December 3, 2017 saw an eager and excited gathering of Welsh men and women, friends and family at The Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield, Massachusetts. We came, as we do each year, to celebrate the holiday season with good friends, new and old, with good food and great entertainment.
Master of Ceremonies: Edward Brown, Board member
We explored Christmas and holiday traditions in Wales, presented by our dear friend, Jodee James. Jodee’s concert featured songs in both Welsh and English of the winter solstice, Christmas and New Year’s traditions, including Wales’ mysterious Mari Lywd. Jodee has dedicated much of her career to making Welsh folk music a larger part of the Celtic music scene in America.
Also enjoyed were the Welsh merchandise table and a lovely raffle basket. Both included many items brought from Wales by members, such as ties, books, and Christmas tree ornaments. We had a near Christmas record of 42 people attending, including WSWNE founder John Dixon of Massachusetts.
Glyn Dowden and Mark Spencer
This year’s venue was so successful it was decided to book it for the first Saturday in December 2018. Following our festive celebration, we were invited to make the rounds of the recreated colonial village of which The Storrowton Tavern is part, and we enjoyed the holiday decorations and demonstrations there.
By Susan Jenkins Meers, Board member
VIDEO: JODEE JAMES PERFORMANCE