WITH THE DEPTH of Professor Hazel Walford Davies at the age of 85, Wales has lost a leading figure in our cultural and intellectual life, and one who made a notable contribution over decades as an educator, writer and literary critic.
While others will remember Hazel’s many contributions in a range of areas, the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol community has lost a key figure who made a significant contribution to the establishment of the Coleg in 2011.
As Chair of the Management Board of the Centre for Higher Education, the Coleg’s predecessor, between 2006 and 2011, Hazel played an important role in the difficult and complex discussions that led to the establishment of the Coleg as a national and independent institution in the field of higher education.
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg since it was established in 2011, said: “The wise and robust leadership of Hazel Walford Davies, as Chair of the Higher Education Centre’s Board of Management, was an important factor in the discussions that led to the establishment of the Coleg.
“At a time when the University of Wales as a federal university was dismantling, it was not an easy task to secure the support of the universities to establish a national body with a commitment to act on a collaborative basis.
“Honouring Hazel as an Honorary Fellow of the Coleg in 2011, at the same time as Dr Meredydd Evans, one of the leaders of the campaign to establish the Coleg, was in recognition of her tireless work behind the scenes.
“Since then, she continued to show great interest in the development of the Coleg, and it was a pleasure to have her company at our Annual Congregation in Aberystwyth earlier this year.
“Personally, I owe her a great debt for her firm support, her willingness to challenge in a constructive way when needed, but also her determination to keep going when things seemed impossible.
“Working with her was such a valuable experience and I benefitted immensley from her experience and advice.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her husband Walford, her sons Damian and Jason, and the grandchildren of whom she was so proud.”
