Aelwyd yr Ynys celebrate a decade YEARS OF
ADECADE after the Urdd National Eisteddfod was held on Anglesey, a choir formed especially to allow youngsters compete are still going strong.
Performing arts group Aelwyd yr Ynys reformed in early 2004 after officials felt there was little for young people to get involved with at the Eisteddfod, which was staged at the Mona Showground.
The Aelwyd were successful in several competitions that year, and simply kept going after the Eisteddfod. They have notched up many notable successes since. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Aelwyd yr Ynys staged a special concert at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni on Saturday evening featuring current and former members.
Aelwyd founder leader Nia Efans, a teacher at Ysgol Gynradd Bodedern, said: “Some of our former members have gone on to achieve success in other areas. Catrin Roberts, for instance, who is taking part on Saturday, won the Bryn Terfel Scholarship. Another member, Manon Wyn Williams, has also won the scholarship.
“Current members taking part in the concert include Steffan Owen, a member of the popular singing group Trio, and dancer Lois Postle.”
Nia, who remains the 40-strong Aelwyd’s conductor, was awarded the John and Ceridwen Hughes medal at the 2008 Urdd National Eisteddfod in Conwy in recognition of her voluntary work.
Eirian Stephen Jones, who was the chair of the Eisteddfod youth committee in 2004, said: “There used to be an Aelwyd on the island during the 1970s, but it was the Eisteddfod returning to the area that acted as the catalyst to bring it back.
“The youth committee morphed into what became Aelwyd yr Ynys, but it seemed to explode overnight.”
Secretary Fiona Hughes, another member during the Aelwyd’s formative years, added: “Since the Eisteddfod, the Aelwyd has taken part in various Gwyl Cerdd Dant festivals, concerts and local fundraisers.
“It feels like the Aelwyd hasn’t stopped since the very start to be honest.”
In addition to winning at Gwyl Cerdd Dant, Aelwyd yr Ynys have also won at the Pan Celtic Festival held in Donegal, Ireland. But perhaps one of their most bizarre experiences was back in 2006, when they were chosen to perform for former Radio 1 Chart Show DJs JK and Joel at Porthdafarch near Trearddur Bay.
Some 20 of its male members were asked to record their own version of a club classic and Welsh favourite Sosban Fach, as well as producing a jingle for then breakfast show presenter Chris Moyles.