Eisteddfod heroes
ASENIOR politician, a comic actor, two broadcasters and a Wales rugby international will be honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at this year’s National Eisteddfod.
Michael Lloyd Jones, Pwllheli, better known as Mici Plwm or Plwmsan, is among the 41 people named to be invested into the blue or green robes during a special ceremony at the festival in August.
One half of the iconic comedy duo, Syr Wynff a Plwmsan, who starred in a classic children’s comedy programme, Mici was one of the earliest professional DJs in Wales, with his travelling disco, and he also worked as a presenter and actor on stage, radio and television.
Most recently, he worked at the Gwynedd and Anglesey Age Well Centre.
He said: “An honour I won’t ever receive again and one which I humbly accept.
“It is a shame my parents won’t be a part of the celebrations. They would have been overjoyed,”
Elin Jones has been the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales since May 2016.
Broadcaster Huw Edwards has been responsible for a number of important feature series on Welsh history.
John Hardy, originally from Bangor, has been broadcasting for almost 40 years and hosts the early morning show on Radio Cymru. He is well known for his work in the sporting world, having commentated on more than 200 international matches on Radio Cymru.
Rugby star Jamie Huw Roberts has won 94 caps for Wales and played on two Lions Tours.
Gorsedd Recorder Christine James, a former Archdruid, said these honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales.
Among the other well-known names honoured by the Gorsedd this year are film director Terry Dyddgen Jones; author Manon Eames; bandmaster Dennis Williams of Llanfairpwll; Eisteddfod volunteer Alun Puw from Bala and pioneering paramedic Gwyn Griffiths from Bangor.
For years, Dennis Williams, Llanfairpwll, has been linked with the world of brass bands. He conducted Menai Bridge Band for many years, and also led the Deiniolen Silver Band for a time.
But Dennis also plays an active role as the former chair of the Llanfairpwll Football Club and as chair of the local community council.
Terry Dyddgen Jones, originally from Carmarthenshire, has directed more than 200 episodes of Coronation Street, as well as working as a senior producer of Pobol y Cwm.
Manon Eames, Swansea, originally from Bangor, is known for her work as a drama- tist, scriptwriter and actress.
Alun Puw, Llanuwchllyn, has worked tirelessly in his area for many years, providing support for the Urdd. Since retiring, he has also supported the Young Farmers.
He was the chief steward at the 2009 National Eisteddfod.
Paramedic Gwyn Ellis Griffiths developed the air ambulance service in association with North Wales Police.
He was a member of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team for many years, and is involved with a number of charities.
Other awards include: GREEN ROBES
One of Wales’ best known comedians, Ifan Gruffydd, Tregaron, has worked on television and radio and worked quietly, diligently and voluntarily in his local area for many years.
Eiddwen Jones, Abergele, has always worked in the education sector. Her interest and expertise lie in the teaching of Welsh. She has also written five historical novels set in Flintshire and Montgomeryshire.
Originally from Llŷn, Dafydd Parri is honoured for his work as a television producer as well as his voluntary work in the field of music, particularly brass bands. He has regularly volunteered with the National Eisteddfod and is the Chair of the Technical Committee.
Ned Thomas, Aberystwyth, has contributed much to Wales, on the national and international stage. He is fluent in French, Italian, Spanish and Russian and is valued for his work in promoting minority languages across Europe. BLUE ROBES
Before retiring, Haydn Edwards, Llangefni, was Principal at Coleg Menai.
He has played a pivotal and important role within many other Welsh organisations over the years.
Barrister Paul Hopkins, Llantwit Major, is Leader of the Wales and Chester Circuit and represents the profession in discussions with the Welsh Government, the UK Government and the Lord Chief Justice.
Originally from Caernarfon, Alaw Le Bon, Barry, works as a primary school teacher in Cardiff, taking every opportunity to share her interest in Welsh culture with her young pupils.
Linda Tomos, Dolgellau, was the first woman to be appointed to lead the National Library of Wales and formerly worked for the Welsh Government as the Director of Museums, Archives and Libraries.