Farmer Dan’s tireless coaching work rewarded

THE 2017 Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal has been won by Dan Puw from Parc, Bala.

The medal is presented annually to an individual who has contributed widely within their local community with a particular emphasis on working with young people.

A farmer by trade, Dan Puw is well known to generations of people as an adjudicator and cerdd dant and folk singing coach. He has trained and prepared local singers for the Urdd, the National Eisteddfod and the Cerdd Dant Festival for many years, including a period of fifteen years leading the village’s Urdd Aelwyd.

His small male choir, Meibion Llywarch, enjoyed great success, with many members also succeeding individually, with Dan’s support giving them the confidence to step onto the stage by themselves.

He is a stalwart of the Cerdd Dant Society, a member since his twenties, and a key part of the committee for many years. Today, he is an honorary member of the committee and continues to share his expertise with everyone. He pioneered the use of computers to create cerdd dant pieces and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

The chapel also plays an important part in Dan Puw’s life. He received the Thomas Gee Medal for his service to the Sunday School, and continues to teach in the chapel, with generations having benefitted from his wisdom over the years.