Memorial for a Forgotten Welsh Legend
The 13th May saw the Gwalia perform in the wonderful St Lawrence's Church, Little Stanmore, Edgware. The occasion at this iconic church was to honour the memory of Cecil Griffiths, one of the best Welsh athletes in history, and also place a newly created headstone at his graveside.
Cecil was born in Neath in the year 1900 and was a wonderful sprinter who at 24 years old, won a gold medal at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp.
However, his promising career was never fulfilled as a result of some questionable actions from the Olympic Committee of the time. The many speakers at the memorial included a representative from the current GB Olympic Committee, who acknowledged their indiscretion of 1923 to not include him in their 1924 squad due to accusations of Cecil recieving payment for races which in those amatuer years carried a life ban.
Cecil unfortunately struggled through financial hardship later in life, eventually selling all his medals and trophies, apart from the Olympic Gold Medal which his family proudly still owns, and was eventually buried in St. Lawrence's Church in an unmarked grave at the age of 45.
The many tributes at the church service included one from Scott Fields from the current British Olympic Association, who recognised the discriminatory way in which Cecil's athletics career had been curtailed at such an early age, and the esteem in which Cecil is held was evident as the event was attended by a BBC film crew, which aired the occassion on the Evening News.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61426762
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53860705
The event was wonderfully organised and funded by members of his family, led by tireless work from Cecil's grand-daughter Vanessa. The esteem in which Cecil was held became obvious when the Olympic Hymn was played, and the feeling of emotion could be seen throughout the congregation.
The full and interesting story of Cecil's life is well documented in the book 'Only Gold Matters' written by Vanessa's husband John Hanna.
After the event, the choir were treated to refreshments, and chatted personally to family members. A great occassion, and many thanks tfrom the choiro the family for the chance to be part of it.
The photograph shows Vanessa and John unveiling the headstone with the Gwalia and congregation about to sing the Welsh National Anthem.
Summer Show at the Royal Academy
Once again we were invited by Chestertons to provide the entertainment for their Annual Reception on the 7th July
It was a pleasure to be singing at this wonderful venue once again, as the building's beautiful acoustic gave resonance to a selection of mainly Welsh favourites.
As the guests arrived, the initial set was delivered from the main staircase of the wonderful entrance hall , while the second set was given informally from within the main studio, which enabled many of the guests [especially the Welsh guests] to join in. Some even made song requests, which the choir dutifully obliged. The emotional results of these requests were so touching to observe.
A great evening was followed by afters in the pub.