Eisteddfod Gorsedd Honours 2024

It is with great pleasure that we announce two members of our community here in Merthyr Tydfil area are being honoured at the 2024 National Eisteddfod of Wales which is to be held in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taf from Saturday 3^rd August until Saturday 10^th August 2024. This year’s individuals will be honoured at special ceremonies on the Eisteddfod Maes on Monday 5 August and Friday 9 August.

This is an incredible achievement and represents the positive impact they have had on the Welsh language and its growth.

Within Gorsedd Cymru, there are three different honours. The Green Robes signifies a contribution to the Arts. They include those who have succeeded in the Gorsedd exams or are eligible on account of their degree in Welsh, Music or any subject chiefly studied through the medium of Welsh. Winners of the main competitions at the Urdd Eisteddfod can also be honoured with the Green Robe.

The White Robe is received by the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod, whereas the Blue Robes are reserved for individuals who have succeeded in the fields of Law, Science, Sports, Journalism, Media, local/national activities. These individuals become Honorary Druids for their services and contributions to the nation.

The honours provide an opportunity to recognize individuals who have shown commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and their local communities.

Our first recipient is Anne England, who will be honoured with the Green Robe. Anne is a native of Merthyr Tydfil, growing up and living in Aberfan. During her childhood in the 1950s, the Welsh Language was largely unseen and unheard – very little was spoken on the streets. However, Anne was introduced to the Eisteddfod and the wider culture of a Welsh-speaking Wales, and this changed the trajectory of her life and her relationship with the Welsh Language and its promotion. In 1987, after Anne visited the Urdd National Eisteddfod, she helped establish the Canolfan Gymraeg Soar in Merthyr Tydfil. Canolfan Soar has been at the heart of the Welsh Community in Merthyr Tydfil since its establishment. It sits in the heart of the town and includes a theatre, dance studio, music rehearsal rooms, café, book shop, teaching rooms and meeting and conference facilities. Anne has worked tirelessly in the Canolfan Gymraeg Soar for over 30 years and has served in a variety of roles including chair, secretary, treasurer and director.

Anne has spent years volunteering with the team and has taken part in developing ambitious plans, seeking grants and ensuring success of the project. Being chosen and honoured into Gorsedd Cymru is proof of Anne’s ambitious and tireless work.

The second of our recipients is Jamie Bevan who also hails from Merthyr Tydfil. Jamie has fought long and hard for the Welsh Language and its use within the community. He is a campaigner for the language and a prominent and active member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. Jamie has worked within the community through his talents as a Welsh folk musician singer-songwriter who performs solo and with bands such as Y Betti Galws and Jamie Bevan a’r Gweddillion. His music has been played on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and S4C. He has also previously performed at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. Through his music, he has encouraged and promoted the use of the Welsh Language and for young and older people alike to take pride in the Welsh Language and to use it daily.

Jamie has also been a friendly face in his running of the Welsh Café in Soar, which is an important hub for the use of the Welsh Language in everyday life in the heart of Merthyr Tydfil. Jamie is being honoured this year at the National Eisteddfod of Wales with a Blue Robe which is reserved for individuals who have succeeded in the fields of Law, Science, Sports, Journalism, Media, local/national activities, thus showing his dedication and efforts for the community of Merthyr Tydfil.