It is with great pleasure the Board of the Ontario Welsh Festival announces Gwen Davies Dodson is the 2025 Gold Award recipient. Please join us in celebrating her at the Gold Award Banquet on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview.
A familiar face at the Ontario Welsh Festival registration desk, Gwen has been involved in organizations promoting and celebrating Welsh culture in North America for most of her life. Gwen was born in Wales and emigrated to Ottawa, Canada with her family as a child. She attended her first Ontario Welsh Festival in the 1960’s in Niagara Falls, so it is fitting that she receives this award at this year’s festival in Niagara Falls. Her family regularly attended the Festival and her parents were founding members of the Ottawa Welsh Choral Society which performed for the Festival many times after the choir was formed in 1968. Gwen performed with the OWCS at several Ontario Welsh Festivals after she joined the choir in 1976.
Gwen’s extensive contribution to Welsh activities is detailed below.
Ontario Gymanfa Ganu Association (sponsor of the Ontario Welsh Festival)
For the OGGA, Gwen has worn many hats including as Trustee, Treasurer, and Registrar, and has been an integral member when negotiating hotel contracts, and facilitating banquet arrangements.
Welsh North American Association (sponsor of the North American Festival of Wales)
In 2022, Gwen finished serving on the Board of the Welsh North American Association, the group that organizes the North American Festival of Wales. Due to the pandemic, her 6 year term was extended twice, and she served a total of 8 years. During that time, she was involved in the planning of NAFOW, and worked tirelessly at the Festivals themselves. She spent time on the Registration Desk, at the Silent Auction, Marketplace, introducing Seminars and assisting at concerts, the AGM and other events. She has already volunteered to assist at NAFOW Ottawa 2025. Gwen was re-elected as a Canadian Trustee for the WNAA in 2024, for a 3 year term.
Cor Cymry Gogledd America-North American Welsh Choir
While Gwen was a member of Cor Cymry Gogledd America, she toured Argentina (2009) and New Zealand (2011), performing in several concerts on each trip. She also sang as a member of Cor Cymry in the Grand Concerts at NAFOW 2009 held in Pittsburgh, and NAFOW 2019 held in Milwaukee.
Ottawa Welsh Society
Shortly after their arrival in Canada, Gwen’s parents made some Welsh connections and soon became members of the Ottawa Welsh Society. Her parents became very involved in planning events, joined the committee, and both of them served as President of the Society. As Gwen grew older, she too became involved in planning, and working at various functions.
Ottawa Welsh Choral Society
Gwen has always loved choral singing. She joined the OWCS at the age of 14. She performed with the choir at the 1977 National Gymanfa held in Ottawa, and toured Wales with them in 1978 and 2000. She was part of the choir when it sang at the church service for the 2000 National Gymanfa in Ottawa. While a member of the OWCS, Gwen was involved in the Executive of the organization, including serving a term as President.
Cantorion Choir
After Gwen moved to London, Ontario, she joined Cantorion Choir, which had several Welsh members and sang a portion of their repertoire in Welsh. She has now been a member of that chorus for 18 years and has served on the organizing board for 14 of those years. She has held various positions, including President, and is currently the Secretary.
Merched Dewi
Gwen has been a “Friend” of Merched Dewi for many years. She has performed with them at numerous Ontario Welsh Festivals, mainly in the Noson Lawen. She was also an active member of the chorus when they toured Wales in 2010. For the rehearsals she would drive 2 hours from London to Toronto, and drive home afterwards. A serious commitment.