Laughs at ‘mock’ Eisteddfod

ANYONE on Anglesey can donate their family records to the island’s Archives. Once accessioned, these historic documents will be stabilised and then safely stored for the benefit of the public, both today and for future generations.

They include a few items about the various Anglesey Eisteddfodau from the last century which were donated by private individuals. They show the Eisteddfod in a different light.

I found this fascinating poster of a ‘mock’ Eisteddfod in the archive’s huge POD (Place of Deposit).

This Eisteddfod was held at Ty’n-Y-Gongl school in 1930 for the sheer delight of listening to competitive singing, reciting poetry and verse, as well as displaying drawings. But it had its funny side.

It was a ‘mock-Eisteddfod’. The music competition programme had a rather bizarre side to it by offering the following prizes: for any solo song - a box of cigars; for the winner and for any duet - two packets of Craven ‘A’ Cigarettes; and for the conductor of the choir entry - Pipe-and-Tobacco Pouch.

Thankfully, rather more conventional prizes were awarded for the children: a solo for those between 6 and under 9 - 2/-; and a solo for newcomers to the competition - 2lbs of beef.

It’s amazing what can be found in the POD of Anglesey’s archive.

If you wish to find out more about Anglesey’s fascinating past then why not visit the Anglesey Archives in Llangefni.

For further information please call 01248 751930 or visit our website at: www.anglesey.gov. uk/leisure/records-and-archives/