THE latest community news from Harlech.

WI

THE March meeting was to celebrate St David’s Day. The previous afternoon, some of the members were in the Memorial Hall setting things up.

Over the last few weeks they have been making ‘leeks’ out of felt, about 50 in total, to give as brooches to everyone as they arrived.

Christine Hemsley welcomed Federation chairman Meinir Lloyd Jones, WI members from Barmouth, Llanfair and Penrhyndeudraeth, plus a few local friends and our members.

The theme of the evening was ‘Leeks in Our Hearts’ a celebration of the Welshness of Harlech.

Sheila Maxwell spoke about the poet from Porthmadog, Eifion Wyn and his poem ‘Os Wyt Gymro’ and explained that the leek arrived long before the daffodil as the emblem of Wales. To set the mood, some Welsh songs were played as back ground music and old photos were projected throughout on a screen.

Ann Edwards explained about the Welsh national costume, of which we had two. Next was Jill Houliston with the wonderful Mabinogion story of Branwen, a film made by the children of Waunarlwydd primary school in Swansea depicting Cantre‘r Gwaelod was next, followed by the arrival of Christianity, the history of St Tanwg, read by Jenny Dunley.

Harlech Castle and Harlech as the capital of Wales told by Myfanwy Jones, then an incredible recording was played of The Men of Harlech sung by a regimental choir which was very moving. Edwina Evans and Gwenda Jones chatted about how Harlech High Street used to be compared to how it is now. Edwina then spoke about the famous local poets, Sion Phylip, Ellis Wynne, also about the Eisteddfods, Hedd Wyn Meurig Idris etc.

They finished with Sheila Maxwell explaining about the rock cannons to be found in and around Harlech.

The president thanked all those involved with the evening, with special thanks to Sheila who did most of the work for the entertainment. The next meeting will be on 12 April and the speaker will be Mary Post of Harlech, talking about her beautiful weaving and goats.

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