Image courtesy of The Birth Partner Project: “@BirthProject trustees and staff having a great time at @SwanseaCoS #twmpath on Friday. Dancing and raising funds for @SASS_Community ….Diolch to everyone who organised such a fab evening #NationofSanctuary”
A Twmpath was held in St James Hall on Friday November 25th. There was an excellent atmosphere in this great social event!
What is a twmpath?
A ‘twmpath’ is a traditional Welsh barn dance involving a live folk band and a caller (a person who teaches and calls the dances) – similar to a Ceilidh. The dances would happen in village halls across Wales, and the whole village would dance together!
This Twmpath was a joint event, organised by both Swansea Asylum Seeker Support (SASS) and Swansea City of Sanctuary (SCoS), so a large number of people took part in this musical evening. Nigel Mason provided the music, he was the caller, encouraging people, young and old, to dance together.
Thanuja commented:
“I thought SCoS/SASS Twmpath event was a great success and I think this should happen more often. It is important we introduce new commers to Welsh cultural heritage. This is a great opportunity to meet up with people who share common interests and to enjoy as a family. I have met a few long lost contacts during this event. My children loved the event too and they kept asking if we can do that often. Thank you ScoS for the wonderful event.”
Another comment from an attendee:
“Seeing people from many nations smiling and laughing is better than getting dances and moves just right.”
In the intervals, more music was presented by Alan Thomas and the singing group, as well as by Lisa Taylor, a member of Ceilidh band, Coppercaille, who sang and played the guitar beautifully. Nigel Mason also played a haunting melody on a North American wind instrument.
Delicious refreshments were included, thanks to Hamda, Guli and also Maria and Phil.
No event is complete without a raffle, and some beautiful hand-made prizes were won by lucky participants!
The Twmpath was so successful, many have asked for other evenings of dance to be held in the future. Well done to everyone.