History in spotlight

THE latest meeting of the Loughborough Welsh Society was all about History and a fine presentation by Jane Jones (Society president), ably assisted by Jaqui Parry.

There was some confusion at times as it would seem the society could have started in 1940 during WW2, but on the other hand some factors seem to point to 1947.

There does seem to be confirmed details however, that during the war years, local people of Welsh extraction made a great effort to look after soldiers from the principality, with socials and other meetings to entertain those far from home, who had been drafted to the East Midlands.

Not much is known about these years, but a brighter picture emerges during the 1950s when photos of various events have come to hand. Some in the audience were able to recognise family and friends of bygone years.

Jane went on to indicate that there is a record of a 50th anniversary of the society celebrated in 1990, but this may be misleading.

With many photos and programmes shown by Jaqui and Jane the audience was able to remember some of the events of the past years.

Pictures of St David’s Day Dinner, Cymanfa Ganu, Noson Lawen, and summer outings to various parts of Wales, brought many memories. There was mention of the East Midlands Group (Derby. Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham) and some of the joint activities held at various venues.

Sadly as time progressed and television, cars and family holidays etc, and with younger people moving away or losing interest a decline began to overtake the societies,

First Leicester Society and later Derby ceased to function, leaving Loughborough and Nottingham to hold the fort; though it must be said that both these societies struggle at times.

At the close, members gave a round of thanks to Jane and Jaqui for their time and effort in compiling an interesting evening.