Your Community

Welsh Society of Geelong Inc. Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir

President of Society

Keith Hughs, 2 Begonia Court, Newcombe Ph.5248 4160

Your Address

8 Eastview Parade, Belmont, Geelong, 3216

Community Hall or Meeting Place Address

Virginia Todd Centre & 8 Eastview Parade, Belmont Choir – All Saints Church Hall

Your Phone/ Fax/ Email

Ph: 5243 9050 Email: glyneth@hotmail.com

How long has your community been operating?

Welsh society formed in 1952. Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir formed in 1998.

How many members does your community have?

Welsh society has 47 members

Welsh Choir has 42 members

What is the first language of your community?

English/Welsh

When did members of your community first start arriving in Australia. Was there a period of peak immigration?

1847 – First arrivals in South Australia

1850’s – During the gold rush, especially to Ballarat, Bendigo and Maldon – as well as to

other states. The Welsh Church in LaTrobe St, Melbourne was founded in 1871.

Post World War 2 – 1950’s – 1970’s immigration supported by the Sponsorship Program.

Welsh Society instigated the Geelong Eisteddfod in 1974.

What National Days, religious days or special events does your community celebrate?

March 1 st – St. David’s Day, Patron Saint of Wales, is celebrated with a function ie. dinner, raising of Welsh flag (the Red Dragon) – concerts, “songs of praise” and wearing of national dress.

Briefly describe your national dress - including any items of special significance.

Dress – tall black hat fringed with white lace, white blouse, black or check patterned long skirt, red cape or shawl, white apron.

Choir dress – long black skirt with a variety of shirts.

Briefly describe your community’s arts – including music/dance/song or artworks.

Social functions, dinners, outings, songs of praise, BBQ’s, Pako Festa, Geelong Eisteddfod.

Choir – Local, state and overseas performances, performances at Pako festa, nursing homes and church fund-raising events.

Briefly describe your community’s traditional food & drinks - including foods and drinks you would avoid (if any)

Leek and potato soup, Welsh rarebit, faggots and peas, Welsh lamb dinners, huge variety of Welsh cakes. Our group enjoys all drinks including Welsh beer and whiskey.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Welsh is the oldest Celtic language. Many Welsh-speaking schools in Wales. Welsh taught in Australia and Tokyo. Welsh societies and choirs formed all over the world. Welsh settlement in Patagonia – Welsh being their first language, Spanish second. Annual National Eisteddfod of Wales is the main event in Wales. Wales produced many well-known singers eg. Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Charlotte Church, Bryn Terfel, Rhys Meirion and Kathryn Jenkins.

THE WELSH SOCIETY & CHOIR WELCOME NEW MEMBERS – YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE WELSH!