The deadline for the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod honours is fast approaching, and two of our main honours are celebrating an important anniversary this year, with the third presented for the very first time.
Sir TH Parry-Williams, a great supporter of the National Eisteddfod, died fifty years ago, in March 1975. As well as the remarkable achievement of winning the Chair and the Crown at the same Eisteddfod twice (Wrecsam, 1912 and Bangor, 1915), he was also a prominent and leading light in the festival’s governance, serving as Court President in later years.
The Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal was first presented at the 1976 Cardigan National Eisteddfod, and was won by Tegryn Davies, Cardigan. The Medal is an opportunity to celebrate a wide contribution within a local community with a particular emphasis on working with young people.
Another medal celebrating a special anniversary this year is the Science and Technology Medal, which was first presented back in 2004.
Fittingly, a prominent scientist from the Wrecsam area, home of this year’s Eisteddfod, won the first Medal. Professor Glyn O Phillips, the first head of the North East Wales Institute – now Wrexham University – was a prominent chemist and academic.
This year, a brand-new medal will be presented for the first time, the R Alun Medal. R Alun Evans was a central and pivotal figure in the development and evolution of the Eisteddfod. Having served on the Council for many years, he was elected Court President from 2002-2005 and was the first chair of the Management Board. He was a kind and natural leader, with a clear vision for the future of the Eisteddfod.
This new medal will be presented to an individual who has worked to support, maintain and enrich the culture of their local area. This is an opportunity to celebrate individuals who deserve national recognition for quiet and tireless work in their community.
The three medals will be presented on the Pavilion stage during the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod held from 2-9 August.
The closing date for nominations is 1 April this year, and all the details are on the Eisteddfod website.
