Rugby star George North to be honoured at the National Eisteddfod

Anglesey born rugby star George North is to be honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod this summer.

The speedy winger, who now plays for Northampton Saints, learned how to play the sport at Llangefni before signing for Llanelli.

His appearance on the Eisteddfod Maes will be after his second tour with the British Lions.

George joins cancer patient Irfon Williams, television presenter Nia Roberts, Wales football team deputy manager Osian Roberts, theatre administrator Linda Brown and Ysgol Glanaethwy co-founder Rhian Roberts to be invested into the Blue or Green robes during colourful ceremonies on the Eisteddfod Maes.

Born in Valley George was educated in Ysgol Bodedern, a stone’s throw from this year’s Eisteddfod Maes. He said the invitation to become a member of the Gorsedd had come as a surprise but one he accepted gratefully and is looking forward to the ceremony.

To be staged at Bodedern near Valley the new Gorsedd members have a distinctly Anglesey feel with many stalwart members of the community being honoured.

These include Llanfairpwll FC secretary Alan Mummery, photographer and loical historian Derec Owen, violinist Huw Roberts and singing twins Trefor and Emyr Jones.

Irfon, a father-of-five from Bangor, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2014, which later spread to his liver.

The former mental health manager launched the #teamirfon campaign shortly after being diagnosed, hoping to raise £20,000 to support patients on Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Unit through North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las.

Last month he revealed the fund had passed the £150,000 milestone and his fund-raising continues.

A keen Eisteddfodwr Irfon attends the festival and is looking forward to meeting old schoolmate Robin McBryde by the Gorsedd stones.

“It’s the biggest honour Wales can bestow and it was totally unexpected,” he said, “I want to see Robin in his Gorsedd robes and then post a picture of us with the caption. The two most unlikely lads from Ysgol Tryfan to be in the Gorsedd.”

Derec Owen, who lives in Llanfairpwll, is known to everyone as ‘Derec Tyres’, having worked as the manager of the tyre store in Llangefni for many years.

In 1982, he set up Hogia Paradwys, which raises money for charities in Anglesey and Gwynedd, and he has presented programmes on Radio Ysbyty Gwynedd for almost 30 years.

In addition he has been taking photos for local community papers on Anglesey since the mid 70s. He now has a huge archive of photos which he shares with others online.

Derec said: “I didn’t expect to be nominated. Everything I’ve done has been as a member of a team.”

Anglesey born television presenter, Nia Roberts is the daughter of the late actor J O Roberts.

She is one of S4C’s most familiar faces with extensive experience of presenting live events and cultural events of all kinds, including the National Eisteddfod.

Osian Roberts experience and expertise was vitally important in Wales’ footballing success at last year’s European Championships, when the team reached the semi final round.

He was key to ensuring Welsh was seen and heard during the competition, raising the language’s profile on the international stage.

He has already been named at the Honorary President at this year’s Eisteddfod.

Prof Ronald Dennis, Utah and Geraint Jarman, Cardiff have also accepted invitations to be invested into the Gorsedd but they have deferred the ceremony until next year.

Gorsedd Recorder Penri Roberts said the honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of Wales and beyond for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities.

They will be honoured into the Blue or Green robes at a special ceremony on the Eisteddfod Maes on Monday, August 7 and Friday, August 11.

More details about the National Eisteddfod online at Tickets are available online of from the ticket line on 0845 4090 800.

Blue Robes

Originally from Staffordshire Bob Daimond joined Gwynedd Council in the 1980s where he learned Welsh and became Director of Highways. Since his retirement he has been very active with the Menai Heritage Trust, responsible for the Thomas Telford Centre in Menai Bridge.

Richard Crowe, Cardiff, is honoured for his expertise in the field of legislative law. Originally from Dorset he learned Welsh before going to Aberystwyth University. As a legal translator in the National Assembly he has drafted legislation in Welsh.

Tony Davies, originally from Pembrokeshire, has been Chair of the Welsh Society in South Africa for 30 years.

David Ellis, Whittington, Shropshire, is a key part of Welsh life in the area. He is the President of Oswestry Welsh Club and has served the Powys Provincial Eisteddfod committee.

Phyllis Ellis, Penisarwaun, near Caernarfon is a Community Councillor, school governor and chair of the community hall committee. A former head teacher, she chaired the language pressure group, Cefn, and is a Trustee at the language centre in Nant Gwrtheyrn.

Bow Street community leader Gwynfryn Evans worked in the dairy sector beginning in Llangefni and Montgomery before becoming manager of the creamery at Felinfach. He volunteers with a wide range of local and national organisations.

Robert Evans, Oxford, has led Welsh language activities in Oxford for many years. He has been President of the Dafydd ap Gwilym Association, and continues to welcome and support students during their time at university.

Elwyn Hughes, Llanfairpwll, worked in the Welsh for Adults field in North Wales for over 30 years. He developed the service, leading by example at all times. He received the Elvet and Mair Elvet Thomas Trophy for his contribution to the field in 2005.

Hugh Price Hughes, Bethel, Caernarfon’s main interest is fishing and he has been the secretary of the Seiont, Gwyrfai and Llyfni Fishing Society for many years. He is one of the main campaigners for the conservation of the Arctic char, a rare fish living in some of the lakes of Snowdonia.

Some people will know Huw John Hughes, Menai Bridge, as a part-time minister, others as a lecturer and others with Pili Palas, the well-known attraction on the outskirts of Menai Bridge. He was also a football referee.

Ian Gwyn Hughes, Cardiff, is Head of Communications for the FAW. He made the Welsh language a central feature of the Association’s work, showing the team and the officials’ pride in the language.

Arwel Lloyd Jones, Llanuwchllyn, is an active member of his community, an intuitive organiser and has spent decades helping individuals in times of need, as well as offering support to a number of organisations and associations.

Geraint and Meinir Lloyd Jones, Penrhyndeudraeth, both worked in the education sector, and generations of children have been inspired by their commitment to the language and culture.

Helena Jones, Brecon, one of the stars of last year’s Eisteddfod, who competed on the Pavilion stage a few months short of her 100th birthday. Having learned Welsh quite late in life, she is committed to supporting the language and the Eisteddfod.

Huw Ceiriog Jones, Bow Street, has given the Powys Provincial Eisteddfod a lifetime’s service. He is the current Administrative Druid for the Eisteddfod and is a former president of Cymdeithas Carafanwyr Cymru.

Lisa Lewis Jones, Brynaman, has been active locally over the years. She has been a faithful member of Cymdeithas Ddrama’r Gwter Fawr, a society that has supported the Eisteddfod.

Mari Jones, Llanfaethlu, has been a great supporter of the National Eisteddfod working voluntarily at the festival for 25 years, with her sister, Dwynwen Hawkins. She will ‘retire’ from this work this year. Dwynwen was also to have been nominated to the Gorsedd, but she sadly died earlier this year.

Mary Jones, Trefor, receives the honour because of her work organising the Aelhaearn Eisteddfod, keeping the local event viable over the years. She has also served as the Clerk for the Llanaelhaearn Community Council for 20 years.

Michael Jones, Cardiff, is a long-time campaigner for Welsh medium education in Cardiff and nationally. He is well known in the field of law in Wales.

Siân Merlys, Llanelli, has worked in the Welsh for Adults sector for many years, organising and promoting Welsh language courses in the Carmarthenshire area. She is a member of the Eisteddfod’s national learners’ panel.

One of Ysgol Bodedern’s first teachers, June Moseley, now lives in New Zealand. But Wales and the language remain an important part of her life. Originally from Mostyn, Flintshire, she has worked diligently to ensure Welsh people have a chance to meet..

Although Phil Mostert, Harlech, is originally from Anglesey, he has lived in the Ardudwy Valley for many years, and it is the local community there which has benefitted from his contribution. An excellent word-maker, he created the name ‘Hafod Eryri’ for the building at the summit of Snowdon.

Alun Mummery, Llanfairpwll, is a village man through and through. A Community Councillor for half a century he is also a school governor. But he is happiest on the football field, and has been involved with Llanfairpwll FC for 45 years.

Jean Parri-Roberts, Whitland, may be best known for running the post office at Tegryn, Crymych and Whitland for 55 years. But her contribution to the language, culture and her community is much broader than this.

Donald Glyn Pritchard, Llannerchymedd, was a teacher prior to retirement, and was actively involved with the Urdd and the Gaerwen Youth Club. He has also been a Sunday school teacher at Capel Ifan, Llannerchymedd for 40 years.

Originally from Wrexham Jeremy Randles, Abergavenny, played a key part in attracting the Eisteddfod to the area in 2016. He founded a committee to promote the cause and encourage local councillors and business people to support the Eisteddfod.

Gwerfyl Roberts, Groeslon, Caernarfon, has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of bilingual health care provision for years. A Senior Lecturer at Bangor University, she represents the health care disciplines on the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Academic Board often advising the Welsh Government.

David and Ruth Roberts, Abergavenny, were crucial to the success of Monmouthshire National Eisteddfod last year. They co-chaired the Abergavenny Appeal Committee raising almost £120,000.

Winnipeg, Canada may have been Carol Sharp’s address for over 40 years, but she remains committed to her Anglesey roots. She was a Judge specialising in civil law and returns to Wales regularly.

Carmarthen is indebted to Wyn Thomas, for his commitment to the Welsh language and business in the town. He opened Siop y Pentan, which became a centre for the Welsh language and has has also served as town Mayor.

Although he has lived in New Zealand for 32 years, Derek Meredith Williams has promoted Wales and its culture for many years.

Ifor Dylan Williams, Llanfaglan, Caernarfon is a highly respected councillor on Bontnewydd Community Council. He set up Canolfan Bro Llanwnda and organises workshops across Wales to collect and record local place names to protect them.

Robyn Williams, Valley, is honorary lawyer for this year’s Eisteddfod and has done much to help local organisations and institutions.

Green Robes

Linda Brown, Gerlan, Bethesda’s name is best known for her work with Theatr Bara Caws from the outset. Linda is also a cornerstone of her community in Gerlan and Bethesda.

Elonwy Davies, Llanybydder, works with the local YFC and the Urdd, locally and at county level, and is always happy to coach individuals and groups to compete in eisteddfodau.

Originally from Newport, Pamela Davies of Acton, Wrexham, is a talented singer. After a career as a teacher she learnt Welsh and attended creative writing courses.

Sian Wyn Gibson, Llanwnda, Caernarfon, is well known to the Eisteddfod audience as a singer and coach. She returned to North Wales after a successful professional singing career.

Iwan Guy, Cowbridge, is a well-known opera singer, conductor and teacher. He has established and conducted a number of choirs.

Emyr and Trefor Jones are twins, known for their service to music in Anglesey for years. They have entertained audiences in hundreds of concerts and singing festivals over the years.

Glesni Jones, Llandwrog, Caernarfon, has made a valuable contribution to Wales’ musical culture. She is a highly respected adjudicator and was president of the Cerdd Dant Society in 2013.

Originally from Meifod, renowned harpist, Ieuan Jones, London, is a well-known name in many parts of the world. He is Professor of Harp at the Royal College of Music in London.

Rhodri Jones, Penarth, has given a lifetime of service to Welsh as a second language education in south east Wales. He is one of the founders of Cwmni Dawns Caerdydd.

Richard and Wyn Jones, Cardigan, are best known as the founders of the independent record label, Fflach. The two brothers are members of the band Ail Symudiad.

Originally from Bala, Elen Keen, Llangristiolus, has contributed to the musical life of the island. She is a talented harpist and pianist and is accompanist for Ysgol Glanaethwy.

Jeanette Massocchi, Abergavenny, has been part of the music world in Wales for many years, making a vast contribution as an accompanist, adjudicator and coach.

Mari Rhian Owen, Aberystwyth, is an actress, author and educator, who has over 30 years of experience working in professional theatre. She works for Cwmni Arad Goch as their Actor Manager.

To generations of Welsh speakers, Wynford Ellis Owen, is Sir Wynff from the series ‘Anturiaethau Syr Wynff a Plwmsan’. But for those dependent on drugs or drink in the Cardiff area, he is known for his work with the ‘Living Room’ charity.

Huw Roberts, Llangefni, has made a significant contribution to the folk scene in Wales, both musically and through his research, for many years. With his wife, Bethan, he has played an important part in the folk dancing world.

Rhian Roberts, Bangor, has taught and inspired generations of young people for many years due to her and her husband Cefin’s vision, setting up Ysgol Glanaethwy over 25 years ago. As musical director of the junior choir, Rhian has created special experiences and memories for many young people, led them to national and international victories, as well as providing an opportunities for the youngsters to travel the world performing.

Jeremy Turner, Aberystwyth, is best known as the Artistic Director of Cwmni Arad Goch, with over 20,000 children, young people and families in Wales enjoying performances by the company across Wales every year.

Anwen Williams, Denbigh’s name is known to everyone involved in the cerdd dant and folk singing world in Wales. She has contributed her life to serving her community, her language and her nation.