Wrexham: Maxine Huges puts off surgery to attend Eisteddfod
But this year has been one of significant challenges for Maxine who recently revealed she has just finished an intensive course of chemotherapy and faces further surgery immediately after the Eisteddfod.
She said the diagnosis came shortly following the death of her father, John, late last year.
Speaking on the Maes she said she was incredibly proud to accept the invitation to be the leader of the Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod.
"And I was in hospital when the email came that I was to be inducted into the Gorsedd. I nearly fainted I was so happy.
"It is such a great honour to be recognised by the Gorsedd, and as Leader of Wales and the World this year, and even more significant because the Eisteddfod is in Wrexham. I am so proud my father's family is from Wrexham and he would have been even prouder that this is happening here, his home town," she said.
Maxine added she is heading back to the USA immediately after the Eisteddfod and undergoing surgery early next week.
"The surgery was due to take place this week but I was able to explain to the surgeon that I needed to be here and he agreed to put it back a week," she said.
She said she looks forward to the Eisteddfod every year.
"I aim to come back to Wales in August with the boys to see the family members and go over to the Eisteddfod wherever it is being held. As well as being the Leader of Wales and the World I will be holding other sessions with the Welsh Government and students," he said.
When she was young Maxine competed regularly and successfully in the National Eisteddfod.
"The Urdd Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod were a big part of my childhood. I recited individually as a pupil at Ysgol Bodnant and at Ysgol Bryn Elian there was a lot of singing. I also danced and competed in gymnastics and I was happy to take part and enjoy," he said.
Her work has included some of the world's biggest news stories, from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan to the war in Syria, and of course the American elections.
She had the opportunity to meet and interview Donald Trump for the first of S4C's three-part documentary series, Extreme World.
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Maxine negotiated for more than a year to gain access to Trump before securing 30 minutes of his time at his home in Florida for a face-to-face interview, where he talked about his plans to stand and be re-elected.
Rumours are rife on the Maes that we will see Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the Eisteddfod but Maxine explained that that is unlikely.
"They are busy preparing for the new season in a new league and their focus is all on the club.
"What they have done with the club has been fantastic and I appreciate what they have done for the city," he said.
Maxine gave a speech as the leader of Wales and the World at the Gymanfa Ganu in the Pavilion on Sunday night.
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North Wales Live
an hour ago
- North Wales Live
National Eisteddfod 2025: The latest news on Sunday
The National Eisteddfod 2025 is well underway in Wrexham, where the annual festival is being held this year. Thousands are flocking to the event after staff and contractors transformed farmland at Is-y-Coed on the eastern outskirts of Wrexham, into a small town with a 1,500 seat pavilion. It also has a range of performance spaces and stalls as well as a temporary Gorsedd circle. Here is a round-up of the latest news from the National Eisteddfod today (Sunday August 3), to enjoy: The National Eisteddfod got underway on Saturday without any major difficulties the festival's chief executive said. Betsan Moses said the week-long event is being staged on farmland at Is-y-Coed on the eastern outskirts of Wrexham and is the culmination of two years of hard work organising and fund-raising. Speaking to journalists on Sunday Ms Moses said everyone was pleased with the arrangements that had been made. "The police were happy that traffic moved freely thoughout the day and the car parks were full. Stall holders and traders are happy with the expansive layout of the Maes and the footfall was good. "There are more stalls here this year because the Maes is larger than the one at Parc Ynys Angharad in Pontypridd in 2024. They are also not grouped in any particular way so people walking along the rows of stalls see them all." The weather was also favourable with warm sunshine and blue skies. She said the only complaints they had received were from people having difficulty what to go and see and do. "There was widespread praise for Y Stand, the concert in the pavilion which told the story of a family's connection with football. "The stage had been transformed into a football stadium and the Eisteddfod choir formed the crowd. We invited the audience to wear the red and white of Wrexham FC and we were extremely pleased to see many of them had done so. "All in all a very good start to the Eisteddfod," she said. Yesterday evening there was a varied evening of music enjoyed by large crowds on the Eisteddfod Maes. Anglesey singer and songwriter Elin Fflur and Diffiniad, which has close links with the Wrexham area, featured on the huge Llwyfan y Maes while Bob Delyn a'r Ebilliad played to a capacity audience in the smaller, intimate setting of Tŷ Gwerin. Meanwhile the audience in the Pavilion enjoyed a musical commissioned by the Eisteddfod. Y Stand was written by Manon Steffan Ros and the music composed by Osian Huw Williams. Diffiniad was founded by a group of friends, mostly from the Mold area, to perform dance music in Welsh. Bethan Richards, from Ammanford, joined as a singer, and her rich, deep voice lifts some of their most memorable anthems to the heights. Songs like Hapus, Hwyr Tan y Bore and their version of the Caryl Parry Jones classic, Calon had the large, appreciative crowd singing along. The audience had earlier been delighted by a set by Elin Fflur and her band. She sang songs old and new including "Harbwr Diogel" ("Safe Bay"). Written by Arfon Wyn she won the Cân i Gymru competition in 2002. Bob Delyn a'r Ebillion are a folk-rock group fronted by chaired bard Twm Morys. Their music combines an eclectic array of influences and instruments with more traditional Welsh folk sounds. Tŷ Gwerin is located in a large yurt and the group played a variety of folk songs from around Wales and further afield. Their set culminated with Twm Morys' song Trên Bach y Sgwarnogod (Little Hare's Train) which sparked dozens of the audience to join a conga around the audience led by saxophonists Edwin Humphreys and Einion Gruffudd. Y Stand is a brand-new show about football, about winning and losing, and about the special connection that comes from supporting a team. The Pavilion was transformed into a football stadium, alive with the sound, colour and the energy of the crowd. The story is told through the eyes of the 200-strong Eisteddfod choir and five main characters. Clem (Dyfed Thomas) is an actor who is a former Wrexham player, returning to the stage with his personal history and deep love for the Club, and Grace (Cadi Glwys), a young 14-year-old girl who dreams of playing football. The Eisteddfod gives an opportunity to a large number of groups and solo artists during the week-long festival. Others due to take part are veteran folk singer Dafydd Iwan, Blaenau Ffestiniog-based rock band Anweledig and Fleur de Lys and top folk band Bwncath. In other news it is going to be an emotional week for the leader of the Wales and the World contingent at the National Eisteddfod. Maxine Hughes, originally from Conwy, is well known for being the official Welsh interpreter of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney the two Hollywood actors who purchased Wrexham FC four years ago. The well-respected journalist would tease the pair as they struggled to come to terms with some Welsh phrases. But this year has been one of significant challenges for Maxine who recently revealed she has just finished an intensive course of chemotherapy and faces further surgery immediately after the Eisteddfod. She said the diagnosis came shortly following the death of her father, John, late last year. Speaking on the Maes she said she was incredibly proud to accept the invitation to be the leader of the Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod. "And I was in hospital when the email came that I was to be inducted into the Gorsedd. I nearly fainted I was so happy. "It is such a great honour to be recognised by the Gorsedd, and as Leader of Wales and the World this year, and even more significant because the Eisteddfod is in Wrexham. I am so proud my father's family is from Wrexham and he would have been even prouder that this is happening here, his home town," she said. Maxine added she is heading back to the USA immediately after the Eisteddfod and undergoing surgery early next week. "The surgery was due to take place this week but I was able to explain to the surgeon that I needed to be here and he agreed to put it back a week," she said. She said she looks forward to the Eisteddfod every year. "I aim to come back to Wales in August with the boys to see the family members and go over to the Eisteddfod wherever it is being held. As well as being the Leader of Wales and the World I will be holding other sessions with the Welsh Government and students," he said. When she was young Maxine competed regularly and successfully in the National Eisteddfod. "The Urdd Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod were a big part of my childhood. I recited individually as a pupil at Ysgol Bodnant and at Ysgol Bryn Elian there was a lot of singing. I also danced and competed in gymnastics and I was happy to take part and enjoy," he said. Her work has included some of the world's biggest news stories, from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan to the war in Syria, and of course the American elections. She had the opportunity to meet and interview Donald Trump for the first of S4C's three-part documentary series, Extreme World. Maxine negotiated for more than a year to gain access to Trump before securing 30 minutes of his time at his home in Florida for a face-to-face interview, where he talked about his plans to stand and be re-elected. Rumours are rife on the Maes that we will see Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the Eisteddfod but Maxine explained that that is unlikely. "They are busy preparing for the new season in a new league and their focus is all on the club. "What they have done with the club has been fantastic and I appreciate what they have done for the city," he said. The Gorsedd will also gather today for the Crown ceremony in the Eisteddfod Pavilion. Poets were invited to present a poem or a collection of poems, without being in strict metre of up to 250 lines, on the subject of 'Ruins'. The Crown was designed and produced by Neil Rayment and Elan Rowlands. These are the two who created the impressive Crown for the 2024 Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod. Elan, who is originally from Caernarfon, said that the Crown was inspired by the ancient fossils found in Brymbo Forest - which date back over 300 million years. During this period, layers of plant debris – along with flooding – formed the rich coal seams that shaped Wrexham's industrial legacy. These fossils are the symbolic foundation of the Crown, representing the deep foundations of the region's identity. Surrounding the Crown are images of important milestones in Wrexham's history. "It was a privilege and a joy to be the youngest craftswoman to co-design and create the Eisteddfod Crown last year, and now, to be one of the first craftsman-designers to create it for the second year in a row. "Designing the Crown for the second time is not only a professional milestone, but also an extremely satisfying creative experience. There is something very special about taking a concept that rooted in place, history, and memory, and turned into symbolic wearable artwork. "This project holds deep personal significance for me. My great-great-grandfather worked in the Hafod collieries in Rhos, and my father grew up in the area. In addition, as I researched the industrial past of the area, I was particularly touched by the story of the Gresford Disaster in 1934, where 266 men lost their lives. The Crown honours their memory, and the enduring strength and resilience of the community that helped to be built." Neil added: "This Crown is more than a ceremonial object – it is a piece of heritage art, designed and created by hand, and rooted in tradition and innovation. It places us firmly within the cultural history of Wales, a legacy I am extremely proud to contribute to." The Coronation ceremony will be held on Monday 4 August at 4pm. Maxine gave a speech as the leader of Wales and the World at the Gymanfa Ganu in the Pavilion on Sunday night.
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh Labour MP Chris Bryant says he was sexually abused by theatre boss as a teenager
Welsh Labour MP Chris Bryant says he was sexually abused by theatre boss as a teenager The Labour minister said he was left feeling like a '16-year-old whore' by Michael Croft, the head of the prestigious National Youth Theatre Labour Minister Chris Bryant has recounted how he was sexually abused by the disgraced founder of the National Youth Theatre (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images) Sir Chris Bryant has revealed he was sexually abused as a teenager by the founder of the National Youth Theatre, Michael Croft. The Labour minister became emotional during an interview, describing how he felt like a "16-year-old whore" due to the actions of Mr Croft, who was at the helm of the esteemed drama group. In a conversation with the Sunday Times, Sir Chris Bryant recounted that Mr Croft, who died in 1986, would invite him for dinner every evening when he was part of the company in London during the summer of 1978, at the age of 16. One night, said Sir Chris, he returned from the toilet at Mr Croft's residence to find his host, who was four decades older than him, naked apart from a silk robe. The minster said the abuse left him feeling like a "16-year-old whore" (Image: PA) The MP for Rhondda and Ogmore disclosed that Mr Croft then propositioned him for sex, and he felt he had no choice but to comply, reports the Mirror. Ahead of the launch of his book 'A Life And A Half: The Unexpected Making Of A Politician', Sir Chris admitted: "I don't like telling this very much because I've not told it very often. "It was always the same Italian in King's Cross. He would eat and drink, I would eat, then he would theoretically give me a lift home, except I always ended up at his house." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Sir Chris stated that Mr Croft never made another advance towards him, and they remained friends. As an ordained minister, he even agreed to officiate Mr Croft's funeral. However, he expressed anger over the abuse of power and confessed to internalising the shame. "He behaved absolutely appallingly, it's despicable," Sir Chris said. "Michael, in my case, managed to spot somebody who was gay at a time when nearly all homosexuality was illegal - certainly very frowned on - so presumed that people would keep a secret." He revealed that at least one colleague from his National Youth Theatre days was also abused by Mr Croft. The 63-year-old also disclosed he had been sexually assaulted by five male MPs during his time in Westminster, though he has not identified or reported them. "There was no system for doing so and I was frightened it would make me look bad," he explained. He noted that homophobia in Parliament had decreased during his 24 years as an MP. A statement on the National Youth Theatre website said: "We are grateful to Chris Bryant for disclosing to our team the historical abuse he suffered in the company in the 1970s. We are very sorry that this happened to him and to others who have previously shared with us their accounts of historic abuse by the same perpetrator. "As we set out in a public statement on the case in 2017, we stand in solidarity with all victims of abuse and encourage anyone who has experienced abuse, no matter how long ago, to speak to someone and access support. "In this case the perpetrator has been deceased since 1986, but all reports made to us will be dealt with in accordance with our robust and formalised safeguarding policy and practice. "While Chris writes he doesn't feel damaged by what happened, we recognise that being subjected to an abuse of power can have lasting consequences for many, in different ways. "Anyone getting in touch will be listened to and treated with care and respect by trained professionals, in line with our certified trauma-informed practice. "We are grateful to Chris for his support of our organisation today, and acknowledgement of how different a charity we are in 2025 to the one he encountered in the 1970s, with thorough safeguarding practices and policies in place." Article continues below
Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Powys school marks end of year with Eisteddfod winners
A school in Llanfyllin wrapped up the year with a 'brilliant day' as it hosted its annual school eisteddfod. Ysgol Llanfyllin shared the results of a 'fantastic day' in which the school held the popular event before breaking up for the summer holidays. The eisteddfod showcased talents from the school's year 7 and year 8 pupils, recognising Welsh chair winner Noah Biscoe and English chair winner Evan Hopkins. A spokesperson for Ysgol Llanfyllin said: 'A fantastic day was had at our yearly school eisteddfod, and without a doubt, everybody enjoyed watching the various talents of our year 7 and 8 pupils. 'It was lovely to welcome our adjudicators, Carys Jones and Brenda Morris, and we are very grateful to them for giving their time to do so. Thank you also to Eleri Llwyd Jones for adjudicating the Welsh chair competition. 'The winning bards this year were Noah Briscoe, year 8 (Welsh chair) and Evan Hopkins, year 7 (English chair). The Cup in Memory of Sion Jones for the best item in the eisteddfod was awarded to Ariadne Cameron in year 7 for her solo. 'A brilliant day to celebrate the end of term.' The eisteddfod comes at the end of an eventful 12 months for the school. Earlier in the year, they welcomed Oscar-winning cinematographer Lol Crawley, who was a former pupil at Ysgol Llanfyllin, to speak to pupils after he won the Academy Award for best cinematography for The Brutalist. Headteacher Dewi Owen said it was 'truly inspirational for our pupils, staff, and families to hear Lol reflect on his journey from Ysgol Llanfyllin to international acclaim'. More recently, the school celebrated being removed from Estyn Review, marking a significant improvement in the eyes of Estyn inspectors. Headteacher Dewi Owen said he was proud of the school's achievement, saying: 'I'm overjoyed at the recognition from Estyn for all the hard work and dedication from all staff, students, and members of Teulu Ysgol Llanfyllin. 'This is a shared success that reflects our commitment to excellence and improvement.'
