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North Wales Live
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
The full list of Gorsedd honours for the 2025 National Eisteddfod
An actor who has appeared in The Crown and one of the Star Wars movies and a journalist who has interviewed President Donald Trump are among a host of people to be honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at this year's National Eisteddfod. The leader of Plaid Cymru, an international footballer, two prominent broadcasters and several long serving Eisteddfod volunteers will also be invested during a colourful ceremony to be held on the Eisteddfod Maes on the outskirts of Wrexham in August. Originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, Mark Lewis Jones, played the lecturer who schooled Prince Charles in the Welsh language in the Crown and Captain Moden Canady in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He has also appeared in series such as 'Un Bore Mercher', 'Dal y Mellt', and 'Game of Thrones'. Recently he has been a prominent part of projects to remember 90 years since the Gresffordd Disaster, which is part of the area's mining history. As well as being honoured by the Gorsedd, he is the Honorary President of the Eisteddfod this year. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Maxine Hughes is now a familiar name and face to many, not only for her journalistic work, but also for her role as 'official translator' for the owners of Wrexham football club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Originally from Conwy, she now lives and works in Washington DC, following a spell with the BBC and an international English news channel in Turkey. She tries to support Welsh journalism as much as possible and has held sessions on journalism for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. As well as receiving the honour of the Gorsedd, she will also lead the Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham this year. Rhun ap Iorwerth is best known as Anglesey's Senedd Member and since 2023 as leader of Plaid Cymru. Before that, he was a broadcaster and one of the most prominent journalists in Wales. Over the years he has been active in his community, a school governor, a leader at local events and concerts, and a supporter of various organizations including a period as a sponsor of the charity Awyr Las. He was also, until recently, a youth coach at Llangefni Rugby Club. His former BBC colleagues, Dewi Llwyd and Dylan Jones, will also be invested into the Gorsedd this year. Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, reported on some of the biggest news stories in Wales and the world for almost half a century and was the face of S4C's election programmes. Until his recent retirement, Dylan Jones, Denbigh, presented various news programmes on radio and the football preview show 'Ar y Marc' since 1992. He began commenting on football matches in 1986, and became a news reporter after commenting on the Hillsborough disaster. Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales and especially in Wrexham. Playing for the Wrexham Club Academy from the age of 12, she played for two seasons for Everton before rejoining Wrexham and has won a number of international caps for her country at under 15 and under 17 level. 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 Aykroyd brothers, David and Nigel, from Bala are also honoured by the Gorsedd. They run a highly successful nightwear, daywear and swimwear company, which is an important employer in rural Wales. The contribution of the brothers has improved the arts, a number of initiatives and local sports, with the support that has driven CPD Y Bala to the Welsh Premier League and facilitated their European achievements, but one example of the contribution of the two to their local community. Three long serving volunteers are also being honoured by the Gorsedd this year. The Eisteddfod wouldn't be an Eisteddfod without Keris Jones, Llangollen, busy volunteering and stewarding. She has been a vital part of the festival for 50 years. She has also volunteered at the Urdd and Llangollen Eisteddfod for many years. In addition, Keris is very active in her community, and passionate about everything Welsh. For the Eisteddfod family, Dylan Wyn Jones, Mold, is 'Dylan Carafáns', and that is because he led the organization of the Eisteddfod's caravan field for many years. A mathematician and information technology specialist by profession, he spent two decades working across Europe before returning to Wales to ensure a Welsh language education for his children. And Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, is known to generations of Welsh children as the bubbly and infectious leader of the Urdd Jamborees. He has contributed extensively to the world of education in North Wales. A versatile musician, he is the conductor of Côr Alaw, Colwyn Bay. Tony Thomas has been a member of the National Eisteddfod's technical staff for over 40 years. His most impressive ideas are the word 'Eisteddfod' in big red letters and the colorful welcome arch near the entrance. Gorsedd Recorder Christine James, a former Archdruid, said these honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales. 'In line with the Gorsedd of the Bards' arrangements for honouring new members they all enter the Gorsedd on the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured into the Blue or Green robes. 'Only the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with White robes,' she said. The National Eisteddfod will be staged in Wrexham from 2-9 August. For more information go to FULL LIST OF 2025 GORSEDD NOMINEES BLUE ROBES Rhun ap Iorwerth is best known as Senedd Member for Anglesey, and since 2023 as leader of Plaid Cymru. Before that, he was a broadcaster and one of the most prominent journalists in Wales until the desire to serve his locality and the people of Wales led him into the world of politics. . David Aykroyd Every community benefits from individuals who contribute to improving everyday life, and David Aykroyd is a special ambassador for the town of Y Bala. With his brother, Nigel, he runs a highly successful nightwear, daywear and swimwear company, which is an important employer in rural Wales. The contribution of the brothers has improved the arts, a number of initiatives and local sports, with the support that has driven CPD Y Bala to the Welsh Premier League and facilitated their European achievement. Nigel Aykroyd With his brother, David, Nigel's contribution to the town of Bala has been huge over the years, not only through their successful company which employs a large number of local people, but also by supporting the community. Since the end of the 1990s their company has been providing a Welsh language nursery in the town, which has now, with the support of the brothers, developed as the Y Bala Family CentrE which offers a valuable service to the community. Glesni Llwyd Carter (Wrexham), contributes significantly to the language and culture of Wales. In terms of her occupation, she manages all the family work of the North Wales and Dyfed Powys courts, and has improved Welsh speakers' access to justice in times of family crisis, and trained magistrates to provide services in Welsh, positively influencing the professional field and the wider community. In addition, Glesni was instrumental in supporting and encouraging a number of cultural projects locally, and she has an endless dedication to the Welsh language in the Wrexham area. Bill Davies Originally from Porthmadog, Bill Davies, Cardiff, has supported local and national eisteddfods all over Wales over the years. He was general secretary of the Llandegfan Bro Eisteddfod for over 20 years, chairman of the Anglesey Eisteddfod, 2008, and is now a member and trustee of the Cardiff Cathedral Eisteddfod, acting as the vice chairman. He is also vice-chairman of Cymdeithas Eisteddfodau Cymru. He worked in the field of human resources throughout his career, across Wales, he served on a number of bodies and organizations here, including the S4C Authority and the Employment Tribunals of Wales, and he continues to act as chairman of the trustees of the Baptist Union of Wales. Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, (Llanerfyl), has been the chief executive of Mudiad Meithrin since 2014, and the organisation has grown and developed significantly under her guidance and vision, contributing heavily to the Welsh Government's aim to secure one million Welsh speakers. Her work expands and develops the accessibility, availability and affordability of childcare provision and Welsh-medium playwork which is essential from the point of view of the prosperity of our children and the future of our language. Geraint Evans, (Bbrry), promotes the Welsh language in every area he is involved in, whether that be the world of education, business or culture. He was chairman of the governors of Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg for the school's first ten years, and since 2011 he has been chairman of Cardiff and the Vale College Corporation, one of the largest colleges in the UK with over 30,000 students. He has run several successful businesses and has volunteered in the business and education sectors across Cardiff and the Vale, as well as nationally. Llinos Griffin supports the communities of Croesor, Llanfrothen and Penrhyndeudraeth than Llinos Griffin. She has produced dozens of community films to promote local businesses and organisations, together with the ' project which brought local independent enterprises together to offer experiences and services to attract visitors to the area and introduce them to the Welsh language. Rhian Griffiths, Cardiff, has made a huge contribution to the tennis world in Wales over the last fifty years. Originally from the Wrexham area, Rhian has represented her country at all levels, from the under 14 team to the over 60 team. Since 2022, he has won 11 singles titles and 12 doubles titles in ITF tournaments. As well as representing Wales, she is also part of the UK over 60 squad. Jane Harries, Bridgend, is a campaigner for peace and justice, and has played a leading role in building Wales as a nation of peace. She was secretary of Cymdeithas y Commod and has supported young people to develop the Urdd's message of Peace and Good Will. She was also secretary of the Welsh Peace Academy Initiative group. As a member of the Quakers, she is confident that peace and reconciliation is possible in Wales and beyond, and has contributed significantly to building a better society. Maxine Hughes is now a familiar name and face to many, not only for her journalistic work, but also for her role as 'official translator' for the owners of Wrexham football club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Originally from Conwy, she lives and works in Washington DC, following a spell with the BBC and an international English news channel in Turkeyl. As well as receiving the honour of the Gorsedd, she will also be the Leader of Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham this year. Tomos Hughes, Cerrig-y-Drudion, has made an outstanding contribution to his local community through his voluntary work and employment with the Welsh Ambulance Service. Over the years, Tomos provided essential first responder services, and his dedication led to the installation of over 850 defibrillators across the north. Dylan Jones, Denbigh, was a prominent journalist with the BBC in Wales. During his career he has presented programs such as 'Taro Naw', 'Pawb a'i Farn', 'Taro'r Post', 'Post Cynta', 'Over Breakfast Saturday' and 'Post Prynhawn', and he has presented the football program 'Ar y Marc' continuously since 1992. He commented on football matches from 1986, and after commenting on the Hillsborough disaster, he was invited to be a news reporter in north east Wales, working on some of the biggest stories of the last thirty years in Wales and around the world. Dylan Rhys Jones, Abergele, believes that using the Welsh language in a professional context such as the law is extremely important, and he has contributed significantly to the law, academia, and the media in promoting the Welsh language and culture. He is perhaps best known as the defence lawyer for serial killer Peter Howard Moore. This intense and challenging case inspired his book, 'The Man in Black', which presents his unique perspective as Moore's lawyer. Dylan Wyn Jones, Yr Wyddgrug, is 'Dylan Caravans', and that is because he led the organisation of the Eisteddfod's caravan field for many years. He was also responsible for the festival stewards for almost 20 years, building a special relationship with hundreds if not thousands of volunteers over the years. He is a keen volunteer himself, and supports and promotes a large number of local Welsh organisations. The Eisteddfod wouldn't be an Eisteddfod without seeing Keris Jones, Llangollen, busy volunteering and stewarding, and that for fifty years. She is a huge part of our competitors' experience and her loving care of them as they prepare for their heat is a vital part of the festival's ethos. Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales and especially in Wrexham. She is the Welsh face and voice of that revolution. Playing for the Wrexham Club Academy since the age of 12, she played for two seasons for the Everton club before rejoining Wrexham and has won a number of international caps for her country at under 15 and under 17 level. 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. Nia Wyn Jones, Llangefni, made to confirm the status of the translation profession through her work as the systems manager of Cymdeithas Cyfieithuri Cymru, and as a result contribute to the normalisation of the language in so many areas. Richard (Dic) Jones, Mold, was a policeman with North Wales Police from 1958 to 1991, finishing his career as an Inspector in the Mold area. After retiring he threw himself into voluntary work and since 2007 he is a familiar face to thousands of Eisteddfod goers as one of the chief steward's team at the National Eisteddfod. Dewi Llwyd, a journalist and broadcaster who is a familiar voice to most of us in Wales, Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, has reported on some of the biggest news stories in Wales and the world in Welsh for almost half a century. He was the face of S4C's election programmes, and presented the channel's main news programme together with the discussion program 'Pawb a i Farn' for years. His contribution to the world of Welsh journalism, and thereby to our language and culture, is huge. Dr Lyndon Miles has served the communities of the north west for 34 years. Originally from Dowlais, he received his medical education in Sheffield before moving to Bangor where he worked as a GP. Enthusiastic about improving services for people in disadvantaged areas, he led the community to establish a Healthy Living Centre, Maesgeirchen. Gethin Rhys, Cardiff, has served Wales and its religion, politics and society with his mental acumen and with his dedication to see a just community without prejudice in our country. In his position as Cytûn policy officer he has presented evidence and suggestions to various Government committees and denominations, to churches and individuals in order to improve policies and relationships. He is a sharp theologian, a patient but determined politician and a gentle and intelligent sociologist. Enlli Môn Thomas Since the first appointment of Professor Enlli Thomas, Abergwyngregyn, as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Bangor University's School of Psychology, the Welsh language has been central to her career as a lecturer and researcher. Her contribution to the Welsh language within the organisation, and nationally, has been significant. Tony Thomas is one of the technical staff of the National Eisteddfod, and has worked in the storehouse in Llanybydder for over 40 years. Tony has a real interest and pride in the Eisteddfod and wants the experience on the Maes to be memorable for the visitor. His most impressive ideas are the word 'Eisteddfod' in big red letters and the colourful welcome arch near the entrance. Clare Vaughan Originally from Abermorddu near Wrexham, where she grew up in a non-Welsh speaking household, Clare Vaughan has settled in Cwm Hyfryd in Patagonia. She worked as a Welsh teacher in schools in the Wrexham area before being appointed as a teacher in Patagonia. Professor Simon Ward, Cardiff, is director of the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University, and is an expert in translational drug discovery. He has led multidisciplinary project teams and medicinal chemistry groups through drug discovery projects through to clinical studies, bringing multiple molecules to clinical development for a variety of diseases. He was instrumental in promoting the importance of discussing science in Welsh, especially by encouraging students to pursue further studies and publish in Welsh. Gareth Victor Williams, Mold, has played a key role in the field of youth and education in north east Wales for years. He worked as a teacher of additional learning needs in a school in Denbigh, where he established and developed Welsh-medium education, before working as a consultant teacher for children with hearing impairment. Menna Williams, Llangernyw, has volunteered her time to train generations of children and youth for over 50 years in her local area. She continues to train many of the area's youth to perform on local and national stages. She is one of the founders of the Llangernyw branch of Ferched y Wawr, and has been President of the branch three times over the years. He volunteered on behalf of the organisation, promoting the use of the Welsh language in Ysgol Feithrin. GREEN ROBES Gwyn Anwyl, Anglesey, is one of the Gorsedd fanfarers, and plays a key role in all of the Gorsedd ceremonies since 2021. He is assistant headteacher at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones. He is a member of the Beaumaris Band and regularly competes with the band, including in the Eisteddfod. Geraint Cynan, Cardiff, has contributed to the musical culture of Wales for almost half a century, as a member of many bands, a composer and arranger of folk, contemporary and classical tunes, a music director for theatre companies, and a music arranger for some of our most popular television programmes. Gareth William Jones, Bow Street, gave a lifetime of commendable service to the world of education, as a drama teacher, Dyfed Library service cultural activities officer, and lectured in the Welsh Language Department of Trinity College, Carmarthen. He wrote ten novels for children. He also led a thriving drama company in Rhydypennau for many years. Mark Lewis Jones one of our leading actors, who has his roots deep in his childhood. He has appeared in many series such as 'Un Bore Mercher', 'Dal y Mellt', 'The Crown', 'Game of Thrones' and is also known for his roles in major films such as 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' and 'The Far Side of the World'. Recently, he has been a prominent part of projects to remember 90 years since the Gresffordd Disaster, which is part of the area's mining history. As well as being honoured by the Gorsedd, he is the Honorary President of the Eisteddfod this year. Mared Lewis, Anglesey, has and continues to give diligent service to her area, to Wales, the Welsh language and our culture for years. The author of seven novels for adults, she has also contributed several novels for learners as part of the 'Amdani' series. She is active with the local paper, 'Papur Menai' and with the Anglesey Eisteddfod. John Morgans has contributed greatly to the ecumenical life of the churches in Wales through his rich ministry, especially in the community of Pen-rhys in the Rhondda. He is a strong believer in social justice, and was very active among the communities of the south Wales valleys during the miners' strike. He has learned the Welsh language and is supportive of all kinds of Welsh artistic activities.. The contribution of Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham, in the field of higher education over the last quarter of a century has been a crucial one for the Wrexham area, initially as the leader of the Theatre, Television and Performance Department at the University of Wrexham, before she was appointed Head of Welsh Language Provision there. She received an award for outstanding contribution to Welsh-medium higher education from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol last year. Professor Ann Parry Owen, Aberystwyth, is a first class academic who specializes in the Welsh language, grammar and poetry of the Middle Ages. Having received her secondary education in Llangollen, she now works at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies and has contributed extensively to a large number of research projects over the years; she is also a senior editor with the University of Wales Dictionary. Professor Emeritus Hywel Wyn Owen, Llandegfan, is well known as an expert on Welsh place names. Originally from Penbedw, he was a Latin and English teacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold, before moving to train teachers at Coleg Normal in Bangor. He established a Place Names Research Centre at the university where he was appointed director and awarded a personal chair. There he was responsible for the digitization of the Melville Richards Archive, now one of our nation's treasures. He was president of Cymdeithas Enwau Lleoedd Cymru, the Society for Name Studies in Britain and Ireland and the English Place-Name Society, and is a member of the Welsh Language Commissioner's panel on place names. Ceinwen Parry, Treuddyn, Yr Wyddgrug, has devoted himself completely to promoting our language and culture in an area which is only ten miles from the border. He has been the secretary of the Treuddyn Cathedral Eisteddfod since 1985, and despite trying to retire a year or so ago, he still does a lot of the work. He supported to the utmost every good cause in the area and especially in securing a suitable financial fund from the village as the National Eisteddfod came to Wyddgrug twice and the Urdd to Flint in 2017. Shân Eleri Passmore Cardiff, is honoured for her service in the world of large and small eisteddfodau over a long period. Before moving to Cardiff in 1981, Shân was the secretary of the Maenclochog Cathedral Eisteddfod for several years. Cymdeithas Eisteddfodau Cymru was very fortunate to have her as Development Officer for a time, and she also worked for the Urdd and the National Eisteddfod. Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, is known to generations of Welsh children as the bubbly and infectious leader of the Urdd Jamborees. He has contributed extensively to the world of education in the North. He was active in training children and youth in the schools, and also led the Urdd Department and Household in Abergele. A versatile musician, he is the leader of a mixed choir, Côr Alaw, Colwyn Bay. Rhys Roberts, Blaenau Ffestiniog for promoting and reinforcing the arts among young people in his local community. He works hard and often voluntarily to ensure that young working class people have opportunities to develop skills within the arts, including music, film making, organising gigs and arts events. He is also a member of the band, Anweledig, which has re-formed to play at this year's Eisteddfod. The soprano, Jessica Robinson, Crymych, graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with a first class honors degree, distinction in her MA Opera Performance and received the Aneurin Davies memorial award, the Mansel Thomas award, the Margaret Tann Award, and the Elias Soprano award. She was also the first representative to reach the final of Singer of the World for 20 years and the first Welshwoman in the competition's history. Stephen Rule, Coed-llai, Flintshire, is perhaps better known as his digital persona, the Welsh Doctor. He has over 80 thousand followers on his Instagram account and all of his films highlight his passion for the Welsh language and his tireless desire to promote it. A Welsh (second language) teacher by profession, he offers advice and support to learners and unconfident Welsh speakers all over the world with his infectious enthusiasm and his understanding of the origin of names, the meanings of sayings, the mutations, grammar and syntax. He is one of the best communicators for our language and culture. The dedication of Dylan Williams, Caernarfon, to teaching, inspiring and attracting interest in the world of music is very high, especially among young boys. He strongly believes in giving all children the opportunity to receive instrumental lessons and emphasizes that music should be fun for everyone! He has taught children in Caernarfon region schools over the years, leading the region's junior band, the Gwynedd and Môn Senior Brass band, and has had great success with Ysgol Brynrefail, Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen and Ysgol Bontnewydd. He is also the principal horn of Seindorf Arian Deiniolen, who are keen competitors every year.
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Plaid Cymru announce Gwynedd Maldwyn Senedd candidates
Plaid Cymru has announced its team of candidates for the next Senedd election. The candidates will be fighting it out to represent the newly formed Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. It follows an internal ballot of party members. In the 2026 election, each constituency will be represented by six members bringing the total number of Senedd members to 96. Political parties 'will list up to eight candidates for each constituency' and independent candidates can also stand for election. The public will vote for one party or one independent candidate. Seats are then allocated based on the share of votes each party or independent candidate gets. The new Gwynedd Maldwyn seat—Wales' largest constituency—spans from Pen Llŷn on the west coast to Dyfi and Machynlleth, stretching across Mid Wales to Newtown and Welshpool, and reaching as far east as Corwen and Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham. Formed from combining the Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Maldwyn a Glyndŵr Westminster constituencies, it will play a crucial role in the 2026 election. Leading the Plaid Cymru candidate list are two experienced current Senedd Members Siân Gwenllian and Mabon ap Gwynfor, They are followed by Powys County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan, Cllr Beca Brown and Cllr Elin Hywel completing 'a strong, diverse team rooted in communities across the region'. Cllr Vaughan emphasised the importance of grassroots campaigning across the constituency. 'The Conservative vote is collapsing in Montgomeryshire, and there is great disillusionment with Labour,' said Cllr Vaughan. 'I look forward to campaigning across this vast area to share Plaid Cymru's message of hope. "Whether it's campaigning to secure the future of the air ambulance bases at Welshpool & Caernarfon, securing the stroke unit at Bronglais Hospital, standing with Johnstown and Ruabon residents against Hafod tip, or standing with Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant and Llanarmon residents against the new national park, I look forward to using my wealth of experience in grassroots action to improve lives in Gwynedd Maldwyn.' Mabon ap Gwynfor, Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd since 2021, added: 'There's a real appetite for change as people grow increasingly disillusioned with both Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster. 'Across Gwynedd Maldwyn, there's a buzz of positivity. We're ready to bring Plaid Cymru's message of hope and progress to every corner of this vast constituency – and we'll do it as a team.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Adam Price's Senedd return in doubt as Plaid Cymru selects new frontrunners
Former party leader placed third on regional list for Carmarthenshire ADAM PRICE, the former leader of Plaid Cymru, faces a major setback in his bid to return to the Senedd in 2026 after being placed third on the party's regional list for Sir Gaerfyrddin. Cefin Campbell MS and former AM Nerys Evans have taken the top two positions on the list, The Herald understands, significantly reducing Price's chances of re-election. Under Plaid Cymru's rules on gender balance, if a man tops the list, a woman must be selected second, and vice versa. With both top spots now filled, Price's third-place ranking leaves him reliant on an unlikely surge in support. The seat is one of 16 new six-member constituencies under Wales's reformed electoral map. Plaid Cymru hopes to win at least two of the six available seats in the region, but strong challenges from Labour and Reform UK may limit gains. Speaking after the result, Price said: 'I would like to thank the members who supported me during this process and congratulate Cefin on leading the list. Our task now is to work as a united team to deliver Plaid's best ever result in Sir Gâr.' Unlike Labour and the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru's selection process does not guarantee sitting Members of the Senedd a place at the top of the list. The party prioritises a competitive vote among local members and enforces gender parity across its candidate rankings. Price led Plaid Cymru from 2018 to 2023 and was a key figure in the party's 2021 Senedd campaign, promising a referendum on Welsh independence within five years if elected to power. However, Plaid came third in that election and later entered a co-operation agreement with Labour which resulted in policies such as universal free school meals. His leadership came to an end following a damning report—authored by Evans herself—which highlighted a culture of misconduct within the party. Price resigned in 2023. Further down the regional list for Sir Gaerfyrddin are former Llanelli candidate Mari Arthur, now working in green energy and marketing; Carmarthenshire councillor Iwan Griffiths; and Abi Thomas, who previously stood in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. While a three-seat win for Plaid in the region is not impossible, it would require a particularly strong result on the night—something insiders suggest may be out of reach. For many within the party, the memory of the scandals that led to Price's resignation—and the controversy surrounding former MP Jonathan Edwards—still lingers. Despite recent polling boosts for Plaid, their commitment to reforming candidate selection could come at the cost of losing high-profile names like Price and economic spokesperson Luke Fletcher.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Plaid Cymru's Urdd Eisteddfod 'free entry' pledge
The promise supports continued free access to the annual youth festival - which is coming to Newport in 2027 - for families who might otherwise be unable to attend. Heledd Fychan MS, Plaid Cymru's spokesperson on the Welsh language and culture, said: "The importance of Eisteddfod yr Urdd to the Welsh language and culture cannot be understated. "The festival supports young people from across Wales to immerse themselves in the Welsh language and develop their language skills. "Eisteddfod yr Urdd has always, and continues to, play a prominent role in increasing not only the numbers of Welsh speakers but increasing the daily use of Welsh. "That is why a Plaid Cymru Government will ensure that the Eisteddfod can be enjoyed by all, by supporting free access to families from low-income backgrounds." Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025 has already seen a record 119,593 registrations and a 42 per cent increase in competitors who are Welsh learners. Ms Fychan said the figures highlight the festival's vital role in supporting the use of Welsh beyond the classroom and building confidence among new speakers. She said a Plaid Cymru government would prioritise continued backing for Urdd Gobaith Cymru and its work. Ms Fychan said: "Plaid Cymru remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting and growing the Welsh language, and the work undertaken by the Urdd is central to that vision. "Free entry for low-income families to Eisteddfod yr Urdd is something we have long campaigned for and would be funded by a future Plaid Cymru government."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Road from hell' to fully reopen after 23 years
It's been called the "road from hell" but after 23 years of roadworks and congestion, one of the UK's most expensive and complex road upgrade projects has finally fully opened. The last traffic cone and contraflow was removed from the A465 Heads of the Valleys road in south Wales on Friday night after a £2bn upgrade that started back in 2002. The 28-mile (45km) improvement is designed to bring prosperity to one of the UK's most deprived areas and cut journey times between west Wales and the Midlands. Welsh ministers have said the upgrade will boost the region but opponents have criticised how long it has taken and the "extortionate" price tag. Over 8,000 caught breaking 20mph limit on one road Concern as major change to Severn Bridge begins Drivers frustrated at new £336m road's 50mph plan Margaret Thatcher's Conservative UK government initially drew up the upgrade programme in 1990 because of frequent tailbacks and serious crashes on parts of the route. Work to turn the road into a full dual carriageway began when Tony Blair was prime minister in 2002. Now after enormous overspends, major delays, a global pandemic and hundreds of carriageway closures, drivers can travel direct between Swansea and Monmouthshire without passing through roadworks for the first time in 23 years. The A465 crosses the south Wales coalfields, a national park and in some parts, twists close to people's homes. Almost 70 structures - including more than 40 new bridges and a dozen new junctions - have been built as part of the upgrade. Workers have planted 285,000 trees to mitigate its significant environmental impact - offsetting more than seven million kilograms of CO2 a year - in a country which declared a climate emergency six years ago. Creatures including bats, dormice and great crested newts have also been moved. "In 50 years' time, experts will look back and say the single biggest thing the Welsh government has done to raise the prospects of Heads of the Valleys communities is building this road," Wales' Transport Secretary Ken Skates previously said. "This is about generating jobs, prosperity, opportunities and better connecting and benefiting communities across the region." The Heads of the Valleys upgrade had been split into six sections - done from the most to least dangerous for drivers. The final stages cost £590m to physically build the road but because of the way the project is funded, it will cost £1.4bn - and the Welsh government has not yet paid a penny. The final stretch between Dowlais Top in Merthyr Tydfil to Hirwaun in Rhondda Cynon Taf is being financed using something called the Mutual Investment Model (MIM) - which is a bit like getting a car on finance. Instead of paying it off in one lump sum, the Welsh government will pay more than £40m a year for 30 years in return for an 11-mile stretch of road that will be maintained by a private firm until it is brought back into public ownership in 2055. Plaid Cymru has called this way of funding a "waste of public money" and said private firms would "cream off" a "substantial amount of profit". The Welsh Conservatives have said the cost and delays "epitomises Labour's 25 years of failure in Wales" and added the final "gargantuan" cost would have almost covered the scrapped M4 relief road around Newport - where there is about four times more daily traffic. The Welsh government said without borrowing cash the way it has, it would not have been able to finish the final section. That is because the UK left the European Union in the middle of the entire scheme, meaning access to money that had helped on previous sections was no longer available. The entire cost of the whole 23-year, 28-mile scheme will be about £2bn when everything is included. The Labour Welsh government said it had learned lessons from the project, changing construction contracts and reviewing indicators of contractor performance. According to taxi driver Michael Gate from Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, it was a "nightmare" travelling between Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil when the roadworks were taking place. "It was really dangerous because it was one lane over there and one lane back," said the 63-year-old who has owned his taxi company since 2005. He added: "Now it's fantastic, it's got to be the best road in Wales. It's money well spent." Meanwhile, Claire Urch, 50, said the work had made journeys shorter but the constantly changing road lay-outs were "very difficult" for her daughter while learning to drive. "I've seen cars driving thinking it's a one-way street because they haven't had any signposting there and it's almost caused an accident on at least two occasions that I've been on there," Ms Urch said, speaking about one diversion by Aberdare. Nikki Webb, 49, lives in Hirwaun which she said had been "stuck right in the middle of it all". She said the work caused "chaos all the time" with lorries coming into the village but felt the "hassle was definitely worth it". Ms Webb added: "You can get to Merthyr so much quicker, I don't find there's traffic like there used to be." Mike Moore, who works as an operation manager for a traffic management company, said dualing the road "only made sense" from a safety point of view. "It's been five years of probably frustration for the public but in reality it pays dividends in the long run," he said. "These things have got to be built." It has come a long way from the start of this year when one affected man from Merthyr Tydfil described the Heads of the Valleys as "like the road from hell". He added: "Not even Chris Rea (singer) would dare come here." "As a whole, the Heads of the Valleys project is one of the UK's biggest road upgrade projects for many years," said Keith Jones of the Institution of Civil Engineers. "And what's been so challenging is keeping the existing road operational while the work has gone on in some challenging and bleak terrain." By Gareth Lewis, BBC Wales political editor So Wales DOES build roads after all - albeit expensive ones that take a long time to complete. The scheme to upgrade the Heads of the Valleys road predates a Welsh government decision to scrap all new major road projects on environmental grounds back in 2023. But a change of transport secretary from Lee Waters to Ken Skates last year means similar schemes could now happen in the future, if they reflected the climate emergency and were at the forefront of design. Welsh Labour has realised that some of its transport policies including the 20mph speed limit have been unpopular. The economic potential for the road was not lost on one Labour MS who commissioned a report by a think tank into it back in 2021. And with a Senedd election next year, expect Labour to signal the scheme's completion for all they're worth as it loops its way through many of the party's traditional south Wales heartlands. Works on 'road from hell' to end after 23 years Heads of the Valleys road scheme 'extortionate' Director of failed firm monitors £1bn road project
