NORTH STAR
GEORGE AMONG NEW FACES IN THE GORSEDD
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 communtity being honoured. These include Llanfairpwll FC secretary Alun Mummery, photographer and local historian Derec Owen, violinist Hugh 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 Cymdeithas 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.
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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.