Chelmsford & District Welsh Society

Minutes of the AGM held on 25th June 2025 at the Chapter House, Chelmsford

The President, Ivy Price, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting and a warm welcome was extended by everyone to David Roberts, a prospective new member. Mr. Roberts informed us that his family are from Bethesda in North Wales but he is London born and bred and Welsh is his first language.

There were 29 members and guests in attendance.

  1. The Minutes of the last AGM.

The Minutes of the AGM held on 26th June 2024 which had been circulated electronically before the meeting, were agreed and duly signed by the President.

 

  1. President’s Report.

Ivy Price our President gave a run down on the year’s events. There had been professional performances given by Debra John, the actress from Swansea, Gwen Mairi harpist and singer and “Songcycle.” It had been a pleasure to have Gwynfor Dafydd Prosser, the Winner of the Crown at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 2022 at our St. David’s Day Dinner.

There had also been a few homespun activities and events too. In October we watched the film “Very Annie Mary.” The film night gave everyone who attended an opportunity to reminisce in their Welsh roots. Then, in February, we got to learn more about our members as they elaborated on the people and things that meant the most to them. There was no doubt that “My Treasures” had been a successful event.

Equally, the accounts given at the “From Wales to the World” meeting in March were vivid and often entertaining and it was a pleasure to watch our members perform and demonstrate their talent at the “Noson Lawen” in January.

Ivy congratulated Kay Bright and her team for their hard work and the superb job they had accomplished at the St. David’s Day dinner. The table settings adorned with beautiful daffodils were a delight to see.

Thanks also went to Rose Bugle and Bethany Shordon for their participation in the “Gymanfa Ganu” (Songs of Praise) in October and to Sandra Reed for organising our recent trip to Hever Castle.

The President chose “Little Havens” as her charity.

Ann Simpson, who visits regularly had presented them with a cheque of £500.00 earlier in the week which was very much appreciated.

Ivy explained the money had been raised from the coffee mornings hosted by Kay and Clive Bright, from the sale of second hand books which had been organised by Sue Bridger and from the proceeds of the sale of handmade wooden items by Gwil Williams.  Sincere thanks go these members for their contribution.

Gratitude was also extended to Gwenno Pope, the Society’s Secretary for her seamless administration, to Liz and Jim Armishaw for hosting the Society’s committee meetings at their home, to Jim Armishaw, our Press Secretary, for writing the informative and interesting monthly reports, to Gwil Williams for updating and managing the website and setting up the hardware for our monthly meetings and to Meinir Wyn Davies and her team for organising the Annual Concert

Ivy wished the Society every success in the future and updated members on the status of members serving on the committee. She thanked Mike Price for his tremendous support over the years and for the wonderful musical evenings he had organised but who like herself was standing down from office as was Ann Simpson from her role at organising the church services.

Ivy said it had been a pleasure to have served the Society as President and wished us all a very enjoyable summer holiday.

Post report Ivy thanked Sina Williams for organising the raffle.

 

  1. Treasurer’s Report.

Carys Williams thanked Ivy Price and went on to summarise the Society’s income and expenditure for the year 2024-2025. She proposed an increase in the membership subscription fee to £40.00 and everyone agreed.

 

  1. Handing over the Presidency.

Ivy Price handed over the Presidency of the Society for 2025/2026 to Sina Williams.

Sina thanked Ivy for being such a great President .  The Vice-President will be Meinir Wyn Davies.

 

  1. Election of Officers.

Vice President – Meinir Wyn Davies

Secretary - Gwenno Pope

Treasurer - Carys Williams

 

  1. Election of Committee Members.

The following members were appointed to serve on the committee for 2025/2026.

Kay Bright, Liz and Jim Armishaw, Sue Almond and Sandra Read.

One new member was also accepted on to the committee-Angela Glaser.

 

 

Clive Bright and Sina Williams organized a fun and enjoyable quiz to finish the evening.

The meeting concluded with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem.