Supporter is honoured as a festival fellow
A TIRELESS National Eisteddfod supporter has been honoured as a Fellow of the Festival. This is the greatest honour the Eisteddfod can offer, and is a sign of gratitude for a lifetime of service to the organisation.
Garry Nicholas, from Llanelli, has worked tirelessly for the Eisteddfod for many decades across a wide range of areas.
Eisteddfod chief executive Betsan Moses said: “Indeed, it would be difficult to think of anyone who has done so much for our national festival over the years.”
She said Mr Nicholas grew up in a household that loved Welsh culture and supported local Eisteddfodau. He started competing at a very young age – locally at first and then at the National, starting with the under-12 competitions, and continued competing for many years. He then turned his hand to adjudicating (Recitation and Drama) and presented proceedings from the Pavilion stage regularly over the years.
In 1996 he campaigned for the Eisteddfod to visit Llanelli in 2000, a bid which succeeded against fierce competition from both Cardiff and St Davids. He was elected chairman of the executive committee, and led the way to make sure the project and festival left a lasting legacy.
Since then, he has served the Eisteddfod in many ways, as chairman and vice-chairman of the Council, Court President, chairman of the Management Board and as chairman of the Culture Committee.
He also chaired a task and finish group to look at how to improve and develop the festival. For several years he presented the Science
Medal Ceremony on the Pavilion stage and he is currently the chairman of the Audit Committee.
Accepting the honour, Mr Nicholas said: “Being part of the Eisteddfod family over the years has been an absolute pleasure. And I feel that I have benefited so much from every connection with the Eisteddfod.
“Being elected a Fellow by my peers is an unparalleled honour and one that I will treasure forever.”