Cymdeithas Gymreig Canolbarth Ohio

Promoting a strong and vibrant Welsh community in Central Ohio

*** Next WSCO Annual event ***

St. David's Day celebrations

See information below

(link at bottom of page for Ohio- and Nationally-sponsored non-WSCO events)

WSCO Events

David, Patron Saint of Wales

Dewi Sant, St. David, died on the first of March.  St. David’s Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant), is the traditional day of the Welsh – celebrated all over the world by wearing either of the national emblems, a leek or a daffodil, in commemoration of this Celtic saint’s death.

• St. David’s Day Meal

2012 -- Saturday, February 25, luncheon, morning seminars and Annual Meeting -- Worthington Hills Country Club, 920 Clubview Blvd. South, Columbus, OH

WSCO’s annual St. David’s Day meal is held on a Saturday as close to March 1^st as booking arrangements allow.  It is preceded by the organization’s annual business meeting and is followed by Welsh entertainment.  The day usually closes with group singing.

Short workshops and seminars are often offered on the same day and, in the past, have covered subjects such as Welsh history, poetry, literature, genealogy, folklore, love spoons, music, and dance.

2012 event details (menu & prices, seminars, schedule, registration form) -- February-June 2012 issue of Dragon Tales, info starts on  page 1

2011 event highlights -- July-September 2011 issue of Dragon Tales, page 4

•  St. David’s Day Flag-raising

2012 -- Thursday, March 1, Ohio Statehouse, West Plaza (High St.); Capital Square, southeast corner Broad and High Streets; downtown Columbus, Ohio; will meet at 11:40am inside the West doors of the Statehouse and proceed to the West Plaza --http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/index.cfm?play_video=f  

Prior to the raising of the Welsh flag over downtown Columbus is a short ceremony which includes the reading of a proclamation from the Governor's office recognizing the Welsh of Ohio for the large contributions that they have made, and continue to make, throughout the state.  The ceremony often includes singing in both Welsh and English and Welsh folk dancing.

2012 event details -- February-June 2012 issue of Dragon Tales, bottom of page 1

2011 event highlights -- July-September 2011 issue of Dragon Tales,  page 4, bottom

• Family Picnic

2012 -- Saturday, July 21, 11:30am-4:00pm; Blendon Woods Metro Park, Shadblow Shelter House; 4265 East Dublin-Granville Road, Westerville, Ohio; http://www.metroparks.net/ParksBlendonWoods.aspx (map & directions are in bottom left corner of the page)

The annual picnic is a potluck affair, with easily-learned audience-participation folk dancing and group singing.  Recent years have also featured an auction of small items from the Welsh Store.

Bring your own table service, beverage, and a dish to share. 

2011 event details -- July-September 2011 issue of Dragon Tales, page 1

2011 event highlights -- October 2011-January 2012 issue of Dragon Tales, page 1, below center of page

• Gymanfa Ganu (Welsh Hymn Singing)

2012 -- Sunday, October 21, 2:30 pm; Central College Church, 975 South Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio; http://ccpc.us (on the left side under Main Menu, click on About Us, then Our Campus to find Campus Maps and Directions)

The Gymanfa Ganu is a traditional gathering for hymn singing.

The WSCO Gymanfa Ganu features special music performed by a soloist or choir and is followed by a complimentary Te Bach (little tea) which features Welsh tea cakes made by members of our organization with a variety of other baked goods accompanied by, of course, tea, along with coffee and punch.

"Loaner" songbooks are available for use during the Gymanfa.

2011 event details -- October 2011-January 2012 issue of Dragon Tales, page 1

2010 event highlights -- February-June 2011 issue of Dragon Tales, page 4

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You can find details of upcoming events, as soon as the information is available, and articles about previous years' events in the online newsletter

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Groups Founded by WSCO Members

• Columbus Welsh Singing Society

The Welsh Society of Central Ohio, founded in 1948, started out as a singing society.  The singing group was re-formed in 2006 and performs at a variety of venues.  To learn more about this group, click here.

• Welsh Country Dancers of Central Ohio

In 1985, members of WSCO formed a folk dancing troupe to learn and share the folk dances of Wales.  To learn more about the Welsh Country Dancers of Central Ohio, visit their website.

 Click for Other Events of Interest -- around Ohio + NAFOW