Welsh Society launched at Imperial
Imperial College Union has recently approved the formation of a Welsh Society. The society unofficially formed on 1 March, St David's Day, a symbolic date in the Welsh Calendar.
Although the proposal to form the society had been in the pipeline for months, the idea to coincide the launch with the beginning of March came from a most unlikely source: each year, Marie Curie's Cancer Relief launch their daffodil appeal on St David's Day, and the founders took inspiration and informally discussed plans for an official Union society.
This was seen as a great opportunity to support a worthy cause. The group received official confirmation at the beginning of the month and have since organised several events and recruited a sizable proportion of Imperial's Welsh contingent.
A member of the society said, "I think this is a great idea and paves the way forward for future Scottish and Irish societies, hopefully bringing with them the accompanying whisky and Guinness!"
Although part of the UK, Wales very much has its own culture and Welsh Society aims to provide a social group for Welsh Students. Gabrielle Thomas, President of the Welsh Society told Felix: "I'm delighted that we have been able to form such a society at Imperial College. We are here to welcome our fellow Welsh students, but also to provide a learning opportunity for those interested in Welsh culture and language."
Her thoughts were echoed by Simon Matthews, Deputy President (Clubs and Societies): "It is great to see the regeneration of the Welsh society after so many years. It is the first time for a long while that the Union has had a society representing any of the home nations and hopefully there will soon be more," he said.
Events planned for next term include a trip to Snowdonia, Union bar nights (namely one to finally mark St David's day!), a Six Nations get-together, as well as guest lectures and discussions on Welsh current affairs.
To get involved, please contact meurig.thomas@imperial.ac.uk.
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