Welsh Society Hosts St. David's Day Dinner
VANCOUVER - Over a hundred celebrants attended the Vancouver Welsh Society's annual St. David's Day Dinner at the Cambrian Hall on February 28.
AT THE CAMBRIAN HALL - (L-R) are Jane Byrne, President of the Vancouver Welsh Society, James Rawlinson, British Consul-General, Barry Hancock, Vice-President of the Welsh Society, and Eifion Williams, Secretary.
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The proceedings began with a blessing in Welsh and English by Elizabeth and Don Murray. Vancouver Welsh Society President Jane Byrne then welcomed all the guests and introduced the head table.
The guest of honour was James Rawlinson, British Consul General in Vancouver who proposed the traditional toast to the Queen and also read a message of goodwill from Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales. In his message Morgan outlined recent political and economic changes in Wales and the innovative developments that point to a prosperous and sustainable future for the country.
Greetings from kindred Welsh societies from many parts of the world were read by Eifion Williams. Messages of goodwill were also received from Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo, Premier Gordon Campbell and Prime Minister Paul Martin. All congratulated the Welsh Society for its contributions to Canada’s cultural diversity and the 75th anniversary of the building of the Cambrian Hall.
In his message the Prime Minister also said: “These special celebrations provide you with an opportunity to reflect upon the many and varied contributions made by Welsh-Canadians over the course of their history in Canada. Since its inception, your organization has worked to promote a greater understanding of the unique character of your community, thereby encouraging our society to grow and flourish.”
The toast to Canada was proposed by Barry Hancock, Vice-President of the Welsh Society. In his remarks Hancock praised the entrepreneurial spirit personified by Welsh immigrants like Vancouver businessman Grenville Thomas, who was originally invited to propose the toast but was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.
The toast to Wales was proposed by Gareth Prydderch who also entertained the audience with some humorous reflections on his boyhood in Resolven, Wales.
A musical interlude was provided by noted harpist Gwyneth Evans, while the accompanist for the evening was Dr. Ray Batten. David Llewelyn Williams also entertained the audience with a spirited reading of a favourite Welsh poem for which he also provided an English translation.
The dinner concluded with some enthusiastic community singing conducted by Gwyn Evans. Before the celebrants adjourned to the Red Dragon for further socializing and singing, Barry Hancock thanked the President, Jane Byrne and Treasurer Gaynor Evans for their efforts in organizing the event and making the evening such a great success.
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