performance is sure to lift the roof as the Chorale trained at Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music before thanks Ken for both his musical leadership and his friendship a career working as a coach, accompanist and conductor over so many years. with all Britain’s major opera companies, working with such We hope and expect to have a full house for this concert conductors as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Andrew Davis and Sir so please book early: tickets are £10, (concs available) from John Eliot Gardiner. Chorale members, by emailing For more information about forthcoming engagements, or [email protected] or at the door. if you are interested in joining the choir please see our The Chorale’s large concert - Mendelssohn’s beautiful Website: www.londonwelshchorale.org.uk or e-mail: work Elijah in the summer at the Duke’s Hall, Royal [email protected] Academy of Music was a huge success and very well Matthew Holt received. CORAU/CHOIRS TUD/ PAGE 11 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008

LWMVC High-flying choristers join the jet set

Life is pretty hectic for a chorister in the London Welsh Male playing stronghold of Angoulême, the Choir will also give concerts Voice Choir most of the time, but no more than at the present at Saintes and La Rochelle. However, at the end of January, there time. Reports on the Choir’s recent visit to New York and Boston, is a possibility that the Choir will visit Qatar, for a cultural event and the Festival of Male Voice Choirs appear elsewhere in this organised by the British Embassy. magazine. In between these two overseas visit there is a visit to Cardiff’s By the time you read this report the Choir will have sung at Millennium Centre on St David’s Day (Sunday at 5pm) for a mini- the Leatherhead Theatre on 1 November and will be preparing for Festival. The LWMVC, along with the choirs from Wales that a prestigious engagement at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to participated at the Royal Albert Hall last month, will again be commemorate the 90th anniversary of the ending of WW1, to be under the baton of Haydn James. With Annabel Thwaite (piano) televised live on BBC on 11 November. Then in December the and the Cory Band, the massed choir will sing for the benefit of Choir will make its debut appearance at Lancing College near the Teenage Cancer Trust. Guest soloists will be Gwawr Edwards Worthing, singing at the beautiful Chapel there. (soprano), Wynne Evans (tenor), Eddie Wade (baritone), and At the end of May next year plans are in hand for a three- Frank Lincoln will compère. concert tour of South West France. Basing the Choir in rugby- All that should keep us all out of mischief! LWMVC Crosses the Pond

LWMVC’s annual 8 day overseas tour was in early autumn this year rather than the traditional Whitsun week. Our destinations this time were New York and Boston (the latter being the venue of the 1999 tour). The tour centrepieces at each location were enjoyable and enthusiastically received concerts, the repertoire being based heavily on the (imminent) London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall on 18 October. The first concert was a journey of an hour or so from Manhattan to its “stockbroker belt” at Harrison, White Plains. The concert hall was at a local high school with facilities that the richest UK public schools might envy, the concert itself being expertly conducted by Michael Wynn-Jones. The choir was very pleased with debut concert performances of two RAH items and the audience reaction corroborated this. The second, shared with and hosted by our old friends at the Boston Sangerfest Male Voice Choir, was at Regis College in similarly privileged surroundings. Haydn shared conducting duties with our host’s musical director. The hall’s superb acoustic and the joint and separate efforts of each choir and soloists (David Williams and Geraint Lewis from LWMVC) bringing the best from all concerned, with the audience giving us a standing ovation. As usual, there was plenty of time for socialising and sightseeing (ask an LWMVC chorister about the Highway Patrol motorcyle escort and Arthur Simpson about the New York Fire Brigade). This brief note on a most enjoyable and successful tour, from a cultural, activity and logistical perspective, cannot end without mentioning the LWMVC Tour Committee who put it all together. Many thanks indeed. John Feltham Clive Jones went to Ellis Island to take this unusual view of New York’s Statue of Liberty TUD/PAGE 12 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 CELFYDDYDAU/ARTS

Czech this out – WNO brings Jenufa to the Bay

WNO The Barber of Seville - (Left to Right) John Moore (Figaro) Eric Roberts (Dr Bartolo) Laura Parfitt (Rosina) and Colin Lee (Count Almaviva) Photo: Johan Persson 01565

We have become accustomed to successful seasons from Welsh There is a nice cameo role by Susan Gorton as the National Opera but the current Autumn offerings are particularly grandmother and Siân Meinir makes the most of the mayor’s wife noteworthy. All three productions bring strong casts, excellent part with Alastair Moore as the mayor. Their daughter Karolka is staging and singing of the highest standard. In short, it has been sung by Llantwit Major’s Charlotte Ellett. success all round. Jen u˚fa is a dark and moving piece. It offers a striking contrast The season’s new production is Verdi’s gripping . Paul to the rousing antics of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville which Curran’s production works well and there are excellent rounds off the Autumn Season. This is a tried and tested performances, particularly from Amanda Roocroft as Desdemona production, first staged in Cardiff in 1986. and Dennis O’Neill who is “on top of his game” with the role of Indeed, one pundit suggested that it might be older than some Otello. members of the cast! It really doesn’t matter. This is proof of the Another very impressive performance is that of Chirk’s David old adage that if something isn’t broken, we shouldn’t try to mend Kempster who offers a powerful and suitably sinister Iago. Wynne it. Evans, originally from , rounds things off nicely as The staging and costumes work well with the “chorus as Cassio. audience” ploy an effective one. If the production is slightly There are some interesting touches in staging and costume. elderly, the cast in the current season is not. Youthful enterprise The huge sculpted golden Lion of Venice is certainly an attention helps to bring the Barber to vibrant life. Particularly notable are getter. Claire Bradshaw’s “Boudica like” attire suits her well sung John Moore in the title role and Laura Parfitt as Rosina. Emilia. Eric Roberts brings a deft comic touch to Dr. Bartolo and Colin There is plenty for the chorus to do in Otello and that is Lee is excellent as Count Almaviva. Paul Gyton as Ambrogio and another obvious plus for WNO. Carlo Rizzi brings his usual verve Tim Mirfin as Basilio join in the fun as does Naomi Harvey as as Conductor for what is a very enjoyable evening. Berta the housekeeper. A revival of Janá ˇcek’s Jen u˚fa adds a Czech flavour to another Gareth Jones keeps the music nicely on track as Conductor. successful production. Some find Janá ˇcek challenging but This Barber is good fun and well worth seeing. musically this is an excellent evening with the orchestra ably All three of the autumn productions have important roles for conducted by Siân Edwards. the chorus which rises to the occasion all round. This is a very The title role is filled with aplomb by the always excellent successful season and, as productions prepare to tour, London Nuccia Focile and Susan Bickley is in excellent voice for the Welsh readers can confidently book any or all of them and enjoy critical role of Kostelnika. The volatile “suitors”, Števa and Laca an excellent night at the opera. are well sung by Stephen Rooke and Peter Hoare respectively. Ray Howell NEWYDDION/NEWS TUD/ PAGE 13 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008

Moving on up – solid start to Division 2 London Welsh Cricket Club 2008 Season Review

London Welsh CC’s first season in Division 2 of the AJ Sports players who showed good form despite their inexperience with Surrey Cricket League ended with the club finishing in a Fawaz Jawed providing a much need leg-spin option in the later satisfactory 11th place out of 16 with a playing record of 6 wins; games of the season, taking 4-29 in the game against Morden. 8 defeats and one match abandoned. Other highlights during the season were the visit to the game After being promoted in third place in 2007 this represented a against Sutton on 26 July of club Patron, Sir Ronald Waterhouse, solid start to life in Division 2, the highest Division which the club who kindly presented Club President, Chairman and Life Member, has reached since it started to play League cricket in 1993. Bill Jenkins, with a card, a gift of champagne and a bat signed by As in 2007 the club’s star performer was Kiwi batsman, David club members to mark Bill’s 80th birthday. Sisam, who again topped the batting averages and won the On 16 August the club was delighted to see Life Member, Division 2 Batsman of the Year award, a fine achievement in a Derek Williams, who reformed the club in 1978, who called in stronger Division after winning the Division 4 award in 2007. during the home game against Norwood Exiles while on a visit David scored 816 runs in total with four 100’s and two 50’s from New Zealand where he now lives. to average 81.6 for the season. He was presented with a trophy A major disappointment for the club in 2008 was that the and prize at the League’s end of season Presentation Evening on traditional visit to Ross-on-Wye for the end of season game on 13 Saturday, 25 October at the Richmond Hill Hotel. September had to be cancelled as the Ross-on-Wye cricket The summer of 2008 was dismal from the point of view of the ground was completely flooded when the river burst its banks. weather but London Welsh only lost one game to rain although Pictures of the ground and the extent of the flooding can be many games were played in grey, chilly, cheerless conditions with seen on the LWCC website www.lwcc.quickonthenet.com which rain in the air. also has the final 2008 Points Table and other features such as 2009 must be an improvement after two poor summers. What Player Profiles and Player of the Month awards throughout the was encouraging in 2008 was the emergence of some young 2008 season.

Welsh Family History Societies: London Branch Welsh migrants – and their role in Bristol’s Mercantile success

Madge Dresser, Reader in History at the University of the West coal and slate. In the second half of the eighteenth century a of England, addressed the society on 4 October, on Migration “Welch Market” was established in the area, where chickens, from South Wales to Bristol. She used a rich variety of sources fish, and dairy produce were sold; the surviving book of traders’ to demonstrate the attraction of Bristol to South Wales. names dated 1760 to 1844 shows that most were women. From the medieval period up to the first half of the Religion played a part in the links between Bristol and nineteenth century, Bristol was the port through which most South Wales. Members of the first chapel in Wales, Llanfaches, Welsh produce was shipped to the rest of Britain and fled to Bristol at the outbreak of the Civil War, and many Welsh elsewhere, and was also a destination for migration from Quakers were based there. Welshmen were prominent Wales. among Bristol Baptists, particularly Hugh Evans, who was head Not surprisingly, the most common place of origin for of the Bristol Baptist Academy. A Welsh Chapel flourished from migrants was Monmouthshire, but origins were the early nineteenth century. more common than Glamorgan, possibly reflecting maritime Bristol’s position as the main Bristol Channel port began to links. Analysis of Welsh surnames among Bristol records show decline following the abolition of the slave trade, with growing Welsh people in a variety of roles: holding office in the borough trade from the South Wales ports, notably Swansea’s copper as early as the fifteenth century, serving apprenticeships, trade from the early eighteenth century, and the pre-eminence involved in the Bristol-based slave trade, or working in service of Cardiff’s coal trade around the turn of the twentieth century. or in a variety of trades. Anne Jones’ talk in July illustrated the many complexities of Some migrants were transitory, staying for a short period as the Welsh Patronymic naming system, particularly in the period seasonal workers; some returned home to Wales at the end of a of the transition between patronymics and fixed surnames . working life to get poor relief in their parish of settlement; Members of the same family could take different surnames, others became permanent residents. change their mind about which name to adopt or sometimes The destination of the coastal trade from South Wales was even revert from fixed surnames back to patronymics. the Welsh Back, where small trows landed agricultural produce, Anna Brueton TUD/PAGE 14 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 MARWOLAETHOL/OBITUARIES

Cenydd Howells conveyancing and was elected as a master of the Bench Cenydd was brought up in Nantgaredig in rural of Lincolns Inn in Carmarthenshire where his father, Iorweth, was Director of 2005. Education. Cenydd was a Cenydd attended Queen Elisabeth grammar School in man of many Carmarthen, before proceeding to Selwyn College, Cambridge interests to whom the with a College Exhibition to study Classics first and then Law. Welsh Language and He became Vice president of the University Law Society. It history was very was a matter of pride for Cenydd that his son David also important. He loved studied at Selwyn College. music and he met He moved to London and was called to the Bar in 1964 by Gaynor through Lord Denning, receiving the Bennett prize. membership of the Cenydd’s interests and ambitions from the start were in London Welsh Choir Chancery and Property law. He applied to join the Wales and with which they sang circuit and his application was supported by no less at the investiture of lawyer than Tasker Watkins V.C. the Prince of Wales He became a recorder on the circuit which involved hearing at Caernarfon Castle and he was thrilled that his daughter Chancery cases in the County Courts of Wales – in Welsh as Elisabeth now sings in the same choir. well as in English. Cenydd was a staunch supporter of the London Welsh He often travelled from place to place in his camper van, Trust. He was Chairman of the Trust in 1987 but remained a having loaded it with all the legal books and documents he Council member for the rest of his life; his wisdom and advice might need for the cases he was to hear. were much appreciated and respected. In places like Haverfordwest the judge ’s clerk would have He was a rounded man of many talents and interests who placed cones outside the court reserving his parking space and practised his quiet but deep faith in the way he conducted his in Llangefni it emerged that Cenydd was identified as “the nice life. Above all he was a deep rooted family man and we offer recorder with the campervan”. our sincere sympathy to Gaynor, Elisabeth and David and their His attention to detail was legendary and because of his families. many qualities he held many positions in the field of

Continued from page 16 James Strong, Rob Jewell, Howard Quigley, John Swords and Amo Tauialo are among those who can be seen enjoying their Welsh make their mark rugby in Roehampton. Inward bound, however, the Welsh have welcomed several fine players, many of whom have experienced Yet Aberavon (48-17) and Swansea (26-10) were both Premiership/Magners league rugby. From over the Severn the overcome with some ease in Wales, while the Magners Celtic Welsh have recruited half-backs (who is nearing League side Connacht were beaten in a feisty Friday night duel 100 points for the season) and Alex Walker from the Gwent in Galway by 17-12. League rugby is always a true barometer ; Llanelli have provided hooker Dan George and of a clubs standing, however, and it is certainly heartening that winger Alec Jenkins; and the experienced former Osprey and by the end of October the Welsh had won all but three of their Bridgend captain Mike Powell is a valued addition in the second nine engagements – all of them to top title contenders. Bedford row. Meanwhile, No.8 Tom Brown, who has joined from (23-32) were marginally stronger, (0-38) were a class Newbury, has won Welsh international honours at . apart, while their nearest rivals Exeter (3-10) were just too Other notable signings include Worcester scrum-half Nick strong in Devon. Arguably, that narrow defeat in Exeter, which Runciman, former Leeds centre Tom Rock, the Oxford flyer Tom at least earned a bonus point, was as significant as any of the Tombleson, versatile centre Peter Murchie, full-back Ed Lewis- victories – and they have come thick and fast. Moseley (15-9), Pratt from , and two accomplished back-rowers in Sedgely Park (43-11), Plymouth Albion (25-24) and Newbury Saracen’s Tom Audley and the Army’s Darrell Ball. And recently (20-9) all bent the knee on the road, while Doncaster were cut making their league debuts were Mark Harris, who has played down at by 31-16 and Esher (43-19) were Currie Cup rugby in South Africa and was once on Bedford’s destroyed in a vivid first-half display. Prior to the defeat in books, and the Ireland Under-21 hooker Gavin O’Meara. Exeter the Welsh had recorded their fifth consecutive away So it can be seen that director of rugby Martin Jones is league victory – the most successful run from home at this certainly leading a highly motivated and talented squad of level. players, including many of those who formed the core of last A move to professional rugby inevitably means wholesale season’s successful seventh-placed side. It is also pleasing to changes to the playing strength, not least by many talented report, and not altogether surprising, that attendances are players who did not wish to commit themselves to the full-time showing a marked increase. It is a long and winding road to the game. No club has benefitted more from this switch than old top, but for the first time in many years the Welsh can now friends and local rivals Rosslyn Park, where Chris Ritchie, contemplate their future with optimism.

TUD/PAGE 16 TACHWEDD/NOVEMBER 2008 CHWARAEON/SPORTS

Welsh make their mark

By Paul Beken The Summer (what summer you may ask) has passed, but sitting in the glorious autumn sunshine during the recent home game with Esher, and looking at the new stand at the Kew Gardens end of the ground and at the marquees along the touchline serving refreshments – not least the ubiquitous hog-roast – and providing shelter whenever the rains may come, Old Deer Park was looking an absolute picture. And all of this, it has to be said, is largely because of the club’s decision to opt for professional rugby and make the classic old Richmond ground even more of an attraction. Before considering these implications, however, we need to get the record straight. Contrary to comment in some quarters, London Welsh are not embracing professional rugby for the first time. Aled Thomas gets the ball away against Leeds. Picture by Dave Jackson. Some eleven years ago, when was at the helm, the Welsh embarked upon a three year experiment in pro ranks. many that would be a bitter pill to swallow, but the news that the And with , Andy Currier et al in the vanguard, the Old Deer Park will continue to stage good quality rugby and Welsh enjoyed more success than ever before in league rugby. remain the club’s spiritual home has set many beating hearts to A dazzlingly strong third division, which included Worcester, rest. Leeds and Welsh, among others, saw the Welsh climb to what At all events, the Welsh are making a fine fist of things in their became the Allied Dunbar Premiership Two, with fourth and fifth second incarnation as a full-time club. How far the club has place finishes in the years that followed. They were wonderful travelled was first revealed in a series of three taxing friendlies. years for the London Welsh spectator, who also relished the sight of the Welsh scoring 210 (yes, two hundred and ten) points Continued page 14 against Welsh visitors Llanelli, Newport and Blackwood. However successful the move may have been in a playing sense, the sums just didn’t add up and the club reluctantly decided to revert to its former status. As a result, the Welsh were no longer playing on a level playing field and it was therefore a great tribute to the club’s later coaches Adrian Davies and Martin Jones - no less to a dedicated board of directors – that they were able to maintain their place in the first division, often in difficult circumstances. That was a major feat, for sure, but it did not accord with the club’s avowed aim of regaining its place among rugby’s elite. Ambition is one thing, but it rapidly became clear that the only way to make this a reality was by turning professional. So the London Welsh club took the momentous decision to take a second bite of the professional cherry. One consequence has been the realism that the Old Deer Park will not be able to meet the Premiership’s minimum requirements in respect of ground capacity and seating. The old ground once accommodated more than 10,000 spectators, 7,995 of whom paid through the turnstiles. That attendance figure almost beggars belief, but it was achieved 36 years ago when the health and safety czars were kept in their boxes and spectators generally didn’t give a fig for their comfort. If you got to the ground early you would have a good view of the game; if you didn’t you would barely see a thing. It was as simple as that. But times have changed and the received wisdom is that the Welsh may consider entering into a ground-sharing arrangement, possibly with the Brentford soccer club, just along the road. For