Summer 2018

The Welsh Society of Western New England

C y m d e i t h a s C y m r e i g L l o e g r N e w y d d G o r l l e w i n o

Website: WelshWNE.orgEmail: WelshWNE@gmail.com

FaceBook: WSWNE

GENEALOGY WORKSHOPS

Our Genealogy Workshop meets monthly to learn how to research Welsh roots. Meets at 10:15am - 5:00pm. Come for the whole day or part thereof. Bring your Welsh family tree and a lunch dish to share. For info and to RSVP, email WelshWNE@gmail.com.

• Saturday, June 9 - No Genealogy Workshop

• Sat., July 7 - DIGITAL DAY! Bring your old photographs and documents - You’ll learn to scan them for your own records.

• Sat., August - NO WORKSHOP THIS MONTH

PUB TRIVIA NIGHT with the RED DRAGONS TEAM Wednesday, June 13 and July 11 at the Yarde Tavern, 1658 King Street, Enfield, CT (Close to the MA state line)

We look forward to another Red Dragon Team Trivia Night. 6PM for dinner, Trivia starts at 7PM & if you can, wear red! Please join us as part of the team! RSVP please to WelshWNE@gmail.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wed., June 13 - Pub Trivia Night

Sat., July 7 - Genealogy Workshop - DIGITAL DAY

Wed., July 11 - Pub Trivia Night

Aug 30 - Sept 2 - North American Festival of Wales, Washington DC

Summer 2018

WHAT HAS WSWNE BEEN UP TO? ST. DAVID’S DAY LUNCHEON - March 3, 2018 Two delightful speakers graced the podium at the 2018 St. David’s Day luncheon of the Welsh Society of Western New England. Helen Coates of the Copper Kettle Bakery described her journey from LLantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, watching her mum make Welsh Cakes, to Westwood, Massachusetts, where her dream of a bakery took shape. She began some years ago baking Welsh Cakes in her home kitchen, delivering daily to local stores, and now has

commercial production with online sales and distribution worldwide of 4 varieties. The freshly-made samples which she brought were simply delicious, and the make-your-own mixes were eagerly taken by everyone to try at home. Her determination to succeed and her affinity for Wales inspired us all, and we are so proud of her. www.copperkettlebakery.com

Professor Margaret Lloyd of Springfield College presented a fascinating introduction to the Mabinogi Tales of medieval Wales, telling of the mythical woman Rhiannon who travels from the Otherworld on a white horse in search of her prince Pwyll. She finds him and they are married, but after their child is abducted, Rhiannon heroically accepts punishment herself to spare the lives of her midwives. Professor Lloyd reflects on

Rhiannon as a noble woman of stature and strength in her beautiful series of poems recently published in Wales. Her passionate readings of several excerpts enthralled the audience, bringing alive the power, pathos, and

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Beth Roberts Brown in National Dress

Members and guests at the luncheon

Summer 2018

relevance of these oldest of Welsh myths. Travelling on My Own Errands - Voices of Women from the Mabinogi, Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanwrst, March 2017.

Host for the annual luncheon, held this year on Saturday, March 3rd, was the lovely Nutmeg Restaurant in East Windsor, Connecticut, with about 40 in attendance. Society president Susan Davies Sit opened the meeting with greetings from other Welsh societies from around North America, reviewed the many activities of the past year, and introduced new members. The society is growing, enthusiasm is high, and the Welsh in the area are in good company. Come join us!

By Mark Spencer

1ST ANNUAL NOSON LAWEN On the heels of attending a Noson Lawen in NYC at the Welsh Congregational Church in Manhattan last October, the thought came to us to hold our own Welsh Society’s Noson Lawen. In lieu of a parlor, where our Welsh ancestors would have gathered to entertain themselves, we gathered at the Tap House Grille in West Springfield with Welsh flag “flying” and voices ready.

Once we had dined together on that Sunday evening, May 20th, member Jason Ellsworth read from a list of presenters while we each rose to sing, read and recite: a poem “Mai ym Môn” (May in Anglesey) was written by Lowri’s cousin’s grandfather, Anglesey Bard William Richard Roberts (Bardic name: Gwilym Dona) and read aloud by Lowri in English, then by Susan Davies Sit in Welsh; we sang a rousing “Delilah” with Straford Wild on guitar, and Jason sang his own composition “Country Road” and played the keyboard;

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Speakers: Helen Coates on the left with John Bollard and Margaret Lloyd on the right.

Summer 2018

a personal Welsh story by Glyn of the funny trials and tribulations of his and Magdalen’s wedding night hotel; Warren Morgan read a Welsh joke plus a poem by none other than Dylan Thomas, whom we were celebrating that evening; a reading by Magdalen titled “The Princes of Wales and Carrot Soup”; a poem titled “The Shepard of Cwm Dyli” read by Ed Brown, husband of Beth Roberts Brown whose ancestors lived at the Cwm Dyli farm; Susan Jenkins Meers read “In Passing” by Brian Harris; and we ended with a heartfelt “Calon Lân” led by Straford. Hiraeth abounded as we listened to our Mother tongue, with music and language swirling around us.

By Susan Davies Sit

AROUND OUR WELSH AMERICAN WORLD NINNAU NEEDS OUR HELP TO INCREASE

SUBSCRIPTIONS! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS WONDERFUL PAPER.

To keep up with news, both from Wales and around North America, please subscribe to

NINNAU: the North American Welsh newspaper. 6 issues per year at $30 printed or $20 digital at:

NINNAU.com.

North American Festival of Wales The North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW), sponsored by the Welsh North American Association, the largest Welsh cultural organization in North America, will be held in Washington DC on Aug 30 - Sept 2, 2018 . See website www.NAFOW.org.

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William R. Roberts, Anglesey Bard

Summer 2018

Need a room? There’s ONE remaining! Email WelshWNE@gmail.com.

WE HAVE DECIDED TO FLY as it was cheaper than driving at about $125 with free shuttle to the hotel. www.cheapoair.com.

Highlights are: ESCHOIR, a Welsh male choir based in London, opening concert by TRIO, a male vocal group from Snowdonia, and pan-celtic band Moch Pryderi.

NEWS FROM WALES WELSH GOLD By Lucy Clarke-Billings, The Mirror newspaper, UK A gold mine that used to produce royal wedding rings is to reopen after being closed for nearly 20 years. Welsh gold has been used in royal weddings for the past 94 years and is the tradition which continued when Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in May, 2018.

Demand for the precious metal has soared since the couple announced their engagement - leading to the planned reopening of the Clogau gold mine at Bontddu near Dollgellau. The mines are expected to reopen in the coming months after Alba Mineral Resources took a large stake in Clogau owner Gold Mines of Wales Limited. Welsh gold is normally five times more valuable than imported gold because it is so rare.

"The opportunity presented by this project is pretty unique - high grade gold in the heart of the United Kingdom and the fact that Welsh gold attracts a significant premium. The historic connections of Welsh gold with the heritage of the United Kingdom and the potential for finding more gold in the vastly under-explored exploration ground make a strong case for investment."

Meghan Markle follows in the footsteps of the Duchess of Cambridge whose wedding ring was fashioned from a nugget of Welsh gold given to Prince William by the Queen. The Queen, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne and Princess Diana kept up the tradition.

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Summer 2018

London-based Alba has oil and gas interests in the UK and uranium, graphite, iron ore mining interests in Greenland and Africa.

The North Wales gold belt has produced about

131,000 oz of gold - by far the most of any region within the United Kingdom.

PRINCE MADOG: FROM RHOS-ON-SEA TO THE NEW WORLD IN 1170, FACT OR FICTION? From BBC.com

A campaign about a legendary Welsh prince is being launched in Conwy county in a bid to attract tourists. According to folklore, Prince Madoc discovered America 300 years before Christopher Columbus after setting sail from Rhos-on-Sea in 1170.

Colwyn Business Improvement District hopes to promote the story to potential American and Canadian visitors. Project manager Anna Openshaw said: "It's a unique selling point for the area."

Prince Madoc was an illegitimate son of King Owain of Gwynedd, who is said to have landed at Mobile Bay - now known as Alabama - to escape the war of succession in his homeland following his father's death. Historian Graham Roberts told BBC Radio Wales' Good Morning Wales programme there are "kernels of truth" in the story.

Although there are no historical records of Prince Madoc's feat, Mr Roberts said an old harbour wall has been discovered near Rhos-on-Sea and a Welsh-speaking tribe is said to have been found in the New World.

Colwyn Business Improvement District wants to create "a significant and prominent tribute" to him - with previous ideas suggested including

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Summer 2018

information boards, souvenirs, flower displays, and a replica of Prince Madoc's boat.

Conwy county councillor Roger Parry said: "With the connection to Alabama, we've spoken to people over there in the past and they seem quite interested in the link.”

Ms Openshaw added: "Hopefully we can get more organisations and stakeholders on board so we can all work together to find the best way of promoting the legend of Prince Madoc.” The campaign coincides with the Welsh Government's 2018 Year of the Sea tourism initiative.

WSWNE NEWS Y Gegin Gymreig - The Welsh Kitchen - Recipes Wanted! We are planning a Welsh Cookbook, and now welcome recipes from members, especially ones from your Welsh ancestors. Please contact Magdalen at magdalendowden@sbcglobal.net with your recipe, the source, and a short bio of the cook. Email must have subject line of: Welsh Recipes.

As an example, this is Susan Davies Sit’s Welsh grandmother’s pastry recipe and her bio:

Rub the lard and margarine into both flours to make a crumb texture, then add the sugar and salt. Add JUST enough icy cold water to bind pastry together without it being sticky. Nain made the most incredible fruit pies: gooseberry, rhubarb, apple, blackberry. They were always rectangular, had a delicious crust, and were sprinkled with sugar.

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Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy County

Summer 2018

(Self raising flour can be made by adding 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and a dash of salt to each cup of regular flour.)

My Nain (Welsh for grandmother) was born Lizzie Ann Jones in 1899 in Gyffin, Conwy. Nain went to be a housekeeper in Liverpool where she met Thomas Davies from Anglesey who was working as a passenger ship steward. Soon they moved to be tenants of an inn: the “Black Lion” in Llanfaethlu, Anglesey where she perfected her cooking skills for guests. Most Sunday’s after they retired to Benllech, Anglesey, we would spend the day with them and Nain would make a roast dinner and, if we were lucky, a fruit pie made with this pastry. I can still taste it today. By Susan Davies Sit

INVITATION FROM THE WELSH GOVERNMENT Volvo Ocean Race 2017 - 2018 Stop Over Thursday, May 17 was somewhat overcast but it didn’t hinder Susan Davies Sit and me from venturing to Newport, RI at the invitation of the Welsh Government for the cocktail party kick-off of the Newport to Cardiff, Wales, leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. We arrived at the lovely venue of the Chanler, perched along the famous Cliff Walk, and took a breath-taking look out over Narragansett Bay and the wide Atlantic. Not unmindful, I might add, that our beloved Wales was just across the water; 6-8 days across for the crew of the “Clean Seas” yacht.

As we entered the marble and gilt lobby we were directed to the veranda. On the cool May evening, the atmosphere was warm, friendly and gracious. We were met by Efe Sokol and Kelly Taylor of the Welsh

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Nain’s Pastry

4 oz./1 cup Self-raising flour 4 oz/1 cup. Plain flour

2 oz. lard 2 oz. margarine

Tablespoon of sugar Pinch of salt

Cold water to mix

Summer 2018

Government Office based in New York City, and Steven Nase of Visit Wales, also in NYC.

Also present for the celebration was Bleddyn Môn, a resident of Anglesey, Wales, and a crew member of “Clean Seas - turn the tide on plastic” yacht who spoke about conditions onboard the yacht and his responsibilities while at sea. I was very anxious to meet Bleddyn because my ancestors sailed the seas from Borth, Wales, which is just down the coast from the Llyn peninsula. He is a delightful young man who told us the story of his parents moving to Anglesey, she a Davies and he a Griffith, and deciding to give the last name of Môn, meaning Isle of Anglesey, to their offspring.

Enjoying the party were members of the RI Welsh Society: Jane Morgan and her husband Craig of Richmond, RI. It was mutually agreed that WSWNE and the RIWS should make a concerted effort to join together in an activity soon. The hors d’oeuvres, cheese table, wines, etc. were splendid, the venue perfect, and this Walesophile incredulous at the invitation and experience.

Following on from this event, we attended a Media Breakfast on Sunday morning at Sail Newport on Fort Adams Drive, also hosted by the Welsh Government, close to where the Volvo Ocean Race boats were being readied for the next leg from Newport, RI to Cardiff, Wales. The breakfast was attended by members of WSWNE and the RI Welsh Society, media personnel and travel writers, as well as the Cardiff Mayor and Leader of the Cardiff Council.

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Summer 2018

We made contacts with many people, who in turn are interested in the work we do as a Welsh Society, and offered to be in touch about our future events. Diolch yn fawr for two unforgettable events celebrating Wales. By Susan Jenkins Meers

WELL-READ DRAGONS The Glamorganshire Bible is a journey back to a childhood where coal mines,  rai l road depots, adultery, drinking binges, supper of “bread soaked in milk,” churches, two-dollar dresses  and desertion are only some of the hard-core, radioactive elements in these remarkable, gritty poems. Viti’s skill at  crafting poetry out of wreckage and pain without sentiment is superb. - Lenny Della Rocca, South Florida Poetry

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Bob Derbyshire, Lord Mayor of the City of Cardiff, Susan Davies Sit, President WSWNE, Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, RI Welsh Society member Tracy Vaspol and WSWNE member Beth Roberts Brown attend the Media Breakfast.

Summer 2018

“Nannau: A Rich Tapestry of Welsh History”. Described by one of our country's most prominent politicians as an important book for the Welsh Nation, covering as it does a thousand years of Welsh History and culture through the lives of one of Wales's great families.

By Philip Nanney Williams, Author

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CROESO/Welcome to our new members

• Helen Coates of the Copper Kettle Bakery in MA: Helen was born in South Wales and was a presenter at our St David’s Day lunch. Her company makes the most delicious Welsh Cakes!

• Ellen Ravens-Seger of East Granby, CT is interested in researching her Welsh roots in Montgomeryshire.

• David and Mary Thomas of Somers, CT are interested in David’s Welsh roots in Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandybie, South Wales.

• Emily Lou McLean of Simsbury, CT, whose grandparents were from Wales and settled in Scranton, PA.

What are your favourite things about Wales? Here’s Susan Davies Sit’s favorite things:

Black faced sheep; Rain on the green grass and the grey slate; Collecting shells; Raking cockles in Red Wharf Bay; The Lobster Pot restaurant at Church Bay; Snowdon; Perl Lân Welsh Cheese; Te Bach - Welsh afternoon tea; Rugby matches; Y Ddraig Goch; Menai mussels; Conwy Castle; Welsh souvenir shops; and Churchyards and Chapels.

Summer 2018

RECIPE FROM WALES HALEN MÔN, the Sea Salt company in Angelsey (Sir Môn) published some cool recipes in an email, here’s one of them:

CHARRED LEEKS WITH CHILLI SEA SALT DRESSING A super simple side dish or light lunch. Delicious crammed in between a couple of pieces of sourdough alongside whatever cheese you have to hand, too.

SERVES 3-4 

About 10 leeks 4 tbsp greek yoghurt 2 tsp maple syrup or honey

3 decent pinches of Pure Sea Salt with Chilli + Garlic (or add your own chili to sea salt) 1 tbsp tahini 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 2 lemons, juiced 1 bunch chives, finely chopped

Put the leeks in a wide saucepan – you don’t want them more than 2 or 3 deep. Pour over boiling water and add a generous pinch of sea salt to the pan. Let the pan simmer over a medium heat for about 3 or 4 minutes until the leeks are tender (test with a sharp knife). Drain, pour over cold water, and drain again.

Slice down the centre of each leek lengthways, leaving the root intact.

Dressing: Combine the rest of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, taste and adjust the seasoning.

Warm your griddle pan over a high heat and brush the leeks with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Char the halved leeks for 2 – 3 minutes on each side.

Serve with the dressing drizzled over the leeks.

Recipe: Anna Shepherd, Image: Jess Lea-Wilson

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Summer 2018

WELSH HERITAGE WEEK July 15 to July 22, 2018 - University of Richmond, Richmond, VA. A trip to the Berkeley Plantation on July 14th will require you to arrive on campus July 13th. WHW needs to give the college confirmed numbers no later than JUNE 15th.

The cost for the week is $500 for a double room/$575 for a single. The cost for the trip is $142 (that includes the trip plus 2 additional nights at the college, no meals).

Contact Beth Landmesser: hwyl@ptd.net or 570-814-7689. The registration form is now on the web site. www.welshheritageweek.org

SOURCE FOR UNIQUELY WELSH PRODUCTS A new website celebrating the best of local producers from across Wales, 'The Ethical Welsh Online Marketplace’ - www.stdavids.wales has been introduced. Located in St. David’s Pembrokeshire, they have brought together the finest designers, makers, artists, activity guides, growers, farmers and accommodation providers from across Wales to showcase in one place the best Wales has to offer.  

Artisanal products are now available for purchase online, in one place, so you can shop locally, wherever you are in the World. You can support small Welsh businesses and bring a unique piece of Wales straight to New England, perfect for gifts, birthdays, special occasions and holidays. 

By purchasing at www.stdavids.wales you support local Welsh producers, and raise the profile of Welsh businesses across the World. 

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Goetre Farm Preserves Welsh Farmhouse Chutney

£3.45

Summer 2018

BUY WELSH! Members have been keeping a look out for Welsh products in local stores and this is what they’ve found so far:

Snowdonia Cheeses at UK Gourmet, Bethel, CT Collier’s Cheese at Stop & Shop

Look out for more Welsh products when you shop and please let us know what and where you find things.

CELTIC ART STUDIO …sale of textile items. Jan Delyth, Welsh designer and folklore artist. www.celticartstudio.com

JOSIE RUSSELL, ARTIST Josie’s framed posters will be featured in our Christmas luncheon raffle Josie Russell is a freelance textile artist based in beautiful Gwynedd, North Wales. Her deep-rooted passion for art and design began when she was very young and carries on to the present day. As an ambassador for the Born Free Foundation, she is proud to promote awareness of animal welfare wherever possible. When she is not working on art and craft projects, she can usually be found outdoors - in her garden or walking through the beautiful hills of the Snowdonia National Park. She feels a deep connection with the countryside, so perhaps it is no surprise that the un-spoilt mountains, flora, and fauna of North Wales form the present basis for most of her creative work. Only the bare minimum of her required materials are bought new - canvasses, certain threads, or spare parts for the sewing machine. The rest - frames, buttons, beads, ribbons, and off-cuts of strange, striking fabrics - are sourced from extensive rummaging in her local charity shops, recycled from her own clothes, or else kindly donated by generous family and friends. (from JosieRussell’s web site: JosieRussell.com)

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WSWNE NEWS is published by the Welsh Society of Western New England, Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2017-2018): President & Genealogy Group Coordinator: Susan Davies Sit (CT) (860) 987-7097 WelshWNE@gmail.com Vice President: VACANT - pls step up if you want to be part of this team Treasurer: Mary Jones Pallos (CT) (860) 781-2302 Mary.Pallos@Singulus.com Secretary: Mark Taylor (CT) (860) 303-1625 Salemzoo@snet.net

MEMBERS AT LARGE (2017-2018): Welsh Language Group: Beth Roberts Brown (MA) (413) 454-9476 supernain4@gmail.com Carpool Coordinator: Sherry Williams (CT) (860) 872-0949 Booksandbeads@comcast.net Ed Brown (MA) (413) 454-9477 edbethui@gmail.com Shirley Gilmartin (CT) (860) 887-1794 dsgilm@comcast.net Magdalen Dowden (MA) (860) 653-7668 magdalendowden@sbcglobal.net Glyn Dowden (MA) (860) 653-7668 glyndowden@sbcglobal.net Susan Jenkins Meers (CT) (860) 334-5119 SusanjMeers@aol.com

Chaplain: Rev. Hugh James (CT) Past President: Dr. Tom Bernard (MA) Founder: John Dixon (MA) Membership List and Email Manager: Mark Spencer (MA) Web Site: Trey McCain (Honorary Member) (MS & WALES)

============================================== WSWNE Membership Form

PLEASE MAIL to Mary Pallos, WSWNE Treasurer, 1542 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (check made out to WSWNE, membership year begins March 1st, per family): ___$100 (Red Dragon), ____$50 (Daffodil),___$25 (Miner’s Lantern), ___$10 (Student)

Today’s date: _________________ NEW MEMBER: ____ RENEWAL: _____ Names (list household members): _____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home phone # ________________________________________________ Cell phone #___________________________________________________ Email address (PLEASE PRINT) _______________________________________________________________ Newsletter Summer, 2018: For Treasurer’s use only: Date received:_______

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Summer 2018

Photo of Gloyw Llyn, Rhinog Fawr, Snowdonia by Bill Fear

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