The Welsh Folk Dance Society was out in force in Pembroke on June 15 to celebrate the society’s 70th anniversary, writes mavis Roberts.

Dancers and musicians of all ages, from infants to octogenarians, gathered in Pembroke in their colourful costumes. It was like an echo of a much earlier gathering, the first Eisteddfod, held in Cardigan Castle in 1147, when the Lord Rhys arranged a competition for bards and musicians from across Wales.

Here in Pembroke, there was no competition, just a joyful and thankful day of dance and music to celebrate a culture that by 1949 had been almost lost. The revival was sparked by an English gentlewoman Lois Blake, who came to live in the small village of Llangwm in North Wales.

The first to arrive at Pembroke Town Hall at 9.30 in the morning were children from Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. They were immediately swept into the dancing by Dawnswyr Glancledddau, the well-known Welsh folk dance group from Haverfordwest and their excellent musicians. They were supported by the newly formed social dance group, Dawnswyr Penfro (Pembroke Dancers), who meet once a month in the Town Hall to dance these ancient Welsh dances under the direction of Mavis Roberts (nee Morris from Tenby) who has returned to her home county.

Another local, the talented Jess Ward from Pembroke found time in her busy schedule to teach and demonstrate some clogging steps, before heading off with her harp to sing at another venue.

During the day, more and more teams of dancers arrived from Anglesey, Caernarfon, Aberystwyth, Pen y Fai, Swansea and Talog, plus many individuals who travelled that day to be present. We were also joined by Alexey and Anastasia from Moscow, where they teach Welsh Dancing.

In the late morning the sun came out and the whole company processed to the Henry VII statue garden and danced outdoors as is their custom. They were joined by the 640th Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Gareth Jones and by the President of the WFDS, Rhiain Bebb, who came complete with accordion. Many passers-by had a surprise concert of dancers accompanied by fiddles, accordions, flutes and a double bass.

On returning to the Town Hall, old and several newly composed dances were taught, and the day ended with a short concert from the teams. Nine-year-old Abel and 11-year-old Luned, both from Dawnswyr Talog, and 15-year-old Mared from Tawerin, all performed excellent solo clog dances.

It was a day to remember and we thank Tanyard Youth Club who were there all day serving refreshments and Messy Church, Pembroke, who entertained over 30 children during the morning session with fabulous craft when the parents were enjoying some of the more difficult dances

Celebrations will continue throughout the year, including a Day of Dance on July 13 at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, and at The National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst, Conwy Valley. Pembrokeshire Welsh Learners Choir will be competing.

See you there.