FIVE individuals from the Garreg Las area will receive the title of Honorary Presidents of this year’s National Eisteddfod.
Each year local committees are asked to nominate people who have contributed to the Welsh language and local cultural life.
For Betsan Moses, the National Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive: “it’s an annual highlight to receive the nominations and an opportunity to honour these remarkable individuals who have given their time tirelessly to their community and local area.”
Reflecting on this year’s nominations she said: “Without these people, the area would be so much poorer in terms of cultural and Welsh language activities.”
Among the five is Margaret Daniels who has been a stalwart of the local choral scene since returning to her birthplace. A former conductor of Côr Pensiynwyr Aberteifi a’r Cylch (Cardigan Pensioners’ Choir), she founded Côr Merched Bro Nest (Bro Nest Women’s Choir) in 1992. She continues to lead the women’s choir, along with Côr Meibion Blaenporth (Blaenporth Male Voice Choir). A familiar face as a conductor of many Cymanfeydd Canu locally and beyond, Margaret is also the organist of Blaenannerch Chapel.
Although born in Sarn Bach on the Llŷn Peninsula, Alun Ifans settled in Pembrokeshire during his college days. He was headteacher of Ysgol Casmael for over three decades where he established an art gallery which is still there today. The collection includes Alun’s own work as well as donations from notable artists such as Kyffin Williams and Aneurin Jones. A respected author, he has published many books for Welsh learners and was chair of Cymdeithas Waldo in its early days.
Born near Cardigan, Eddie Ladd celebrates forty years as part of the arts scene the year. She has worked with innovative theatre companies such as Moving Being, Volcano and Brith Gof, performing, writing and contributing music. Since 1989, she has developed her own work and performed in theatres and unusual locations across the world. Her work combines dance, speech, music and technology, exploring her own local area and its global connections.
A choreographer for companies such as Theatr Cymru and Arad Goch, she also leads community projects. She will be performing as part of events to celebrate 850 years of the Eisteddfod this year.
Ifan Phillips’ rugby career ended following a serious motorbike accident in December 2021. He previously played as a hooker for the Ospreys and for the Wales under-20 team. Since losing his leg, Ifan has shown exceptional strength and determination by continuing to be involved in the rugby world. He has worked as a media commentator and rugby expert as well as coaching at his local club in Crymych.
The Garreg Las area, and the wider community, were saddened by the loss of Eirwyn George in April this year. Apart from periods as a mature student at Harlech College and Aberystwyth University, he lived and worked in Pembrokeshire all his life. He won the Crown at the National Eisteddfod in Swansea in 1982 and Llanelwedd in 1983 with two poems set in Pembrokeshire.
Following a period of teaching, he spent years as a Cultural Librarian. He published many books including his own poetry, travel books about his area and Preseli’s humour, and edited an anthology of poems in tribute to Waldo. As part of his work with the Literature Committee, he collected material for a book of Pembrokeshire poetry which will be launched at the Eisteddfod this year.
The five will be honoured during the opening ceremony in the Pavilion on Saturday 1 August at 13:45. Eirwyn George’s widow, Maureen, will receive the honour on his behalf and there will be a session in tribute to him in Y Babell Len (the Literature Pavilion) on Tuesday 4 August at 16:00.
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire between August 1-8 this year.
