I recently came across a newspaper report of the celebration of St. David's Day at Cae Adar Farm, Bwlchgwyn, in 1896.
The celebrations were actually held on Monday night, the 2nd of March, at Cae Adar Farm, when about a hundred people thoroughly enjoyed a special St David's Day supper, prepared by Mr. George Jones, the grocer. This was the first time that an event of this kind had been held and Mr John Jones, the owner of the farm, hoped that everybody would have an enjoyable evening. The concert president was Mr. John Edwards of the Brithdir and the secretary was Mr. Robert Williams of the Gors. The accompanist was Mr William Williams of Minera who also sang several solos. Shem Jones and his party sang and Mr Robert Roberts gave a solo. There were many other singers, too. Speeches were made by Messrs Samuel Kendrick, William Davies the schoolmaster, Richard Rogers, draper, of Bradford House and Edward Kendrick, who read a paper about the history of St, David. Mr. John Jones of Cae Adar sang the closing song to St. David and, united in the chorus, everyone was enjoying the evening like none before.
What an evening that must have been! I can remember concerts in Bethesda Chapel and Church Fetes, Harvest Festivals and Nativity plays, village sports days and bonfires in the rec (King George's playing fields), but I can't imagine this sort of concert being arranged, or so well attended, these days. If any of my readers does remember similar events, I would love to hear about them.
