DECEMBER 2018 

DATHLU NADOLIG 

Christmas Celebrations

 

The 52 members and guests at the Christmas celebrations of Chelmsford and District Welsh Society were welcomed by Ivy Price, the President, and offered a celebratory glass of warming mulled wine, served by Maureen and Keith Byatt. Entertainment was provided by the very talented Rachel and Ken Bartels on the harp and flute. They have long been great favourites of the Society, and they played a mixture of carols and other sacred music, Welsh love songs, classical music and jolly seasonal numbers. Rachel played a piece she performed at a concert in Ely Cathedral one December when she was a student at the Royal college, and had been rather overawed when the low lights were turned up at the end to see a packed audience. Her playing of The Interlude from Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols was particularly lovely. The haunting Myfanwy, considered by many to be the most beautiful love song ever, received long applause, and Ken’s rendition of The Londonderry Air was exquisite. Ivy showed her talent playing the piano and leading the audience in singing several carols in Welsh and English. David Lloyd, Dave Almond and Clive Bright were excellent as the Three Kings from Orient Far. During the interval a welcome excellent spread of seasonal fare, prepared by the committee catering team led by Edith Brown, was enjoyed by all.  Ivy read the greetings which many members had written on the Charity Christmas card instead of sending cards. £128 was raised for the charity fund. At the conclusion , Liz Armishaw, the Vice-president, congratulated  Rachel and Ken on their talent, and thanked all those members who had  been involved in making the arrangements for a lovely evening.

Vice President, Liz Armishaw thanks Ken and Rachel for entertaining the Society at their festive Christmas meeting.