The trade union movement and the Cardiff community are mourning the loss of Megan Davies, a dedicated socialist and former branch secretary of the Society of Telecom Executives, who has died at the age of 67.
A Life Dedicated to Unionism and Socialist Causes
For many years, Megan served as the highly regarded branch secretary for the Society of Telecom Executives in Cardiff, which is now part of the Prospect union. Her commitment to workers' rights was a defining feature of her life. She was a lifelong socialist and a supporter of Socialist Worker, regularly attending Palestine solidarity, anti-war, and anti-racist protests until her recent ill health.
Her political convictions were movingly honoured at her funeral, where the socialist choir Cor Cochion performed a passionate rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, the South African national anthem. She had often sung this song with her vocalist partner, Jen O’Keefe, at folk clubs in Cardiff, including the Blue Dragon and Frank Hennessey's club at BBC Cardiff.
From London to Cardiff: A Varied Career
Born in Belsize Park, north London, Megan was the daughter of Jean, a teacher, and Owen Davies, an academic. She attended Camden School for Girls before the family relocated to Cardiff when her father became a professor of physics at Cardiff University.
Megan graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in French in 1981, later teaching for a year in France. Upon returning to Wales, she retrained as a computer programmer and joined British Telecom in 1984. She remained with BT until taking early retirement in 2015. It was through her trade union activism that she met her partner.
A Passion for Community, Sport and Real Ale
Megan's life was rich with interests beyond politics. A keen real ale enthusiast, she forged friendships with brewers at the dawn of the craft beer boom in London, connecting with Tottenham-based breweries like Beavertown, Pressure Drop, and Redemption. She cherished the community and conversation found in taprooms and pubs.
She was also a devoted sports fan, supporting the Welsh rugby team and Tottenham Hotspur FC. However, her greatest sporting passion was cricket. She was a regular attendee at matches at Sofia Gardens in Cardiff, Lord's, and the Oval.
Megan and her partner divided their time between Tottenham and Cardiff after becoming partners in 1995, allowing her to reconnect with her north London roots. From 2020 onwards, they spent more time in Cardiff due to the pandemic and her partner's serious illness in 2022.
She is survived by her partner, her sister Bronwen, and her brother Simon.
