October / Hydref - Vancouver Welsh Society

 THE WELSH SOCIETY OF VANCOUVER Cymdeithas Gymraeg Vancouver
Cambrian News
Hydref
2013
October
2013
Society Newsletter – Cylchgrawn y Gymdeithas
Society Members in Toronto
CAMBRIAN HALL, 215 East 17th Ave, Vancouver B.C. V5V 1A6 VANCOUVER WELSH SOCIETY
The Cambrian News
Officers: President: From The Editor:
Jane Byrne There has been a communication gap
Vice-­‐President: since the May newsletter so I have only
Lynn Owens-­‐Whalen now included a report on Capt. Ieuan
Secretary: Lampshire-Jones’ celebration, May 31.
Eifion Williams [email protected] Many members (shown in the photo
Treasurer: from Kathy Thomas) attended the very
Gaynor Evans successful NAFOW Festival in Toronto.
Membership Secretary: David Llewelyn Williams I am indebted to Eifion Williams for his
Directors: obituary of Lynne Shepard who passed
Heather Davies away on August 30th.
Gwilym Evans Gwyn Evans I was also informed that our long time
Irene Evans member, Meirwen Evans of Powell
River recently died at age 97. She was
Antone Minard born in Caersws, Montgomeryshire and
(Recording Secretary) apparently sang in the same choir in
Mathew Parry Wales as LLinos Pritchard’s mother. She
Contacts enjoyed singing and in earlier years she
Building Committee: came down whenever there
Lynn Owens-­‐Whalen /Pat Morris regularly
was
a
Gymanfa
Ganu.
Cambrian Circle Singers: Nerys Haqq On a happier note, a daughter Tesla
Church Service: Logan Chiang was born to our members
John Pritchard I-Chant Andrea Chiang and Daniel
Rentals: Logan on July 9th. Our heartiest
Richard Williams 604-­‐340-­‐8545 congratulations to the new family! Social Events Committee: Gillian Rogers ([email protected]) Welsh Speaking Group: John Pritchard Welsh Learners Group: Antone Minard Webmaster: Alcwyn Rogers (www.welshsociety.com) Newsletter Editor: David Llewelyn Williams 737-­‐0305 ([email protected]) David Llewelyn Williams
Forthcoming Events
Wednesday, October 2nd at 7.30 pm
Executive Meeting
Captain Ieuan Lampshire-­‐Jones 90th birthday celebration hosted by the Marine Surveyors of B.C. Monday, October 7th at 7.30 pm
Welsh Lessons
Wednesday, October 9th at 12 noon
the Cambrian Bookworms will be
discussing “The Best Laid Plans” by
Terry Fallis.
Sunday, October 13th at 11am
Bilingual Church Service. This will be
followed by a tê bach.
Saturday, October 19th at 7 pm
The Society’s Anniversary Dinner will
be held at the Cambrian Hall (Red
Dragon Lounge). Jordan’s
International Food Designs will once
again cater a buffet dinner at a cost of
$40 per person.
Please contact Gaynor Evans at
[email protected] or at 604-271-3134 at
your earliest convenience if you plan to
attend.
Monday, October 21st at 10.30 am
Welsh Speaking – Siarad Cymraeg
Monday, October 21st at 7.30 pm
Welsh Lessons
.Monday, October 28th from 10am to
3pm Work Party Day. A delicious
lunch will be provided. See you there!
Mark your Calendar!!
Vancouver Celebrates Wales
Saturday November 2nd and Sunday
November 3rd (Details to follow)
Children’s Christmas Party
Sunday December 8th at 2pm
The Association of Marine Surveyors of B.C. held a ceremony and dinner at Vancouver’s Mission for Seamen on the evening of May 31st in honour of our member, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, Captain Ieuan Lampshire-­‐Jones. Also attending were members of the Honorary Company of Master Mariners, of which he was a long time member. Ieuan’s three daughters, Susan, Christine and Jill proudly celebrated their father’s achievements and three of us, Heather Mary and I represented our society. The dinner benediction was given by Rev. Nick Parker, the senior port chaplain. A jazz quintet provided music accompaniment throughout. Immediate Past President Alistair Beaton paid tribute to Ieuan’s service in the Second World War and his leadership in the industry. He was one of the founders of the organization in 1968 and became the principal marine surveyor for a huge territory stretching from Northern California to Greenland. Ieuan’s wife Philomena has been a patient at Evergreen Nursing Home in North Vancouver for the past three years. As a gesture of support, Vice President Tom Ellis presented a generous donation to the Evergreen Nursing Home on behalf of the Association, a gesture Ieuan much appreciated. (Thanks to Jill and Tom for the photographs and to Eifion Williams for much of the prose.). This poem is by the sister of the late Professor Hywel Teifi Edwards I gyfarch Capten ieuan Lampshire –
Jones ar ei benblwydd yn 90 oed ar yr
22ain. Chwefror 2013.
I’r morwr llon o Aberarth
Danfonwn ein cyfarchion
O Gymru i Vancouver bell
Dros dir a moroedd dyfnion.
Yn 752 East 2nd Street
Bu dathlu mawr eleni
Penblwydd arbennig drodd mis bach
Yn Fis Mawr i’r penteulu.
Wrth syllu ar ei lun yn syn
Mor anodd gennym gredu
Y rhif amdano, sydd yn dweud
Bod Ieuan nawr yn “ninety”.
Mae darllen am ei yrfa faith
Y nachos o ryfeddu,
O don i don bu’n hwylio’r lli
Mewn heddwch neu drybleini.
Syrfeiwr Morol yn Shanghai
Yr Ynys Werdd a Rio
Ac wedi gorffen crwydro’r byd
Vancouver i riteirio.
Ac yno mewn Cymdeithas glôs
Cefnoga’r pethe goreu
Y Cymro goreu, madden nhw
Yw’r Cymro oddi Cartre’
Cerddoriaeth fu o bwys erioed
Yn nyddiau cynnar Ieuan,
A mynych glywed e’u rhoi tonc
Gan bedlo yr hen organ.
Neu wedi dychwel am rhyw saib
O fordaith go bellenig
Yn chwarae inni ei gitar
A honno’n electronic!
Wel am gyrraedd oedran teg
Cymerwn ginger pwysig
Y Tonic gorau allwn gael
Yw aer y môr a miwsig.
Myfi
Lynne Shepard
Lynne Shepard, who passed away on
August 30 at Point Grey Private Hospital
was one of those rare individuals who
always put the needs of others before her
own. She devoted her life to helping
those who were in need of comfort and
assistance, both as individuals and
members of the many charitable
organizations with which she was
associated.
For over thirty years Lynne supported
the deaf community at Jericho Hill
School and in various positions with the
provincial government ministries. Five
years ago the Western Institute for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing presented her
with an award for her contributions to
the well-being of the community. Part of
the Ministry’s citation reads: “Lynne is
one of those rare people for whom
giving, caring and noticing the needs of
others just seems as natural as breathing.
She gave hope and assistance to so many
people who had no one else to turn to.
She worked with deaf people who have
had mental health, addiction and other
problems.”
Much of Lynne’s charitable work was
carried out in Vancouver’s Downtown
East Side where she loved to help with
the downtown ministry of the Sisters of
the Atonement. Together with her late
husband Glyn, she was a foster parent
who worked hard to create a warm and
caring family life for children who
otherwise would not have experienced
the joys and comfort of a stable family
home.
Through her Welsh-born husband Glyn,
Lynne became closely involved with the
Vancouver Welsh Society, which she
served in many capacities over the years,
including a term as Secretary. She loved
music and was a member of the Friends
of the Choir, an adjunct of the
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir to which
Glyn belonged. Her other passions were
flowers, movies, reading and walks with
family and friends.
Lynne Gayle Shepard was born in
Vancouver and was predeceased by her
beloved husband Glyn, her parents Jim
and Val Stewart and her twin sister
Linda. She was a beloved sister,
stepmother, grandmother and friend and
she will always be deeply missed by
those family members, friends and
countless others whose lives she touched
over many years. Many have commented
on her beautiful smile and sense of
humour and how she had a kind word for
everyone.
On Saturday, September 7, a Celebration
of Life for Lynne Shepard was held at
St. Paul’s Catholic Church on East
Cordova Street, Vancouver. Where
several of those present attested to the
ways in which Lynne’s caring and
loving nature had positively affected
their lives.
Donations in memory of Lynne may be
made to the St. James Music Academy,
381 East Cordova St., Vancouver
(http://www.sjma.ca/), an organization
devoted to bringing the joys of music to
children in the Downtown East Side.
Eifion Williams
The North American Festival of Wales
Toronto, August 29 to Sept. 1, 2013
The Opening Ceremony
This year’s Opening Ceremony,
conceived with much attention to detail
by Hefina Phillips, presented a novel and
cheerful welcome. A backdrop, which
featured Welsh symbols together with
the Toronto CN Tower and Dewi Sant
Welsh United Church had been specially
designed for the event by Tara Thomas.
The ceremony commenced with three
children presenting in turn the Canadian,
American and Welsh flags, followed by
the singing of the three National
Anthems, led by Gaynor Jones Low. The
tone of the event was firmly established
by the ladies choir, Merched Dewi and
friends, conducted enthusiastically by
Betty Cullingworth, who sang “I’r Wyl”
based on Dafydd Iwan’s song “I’r Gad”
with words composed by Hefina. Here’s
the first verse and chorus to give you a
flavour:
It gives us greatest pleasure to welcome
you up north
Despite the border crossings, we know
it’s really worth
The hassle and the worry of passports
and so forth,
And now that you are with us, we all can
sing, with force,
We all can sing with force.
I’r Wyl! I’r Wyl!
Dewch Gymru hen ac ifanc, (clap, clap)
Dewch i’r Wyl!
After this spirited start, we were
entertained by young members of Dewi
Sant Church attired as famous Ontario
Welsh citizens who discussed their roles
in Canada’s history. Others sang solos or
duets or played the harp. Impressive
contributions from the future of
Toronto’s Welsh community!
A solo by Gaynor Jones Low centred
this portion of the program, which
concluded with words of welcome from
Betty Cullingworth, the Local Venue
Chair. She also acknowledged the
creative hard work of Hefina Phillips,
accompanist David Low, designer Tara
Thomas, and all the others who had
contributed to make the performance a
success.
Gaynor and David Low
The afternoon ended with a performance
by Sheryl Clay and the ladies choir of
Hefina’s version of “We’ll keep a
welcome”. I include the first verse for
your entertainment!
We’ll keep a welcome in Ontario,
We are delighted that you came
To share with us your love of Cymru
And keep alive that burning flame.
These verses brought an exceptional
introduction to the Festival to a close and
we all left in an inspired positive mood
for the Opening Concert by The Three
Tenors. I am grateful to Lynette Jenkins
for her photographs of the event. The
Choir was taken by Andy Greiner and
the Screen by Gwendolyn Giffin-carter.
medleys interspersed with humorous
quips especially from Aled. They were
brilliantly accompanied by Caradog
Williams.
They started with Some enchanted
evening, Edelweiss and You’ll never
walk alone to set the mood. This was
followed by a solo by Rhys With a song
in my heart and then a very interesting
combination of All through the night
sung together with All day all night. A
Welsh classic Gwinllan brought this
section to a close and we were treated to
a performance by Caradog Williams of
Debussy’s Arabesque 2. The tenors sang
a Rugby medley before the intermission.
The second part followed a similar
pattern, both Aled and Alun sang solos
and Caradog performed Debussy’s
Arabesque 1. After a superb rendition of
O Solo Mio, the concert concluded to
rapturous acclaim with Gwahoddiad,
Cwm Rhondda and Myfanwy.
What a First Day!
The tenors continued to be the life and
soul of the Festival, hosting the Open
Mic on Friday and the Pub Night on
Saturday, performing at the Concert on
Saturday and keeping female fans happy.
Caradog Williams was always there too,
showing brilliant versatility on the piano.
Amser godidog dros ben!
Y Tri Tenor
The Opening Concert featured Rhys
Meirion, Aled Hall and Alun RhysJenkins, who royally entertained us with
popular classics, Welsh songs and
Myfanwy gyda Rhys ac Aled
The Grand Banquet
This year’s Honoree was Hefina Phillips,
who is well known as a dedicated Welsh
Language teacher and a contributor to
Welsh publications in Wales and North
America. Hefina was presented with the
Heritage Medallion Award by the
National Welsh-American Foundation,
for her distinguished service to the
Welsh-American community. Of special
interest to our society is that Hefina is
from Cwmgiedd, the small village which
was also the home of Jane and Eifion
and their family. In fact several went to
school with Hefina. Six family members
attended the Banquet in tribute.
The soloist at the Banquet was Catrin
Rowenna Davies, who won the mezzosoprano competition at the National
Eisteddfod in 2012. Catrin also sang at
the Grand Concert. Not just a pretty face
but a very accomplished performer!
second half was international in flavor.
Sunday’s Events
The Sunday Morning Worship was
conducted by Rev. Dr. Cerwyn Davies
with Alan Thomas at the organ. The
Hymn Singing Competition winner,
John Owen from Boise, Idaho sang and
Megan Williams read out the names of
recently deceased members while two
young girls placed a rose in memory of
each. Rev. Davies gave a thought
provoking sermon on the theme Follow
the fellow that follows a dream.
The afternoon and the evening featured
the traditional Cymanfa y Prydnawn ac
Cymanfa yr Hwyr; two Hymn Singing
Sessions conducted by Clive Phillips
with Alan Thomas at the Organ. For
many participants, this is the highlight of
their week and they relive their past with
enthusiasm. On this occasion, the
enthusiasm continued in the form of
informal singing in the hotel foyer until
the wee small hours. It’s called Hwyl!
Eisteddfod, Seminars, etc
The Grand Concert
The Eisteddfod Competitions took place,
in large part, due to the tireless energy of
Alan Upshall. Both the Amateur Solo
and the Hymn Singing were won by our
friend from Boise, Idaho; John Owen
and the Open Recitation was won by me!
The Grand Concert featured the
Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir,
conducted by Clive Phillips. The choir
has won fourteen times in the National
Eisteddfod of Wales and received
several standing ovations. The first half
of its program consisted of well-known
Welsh songs specifically adapted for the
choir, including such favourites as Men
of Harlech and Nant y Mynydd. The
The important Semi-Professional award;
the David G. Morris Memorial Prize was
Society Members at the Banquet
(photo by Gwyn Evans)
won by Laura Styler of Calgary. The
Award enables her to travel to the next
National Eisteddfod in Llanelli to
compete. Laura sang in the afternoon
Gymanfa Ganu Session. The picture
shows her next to Alan Thomas, who
accompanied the singers. The winner of
the Learner’s recitation was Lynne
Jenkins from Illinois, next to the men.
(Thanks to Alan Upshall for the photo.)
There were some really very interesting
Seminars. Unfortunately I had too many
conflicts but I was able to attend Lord
Roger Roberts’ talk on Pulpit and
Parliament which was I enjoyed but I
was absolutely blown away by Jerry
Hunter’s talk on Welsh-American
Literature with examples of Welsh
poetry from 1835! Eifion Williams
managed to attend Jerry’s other talk on
Welsh writing during the American Civil
War and was equally impressed. The
other seminar I missed, which I was told
was exceptional, was We’ll gather lilacs:
the life of Ivor Novello in Song with
performances by Sheryl Clay Newell. A
similar comment applies to the films; I
managed to find time to view the Playing
Burton film but I didn’t have time for
Mamwlad – about the two Davies sisters
from Llangollen who amassed a
remarkable art collection.
I haven’t even mentioned the Market
Place, which provided me with tea and
welshcakes thanks to Myfanwy Bajaj
when I had no time for regular food. The
stalls provided me with information
about Bangor University Alumni, Love
Spoon Carving with David Western, out
of print second hand Welsh books and
Welsh rugby shirts for my grandsons.
So, all in all, a remarkable experience!
David Llewelyn Williams
The Annual Garden Party On Sunday, August 18,members gathered for our Annual Garden Party at the home of Wilf and Lynn Owens-­‐ Whalen. A cake provided by Val Cox turned out to be most appropriate since it happened to be Pat Morris’ birthday. Unfortunately some pictures were deleted accidentally, so we have none of the Birthday Girl! Here are some, thanks to Kathy Thomas. WELSH RUGBY LEGEND CLIFF
MORGAN DIES
Every generation cherishes its favourite
sports figures. For those of my
generation growing up in the South
Wales valleys in the 1950’s our iconic
champion was Cliff Morgan, the Wales
and British Lions rugby outside-half
who died on August 29 after a long
illness.
Cliff Morgan had a typical Welsh
background. Son of a Rhondda Valley
coalminer, his character was nurtured by
a chapel upbringing and his school years
at Tonyrefail Grammar School, where he
developed his talent for rugby, as well as
an appreciation of music and a love of
words. In 1949 he joined Cardiff Rugby
Club and within two years won his first
cap for Wales in a Five Nations
international against Ireland.
Cliff Morgan never looked back from
that first international. He went on to
win 29 caps for Wales and eventually
captained the team. In 1952 he helped
Wales win a Grand Slam and the
following year played a part in the
legendary victory over the New Zealand
All Blacks, a feat not achieved by a
Welsh side since. In 1955 he was
selected for his first British and Irish
Lions tour and scored the winning try
against South Africa in Johannesburg in
front of a world-record crowd of
100,000.
Cliff Morgan retired from rugby in 1958
and began working for the BBC, leading
to a long career in the British media. He
became Head of Sport in radio and
television, taking charge of such popular
programmes as Grandstand and This
Week. Eventually he became head of
outside broadcasts for the BBC, covering
royal weddings as well as the Olympic
Games and World Cup competitions.
Cliff received many accolades from his
peers. He was one of the first to be
inducted into the International Rugby
Hall of Fame in 1997 and joined the IRB
Hall of Fame in 2009. He was awarded
the OBE in 1977 and CVO in 1986 for
his services to broadcasting.
Following his death, the British media
were virtually unanimous in their
tributes to Cliff Morgan’s achievements
in sports and broadcasting. The
Guardian’s obituary said that he “had a
flair and an inventiveness that made him
the embodiment of his nation’s gift to a
game whose finest values, on and off the
field, he came to incarnate.” Fellow
broadcaster Des Lyman maintained that
Cliff was one of the most charismatic
men he ever met.
In a cruel irony Cliff Morgan, whose
eloquence had entertained millions for so
many years, died of cancer of the vocal
chords at his home on the Isle of Wight.
On September 13 over 400 mourners
attended the funeral service at Holy
Trinity Church, Bembridge. Among
those paying tribute were former rugby
stars Gareth Edwards, Barry John,
Gerald Davies, Clive Rowlands and
Welsh rugby’s court jester, Max Boyce.
In an emotional farewell to a proud
Welshman, the London Welsh Male
Voice Choir sang “Take Me Home” as
the Welsh flag-draped casket was carried
into the church by family members. Cliff
leaves behind two children and his
second wife Pat. He had previously been
married to Nuala Martin for 45 years
before her sudden death in 1999.
Eifion Williams