The Annual Meetings of the Union of Welsh Independents were held during a period of scorching weather in June at the Towers Hotel, Swansea.
Thankfully, the hotel’s effective air conditioning protected us from the worst effects of the unusually high temperatures. Stepping outside, however, felt like walking into a furnace. This article offers a preview of what took place at the Union meetings, and further material will appear in Y Tyst over the coming weeks, providing a fuller account of the addresses, discussions and meetings.
At the outset, I would like to thank everyone who was responsible for organising the event, from the Union staff to the local committee under the chairmanship of Fiona Gannon. Everything ran smoothly: the venue, accommodation, special meetings, catering, broadcasting and transport. Although the Union gathering is not as large as it once was, a great deal of preparation is still required. Heartfelt thanks are due for the warm welcome and the excellent arrangements made for the conference delegates.
Wednesday
We were warmly welcomed at the opening of the conference (24/06) by the President, the Rev. Owain Llŷr Evans. We thank Owain for his purposeful, efficient and good-humoured leadership, which ensured that we kept closely to the timetable.
The proceedings began, as they should, with a Bible study and devotion led by the Rev. Beti-Wyn James of Carmarthen. Her reflections were inspired by our venue, the Towers Hotel, with its imposing tower standing outside. She led us in considering the significance of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1–9. We hope to publish a summary of her two reflections in Y Tyst shortly.
There were three further public meetings on Wednesday. First, Professor Prys Morgan delivered a lecture entitled “Congregationalism at its Height: Thomas Rees of Swansea.” He described T. Rees as one of the forgotten giants of Nonconformity in Wales.The second meeting was organised by the Peace Network, where the Chief Bard Mererid Hopwood delivered a lecture entitled “The Burden of the World’s People is One: Remembering Waldo.” She spoke in her own distinctive style, full of energy and scholarship. Thirdly, we travelled to the vast Tabernacle Chapel in Morriston for a City of Sanctuary Concert, despite the intense heat. Local people took part, including members of the asylum-seeking community. Together we celebrated the diversity of humanity in unity as people created by God.
Thursday
Thursday was filled to the brim with activities. We received the report of the General Secretary, Elinor Wyn Reynolds, which was full of vision for the future, and the Treasurer’s report from Geraint Rees, which emphasised the need to use our financial resources in ways that would make our witness relevant to the present age.
We discussed Union business, matters relating to training, and voted on various motions.
Following this, two public meetings were held. At the Historical Society meeting, the Chief Bard Tudur Dylan delivered a lecture entitled “Lord of the Valley... A Look at the Life and Work of Eifion Wyn, 1867–1926.” In the evening, we gathered in the sweltering heat of Nant Chapel for a service of praise. The service was chaired by the Rev. Owain Llŷr Evans, with contributions from Nel Richards and the Revs. Gareth Morgan Jones and Jill-Hailey Harries. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dylan Rhys Parry of Bridgend under the title “The Prism of God’s Grace.”
Friday
Friday’s programme began with a devotion led by the West Glamorgan Association. The Rev. Rhys Locke gave the Bible reading and prayer, the Rev. Gareth Morgan Jones gave a reflection, and Rhys and Siân Meinir performed a duet.This was followed by the excellent launch of the Glandeg Campaign by the Women’s Network, led by Siân Meinir, the Rev. Mererid Mair and the Rev. Jill-Hailey Harries.The conference concluded with the President’s Service. Jean Lewis presided, and there was a performance by Brigyn before the Rev. Owain Llŷr Evans delivered the President’s Address, which was marked by originality and depth. A summary of the address will appear in Y Tyst shortly.Thanks are also due to those responsible for live-streaming the meetings on the Union’s YouTube channel.
