4 days ago
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- Powys County Times
Llanidloes music teacher made honorary president for Urdd
A Llanidloes-born music teacher has been honoured for her contribution to Wales' largest youth organisation, the Urdd.
Menna Bennett Joynson was one of four volunteers who were made an honorary president of Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Mor 2025 at a special ceremony on Monday (May 26).
Menna was born in Llanidloes before her family moved to Llanuwchllyn and then to Aberystwyth. She grew up in a musical and cultured household and was familiar with singing and participating in Eisteddfodau from an early age.
At Eisteddfod yr Urdd, she has had considerable success in the field of 'cerdd dant', while she also coached pupils to sing and compete in her role as a music teacher at Ysgol Rhydfelen.
In 1976, she moved to Swansea with her husband and raised three children locally. Menna established 'Adran Sgeti' in 1978 which later developed into 'Aelwyd yr Urdd Sgeti'. Over the years, they went on to have considerable success at Eisteddfod yr Urdd.
Menna was appointed music teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr and a peripatetic harp teacher in the area.
She spoke of her gratitude to the Urdd, adding that all the experiences she and her pupils have had have greatly enriched her life.
"The Urdd has fulfilled so much for me," Menna told S4C. "I owe a big debt to the Urdd."
Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: 'The four who are being honoured this year have given over 160 years of support to the movement.
