Latest news with #Dafydd
Business News Wales
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Astro-Photographer Remembered with Elan Valley Installation
An installation has been unveiled in the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park in Mid Wales to remember Alyn Wallace, a landscape astro-photographer who died unexpectedly last year. Located on a rocky outcrop above Craig Goch Reservoir, the installation is based on one of Alyn's classic selfie portrait photographs and was crafted by Art Metal Blacksmiths in Rhayader. The work is a collaboration between Dafydd Wyn Morgan, who has set up his own night photography and videography business, Serydda and the Wallace family in partnership with The Elan Valley Trust and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Local farmers, Sorcha and Brian Lewis, helped install the tribute and Alyn's friends and family from across the UK and Europe attended the unveiling. Alyn was from Pontypridd. Based in Tregaron, Dafydd was instrumental in establishing the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail in 2019 and Alyn was a good friend. Dafydd said: 'Alyn was one of the world's best astro-photographers and the Elan Valley was one of his favourite locations. 'I met him by chance in Cwm Elan in 2017 when we were both starting out in the world of landscape astrophotography. We collaborated on many projects including organising star parties and the official launch of the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail in 2019.' 'An astrophotography workshop in Tenerife in 2022 served only to strengthen the bond between us, having spent several nights learning from each other's mistakes and achievements.' 'His untimely death on March 28, 2024 was a real shock for the astrophotography community as well as for his family and partner, Zelis.' Dafydd attended a memorial service at Kabak Turkey where he decided to keep Alyn's memory and story alive. Following discussions with Alyn's parents, Pauline and Ian and brother Rhys, Dafydd now offers a grand tour of Cwm Elan International Dark Sky Park titled 'The Alyn Wallace Big 5'. The astro-marathon tour, organised by Serydda in partnership with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, visits key locations photographed by Alyn on his astro journey in the Cambrian Mountains. Having had his stargazing photography published by national magazines and television channels, Dafydd specialises in presenting 'the night sky in harmony with the landscapes of the natural world.' As part of his work as an astro-tourism specialist, he provides accommodation owners with packages of night photography and starry timelapse videos to highlight how amazing a place Mid Wales is to discover the wonders of the night sky. Events are being held at Elan Valley Visitor Centre on June 29 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Elan Valley achieving International Dark Sky Park status. Serydda is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia).
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Tributes paid to Lord Elis-Thomas, first presiding officer of the Welsh Assembly
Tributes have been paid to Lord Elis-Thomas, the former Plaid Cymru leader and first presiding officer of the Welsh Assembly, who died last week. Politicians from across the political divide came together in the Senedd to remember Lord Elis-Thomas. Current presiding officer, the Llywydd Elin Jones, led a minute's silence in memory of Lord Elis-Thomas's life and work. Addressing Senedd members, Ms Jones said: 'He was a close friend to many here, a political comrade to many too, and an enigma to all. 'This Senedd today is what it is because to a very great extent of Dafydd Elis-Thomas and certainly all of us in this wonderful Senedd building and this wonderful Siambr are here because of David's vision and perseverance.' Lord Elis-Thomas, who led Plaid between 1984 and 1991, died last week following a short illness. He represented the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency from the founding of the National Assembly – now Senedd – between 1999 to 2021 and was the first presiding officer. He was also the MP for Meirionydd and then Meirionydd Nant Conwy between 1974 and 1992, before being appointed to the House of Lords in 1992. He left Plaid in 2016 and sat as an independent, serving in both Carwyn Jones' and Mark Drakeford's governments as minister for culture, sport and tourism, until he stood down from frontline politics in 2021. First Minister Eluned Morgan told Plenary that Lord Elis-Thomas's life mirrored that of a volume of modern Welsh history. 'It was difficult not to come across Dafydd in Welsh political life,' she said. 'Dafydd's story was interwoven into the fabric of our nation as the youngest Member of Parliament in the Commons in 1974 – he broke new ground from the very outset. 'But for those who knew him better, he was far more than a lengthy list of his achievements during his political career. 'He was an incredible character, a political giant with a mischievous side. 'He was a master at building political bridges, and he succeeded in doing that whilst appearing to be entirely effortless, always principled, always constructive. 'His political path was unexpected in many ways, from protesting against the investiture of Prince Charles in Caernarfon Castle to taking his place in the House of Lords.' Referring to his time as the then Welsh Assembly's first presiding officer, the First Minister said: 'He succeeded to be this institution's greatest defender, but also its greatest critic too. 'He battled tirelessly for the respect and resources needed by our young democracy, and he helped to establish this institution when it was a fragile flower. 'He encapsulated the best of the Welsh intellectual tradition – learned, but always humble; serious about its culture, but always ready with a sparky response in one language or the other. 'His example in terms of how to serve with passion and humour, with principle and friendliness, will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. 'Dafydd, we will miss you greatly, and I will forever be grateful for the example you set, your kindness and your friendship.' Darren Millar, Conservative Senedd group leader, said: 'His journey from an anti-establishment nationalist to a statesman at the heart of Wales's institutions was nothing short of remarkable. 'He was a man of great intellect, wit and conviction, never afraid to challenge the status quo, yet always open to evolution of his own thoughts. 'He was a proud republican who once stood outside the system, but ultimately found himself within it, becoming a good friend of our now King Charles. 'He became an MP and peer of the realm and a respected and much loved figure across all political divides, from the Welsh-speaking heartlands of Gwynedd to the dining rooms of Buckingham Palace.' Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, told the Senedd: 'For me from my very earliest times he was there, a friend, a friend of the family, an influence, an inspiration in so many different ways, but for us all, from the very early days of our democracy, Dafydd was there to guide us. 'He set out his vision on all platforms, on the streets of his community, so young in entering the House of Commons, then to the second chamber, while simultaneously sinking deeper and deeper into the public life of our nation, our language education, and then to our own Senedd and the visionary presiding officer. 'Of course, we also remember Dafydd for his decades of service to Plaid Cymru, our leader for eight years, but part of our DNA for way over 50 years since he joined the party as a 16-year-old boy. 'He gave to the party service that was driven by passion for his nation, and he left a lasting legacy. 'Wales is indebted to Dafydd for shaping this chamber as it is today, but its debt is just as great to him for standing for what was just and what was right, and he shaped our nation in accordance with those values.'
The Independent
07-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78
Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the former leader of Plaid Cymru, has died aged 78, his family has announced. Lord Elis-Thomas, who led Plaid between 1984 and 1991, died on Friday morning following a 'short illness'. In a short statement, Lord Elis-Thomas' family said he died 'peacefully at his home' and requested privacy at this time. He represented the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency from the founding of the National Assembly – now Senedd – between 1999 to 2021 and was the first presiding officer. He was also the MP for Meirionydd and then Meirionydd Nant Conwy between 1974 and 1992, before being appointed to the House of Lords in 1992. He left Plaid in 2016 and sat as an independent, serving in both Carwyn Jones' and Mark Drakeford's governments as minister for culture, sport and tourism, until he stood down from frontline politics in 2021. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, led the tributes to Lord Elis-Thomas. He said: 'Dafydd's passing will be a huge loss to Welsh politics and the civic life of Wales. 'He was unquestionably one of the most influential figures of his generation, and as the presiding officer of the First Assembly made a priceless contribution in laying the firm foundations of devolution. 'We remember Dafydd as a groundbreaking MP when he became the youngest member of the 1974 UK Parliament before leading Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction. 'Dafydd was a personal friend to my family and I, and was an influential figure during my formative years. 'His love for our nation, its language and culture was unwavering. 'On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I extend our sincerest condolences to Dafydd's family.' Elin Jones, the Welsh Parliament's Llywydd (presiding officer), said it was hard to imagine Welsh political life without Lord Elis-Thomas, calling him the Senedd's 'founding father'. 'Since the early 1970s he has been omnipresent, having served in the House of Commons, the House of Lords and our Senedd,' she said. 'As the Senedd's first presiding officer, he was keen to establish a modern democracy from the start, learning from other parliaments what to do and what not to do. 'He became the keeper of the Welsh constitution but was always prepared to think outside the box. 'He can rightly be called our Senedd's founding father. We mourn his loss and hold his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.' Andrew RT Davies, the former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear of Lord Elis-Thomas' death. 'I always enjoyed working with Dafydd, a man who was never afraid to speak his mind,' he said. 'He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that I admired him strongly.'
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Plaid Cymru leader has died, aged 78
Former Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced. Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and then Meirionydd Nant Conwy between 1974 and 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords. He was the first presiding officer, or speaker, of the new Welsh Assembly when it opened in 1999. Known for being independent minded, he later clashed with the Plaid leadership and left the party in 2016, eventually serving as a minister – though not a party member – in Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford's governments. Lord Elis-Thomas quits Plaid Cymru Ex-Plaid leader is made culture minister He retired from the Senedd and front-line politics in 2021. In a statement, his family said he died "peacefully at his home" on Friday morning following a short illness. "The family request privacy at this difficult time." Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said his death "will be a huge loss to Welsh politics and the civic life of Wales". He described Lord Elis-Thomas as "one of the most influential figures of his generation" who made a "priceless contribution in laying the firm foundations of devolution". "We remember Dafydd as a groundbreaking MP when he became the youngest Member of the 1974 UK Parliament before leading Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction. "Dafydd was a personal friend to my family and I, and was an influential figure during my formative years," ap Iorwerth said, adding the Elis-Thomas' "love for our nation, its language and culture was unwavering". Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Lord Elis-Thomas's death. "He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that I admired him strongly," he added.
The Independent
05-02-2025
- The Independent
Young driver and two passengers died after he ‘lost control of car and hit tree'
A teenager who had his driving licence for less than six months was killed alongside two friends he had picked up from a house party after losing control of his car on a bridge and crashing into a tree, an inquest has heard. Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, 18, Morgan Jones, 17, and Sophie Bates, 17, died and Brooke Varley, also 17 at the time, survived after Dafydd lost control of his Ford Ka on a humpback bridge in Penkridge, Staffordshire, at 11.47pm on May 25 last year. The driver, who had passed his test at the end of November 2023, had taken a video of himself as he went to pick up his three friends from the house party saying he feared he had been caught speeding at 90mph on a 70mph road. Dafydd had travelled from his home in Tanyfron in Wales to Penkridge to pick Morgan, from Coedpoeth, up from the house party as he was feeling unwell, and Sophie and Brooke had got in the back to go for a drive. Neither Sophie, from Stafford, nor Brooke, from Newport in Shropshire, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision on the 60mph road, while Morgan was wearing only the shoulder strap and was sitting on the lap belt in the front passenger seat. Videos taken by Sophie appeared to show her sitting in the middle seat in the back of the car. An inquest into the deaths of the three teenagers at Stafford Coroner's Court on Wednesday heard that Dafydd, who was not familiar with the area, had lost control as he drove his car 'at speed' over a humpback bridge on the B5012 Cannock Road heading towards Penkridge, mounted a grass verge and careered onto the other side of the road, hitting a tree. Dafydd, who suffered multiple injuries, and Morgan, who suffered a severe head injury, were pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight on May 26, while Sophie died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 28 after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Although severely injured, Brooke survived the crash and the inquest heard she 'regrets' that she did not put her seatbelt on when she got in Dafydd's car because it was dark and she could not find it. In a statement read out at the coroners court, Brooke described a 'rollercoaster feeling in my tummy' before the car swerved and she blacked out. She had also felt 'scared' that Dafydd was driving too fast and had asked him to slow down. A tracking app on her phone recorded the maximum speed on the 15-minute journey before the crash as being 85mph, although the court heard this could not be verified as accurate. In a statement read out at the inquest, Dafydd's mother Paula Craven-Jones said she had been in the car with her son on a number of occasions since he passed his test and had no concerns about his driving ability. His car had been correctly insured and had a full MOT, and there were no defects with the vehicle that contributed to the crash, Sergeant Richard Moors from Staffordshire Police said. Dafydd had no drink or drugs in his system and there is no evidence he was using his phone at the time of the collision, he added. The inquest heard there had been three serious crashes on the same road since 2017, with another fatal crash occurring in January 2024. Hazard reports had been submitted to Staffordshire County Highways, who said there were no issues with speed or the road conditions, but that it would make changes to enhance the road markings and the signage. Assistant coroner Kelly Dixon said she was concerned that no action had yet been taken and would issue a prevention of future deaths report to Staffordshire County Highways urging them to make improvements. Recording their deaths as being the result of a road traffic collision, Ms Dixon said: 'Dafydd suffered a loss of control, mounting the nearside verge before travelling to the opposite side of the road, colliding with an established tree. The driver's side seat had been struck from behind by a rear seat passenger who wasn't wearing a seatbelt. 'At least one rear passenger was thrown forward into the driver's seat. That impact is likely to have contributed to the extent of Dafydd's injuries. 'The concern here is that I am aware that hazard reports have been submitted to Staffordshire County Highways in regards to this collision and another earlier fatal collision in January 2024. 'Consideration is being given to enhance signage and the road markings but no action has yet been taken. 'I will be issuing a prevention of future deaths report to Staffordshire County Highways in respect of my concerns.' In a statement issued through Staffordshire Police after the death of her friends, Brooke said she was 'so upset to have lost such amazing people from my life'. She said: 'Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest. She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn't get a chance to do. She will forever be in my heart. 'Morgan was one of the funniest people I know. He was always respectful, kind and sweet. He always looked out for me. 'Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends.'
