For many years during the 1960�s & 70�s the Gymanfa Ganu was an annual event. It involved some visiting either by or to neighbouring Welsh Societies e.g. Southend. Just as used to happen in Wales, the rehearsal was held in the afternoon, then a �proper� tea was indulged in and finally, the actual singing with a special conductor and possibly with a soloist, was held in the evening. The hymn singing was of a high standard and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We also made several visits to the Gymanfa at the Westminster Central Baptist Church - a huge affair. Unfortunately, as enthusiasm waned and attendance dwindled our Gymanfa died out. However, in the last few years the Festival has been successfully revived and is held in October in Stock Church, for which privilege the Society is most grateful to all those involved.
For quite a few years now a number of Society members and friends have thoroughly enjoyed a springtime day�s coach outing to the other side of the Channel via the Tunnel. We have visited interesting places in Belgium, France etc. and enjoyed some shopping, singing and an �intermittent raffle� on the coach during the journeys. We are very grateful to those involved in organising these outings for us so sensitively and efficiently.
For a number of years now, it has become the custom of the Society to support a charity of the President�s choice during the presidency. Originally, the charity was just presented with the profit from one monthly meeting, when a visiting orchestral group or choir or something similar would generously perform a special entertainment. This has gradually grown to include members� coffee mornings in their own homes, a garden party and various fund-raisers throughout the year. The Society is more than grateful to all those who have given so much in time, effort and money, particularly in 2001/2 to raise the wonderful sum of �1600 to give to the chosen charity, Homestart. Likewise, Save The Children workers serve refreshments during the annual Concert interval, and in this way are able to raise funds for their charity as well as doing a great service for us. The St David�s Day daffodils are also purchased in aid of a charity.
It is felt that, what has evolved over at least forty years, is a very successful, lively, caring and thriving Welsh Society, which is run and supported by a dedicated membership of generous people, who love Wales and it�s customs, culture and language, at the same time as being aware of our duty towards Chelmsford and the district around. May the Chelmsford and District Welsh Society go from strength to strength in the future, as a flagship of friendship, culture, fun and service in the community. |
