Latest news with #GorseddCymru
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Eisteddfod volunteers to step down after Wrexham event
Cledwyn Ashford, from Cefn-y-Bedd, along with Iolo Povey from Dyffryn Nantlle and Dylan Jones from Mold, have collectively given 56 years of service to the National Eisteddfod. Mr Ashford, affectionately known as Cled, has led the Chief Steward Team for 18 years and is stepping down following his final Eisteddfod. Morys Gruffydd, Eisteddfod volunteer coordinator, said: "The success of the National Eisteddfod depends on the support and help of a multitude of volunteers, not only during the week but throughout the year in preparation for the festival, and we are grateful to everyone who is part of the team. "The fact that many new Welsh speakers use volunteering at the Eisteddfod as an opportunity to gain confidence in using our language in a community setting is very powerful, and the work the Eisteddfod does in this area, locally and nationally, is commendable. "But the aim of this scheme is to build on the enthusiasm and ensure continuity from year to year." Mr Ashford first took on the role of chief steward in 2007. He said: "The work is hard and the days are long, but I've had a lot, a lot of fun. "Every year I say 'this is my last year', but as Dafydd Iwan sings, Yma o Hyd (I'm Still Here). "But this is my last National Eisteddfod as chief steward." He described the daily routine of the chief steward team. He said: "The work of the chief steward team starts at seven in the morning when we arrive on the Maes (festival site), and we make sure everything runs smoothly, oversee the main ceremonies, and ensure everyone is safe. "Our experience means we know where the hotspots are, like the caravan site, Ty Gwerin, and of course the Pavilion. "Many of the stewards are older than me, so we need new blood to carry on. "If young people came forward, they'd have years of enjoyment." Mr Ashford also shared some of his standout memories from his years of volunteering, adding: "People lose things sometimes. "At the Wrexham Eisteddfod (2011), there were big, tall pyramids, and when a woman said she'd lost her glasses in one, I got help from Iolo and others to fetch a ladder to go in and retrieve them. "I found the glasses, but of course, without me knowing, the ladder had been taken away and I was stuck in there for half an hour shouting 'help, help!" He also recalled being briefed by MI5 before the 2012 Eisteddfod. He said: "I was shocked but didn't believe such a thing would happen at the Eisteddfod. "But honestly, I got a call on the radio that a bag had been found near one of the poles in the Pink Pavilion. "It looked fine, but while waiting for an expert to come, one of the stewards picked it up. "He had placed it and had his sandwiches in it." Mr Ashford was invested into Gorsedd Cymru three years ago. He said: "But I was inducted not for my Eisteddfod work but for the work I've done with football over the years." READ MORE: Banking branch closure to go ahead despite local petition in Flintshire A former schoolteacher, Mr Ashford supported the early careers of footballers including Ian Rush, Kevin Ratcliffe, and Gary Speed. He spent 21 years as headteacher of Ysgol Bryn Coch in Mold before becoming a regional welfare officer with the Football Association of Wales. With decades of stories and experiences behind them, Mr Ashford, Mr Povey, and Mr Jones say they look forward to enjoying future Eisteddfodau as attendees rather than organisers.
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Lili Mai Jones among honourees at Wrexham National Eisteddfod
A total of 38 individuals were honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at a ceremony led by the Archdruid of Wales, Mererid Hopwood, on the Maes in Is-y-Coed near Wrexham. Among those celebrated was Lili Mai Jones, Wrexham AFC player and a rising star in Welsh football. Lili said: "I'm a girl from Wrexham, and I feel I'm in the right place at the right time. "I can't believe that the things I do – because I love doing them – inspire other people. "The Welsh language is important to me, and the fact that I'm being recognised by the Gorsedd is hard to believe, but it means a lot to me." Having played for Wrexham Club Academy since the age of 12, Lili spent two seasons at Everton before returning to Wrexham. She is also a familiar voice on radio and television, where she discusses the positive impact of football on young women's physical and mental health. Her bardic name, Lili ferch Gareth, honours her late father. Ms Jones said: "That's in memory of Dad. "It'll be nice to take Dad with me on this next journey and keep his name alive." Maxine Hughes was a big part of Welcome to Wrexham (Image: Supplied) Others honoured at the ceremony included journalist Maxine Hughes. Originally from Conwy and now based in the United States, Maxine played a prominent role in Welcome to Wrexham, the television series documenting the rise of Wrexham AFC under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Her bardic name, John Conwy, is a tribute to her father. Maxine said: "Everyone knew him as John Conwy and he died last year at the age of 80. "Carrying his name with me is something very special and something I'll hold close to my heart." Rhun ap Iorwerth was part of the ceremony Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth was also invested into the Gorsedd, joining his father Edward Morus Jones and sister Awen. Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "I'm so proud to be here and to be honoured and to stand alongside Dad and Awen. "It's a shame Mum (the late Gwyneth Morus Jones) isn't here too." Dylan Williams from Caernarfon was recognised for his work as a teacher (Image: Supplied) Dylan Williams from Caernarfon was recognised for his work as a teacher, having taught hundreds of children across Arfon schools over 25 years. Mr Williams said: "Of course, it's a great honour for me, but I'm just doing what I enjoy doing." Actor Mark Lewis Jones, originally from Rhosllannerchrugog and now based in Cardiff, was another recipient. Mark said: "I'm delighted, I've really enjoyed this week. "I've watched this ceremony many times and never thought I'd be joining the Gorsedd." Actor Mark Lewis Jones was one of the ones honoured at the event (Image: Supplied) Stephen Rule, known as the Welsh Doctor, said he was 'shocked' to be honoured. Mr Rule said: "I never thought this would happen to me. "I'm still trying to get my head around it. "The honour will sink in during the ceremony." Stephen Rule, known as the Welsh Doctor shared his shock at the award (Image: Supplied) Rhys Roberts from Blaenau Ffestiniog chose the bardic name Sgali Cymraeg, reflecting his time in Liverpool and his inspiration from community enterprises. He later developed CellB, a creative hub based in the former police station in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Friday was a full day for Mr Roberts, who was also performing with Anweledig on the Maes Stage. Mr Roberts said: "We've been practising hard and we'll be singing the old songs – if we can remember them." Other honourees included Elen Mai Nefydd from Wrexham, head of the Department of Theatre, Television and Performance at Wrexham University. Dilwyn Price from Old Colwyn, known to generations of Welsh children as the lively leader of Urdd Jamborees, was also recognised. Professor Emeritus Hywel Wyn Owen of Llandegfan, an authority on Welsh place names, was invested. Originally from Pembroke, Professor Owen taught Latin and English at Maes Garmon School in Mold before moving on to teacher training at the Normal College in Bangor. Journalist and broadcaster Dewi Llwyd from Bangor was also honoured. READ MORE: Fundraiser aims to make dreams of teenager battling rare heart cancer a reality Mr Llwyd has reported in Welsh on major news stories from Wales and around the world for nearly 50 years. He was the face of S4C's election coverage and presented the channel's main news programme, as well as the discussion programme Pawb a'i Farn, for many years. Other recipients included a member of a popular rock group and an inspirational music teacher.
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
National Eisteddfod 2025: Footballer, actor and journalist invested into robes
A talented footballer, a well-known actor, and a journalist have been honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at the National Eisteddfod. Lili Mai Jones from Wrexham was among the 38 people who were invested into the blue or green robes of the Gorsedd by the Archdruid of Wales, Mererid Hopwood, during a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod on the festival Maes in Is-y-Coed near Wrexham. Also honoured were a member of a popular rock group, the leader of Plaid Cymru, and an inspirational music teacher. The Archdruid heard that Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales, particularly in Wrexham. Having played for Wrexham Club Academy since the age of 12, she spent two seasons with Everton before rejoining Wrexham. She is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of young women. The player's family was seen near the Gorsedd Circle as she was honoured. Before the ceremony, she said: 'I'm a girl from Wrexham, and I feel I'm in the right place at the right time. I can't believe that the things I do – because I love doing them – inspire other people. "The Welsh language is important to me, and the fact that I'm being recognised by the Gorsedd is hard to believe, but it means a lot to me.' Her name in the Gorsedd Circle is Lili ferch Gareth. 'That's in memory of Dad. It'll be nice to take Dad with me on this next journey and keep his name alive.' Another who commemorates her father with her bardic name is Maxine Hughes. Originally from Conwy, she now lives in the United States where she works as a journalist. She played a prominent role in the television programme Welcome to Wrexham, the series that followed the fortunes of Wrexham Football Club after actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club. Maxine chose John Conwy as her bardic name in memory of her father. 'Everyone knew him as John Conwy and he died last year at the age of 80. Carrying his name with me is something very special and something I'll hold close to my heart,' she said. It was also a special celebration for the family of Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. The former journalist joined his father Edward Morus Jones and sister Awen in the Gorsedd. 'I'm so proud to be here and to be honoured and to stand alongside Dad and Awen. It's a shame Mum (the late Gwyneth Morus Jones) isn't here too,' he said. Dylan Williams, from Caernarfon, was nominated to join the Gorsedd for his work in teaching, inspiring, and attracting interest in music among young people. He has taught hundreds of children in Arfon schools over a quarter of a century. He is also the principal cornet player of Deiniolen Silver Band, which competes enthusiastically every year. 'Of course, it's a great honour for me, but I'm just doing what I enjoy doing,' he said. Originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, Mark Lewis Jones is a well-known actor. In addition to being honoured by the Gorsedd, he is this year's Honorary President of the Eisteddfod. He said: 'I'm delighted, I've really enjoyed this week. I've watched this ceremony many times and never thought I'd be joining the Gorsedd.' Stephen Rule, known as the Welsh Doctor, received 'quite a shock' when he was invited to join the Gorsedd. 'I never thought this would happen to me. I'm still trying to get my head around it. The honour will sink in during the ceremony,' he said. Sgali Cymraeg will be the bardic name of Rhys Roberts from Blaenau Ffestiniog. He explained he chose the name as a reflection of his time in Liverpool, where he was inspired by community companies. He went on to develop CellB, which makes significant use of the old police station building in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Friday was a busy day for Rhys as he was playing bass guitar with Anweledig, who were performing on the Maes Stage. 'We've been practising hard and we'll be singing the old songs – if we can remember them,' he said. Among others honoured were Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham, who has contributed significantly to higher education over the past quarter century as head of the Department of Theatre, Television and Performance at Wrexham University, and Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, known to generations of Welsh children as the lively and infectious leader of Urdd Jamborees. Professor Emeritus Hywel Wyn Owen, Llandegfan, is known as an expert on Welsh place names. Originally from Pembroke, he was a Latin and English teacher at Maes Garmon School, Mold, before moving on to train teachers at the Normal College in Bangor. Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, is a journalist and broadcaster who has reported on some of Wales' and the world's biggest news stories in Welsh for nearly half a century. He was the face of S4C's election programmes and presented the channel's main news programme along with the discussion show 'Pawb a'i Farn' for many years. The 2025 National Eisteddfod in Wrexham comes to an end on Saturday night after a busy day of competitions in the Pavilion and fun and socialising across the Maes. To close the Eisteddfod, three significant events are taking place. In the Pavilion, a presentation titled Epilogue will be followed by a gig featuring the popular folk group Bwncath on the main stage and afterwards, there will be a very special performance. A new arrangement of one of the most well-known Welsh songs will be sung for the first time during the Epilogue, which begins at 7:30pm. Since the start of the year, composer Robat Arwyn has been collaborating with Archdruid Mererid Hopwood to create new songs to be performed by former winners of the Eisteddfod's main competitions. The talented ensemble will be joined by a small group of musicians for the presentation. To conclude the event, the new arrangement of Ar Hyd y Nos (All Through the Night) will be performed. The song was written by John Ceiriog Hughes, one of Wales' most prominent poets of his time, who hailed from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, a village in this year's Eisteddfod catchment area. Robat said the ensemble – Meinir Wyn Roberts, Siriol Elin, Caitlyn Drake, and Lili Mohammed – will sing together and also perform solo during the presentation. 'Mererid has written six new poems for the presentation, which will bring the Eisteddfod in the Pavilion to a close and look ahead to next year's Eisteddfod in Y Garreg Las. "They are light-hearted songs, and we hope the audience will sit back and relax after a busy week of competing, socializing, and enjoying,' he said. Robat Arwyn is one of Wales' most prominent composers. His notable compositions include the songs Anfonaf Angel and Benedictus. He wrote the melody for Anfonaf Angel in 2008 with Hywel Gwynfryn, and it has since been recorded by many artists. The version by Bryn Terfel was especially successful in raising money for the Wales Air Ambulance. Bwncath released their third album during the spring, and the group from the Caernarfon area is expected to include several songs from Bwncath III in their set on the Maes Stage. The gig is expected to be striking, with a colourful set and special lighting system. Singing will begin at 9pm. A classic Welsh novel, which portrays a vision of Wales in the year 2033, inspired the final spectacular event of this year's National Eisteddfod. This special event will combine the talents of disabled and non-disabled artists to create a magical space that welcomes diversity, breaks boundaries, and celebrates inclusivity. The Eisteddfod's artistic team has collaborated with an experienced producer, a prominent director, and a versatile choreographer to create the event, which is based on the science fiction novel Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (A Week in the Wales of the Future) by Islwyn Ffowc Elis. It will take place outdoors immediately after the closing presentation in the Pavilion. Sioned Edwards, Deputy Artistic Director of the National Eisteddfod, said: 'Taking inspiration from Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd and celebrating 10 years of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, we aim to create an outdoor spectacle to close the Eisteddfod. "Like the novel, the show will travel through time to show how today's decisions can affect our future, leading to two possible futures – utopian or dystopian – and the role we must play in creating a prosperous, egalitarian, and productive future.' In recent weeks, Cirque Bijou and artists from their Extraordinary Bodies project have supported freelance artists in producing large-scale outdoor work, giving them opportunities to develop skills, collaborate, and learn from some of the industry's leading names. Next year's Eisteddfod will be staged at Llantood near Cardigan and will be 850 years since Lord Rhys staged the very first Eisteddfod. It will start on August 1 and continue until August 8, 2026. More information online at
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
National Eisteddfod 2025: Footballer, actor and journalist invested into robes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A talented footballer, a well-known actor, and a journalist have been honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at the National Eisteddfod. Lili Mai Jones from Wrexham was among the 38 people who were invested into the blue or green robes of the Gorsedd by the Archdruid of Wales, Mererid Hopwood, during a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod on the festival Maes in Is-y-Coed near Wrexham. Also honoured were a member of a popular rock group, the leader of Plaid Cymru, and an inspirational music teacher. The Archdruid heard that Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales, particularly in Wrexham. Having played for Wrexham Club Academy since the age of 12, she spent two seasons with Everton before rejoining Wrexham. She is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of young women. The player's family was seen near the Gorsedd Circle as she was honoured. Before the ceremony, she said: 'I'm a girl from Wrexham, and I feel I'm in the right place at the right time. I can't believe that the things I do – because I love doing them – inspire other people. "The Welsh language is important to me, and the fact that I'm being recognised by the Gorsedd is hard to believe, but it means a lot to me.' Her name in the Gorsedd Circle is Lili ferch Gareth. 'That's in memory of Dad. It'll be nice to take Dad with me on this next journey and keep his name alive.' Another who commemorates her father with her bardic name is Maxine Hughes. Originally from Conwy, she now lives in the United States where she works as a journalist. She played a prominent role in the television programme Welcome to Wrexham, the series that followed the fortunes of Wrexham Football Club after actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club. Maxine chose John Conwy as her bardic name in memory of her father. 'Everyone knew him as John Conwy and he died last year at the age of 80. Carrying his name with me is something very special and something I'll hold close to my heart,' she said. It was also a special celebration for the family of Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. The former journalist joined his father Edward Morus Jones and sister Awen in the Gorsedd. 'I'm so proud to be here and to be honoured and to stand alongside Dad and Awen. It's a shame Mum (the late Gwyneth Morus Jones) isn't here too,' he said. Dylan Williams, from Caernarfon, was nominated to join the Gorsedd for his work in teaching, inspiring, and attracting interest in music among young people. He has taught hundreds of children in Arfon schools over a quarter of a century. He is also the principal cornet player of Deiniolen Silver Band, which competes enthusiastically every year. 'Of course, it's a great honour for me, but I'm just doing what I enjoy doing,' he said. Originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, Mark Lewis Jones is a well-known actor. In addition to being honoured by the Gorsedd, he is this year's Honorary President of the Eisteddfod. He said: 'I'm delighted, I've really enjoyed this week. I've watched this ceremony many times and never thought I'd be joining the Gorsedd.' Stephen Rule, known as the Welsh Doctor, received 'quite a shock' when he was invited to join the Gorsedd. 'I never thought this would happen to me. I'm still trying to get my head around it. The honour will sink in during the ceremony,' he said. Sgali Cymraeg will be the bardic name of Rhys Roberts from Blaenau Ffestiniog. He explained he chose the name as a reflection of his time in Liverpool, where he was inspired by community companies. He went on to develop CellB, which makes significant use of the old police station building in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Friday was a busy day for Rhys as he was playing bass guitar with Anweledig, who were performing on the Maes Stage. 'We've been practising hard and we'll be singing the old songs – if we can remember them,' he said. Among others honoured were Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham, who has contributed significantly to higher education over the past quarter century as head of the Department of Theatre, Television and Performance at Wrexham University, and Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, known to generations of Welsh children as the lively and infectious leader of Urdd Jamborees. Professor Emeritus Hywel Wyn Owen, Llandegfan, is known as an expert on Welsh place names. Originally from Pembroke, he was a Latin and English teacher at Maes Garmon School, Mold, before moving on to train teachers at the Normal College in Bangor. Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, is a journalist and broadcaster who has reported on some of Wales' and the world's biggest news stories in Welsh for nearly half a century. He was the face of S4C's election programmes and presented the channel's main news programme along with the discussion show 'Pawb a'i Farn' for many years. The 2025 National Eisteddfod in Wrexham comes to an end on Saturday night after a busy day of competitions in the Pavilion and fun and socialising across the Maes. To close the Eisteddfod, three significant events are taking place. In the Pavilion, a presentation titled Epilogue will be followed by a gig featuring the popular folk group Bwncath on the main stage and afterwards, there will be a very special performance. A new arrangement of one of the most well-known Welsh songs will be sung for the first time during the Epilogue, which begins at 7:30pm. Since the start of the year, composer Robat Arwyn has been collaborating with Archdruid Mererid Hopwood to create new songs to be performed by former winners of the Eisteddfod's main competitions. The talented ensemble will be joined by a small group of musicians for the presentation. To conclude the event, the new arrangement of Ar Hyd y Nos (All Through the Night) will be performed. The song was written by John Ceiriog Hughes, one of Wales' most prominent poets of his time, who hailed from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, a village in this year's Eisteddfod catchment area. Robat said the ensemble – Meinir Wyn Roberts, Siriol Elin, Caitlyn Drake, and Lili Mohammed – will sing together and also perform solo during the presentation. 'Mererid has written six new poems for the presentation, which will bring the Eisteddfod in the Pavilion to a close and look ahead to next year's Eisteddfod in Y Garreg Las. "They are light-hearted songs, and we hope the audience will sit back and relax after a busy week of competing, socializing, and enjoying,' he said. Robat Arwyn is one of Wales' most prominent composers. His notable compositions include the songs Anfonaf Angel and Benedictus. He wrote the melody for Anfonaf Angel in 2008 with Hywel Gwynfryn, and it has since been recorded by many artists. The version by Bryn Terfel was especially successful in raising money for the Wales Air Ambulance. Bwncath released their third album during the spring, and the group from the Caernarfon area is expected to include several songs from Bwncath III in their set on the Maes Stage. The gig is expected to be striking, with a colourful set and special lighting system. Singing will begin at 9pm. A classic Welsh novel, which portrays a vision of Wales in the year 2033, inspired the final spectacular event of this year's National Eisteddfod. This special event will combine the talents of disabled and non-disabled artists to create a magical space that welcomes diversity, breaks boundaries, and celebrates inclusivity. The Eisteddfod's artistic team has collaborated with an experienced producer, a prominent director, and a versatile choreographer to create the event, which is based on the science fiction novel Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (A Week in the Wales of the Future) by Islwyn Ffowc Elis. It will take place outdoors immediately after the closing presentation in the Pavilion. Sioned Edwards, Deputy Artistic Director of the National Eisteddfod, said: 'Taking inspiration from Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd and celebrating 10 years of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, we aim to create an outdoor spectacle to close the Eisteddfod. "Like the novel, the show will travel through time to show how today's decisions can affect our future, leading to two possible futures – utopian or dystopian – and the role we must play in creating a prosperous, egalitarian, and productive future.' In recent weeks, Cirque Bijou and artists from their Extraordinary Bodies project have supported freelance artists in producing large-scale outdoor work, giving them opportunities to develop skills, collaborate, and learn from some of the industry's leading names. Next year's Eisteddfod will be staged at Llantood near Cardigan and will be 850 years since Lord Rhys staged the very first Eisteddfod. It will start on August 1 and continue until August 8, 2026. More information online at Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find family activities near you
Rhyl Journal
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Eisteddfod volunteers recognised for decades of service
Keris Jones, Dylan Wyn Jones, and Richard 'Dic' Jones have all been inaugurated as members of the Gorsedd Cymru. Ms Jones from Llantysilio has been a dedicated volunteer and steward at the Eisteddfod for 50 years. She is a familiar face at the festival, offering support to competitors as they prepare for their preliminary tests. Her commitment to the festival has now been recognised by Gorsedd Cymru. Ms Jones, however, was quick to point out that her service was not motivated by the prospect of reward. She said: "That's not why I volunteer. I volunteer because I want to. "I have seen a large number of people come in, take part in a preliminary test, go on to the stage and enjoy success." Ms Jones's connection with the Eisteddfod stretches back to her competitive days when she met her husband, Arfon. Dylan Wyn Jones from Yr Wyddgrug was another volunteer honoured at the ceremony. Known affectionately as Dylan Carafáns by many Eisteddfod attendees, he was instrumental in organising the Eisteddfod's caravan site for many years. READ MORE: Finalists announced for Food Awards Wales 2025 Newsquest to publish souvenir supplements for Teenage Cancer Trust anniversary He was also responsible for the festival stewards for almost 20 years, building a special relationship with the volunteers. Dylan is described as a keen volunteer who supports and promotes a large number of local Welsh organisations. Also honoured was Richard "Dic" Jones, from Yr Wyddgrug, who was the third volunteer recognised. Originally a police officer with North Wales Police, Dic has been involved with the National Eisteddfod since 2007 as part of the Chief Steward's team with responsibility for the transport side. His voluntary work after retiring from the police service has made him a familiar face to thousands of Eisteddfod-goers over the years.
