Letter from the Chairman

The Dylan Thomas Society of Great Britain was established in 1977 by a relatively small number of enthusiasts who had already been instrumental in sharing the poet's work either as academics, artists or performers. Over the years the Society has grown in its membership with an array of devotees living locally, nationally and internationally.

Countless people have been responsible for the success of the Society including our past President, the late Aeronwy Thomas-Ellis, who I well remember bringing her mother, Caitlin, to Swansea for a celebratory dinner. We are particularly grateful that Dr. James A Davies and Professor Walford Davies remain as Vice-Presidents and who have, from time to time, given support to the Society in so many ways.

As I take up the Chairmanship of the Society, I register our grateful thanks to those committee members who have given freely of their talents and time over the years and particularly to the previous Chairpersons: Eryl Jenkins and Cecily Hughes.

This year, members of the committee have drawn up a programme of events that we hope will attract a variety of ages and interests. It is intended that the programme compliments that produced by David Woolley and Jo Furber at The Dylan Thomas Centre. Both have been most supportive of our needs, taking us under their wing by giving us a home at the Centre. We, of course, are at a distinct advantage in having this amicable relationship in that access is readily available to the permanent exhibiton on Dylan's life and work created by Jeff Towns, a long standing member of the Society. Equally, we are well placed to enjoy the year's literary events and especially the Dylan Thomas Festival in the Autumn.

We are particularly mindful of our national and international members who may occasionally visit Swansea and who do not have ready access to our events. We very much hope that we can improve our services to them, dependent on their feedback to us.

We want to provide a programme for both passive and active members and this year we are introducing three very special events, in particular, for younger members and details can be found under Programme 2009 above.

We are conscious of the need for change and are grateful to Gareth Rhys Thomas for producing this website for the community and to Glenys Cour for the use of her emblem. We were particularly pleased last year when Glenys was recognized by the University of Wales, Swansea for her contribution to Art, both nationally and internationally.

We trust that members will not only support our events with enthusiasm but will also communicate their suggestions and encouragement so that we may make this a Society of which we can be exceedingly proud.

September 2009

Autumn Newsletter 2009

We have been greatly saddened by the death of our President, Aeronwy Thomas-Ellis. Aeronwy had been exceptionally close to the Society from its inauguration in 1977 and we believe that of all her associations she was genuinely honoured to be our president as witnessed in her recently published memoirs and in the media. She lent her support to all the Society endevoured to do whether through our publications, performances or commemorative events. She worked unstintingly in the name of her father but also found time to share her own creativity as a poet with an international audience of all ages. Our thoughts have been with her family especially her husband Trefor and children and grandchildren. Tributes have been paid to her and will be paid to her during the forthcoming

Dylan Thomas Festival in Swansea.