January 25 is St Dwynwen's Day (Dydd Santes Dwynwen), a celebration for all Welsh lovers. Llantrisant Folk Club meets on a Wednesday at the Windsor Hotel, Pontyclun, and we're marking St Dwynwen's Eve, the night before St Dwynwen's Day. Sorry, can't do blue clickies - it's all on www.folkwales.org.uk (click on Folk Club.)

Santes Dwynwen, who lived in the 5th century, is the patron saint of Welsh lovers. She has powers to grant wishes. Dwynwen was the beautiful and virtuous daughter of the 5th century Prince Brychan Brycheiniog. Dwynwen fell hopelessly in love with a young prince, Maelon Dafodrill, but then rejected his advances. This, depending on which story you read, was either because she wished to remain chaste and become a nun or because her father had arranged her marriage to another.

Dwynwen prayed for deliverance from her situation, and was given a sweet potion which released her from her heartache. The same drink was given to Maelon, which turned him to ice. Realising that Maelon couldn't help his love for her, she prayed again and was given three wishes - the first that Maelon should be thawed, the second that she should never marry, and the third that God should answer all requests by her on the behalf of lovers.

Dwynwen became a nun and retreated to the solitude of Llanddwyn Island, close to the Menai Straits, Anglesey, where she founded a convent. A fresh-water spring, Ffynnon Dwynwen, was named after her and became a place of pilgrimage after her death in 465AD. Ffynnon Dwynwen has become a place of pilgrimage, not only for lovers, but also for those seeking her help in healing sick and distressed animals.

Why not sing a song of love - or play a lovely tune - to mark St Dwynwen's Eve?