It is with great sadness, that I report the passing of one of our oldest members, Mrs. Sylvia Williams. Sylvia and her husband John and family arrived in WA in July 1966, and almost immediately immersed themselves in community and Welsh diaspora activities. It wasn't long before John became a member of WA's Legislative Assembly representing the Metropolitan Province, and being elected President of the Welsh Free Church. Indeed it was always a great pleasure to see John leading the Church's annual singing festival (Gymanfa Ganu) from the pulpit with such gusto and panache.

Sylvia was also a great contributor, becoming President of the Welsh Society, whilst being a regular attendee at our monthly church services, until failing health restricted her mobility. Nevertheless, Sylvia and her daughter, the Hon. Liz Behjat, were the designated readers of the Bible readings, in Welsh and English respectively, at this year's St. David's Evensong service at St. George's Cathedral.

Following my brief tribute to Sylvia as a valued friend and colleague:

 

The Sylvia I Knew

 

She loved life, but life

Wasn't always kind to her,

 

A proud Australian,

Who never forgot her roots,

Deep in Welsh speaking vales

Of North Wales.

 

She gave of herself freely

To The Welsh Free Church,

And Welsh Society; and her sweet voice

Will be missed at the Gymanfa Ganu.

 

Her legacies are many;

Warm memories of fun

And laughter, even when in pain.

 

The Sylvia I knew

Will be sorely missed.

She lived her faith,

And gave us so much of her love.

 

Gorwedd mewn Hedd a Phob Bendith Cariad.

 

Odwyn