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www.celtic-connection.com
MAY 2013
WELSH SOCIETY president Jane Byrne [far right] with Pat Morris in traditional Welsh costumes along with two other Grand Spring Sale volunteers Sheila Pepper and Joan Thomsen.
KATHY THOMAS was responsible for the vast array of silent auction items.
VOLUNTEER Sheila Pepper organizing the baked goods table at the sale.
THE TABLE with home baking and delicious jams and jellies was also very popular destination at the sale.
Highly Successful Spring Sale at the Cambrian Hall
By NEVILLE THOMAS
VANCOUVER - The traditional Welsh Society's spring sale on Saturday, April 20 was a rousing success.
An eager crowd of bargain hunters, a large troop of enthusiastic willing helpers, a wide range of contributed sale items and, surprise, a beautiful sunny day combined to make it a memorable occasion.
A new high in financial return was achieved. This is essential money for the Vancouver Welsh Society members in the ongoing challenge of meeting the expenses involved in maintaining the Cambrian Hall which was built in 1929.
The annual spring sale is also a great social event. It attracts Celts and peoples of many other diverse back-
grounds. The relaxed, fun atmosphere allows you to make many new friends.
There is nothing like hunting for bargains and engaging in the banter of friendly haggling with new people and, let's not forget, finding that treasure you didn't even know you wanted when you came in the door.
A wide variety of offerings was typically displayed on the tables. Clearly the major draw, as always, was the table of bakery delights which had been baked and delicately prepared by so many of the ladies of the society.
A wide variety of jams, chutneys, marmalades, pasties and pies were prepared by Pat Morris. All were quickly bought by eager buyers.
The silent auction proved a major attraction. Carole Smythe contributed
greatly with her organizational skills and in acquiring items.
The enormous success was also assured by over 50 local businesses who graciously contributed sale items and door prizes. The Welsh Society truly appreciates their generosity.
Preparation of the spring sale had been lengthily undertaken by the society's hardworking social committee.
Gillian and Alcwyn Rogers were essential primary movers and motivators . Over 40 willing helpers were there on the sale floor on Saturday and delicious refreshment was available for all in the very welcome tea room downstairs under the guidance of Gaynor Evans and family.
An impressive and unforgettable day, indeed.
GILLIAN ROGERS (L) (main organizer for the Welsh Society g i crnMi\nc >y\u i\cviin 0f Vancouver Grand Spring Sale), with Alcwyn Rogers (cen-Boggan at the Red Lion Tea tre) and Neville Thomas (R) who was at the front door with a
warm welcome and greeting for everyone who arrived.
Room on April 20.
DARLENE CUMMINGS and Liam Keegan enjoying the Welsh Grand Spring Sale.
THE RED DRAGON PUB at the Cambrian Hall became a tea room on the day of the sale. The hard-working ladies served up some delicious sandwiches and Welsh cakes. Pictured above: [centre front] Gaynor Evans, treasurer of the Welsh Society, with volunteers, Paula, Pam and Andrea.
THE CAMBRIAN HALL was crowded all day with bargain hunters at the annual Grand Spring Sale.
New Celtic cross dedicated to Bridgend village's war dead
The Archbishop of Wales and the First Minister were among guests attending a ceremony for a new war memorial in the Bridgend village of Cefh Cribwr.
It marks the end of a vibrant project by the village community to build a new memorial to remember the 29 servicemen who died in two World wars.
The old memorial plaque at a bus stop had become a target for vandals.
The new Celtic cross memorial now stands in a prominent position on Mynydd Bach Common.
Funded by the village's community coun-
cil, the memorial was designed by the Welsh artist Naomi Leake.
It is engraved with doves and poppies -ideas put forward by children at Cefn Cribwr primary school.
Headteacher Stephen Ho wells said the pupils had been delighted to take part in the process for the new memorial.
"This is a close village and community, in the best traditional sense, and the school is very much part of that community," he explained.
New memorial stones on the Celtic cross list the full names of the men who died in both World War I and World War II, and includes an additional four names
that were missed by the original plaque that was unveiled back in 195 3.
They include Alphonso Morgan, who died of battlefield wounds in February 1916 - described in the Glamorgan Gazette as a hero, and referred to as a "Cefn Cribwr hero" and "Dear Old Phons".
He had served in the navy but was discharged after an injury. But in 1915, he signed himself up with the South Wales Borderers. He is buried at the St Venant Communal Cemetery in France.
Details of his past are recorded in a special booklet to mark the dedication ceremony on May 4.