Of the four patron saints of the British Isles, St. David (Dewi Sant) of Wales is the only one born in the country where he is revered. Dydd Gwyl Dewi falls on the 1st of March, and members of Welsh Societies world-wide gather to celebrate his life and to remember the homeland. On the 27th of February 107 members and guests of the Chelmsford and District Welsh Society celebrated the event with an excellent dinner at the County Hotel, attended by the Mayor, Cllr. Tom Willis, and his wife. The Guest of Honour was Lord Roberts of Llandudno. The dinner organisers were Cynthia Styles and Edith and David Brown. The room was beautifully prepared, and the guests were greeted by the President's twin grand daughters, Tesni and Rhianon Steeds, who gave everyone a daffodil, a Welsh national emblem, to the strains of traditional Welsh airs played by the harpist Rachel Bartels. The menu card read " Cawl cennin a thatws; Garan cig oen wed ei brwysio ar stwnch panas a thatws wedi ei carameleiddio, gyda llysiau tymhorol; Rolen hufen mefys gyda saws mafon; a Coffi neu te". Each course of this traditional fare was a delicious surprise to those not conversant with the Welsh language! Grace was said by Lord Roberts. The President, Maureen Byatt, proposed a toast to "The Queen", and the Vice-President, Shirley Moody proposed a toast to "Dewi Sant" (who was in fact a vegetarian and only drank water!). The Ceremony of the Leek followed, where members who have given outstanding service to the Society are honoured; this year's recipients were Carys and Arthur Williams. Lord Roberts, a seasoned after-dinner speaker, gave a humorous speech reminding the audience of the many important contributions made by people of Welsh heritage to: the USA, (including several Presidents); to London, (more than 1000 dairy owners!); and to Essex, (51 percent of school teachers at one time, apparently!). He proposed a toast to "The Society". The President (who went to school with Lord Roberts,) responded and proposed a toast to "Our Guests". The Mayor responded on their behalf. There followed some musical entertainment, provided by Rachel and members of the Society in the Welsh tradition.
A St. David's Day Service was held in Little Baddow URC on the 1st of March, with the Rev. Cally Hammond officiating for the 11th year in succession.
Jim Armishaw |
