From the London Welsh Centre l at Grays Inn Road LWAwst/August 2012 • Rhif/Issue 64 CL £2.00 www.londonwelsh.org Past, Present P2 and Future

Cylchgrawn Cymry Llundain The magazine of the London Welsh 2 LW CLl O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE Moving on up – success on the rugby field mirrored with ‘promotion’ at The Centre Being London Welsh, a solicitor and having some Congratulations to all the staff and volunteers for good friends in the Thames Valley, the success of making these events happen. London Welsh RFC’s fight against the It is essential that we stretch our cultural reach bureaucratic obstacles of the Aviva Premiership beyond the Centre to raise our profile, generating a is cause for at least three cheers. passion for Welsh culture and language wherever I speak on behalf of everyone at the Centre we go. when I say how proud we are to have the Exiles As we continue to broaden our appeal, we must playing in the English top flight and how much never lose sight of the financial challenges of we are looking forward to supporting them. operating a charity cultural centre in the current I would like to take this opportunity to economic climate. congratulate the players (and the lawyers) for a This year we have invested in new staff while remarkable season! Good luck against Leicester facing increases in energy and postage costs as well Tigers on 2 September. as the desperate need to purchase a new boiler. As This year has been no less tough at Gray’s these running costs have increased, we have Inn Road and no less successful. The AGM in June marked an decided to restructure our membership subscription, increasing the important “promotion” for the Centre as an organisation. full “gold” membership to £60 (£5 a month). At the same time we Having reformed the management of the Centre’s activities and will replace free student membership with a “silver” membership for settled on some crucial changes to the financial operations, at the £20, and offer the opportunity to support through “platinum” AGM we adopted a new constitution that puts us well on the way to membership for £120 a year (£10 a month). the premiership in terms of charity governance. The changes agreed at the AGM will also allow us to benefit It may not be as exciting as Saturday afternoons with Tuilagi but from gift aid on 100% of your subscriptions which will add a it is important work and I want to thank the Trustees for their tangible boost to our bottom line. The full details of the changes are commitment to the changes as well as everyone that has supported set out in the letter accompanying this magazine. the reforms at the AGM itself. Can I thank all members in advance for their support of the A further personal thank you goes to our President Huw Edwards Centre staff as we go through the necessary amendments to for his chairmanship of the meeting. The foundations have now standing orders and setting up of direct debits. We know it’s a little been solidly laid for continued growth and fundraising can begin to administrative burden, but as a charity, we could not survive refurbish our wonderful building. without membership subscriptions. With that hard work out of the way, August should be a time for We are also confident that as the cultural programme for holiday, rest and relaxation and I hope that all our members and 2012/13 swings into life, you will see the full value of that crucial their families are taking a well-earned break. support as together we look forward to a new financial year with At the Centre, there is no time to ease off. excitement, optimism and renewed determination. Thanks to Rhian and her team, the Centre will be busy with Alex Meredith, Chairman bookings throughout the summer and the cultural outreach work @admeredith kicks into gear with two excursions to Wales. During the first week of August the Centre will host a stand on the Maes at the Eisteddfod at Llandow (in conjunction with the Cylch Siarad Cymraeg London Welsh Mae Cylch Siarad yn cael ei gynnal bob nos Iau yn y bar yn y School) and on Bank ganolfan. Mae’n rhoi cyfle ardderchog i ddysgwyr o bob safon i l LWC L - The Magazine of the London Welsh Holiday Monday the ddefnyddio’r iaith mewn amgylchedd cyfeillgar, agored a chroesawgar. Mae siaradwyr o bob lefel yn dod, gan gynnwys Published by London Welsh Centre Ltd. Centre will host a live dechreuwyr, pobl sy’n gloywi eu hiaith a phobl sy’n siarad 157 Grays Inn Road, London WCIX 8UE. music gig in Cardiff. Telephone: 020 7837 3722 Cymraeg fel iaith gyntaf. www.cymryllundain.org.uk / www.londonwelsh.org.uk The gig is an Bydd croeso mawr i bawb sydd eisiau siarad yn Gymraeg EDITORIAL TEAM: Eirlys Bebb, Theo Brueton, Rita Clark, extension of the am awr neu ddwy. Yn arbennig mae angen pobl sy’n siarad David Daniel, Gordon Roberts, Bob Trevor and successful “Huw Gethin Williams. Cymraeg yn dda i helpu’r rhai ohonon ni sy’n dysgu’r iaith o DESIGN SUPPORT: Taliesin Communications. Stephens hyd. Mae’r noson yn dechrau am 7.30 yn y bar ac mae’r ADVERTISING: Rita Clark. PRINTED BY: Y Lolfa presents…..” rheolau yn syml: Cymraeg yn gyntaf! Editorial contributions may be sent to the address above or, preferably, emailed to [email protected] concerts at the Anfonwch ebost i Richard Williams Advertisers may also contact Rita Clark Centre and coincides [email protected] os ydach chi eisiau Views expressed in this publication must not be taken with my arrival manylion pellach . as necessarily representing those of the London Welsh Association. (hopefully!) in Cardiff London Welsh Centre Trust is a Registered Charity. This following the London Cover: The flag is still flying and the building looks the same, but changes are taking place – Aleine Kearsley still ‘looks in’ and is seen here with part statement is given to support any advertisement which Welsh Run (more on appears in the columns of London Welsh Magazine from time administrator Abdul Rahyead and Cultural Development Officer, time to time in the name of the Trust and deemed, in page 7). Iain Richards. Photo: Rhian Jones. terms of the Act, to be fundraising.

Copy from contributors and advertisers is required by October 17 for inclusion in the next issue. O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE LW CLl 3 y e c r e M

e l l e i n a D

: o t o h P Level one students get to grips with Welsh grammar with guidance from one of our experienced tutors. How’s your Welsh? Here’s a real chance to learn more The fourth One Day Welsh Course will be run at the London Welsh Centre on 3 November. The aim is to offer classes for everyone interested in learning Welsh, from complete beginners looking for a taster day, to proficient, fluent speakers aiming to practise with other speakers. For learners in the Centre’s regular weekly classes the day offers

an opportunity for more prolonged practice of your new found y e c r

knowledge. e M

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The course is run by volunteers and tutors, providing l l e i inspirational teaching for a nominal sum. Several of them travel n a D

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from Wales in order to teach on the courses, and between them o t o h

have many years of experience of teaching Welsh to adults in and P out of Wales. Lunchtime is an opportunity to continue practising Welsh over a ploughman’s lunch in the London Welsh Centre bar. At each course, in addition to the classroom type teaching, we try to offer one session of a different activity; a pub quiz, a talk on matters of interest to Welsh learners, a language based activity or just a further opportunity to meet other learners and practise your Llongyfarchiadau / Congratulations Welsh. To Kenneth Bowen who celebrates his 80th birthday this “We welcome anyone new to Welsh or hoping to revive the summer. To mark the occasion Lord Thomas of Gresford Welsh they learnt at school,” said organiser Danielle Mercey. presented him with a gift from the London Welsh Chorale at their concert at St Giles, Cripplegate in July. Application forms will be available on the London Welsh web Penblwydd Hapus. site nearer the time at www.londonwelsh.org You can also contact [email protected] to be put on the email list to receive a reminder when applications are open or Our Sincere Sympathy is extended To David Daniel (Editor of the London Welsh Magazine) and contact Danielle Mercey 0208 427 0173 . family on the death of his mother. Mrs Daniel and her family were members at Willesden Green Chapel before it was closed. To Olwen Evans (former Hon Secretary of the London Welsh Trust and Association) and family, and her mother Mrs Elisabeth Thomas at the sad death of Ann her twin sister after a long illness. y

e Cydymdeimlad i chi i Gyd. c r e M

e l l e i Best Wishes for a full recovery n a D

To Sian Jones (Chorale), Bryan Howells (Gwalia), Mitch Jones : o t

o (LWMVC) and Ted Sellick (Gwalia) who have all undergone h P treatment in hospital recently. Brysiwch Wella yn Fuan Students enjoy some conversation. Many of these students are regulars at our one day courses. 4 LW CLl O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE

Don’t stop believing Daliwch i gredu Byddwn wrthi yn gwneud ein We will be making final preparations for the National paratoadau olaf ar gyfer yr Eisteddfod when this edition of the magazine goes to print - Eisteddfod Genedlaethol wrth i’r better pack the Wellingtons just in case! rhifyn yma o’r cylchgrawn fynd Thanks to everyone who has so kindly volunteered to i’r wasg (well pacio’r Wellingtons help on the stand. We are really looking forward to taking rhag ofn ). Diolch i bawb sydd the Maes by storm this year and delighted that Ysgol wedi rhoi o’u hamser i wirfoddoli Gymraeg Llundain will be joining us. ar y stondin. Rydym yn edrych Please call in for a chat if you are on the Maes. ymlaen yn arw i wneud argraff ar This won’t be our only visit to Cymru fach in August. y Maes eleni ac yn hynod falch We’ll be back again on the Bank Holiday Monday to cheer on fod Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain yn Alex Meredith as he completes his epic London Welsh Run. ymuno gyda ni. Cofiwch alw am As an occasional ‘fun’ runner myself, I can only look on in sgwrs os ydych ar y Maes. awe. Nid hon fydd ein hunig ymweliad â Chymru fach ym mis Awst. Alex, we salute you. Byddwn yn dychwelyd ar Ddydd Llun Gŵyl y Banc i groesawu Alex We are taking this opportunity to hold a gig in Cardiff Meredith wrth iddo gwblhau Carlam Cymry Llundain. Fel rhedwraig City Centre on 27 August. ‘Platfform Llundain’ will showcase hamddenol, achlysurol fy hun, rwy’n llwyr edmygu Alex. Pob clod some of the bands we have hosted at the Centre as part of iddo! ‘Huw Stephens Presents…The London Welsh Sessions’. Rydym yn achub ar y cyfle yma i gynnal gig yng nghanol Please spread the word about this unique night out – a first Caerdydd ar noswaith Awst 27ain. Bydd ‘Platfform Llundain’ yn for the London Welsh Centre. arddangos rhai o’r bandiau sydd wedi perfformio yn y Ganolfan fel This is an extension of our existing ‘Platfform’ scheme rhan o gyfres ‘Huw Stephens yn cyflwyno...Sesiynau Cymry where we encourage and enable artists, performers, poets Llundain’. Rhowch air ar led am y noson unigryw hon – y cyntaf o’i and authors from Wales to showcase their talent at the math i Ganolfan Cymry Llundain. Centre. Mae hyn yn estyniad o’n cynllun ‘Platfform’ ble rydym yn annog Alongside these exciting developments and an ac yn galluogi artistiaid, perfformwyr, beirdd ac awduron o Gymru i ever-increasing cultural calendar, we continue to commit arddangos eu talent yn y Ganolfan. time and energy into developing our lettings business and it Law yn llaw gyda’r datblygiadau cyffrous hyn a chalendr is encouraging to see that commitment bear fruit already. diwylliannol sydd yn prysur lenwi, rydym yn parhau i roi o’n hamser We are investing in much-needed facilities to further a’n hegni i ddatblygu’r busnes llogi ystafelloedd ac mae’n galondid i increase our appeal as a flexible, affordable and welcoming weld y gwaith yma yn dwyn ffrwyth yn barod. Rydym yn buddsoddi room hire venue. We are also making fundamental changes mewn cyfarpar y mae gwir ei angen er mwyn ymestyn ein hapêl fel to the administration of our membership structure. lleoliad hyblyg, fforddiadwy a chroesawgar. Rydym hefyd yn Changes agreed at the AGM will really help day-to-day gwneud newidiadau sylfaenol i’r modd yr ydym yn gweinyddu ein operations at the Centre. On that note I would like to say a strwythur aelodaeth. very big thank you to Avis Judd, Administrator for her role in Bydd y newidiadau a gytunwyd yn y Cyfarfod Blynyddol preparing for the AGM - and for her flower arranging skills! Cyffredinol ym Mehefin yn help mawr i weithgarwch dyddiol y The team has met with several potential stakeholders Ganolfan. Ar y nodyn hwnnw hoffwn ddiolch o galon i Avis Judd, over the last few months and we strongly believe that we are Gweinyddwraig y Ganolfan am ei chyfraniad at baratoadau’r making a positive impression and forging links with cyfarfod ac am ddangos ei doniau trefnu blodau! influential groups. Mae’r tîm wedi achub ar gyfleoedd i gwrdd gyda nifer o We believe in what the Centre has to offer and we very rhanddeiliaid posib dros y misoedd diwethaf a credwn yn gryf ein much hope you share in this belief. There may be a few false bod yn gwneud argraff gadarnhaol ac yn magu cysylltiadau cryf starts and a few hurdles to overcome, but rest assured, we gyda grŵpiau dylanwadol. Credwn yn gryf yn yr hyn sydd gan y are going for gold in 2012! Ganolfan i’w gynnig a gobeithiwn yn fawr eich bod chithau hefyd yn Enjoy the magazine and thanks as always to all who make rhannu’r gred honno. Efallai y bydd ambell i false start ac efallai y it happen. down ni ar draws ambell i glwyd ond gallwn eich sicrhau ein bod yn The Centre will be open during August (check our website anelu am y fedal aur yn 2012! for bar opening times), so please feel free to pop in to see us. Mwynhewch y cylchgrawn a diolch i bawb sy’n ei wneud yn Rhian jones bosib. Chief Executive Officer Bydd y Ganolfan ar agor ym mis Awst (edrychwch ar ein gwefan am oriau agor y bar), felly mae croeso mawr i chi daro heibio i’n gweld. Rhian Jones, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol [email protected] www.londonwelsh.org @LondonWelshCCLL

Welsh evening classes @LWC. Register now! / Dosbarthiadau nos Cymraeg yn CCLl. Cofrestrwch nawr! www.londonwelsh.org O’R GANOLFAN/FROM THE CENTRE LW CLl 5 Splash out on Welsh art Radio One DJ and help homeless people The London Welsh Centre is helping to raise funds for homeless Huw Stephens people in Wales. The Annual Welsh Art Auctions are amongst the biggest fundraising events for Wales’ people and homes charity, and Autumn Arts Shelter Cymru and always a great evening out. Welsh or Welsh based artists very generously donate their pieces so that all the income from the auctions goes directly to at the Centre helping people in housing need in Wales. There’s always a wide range of styles, sizes and prices to suit every wall and pocket. The London Welsh Centre is pleased to announce an exciting “This year we have a unique opportunity to host an additional and varied Autumn Arts programme. auction at The London Welsh Centre,” said organiser Andrew The Autumn kicks off on Friday 14 September with the Jones. “The aim is to take the event to the Welsh Community in return of the music nights, showcasing the very best central London, many of whom support Welsh charities and take up-and-coming Welsh bands. a great interest in Welsh art.” Radio One DJ Huw Stephens works with the Centre to The London Auction will be held on the 21 September at the organise these shows and other confirmed dates are 12 October, 9 November and 14 December. London Welsh Centre, a second auction at the Royal Cambrian Monday 17 September sees the Centre taking a look at Academy, Conwy on 24 September, with a third at the Welsh involvement in the Spanish Civil War . Washington Gallery in Penarth on Friday 28 September. That same week, on Friday 21 September, the Centre will The online gallery will be available to view in the next few host an Art Auction in association with Shelter Cymru, the weeks, and the catalogue will be available towards the end of people and homes charity in Wales. August. Aberystwyth Poetry group, “ The Word Distillery ” will We do hope you will be able to come along and join us at one holding a Poems and Pints night at the Centre on Friday of our Auctions. For more details please contact the Shelter 2 November. Cymru fundraising team on 01792 469400. “Please visit our website for further details and for other confirmed events as the summer unfolds,” said Cultural Development Officer, Iain Richards. Dysgu Cymraeg? We congratulate Huw on having the honour of joining the Gorsedd at this year’s National Eisteddfod in the Vale of Learning Welsh? Glamorgan – Llongyfarchiadau. Cwrs Dwys Undydd at the London Welsh Centre Saturday, 3 November 2012, 9.30 am - 5pm The London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Gray’s Inn Road WC1X 8UE Clwb Darllen Llundain £30 for the entire day, which includes sandwich lunch, tea, coffee and biscuits, or £25 without lunch. Yn ddiweddar, cafwyd dau gyfarfod o’r fenter newydd hon. Yn yr un We offer a variety of courses suitable to your level, including cyntaf trafodwyd nofel Geraint Evans - “Llwybrau”, stori ditectif complete beginners. Classes will run at levels where there is cyfoes; ac yn yr ail, clasur Islwyn Ffowc Elis - “Cysgod y Cryman”. sufficient demand so to avoid disappointment please register Er nad ydym yn niferus iawn, y mae yn ein plith rhychwant in good time! cyfoethog o ddoniau gwahanol sy’n cynnwys toreth o wybodaeth a Further information and registrations forms are available from diddordeb mewn sawl maes. Ond uwch ben pob dim mae un peth [email protected] or by contacting Danielle amlwg yn gyffredin sef cariad at yr iaith Gymraeg. Mercy at 020 8427 0173. Join us on Facebook: Welsh Learners Mewn canlyniad o hyn i gyd, cawsom yn y naill cyfarfod fel y llall London / Dysgwyr Cymraeg Llundain. amser difyr tu hwnt. Aethpwyd ar hyd trywydd eang gan ddilyn ystod faith o syniadau personol a chymdeithasol, yn ddwfn heb fod Croeso i ddysgwyr o bob safon, gan gynnwys dechreuwyr yn llethol, yn eang heb fynd yn annelwig. Hedodd yr oriau heibio newydd. gyda phawb yn ymuno yn y bwrlwm naturiol. Dysgwch a mwynhewch yr iaith hynaf ym Mhrydain mewn Bydd y cyfarfod nesaf ar Fedi 3ydd 2012 am 7-30 pan fydd llyfr awyrgylch gyfeillgar gyda thiwtoriaid profiadol. P’un ai ydych “Hanner Amser” gan y dyfarnwr rygbi enwog Nigel Owen dan sylw. yn siaradwr profiadol neu ar fin dechrau, byddwch yn gallu Croeso mawr i bawb. Manylion pellach gan Brendan ar datblygu eich sgiliau cyfathrebu a gwneud ffrindiau newydd. [email protected] 6 LW CLl CORAU/CHOIRS

BrynFest comes to the Southbank Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival arrived in London on 4 July and proved to be a highly successful 4-day festival spearheaded by the man himself and concluded with Bryn’s Big Sing. The Golden Age of Broadway was celebrated on the first evening

when Bryn was joined by West End stars. An Evening of Opera Classics g n i

was followed by Gruff Rhys on the Friday. n w o

On Saturday 7 July, it was the Wales Choir of the World, D

n

organised by the London Welsh Male Voice Choir and sponsored by h o J

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the Welsh Government. It featured groups of male choirs from five o t o

continents (members of 18 individual choirs) in the first half and all h P the voices (over 500) combining in the second half, with Bryn as the Themba Madlopha, MD of the Cenestra Male Choir from South Africa with programme’s soloist. The massed choir, conducted by Paul Bateman, LWMVC’s Harry Planche and Keith Warren. performed the première of Karl Jenkins’ A Hero’s Journey , The four-day festival concluded on the sunny terrace of the Royal commissioned by the LWMVC. The tremendous standing ovation by Festival Hall, with Bryn Terfel supported by choirs from around the the audience at the end of the performance really was the icing on the world, leading the gathered crowd in singing favourite songs – cake for all the effort. The European Choir, which included choirs from particularly Welsh ones such as Ar Hyd Y Nos, Cwm Rhondda, Men of Hungary, Scotland and Slovenia as well as the LWMVC, was Harlech , and so on! A fitting end to the 4-day festival and the conducted by Haydn James. The principal accompanist was Annabel BrynFest. Thwaite on the piano, and the Cory Band.

Polish soprano joins ‘George Formby’ for a proper knees-up On 2 July, the Gwalia joined the LWMVC to sing at the Commonwealth Carnival of Music in Westminster Hall inside the Houses of Parliament. The concert is reported elsewhere in this magazine, but d l

a suffice to say there were choirs and dance groups from all over the e H Commonwealth who were on their way to compete at this year’s a c c

e International Eisteddfod at Llangollen. b e R

: The Gwalia thoroughly enjoyed joining the LWMVC in singing the o t

o beautiful Y Darlun arranged by Jeffrey Howard and the stirring Welsh h P The Gwalia Choir relax in front of the London Eye. hymn Gwahoddiad and then in leading the audience in singing Cwm Rhondda . We would like to thank Dr. Haydn James for inviting the After a four year absence the Gwalia returned to St. Mary’s Church in Gwalia choir to take part and for his help in organising it and of course High Halden, Kent, with its usual varied programme of traditional Welsh for his superb conducting of both choirs. hymns & folk songs, interspersed with more modern upbeat numbers. Many thanks also to the LWMVC’s accompanist Anita D’Attellis. Our guest soloist was Polish soprano Anna Jurec, a student of our We were able to watch most of the concert before we went on at conductor Janet Haney. She sang two songs by Puccini and Lehar’s Meine the end. It was very enjoyable and of course a magnificent setting with Lippen. Part way through this song, Anna walked down the aisle and great acoustics. proceeded to dance with a male member of the audience, whilst It was another unforgettable experience for the Gwalia, and a great continuing to sing all the while. This really impressed the audience who day to treasure. gave her a standing ovation. For details of our forthcoming engagements over the next few The choir’s own George Formby, second tenor Geoff Rogers, gave us months, please see our website at www.gwaliamalevoicechoir.org.uk . a wonderful rendition on his vintage ukulele of When I’m cleaning David Hurlbut windows and baritone Lionel Griffiths recited his very entertaining poem called Summertime – a musical journey , in which he gave 17 song excerpts and mentioned 39 musicals. Eiddwen Evans – TCT’s MBE On 1 July the Gwalia was invited to a tea party to raise money for Congratulations to Eiddwen Evans who was awarded the MBE in the Marie Curie and Macmillan cancer charities. This was organised by the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. She has worked tirelessly for the daughter-in-law of the Gwalia’s former Chairman Ted Sellick. As many years as National Organiser of the Teenage Cancer Trust many of you know, Ted is not a well man, but he managed to give us a which helps to make a significant difference to young people rendition of Banana Boat Song and took part in Little Liza – two of the with cancer in the 13-25 age group. She was chairwoman of Gwalia’s favourite post concert party pieces. The choir also sang a TCT's Welsh fundraising committee, which led to the building of Wales' first specialist unit for teenage cancer sufferers - a £3.4m number of old favourites such as Men of Harlech , Cwm Rhondda and unit at the University Hospital of Wales, which will enable American Trilogy . Two of the Gwalia’s basses, Paul Gray and Mike Davies, teenagers with cancer in Wales to have up to a 15% greater led the choir in singing Max Boyce’s Duw it’s hard . It was a very enjoyable chance of recovery. afternoon and £1442 was raised for the cancer charities. DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS LW CLl 7

Marathon man Alex is in the running – Alex in serious training to help re-build the London Welsh Centre for the Great Welsh Run

Whatever you’re planning this August Bank Holiday weekend, perhaps a a hamstring tears, that will be end of story. The challenge is to train hard to be picnic or trip to the beach, think of Alex Meredith, as he runs the 200 miles strong enough for the run without pushing any part of my anatomy to breaking from the centre to Cardiff Bay. point. Now that you’ve read that twice, let us confirm – yes, that’s right: the equivalent of EIGHT marathons in four days. You’ll do the run ‘unsupported’ on the route, but who is helping you with The first London Welsh Run starts from the centre in Gray’s Inn Road on 24 this challenge? August with the finish line at Wales Millennium Centre on 27 August. I’ve been helped by a number of people in preparing for this run, particularly the In between, many gruelling miles, each one bringing funds for our trustees, staff and volunteers at the London Welsh Centre – I’m so grateful to refurbishment project, and for a Cardiff-based national charity. them. Between training runs and a busy work schedule, Alex explained how he We’re delighted that the Millennium Centre has been so generous in their came up with the idea in an interview with Lynne Walsh . support and are hosting a reception at the finish. We look forward to building on that relationship, and hope one day to be able to support some of the WMC What other big runs have you done ? projects with our efforts in London, allowing more and more people to share in Those who have met me will know I was not built for speed! But having retired Wales’ rich cultural scene by reaching out to communities at this end of the from team sport and seeing that running required little skill (at my level), but a M4. lot of determination, it soon became clear it was the sport for me! The run is also supporting Headway Cardiff. My wife, Kate, is a speech and It was a rocky start – I collapsed during the Vienna marathon in 2003 and language therapist who works with Headway in London. We have both been was treated for exhaustion before finishing the race almost last, in around six inspired by Headway’s work with survivors and their families to cope with the hours. I learned my lesson and worked hard to get fit for the Cardiff marathon often ‘hidden disabilities’ that occur following a brain injury. that same year, posting a much more respectable time of 3:05 (which I should also say that my biggest supporter in this, as well as everything frustratingly remains my personal best). else I undertake, is Kate herself. Kate’s patience and encouragement knows no Those marathons were training for a 1,000 mile run along the length of bounds. Cuba in 2003 which I completed with friend Ben Leese, raising more than £5,000 for Children in Need. Alex, this is going to be a tough four days. How do you expect to feel at Since then I’ve dabbled with cycling challenges including cycling across the finish? Kazakhstan in 2008 for SOS Children’s Villages, but have always come back to Exhausted. Elated. And I hope I’ll have raised funds for two excellent causes – running. and I will have travelled the journey that we hope to take as a community I’ve now done eight marathons (including the London marathon dressed in centre – from London Welsh Centre to mini-Wales Millennium Centre. a sweltering Rhino costume for Save the Rhino) but my ultimate dream is to By doing so we will have started along the path of making our Centre more get under the magical three-hour mark, which I’ve never managed. representative of the modern Wales I know – self-confident, exciting, dynamic. The London Welsh Run relies on what I’m best at – very long distances at relatively slow pace. I am the Land Rover of the running world! Find out more about the London Welsh Run on the website: www.londonwelshrun.com and follow Alex on twitter @londonwelshrun. What are your concerns about this run? Anyone who wants to join the run at any point - contact I am always late, so one of my biggest fears is not getting to the Wales [email protected] or via the Centre. Millennium Centre on time to enjoy the reception that they will host. Let’s hope I can carry spare batteries for the alarm clock! Monday 27 August – Alex arrives in Cardiff to a hero’s welcome after Otherwise, the biggest concern is what you might describe as “breaking down”. completing this epic challenge. The LWC will be organising an event in the This would be a serious injury either in training or on route. I believe I can evening to mark our Chairman’s fantastic achievement. ‘Platfform Llundain’ prepare for the physical fatigue and mental endurance, but if a tendon snaps or is a free gig at the Buffalo Bar, Cardiff from 6.30pm. Room hire – great rates – flexible options – central location For more information contact The London Welsh Centre 020 7837 3722 www.londonwelsh.org 8 LW CLl CORAU/CHOIRS

Eschoir Trio of Choirs raises funds for Welsh Chapel Three contrasting choirs gave a concert at Borough Welsh Chapel in Southwark in July to raise funds for the chapel which is one of the oldest in London. Côr Meibion Gwalia, Eschoir and Côr Merched Cymry Côr Merchyd Llundain are three of the smaller choirs in the London Welsh community but produce varied and contrasting programmes of the highest quality. Côr Merched The Gwalia, which is based at the London Welsh Centre, performed under the baton of their Musical Director Janet Haney, accompanied by Hannah Gill on piano. They sang several numbers including Y Darlun Cymry Llundain and Ysbryd Y Nos, as well as old favourites Calon Lân and Gwahoddiad, and lightened the mood with Delilah and Rhythm of Life. Yn grŵp o ferched ifanc gyda chysylltiadau Cymraeg sydd yn The Musical Director of Eschoir, Mike Williams, has formed a young byw, gweithio ac yn astudio yn Llundain, fe ddaeth merched ladies choir Côr Merched Cymry Llundain, and both rehearse at Borough Côr Merched Cymry Llundain i nabod ei gilydd drwy’r amryw o Chapel, thanks to the kind generosity of Margaret and Tegid Jones. Both ddigwyddiadau cymdeithasol ym mwrlwm bywyd Cymry choirs used the occasion to perform their competition pieces in front of Llundain. Yn dilyn llwyddiant Côr Eschoir i ddynion ifanc yn y a live audience in preparation for their trip to the Royal National ddinas dan arweiniad Mike Williams, fe benderfynodd y Eisteddfod at Llandow near Barry where they are competing in the merched yr hoffent hwythau gael y cyfle i ganu gyda’i gilydd a popular music category and male voice under 45 category. Their songs included SSA versions of Proud Mary (Tina Turner), Walking On dyma benderfynu creu côr i ferched ifanc gyda chysylltiad Sunshine/Hall (Glee Mashup), Fix You (Coldplay), and TTBB versions of Cymraeg yn y ddinas. a mashup of songs by Adele, Cennin Aur (Manel Thomas) and Cantate Ers sefydlu yn gynharach eleni, mae’r côr wedi tyfu o nerth Domino (Hassler). i nerth. Roedd eu perfformiad cyhoeddus cyntaf yn llwyddiant Steve Davies mawr yn San Steffan ar Ddydd Gŵyl Dewi eleni. Ar ôl perfformiad gwefreiddiol o ‘Finlandia’ a threfniant arbennig o ‘Fix You’ gan Cold Play, roedd ymateb y gynulleidfa a’r Aelodau Seneddol yn gefnogol iawn! Dyna benderfynu i Women! Your barhau gyda’r côr ac i ddal ati! Clebran Needs You! Eleni yw’r tro cyntaf iddynt gystadlu yn yr Eisteddfod The first meeting of Clebran, the Centre’s social and networking Genedlaethol ac maent yn awyddus iawn i roi Cymry Llundain group for women of all backgrounds, took place in the bar on 18 ar y map gyda pherfformiad cofiadwy yn y gystadleuaeth June. As the wine flowed and conversations turned to talk of ‘boblogaidd’ ar Ddydd Sul, Awst 5ed ym Mro Morgannwg. life, love and everything in-between, those present soon Maent yn prysur baratoi ar gyfer y gystadleuaeth ac yn realised that this new group could just be the start of something ymarfer yn rheolaidd yng Nghapel y Boro. Mae’n fwriad gan y rather good. côr i gystadlu yng nghystadleuaeth Côr Cymru ym Mis Rhagfyr One visit to the local curry house later and this view was ac i barhau gyda’r nifer o ddigwyddiadau cyffrous yn eu cemented, with the remainder of the year’s Clebran calendar dyddiadur. incorporating comedy nights, a walking tour of Welsh London, Am fwy o wybodaeth, neu os yr hoffech ymuno â’r côr, jewellery making, book discussions and Christmas drinks. “The group is open to all women, including non-members, dilynwch dudalen Facebook y côr neu cysylltwch â’u and you can find out more by emailing Rhian Jones on harweinydd [email protected] [email protected] ,” said Clebran Secretary, Ann Wyn Gill Joanna Foster. CORAU/CHOIRS LW CLl 9 s e h g u H

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: o t o h P Conductor Edward-Rhys Harry and choristers enjoy the audience applause at Pontypridd! World Premie`re for Parry’s newly discovered work

14 July was a memorable day for Welsh music and for the London Welsh Chorale. No – we didn’t recreate the storming of the Bastille – we gave a world première at our 30 th anniversary concert at St Giles Cripplegate with a performance of Joseph Parry’s newly discovered Te Deum and William Matthias’s St Teilo . Parry composed some of Wales’ best-known and best-loved hymn tunes, popular to this day. He wrote the Te Deum when learning composition as a young man, not long after moving with s

his family to Danville, Pennsylvania. But the work was thought lost e h g until Musical Director Edward-Rhys Harry discovered the manuscript u H

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score in the National Library in Aberystwyth. Nearly a century after i r B

Parry, Matthias based his “dramatic cantata” St Teilo on episodes in : o t o the life of Teilo taken from the twelfth century Book of Llandaff. The h P concert was dedicated to Kenneth Bowen, Matthias’s friend and our The Morning Prayer Conductor Emeritus, to mark his 80 th birthday. Not only was this a first performance of the Parry but it is a rare outing for the Matthias and, as far as we know, no early recordings remain. The CD recorded at this unique concert will be available through the Chorale’s website, making a special contribution to Welsh musical history. Our thanks to Martin Thomas, the New London Children's Choir and the British Sinfonietta - and a torrential downpour - for making it so special. Our 30 th anniversary celebrations will continue with an evening dedicated to Parry at the London Welsh Centre on 9 November. This will bring together words and music about Parry and his special place in Welsh music. Details are still being worked on but we hope you will come along and help us celebrate. And finally – thanks to our hosts at the Glamorgan Mission to the Deaf in Pontypridd for their wonderful welcome and hospitality. The Chorale visited “Ponty” in early June and gave a concert at St Catherine’s Church with soloist Huw Rhys-Evans to celebrate 125 s e h

g years of the Mission. This is a wonderful cause and we were able to u H

n raise a goodly sum for them to continue their excellent work. And a i r B

we had a great time – diolch yn fawr iawn! : o t

o More details of these and all our events at h P Huw Rhys-Evans www.londonwelshchorale.org.uk Lynne Tew 10 LW CLl CORAU/CHOIRS Mammoth success for Wales Choir of the World concert The highlight of the last three months for the London Welsh Male was the soloist and his singing of I’se Weary Of Waiting with the Voice Choir must be the Wales Choir of the World concert at the 500 plus choir gained a huge applause from the audience. Royal Festival Hall on 7 July, 2012. Producing the event was a Earlier in the week the Choir sang at another prestigious mammoth task but its success, the tremendous capacity audience venue, the Houses of Parliament’s Westminster Hall. The Gwalia standing ovation, and the plaudits received by the LWMVC and LWMVC joined as one choir of over 100 voices under the following the concert, is something to remember and be proud of, baton of Haydn James, with Anita D’Attellis as pianist. and as Max Boyce would have said “I was there”. In May the Choir had its AGM, and although there was no Credit for its ultimate success are due to three choristers – change to its officials, two new vice presidents were elected. Paul Paul Bunford who drove all aspects of organising and promoting Bateman and Lyn Feldon, in their different ways, have given the concert; Keith Warren, Choir chairman, who consulted, tremendous support to the Choir over many years and informed and meticulously detailed the concert plans; and Harry particularly during the last year. Indeed, the association with Paul Planche who had to keep everyone to a tight Budget. goes back to the late 1970’s when he arranged music for the The Choir is deeply indebted for the tremendous support Choir, and accompanied the Choir for John Peleg Williams’ last received, especially in the last six months, from Choir president concert as MD in July 1979. At the AGM, three choristers were Huw Edwards and vice-presidents Paul Bateman, Lyn Feldon, honoured for 40 years continuous service to the Choir – Colin David Goldstone, Haydn James and Roger Lewis. Their support Davies, Joe Jones and Phil Olsen. and encouragement of Paul, Keith and Harry in the dark days The 23 October will see the Choir deliver its 23 rd Festival of following the withdrawal from staging the event at Alexandra Male Voice Choirs (originally the 1000 Voices), concert at the Palace last Christmas, demands high praise. We should also pay Royal Albert Hall. Apart from the Glasgow Philharmonic and tribute to Patrick Hodges, who originally conceived the idea some LWMVC, all the choirs on this occasion will be from Wales. five years ago, and worked tirelessly on the project until a year Musical Director for this year’s Festival will be Edward-Rhys ago, when he was hospitalised – it was good to see him at the Harry, and will feature pianist Annabel Thwaite and the Cory concert. Band. Those who have ordered priority tickets from the Choir The concert was sponsored by the Welsh Government and should have received them. Anyone requiring further tickets will incorporated into the South Bank’s 2012 Bryn Fest. Bryn Terfel have to order them through the Royal Albert Hall box office. c i s u M

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A Carnival of Music o h P Haydn James leads the Gwalia and London Welsh Male Voice Choirs The Houses of Parliament’s Westminster Hall welcomed the the week, from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Uganda, as well Commonwealth Carnival of Music on 2 July, to honour Her Majesty’s as from the UK provided a festival of song. The afternoon’s compères Diamond Jubilee. Lord Roberts of Llandudno conceived the idea of were Baroness Floella Benjamin and Huw Edwards. Under the baton combining the forces of the Commonwealth Parliamentary of Haydn James, with Anita D’Attellis at the piano, the London Welsh Association and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to and Gwalia male voice choirs combined to sing a few songs and stage this unique event. Musicians, on their way to Llangollen later in conclude the concert with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau . DIGWYDDIADAU/EVENTS LW CLl 11

What’s on and Where September Interested in artists from Wales performing across a wide 1 – Amy Wadge at Ropetackle, Shoreham BN43 5EG range of genres? Here are some dates for your diaries, see 4 – Euros Childs with Wellgreen at The Lexington also London Welsh events on page 16. 12 – Cate Le Bon at XOYO 25 – Race Horses launch new album "Furniture" at August The Lexington N1 2 – Weird Naked Indian at Cargo 4 to 11 – Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru Bro Morgannwg October (Llandow) 4 – Straight Lines at New Slang, Kingston on Thames 7 – Jodie Marie (Narberth) on BT Vision Stage, Hyde Park 6 – Aled Jones at Guildford Cathedral at 4pm 11 – Marina and the Diamonds at Forum, Kentish Town 9 – Pulled Apart by Horses at 100 Club 13 – John Cale at Royal Festival Hall 10 – Feeder in Hyde Park - tickets free at btlondonlive.com 15 – Straight Lines perform at Barfly, Camden 10 – Tom Jones at Newmarket Racecourse 22 – Amy Wadge at The Enterprise, Camden 14 – Huw M at Huw Stephens presents at The Social 5 Little 23 – London Welsh Choirs Festival at Royal Albert Hall Portland St 25 – Aled Jones at Union Chapel 25 – Feeder and Los Campesinos ! at Reading Festival 27 – Al Lewis at The Wilmington, Rosebury Ave 26 – Manic Street Preachers and The Joy Formidable at Reading Festival November 31 – Pulled Apart By Horses at Underage Festival, 4 – Paper Aeroplanes at The Lexington Shoreditch Park 13 – Pulled Apart by Horses at Forum, Kentish Town 23 – Feeder at Academy, Brixton

Secrets of Bletchley Park come out after dinner… Once again the London Pembrokeshire Society staged a brilliant dinner at the beautiful and historic Oxford & Cambridge Club in Pall Mall. At this 114th annual banquet the guest was the illustrious Prys Morgan, Emeritus Professor of History at Swansea University. Professor Morgan was introduced to diners by Mrs Bridget Whiting, and entertained the assembled members and quests with with an interesting speech. The Society’s President, Lynn John and his wife, Margaret, had travelled up from Oystermouth on the Mumbles the afternoon of the occasion. Kelvin Bryon, sponsor of London Welsh RFC, and his wife, Patricia, were also among the guests. Over dinner Wenda Reynolds, who is 98, had come up from Oxfordshire as usual and entertained those around her with memories of her wartime work at the top secret code breaking centre at Bletchley Park. “Yes, I signed the Official Secrets Act, but the work we undertook has been the subject of so many films and documentaries everyone seems to know the secrets of Bletchley these days,” she told her neighbours at the table as she regaled us with wartime tales of a history making venture. And from one who was actually there. Priceless. Bob Trevor 12 LW CLl HANES/HISTORY Huw Edwards and the Welsh Chapels of London

Broadcaster and London Welsh President Huw Edwards’ interest in Welsh chapels starts in the late eighteenth century. the history of London’s Welsh Chapels first awakened in June 1982, At this time much of rural Wales was severely impoverished, when he noticed in a Welsh periodical a report of the closure of and so people came to find work and escape poverty, some to stay Charing Cross and Falmouth Road Welsh for a short time, others to settle. They chapels in London. brought a ‘whiff of the Welsh Methodist Previously unaware of the existence of revival’ with them. According to Gomer any Welsh-speaking chapels outside Wales, Roberts, the first cause was founded in a he made a mental note to investigate room in Cock Lane, Smithfield, moving to further, he told a packed meeting at the Wilderness Row, east of Clerkenwell Green, London Welsh Centre in May. EC1, in 1785, and then to Jewin Crescent in Thirty years later, he has at last found the City of London in 1828. Though there the opportunity to pursue his interest, with was never a ‘Welsh quarter’ in London, this a view to writing a book on the subject. area on the northern fringes of the City In the intervening period more chapels probably had the greatest concentration of have closed and much has been lost, both Welsh people in the eighteenth and the documentary material for such a study, nineteenth centuries, perhaps initially and, even more importantly the memories because of the droving trade and Smithfield of so many who supported the chapels in market. their heyday. During the nineteenth century Jewin Over the past two and a quarter grew exponentially, and new causes centuries there has been an astonishing emerged across London, some as simple number of Welsh-speaking chapels in and around London, from expansion, others breaking away because of personal or theological Slough in the west to East Ham. disagreements. Huw’s list runs to more than 75 branches and meeting centres, The most successful were vigorous, powerful bodies, clear including Anglican foundations as well as Nonconformists, some about their purpose, which was to care for the pastoral and social lasting more than 200 years and others only a few months. His needs of Welsh people in London. Huw’s aim is not just to record research is attempting to answer many questions about the the bare history of the chapels but to convey and celebrate the chapels. Who were the people who founded and supported them? range and richness of the activities that the chapels sustained, and Where did they come from; where did they live; did they thus to challenge preconceived notions of chapel culture. assimilate with other Londoners or form an identifiable In conclusion Huw said that this was a project which he wanted community? How many were there? It seems that the Welsh rarely to share with the whole London Welsh community. Huw would be made up more than 1 per cent of Londoners, probably reaching grateful for any help in the form of photographs, anecdotes and their peak in 1952 at 1.7 per cent of the population. contacts, to tell the story of London’s Welsh chapels and churches, Though there was a Welsh presence in London in medieval their members and their clergy. times, and many more came with the Tudors, the story of the Anna Brueton

Singing Lessons and Vocal Coaching will be available from the LW Centre from September! Edward-Rhys Harry (Musical Director of two of our resident choirs) will be taking individual lessons on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons here at the centre. The sessions will be available at half or a full hour and will be on a fortnightly basis. If you’d like to book lessons with him or would like further information he can be contacted by email here: [email protected]. Alternatively you may leave a written note for him at the LW Centre. Hurry as places will be limited! POBL/PEOPLE LW CLl 13 The “French Trip”

The London Pembrokeshire Society’s annual visit to France (a sort of “reciprocal invasion” arrangement – to commemorate the French invasion of Pembrokeshire of 1797) took us to the springtime delights of Paris this year. A short but activity packed two days deftly choreographed by Mrs Margaret John, our tour leader, started at our delightful hotel, just off a small square situated immediately behind the “Odéon” which is itself located at the north end of Les Jardins De Luxembourg. Unpack (that was at least two minutes) then off to sample the alfresco Parisienne Café life at a small bar adjoining the “Odéon” – sitting out in the square watching the world go by on the only sunny day this summer!! It wasn’t long before the rest of the party joined us (well it didn’t feel long) and it was off to supper to a local restaurant. Next day and a morning stroll through the Sorbonne district brought us to the banks of the Seine and the Musée D’Orsay where we embarked on a most fascinating guided tour. It was a tour of some of the highlights of the gallery that demonstrated the history of the impressionist movement illustrated by its greatest exponents (at least I can now tell my Monets from my Manets). Phew that was hard work – ah- lunch... More Paris exploration Maggie Alphonsi MBE at in the afternoon with some society members (female) heading to the Galeries Lafayette whilst the more sedate members (male) the London Welsh Centre worked their way slowly back to the hotel visiting the natural At the second Rugby Business Network event staged at the haunts of artists and intellectuals of the Rive Gauche. Centre, top female rugby player Maggie Alphonsi MBE was the A gala dinner in the evening then a mix of activities for the special guest. following morning, some visited the Jardins, some explored locally, At 28 years old, Maggie has been the world’s number one for a few of us went to a local museum the Musée de Cluny which is nearly 6 years. Her many awards include IRB Player of the year in the French National Museum of the Middle Ages housing some 2006, Sunday Times Sportswoman of the year in 2010 (beating very interesting collections including some fine tapestries. Jessica Ennis to the award) and the first female winner of the And that was it – Eurostar and then King’s Cross - a short but Rugby Writers Award in 2011 beating New Zealand Captain Richie memorable break. Such weekends are one of the regular activities McCaw! In addition, she is one of 4 Ambassadors for the 2015 of the society, if you are interested in joining the please contact our Rugby World Cup to be held in England – alongside Lawrence membership secretary Ms Jane Gill. Dallaglio, Will Greenwood and Jonny Wilkinson. Maggie was recently awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours and with typical humility, said she was simply pleased that Women’s Rugby has been recognised. The evening was a great success and we all wish Maggie well for the future. Iain Richards Cultural Development Officer

It’s getting easier to get in touch… The London Welsh Centre has a new telephone system that will make it more accessible. The main office number is still 0207 837 3722 but you can contact the following on their direct telephone numbers: Rhian Jones (Chief Executive Officer): 0207 520 0072 Iain Richards (Cultural Development Officer): 0207 520 0070 The Committee and Guests - David Morris, Mrs Bridget Whiting, Robin Roberts, Bar 0207 520 0076 Mrs Aleine Kearsley, Dr. Pryse Morgan T, Lyn John (President) Mrs Margaret John. 14 LW CLl CHWARAEON/SPORT London Welsh at England’s top table – but not without a tussle

Thanks to sterling efforts, both on and off the field, London Welsh will play next season in the RFU Aviva Premiership, the top division of English club rugby. Welsh had qualified for the Championship semi final having finished second to Bristol in their play off pool. In the first leg of their semi final, a massive first

half in the pouring rain at Bedford gave Welsh a 13-0 n o s k half time lead which they never relinquished, c a J

e although 2 late Bedford tries in the second leg at Old v a D

Deer Park made for a tense finish and a final : o t o aggregate win by only 3 points. One of these Bedford h P tries was scored when Welsh hesitated for what London Welsh celebrate winning the Championship and gaining promotion. appeared to be a clear knock on, but play was not halted even though the referee went by the name of Llyr Ap and have already signed Gavin Henson. They will certainly need a Geraint Roberts. new scrum half with the departures of Rob Lewis and Ben Cornish Pirates obligingly accounted for Bristol in the other Stevenson, and it is absolutely essential that they sort out the front semi final, and the Welsh’s Championship triumph was sealed with row, their Achilles heel for much of last season. an outstanding final first leg performance in Cornwall by 37 points Many current supporters will be sad to leave Old Deer Park, but to 21. we are over the moon that the RFU has been put firmly in its place. This time Welsh were also successful in the second leg played at Welsh however will now have to build a much bigger fan base in far the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, their planned home for next season off Oxford. The task has suddenly become much harder. The to meet the RFU and Professional Game Board’s Minimum Standard support of one and all is essential. Criteria of a 10,000 spectator capacity. Peter Daniels However just four hours before the final’s first leg (with rather suspicious and appalling timing) the RFU stated that Welsh had failed to meet the minimum standards requirement as they did not possess the primacy of tenure necessary to guarantee the television scheduling of matches. But with a QC, Bleddyn Phillips, as Chairman, and a strong legal support team, on June 28 th they successfully appealed against the ruling. The appeal committee claimed that whilst primacy of tenure had not been achieved, with 4 other current Premiership clubs in a similar position, to refuse London Welsh promotion would be against both UK and EU competitive law. Also to quote London Welsh’s own statement, their case is equally based ‘on the fairness and justice of rewarding through promotion the team winning on the pitch’. The RFU have stated that they now ‘consider this matter closed’, so at long last, and with only 2 months before the new season, Welsh can start planning for the Premiership. This is a big ask, as the RFU grant is only £1.25m compared to as much as £2.5m being received by longer serving Premiership clubs. There is also extra monies available for regularly featuring 15 or more EQPs (English Qualified Players) in the match day squad of 22. One is often left wondering whether London Welsh would not be better off in the celtic dominated Rabo Direct League, in which they could still play, with a much larger Welsh contingent, at Old Deer Park against the likes of Leinster and Ospreys. Welsh claim they are in the market for 8 big name signings, and Gwyliwch eich hoff raglenni arlein, ar alw ar Clic. Watch all your favourite programmes online, on demand on Clic. Who’s doing what, and where Events at the London Welsh Centre London Welsh Male Voice Choir 23 August Singalong and send-off on the eve of the London Musical Director: Edward-Rhys Harry. Welsh Run. 7pm. Accompanist: Annabel Thwaite. 27 August Platfform Llundain LWC hosts a free gig at the 22 September Clifton College , Bristol. Buffalo Bar, Cardiff. 6.30pm. 23 October Festival Of Massed Male Choirs , Royal Albert 3 September Rugby Business Network with Newport Gwent Hall. Dragons. 7pm. 17 November St. Andrew’s Hall , Norwich. 14 September Huw Stephens Presents The London Welsh 1 December St George’s Church , Beckenham, Kent. Sessions . Free gig showcasing Welsh Bands. 7pm. Choir rehearsals are held from 7.30 – 9.30 every Thursday evening at 17 September An evening looking at Welsh involvement in the the London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. All visitors and Spanish Civil War potential new choristers are always welcome. 21 September Art Auctio n with Shelter Cymru. For more information, please see our up-to-date website at: 1 October Rugby Business Network . 7pm. Rugby in Africa. www.londonwelshmvc.org 12 October Huw Stephens Presents The London Welsh Sessions . Free gig showcasing Welsh bands. 7pm. 13 October 10.30am-12.30pm – Hwyl a Halibalw for children London Branch of the in aid of London Welsh Play Groups Welsh Family History Societies 20/21 October Events in association with the Bloomsbury 8 September Brian Swann : DNA and Welsh Family History Festival 3 November Richard Suggett : Witchcraft in Wales 29 October Rugby business Network . with the Wasps. 7pm. Meetings during 2012 will be held at 2 pm at Borough Welsh 2 November Poems and Pints with Aberystwyth-based “The Congregational Chapel, 90 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 0EX. Word Distillery”. Anyone with an interest in Welsh family history is very welcome to 3 November Wales in London and LWC Cornish/Welsh night join us. 3 November Cwrs Undydd 9.30am – 5pm Details of meetings can be found on the branch website 9 November Huw Stephens Presents The London Welsh www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wlslbfhs/ or by contacting the Sessions . Free gig showcasing Welsh bands. 7pm. Secretary, Anne Jones, on 0208 925 4000, e-mail 10 November Dafydd Iwan in concert [email protected] . London Welsh Chorale Musical Director: Edward-Rhys Harry. Gwalia Male Choir Accompanist: Jenny Trew. Musical Director – Janet Haney 9 November 7.30pm Joseph Parry Evening at the London 1September Wedding in Walthamstow E17 Welsh Centre. Further details soon 28 October Charity concert – Horton Kirby, Kent 8 December 7.30 pm Christmas Concert St. Giles, Cripplegate, 11 November Gymanfa Ganu – Jewin Fore Street, Barbican, London, Ceremony of Carols Choir rehearsals are held from 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. every Wednesday at the (Britten) and Magnificat (Rutter) London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. All visitors & potential new 9 December at 6:00 pm 9 Lessons and Carols at the London members always welcome. Welsh Centre. Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols For more information, please see our website at: in Welsh and English www.gwaliamalevoicechoir.org.uk Choir rehearsals are held from 7.15 – 9.30 pm every Tuesday at the London Welsh Centre, 157, Gray’s Inn Road. All visitors and potential Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion new members are always welcome. For more information, or if you are President: Prys Morgan, DL MA, DPhil, FSA, FRHistS. interested in joining the choir please see our Website: Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all lectures are delivered at: www.londonwelshchorale.org.uk or e-mail: The Medical Society of London, 11 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, [email protected] London W1G 9EB, at 6.30pm . The London Welsh Camerata, drawn from the main Chorale 6 Awst ‘Olion Traed Rhyddid’: George Cadogan membership, is a small group performing regularly at weddings, and Morgan a Chwymp y Bastille Araeth gan Dr special occasions of all kinds. If you would like to find out more about Mary-Ann Constantine (The Centre for Advanced the Camerata, to discuss repertoire, or to make a booking, please Welsh and Celtic Studies). am 12.00 (canol dydd) contact Rhiannon Hughes: [email protected] ar Faes yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, gyda Proffesor Prys Morgan, Llywydd y Gymdeithas, yn y gadair. London Welsh Rugby Male Voice Choir 18 September The Welsh Missions to India by Dr Nigel Musical Director: Michael Wyn Jones. Jenkins, Swansea University. Accompanist: Anita D’Attellis. 16 October Reflections on Early Medieval Wales by 15 September St Mary the Virgin Church , Marshfield, Avon. Professor Thomas Charles-Edwards, Jesus 17 November Apex Theatre , Bury St Edmunds College, Oxford. For more information about the Choir, it’s Sunday rehearsal dates and 29 November Hwyl and Hiraeth: Richard Burton and Wales other activities, please see our up-to-date website at: by Dr Chris Williams , Swansea University: www.thelondonwelshrugbyclubchoir.org For details of further meetings consult the Honourable Society’s website www.cymmrodorion.org www.londonwelsh.org