Crowning glories of Urdd unveiled

The Urdd National Eisteddfod chair, made by Iolo Puw, and crown, by Iolo Edger

prestigious prizes for the 2019 Cardiff & Vale Urdd National Eisteddfod.

The chair is awarded to the best poem in strict or free metre. The Cardiff & Vale chair has been created by carpenter Iolo Puw, from Parc, near Bala in Gwynedd.

The crown is awarded for the best piece or pieces of literature over 4,000 words. Iolo Edger, a jeweller from Bridgend, is the designer of the crown.

Iolo Puw created the chair from a wind-fallen oak tree from the Urdd Centre in Glanllyn, Llanuwchllyn, a stone’s throw from his workshop.

Mr Puw has crafted a number of large and small chairs for local eisteddfodau, including the national chair for the Wales Young Farmers Clubs Eisteddfod, held in Clwyd some years ago.

Mr Puw said: “The design of the chair depends on the wood, more often than not. I find inspiration from past chairs. One book that is close to my heart is the book of Eisteddfod chairs, where I see masterpieces from skilled chair-making experts.

“I begin by thinking about the design, and often find myself waking up in the night, picking up the sketchbook and noting down ideas.

“But the real work begins when searching for the pieces that make up the chair, the measurements, the shape, and working with the wood to design and form the chair’s structure.”

Hywel Price, head teacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, which sponsored the chair this year, said: “There is a real buzz surrounding the Urdd and Eisteddfod activities here at the school.”

Iolo Edger created the solid sterling silver crown with inspiration from Gaenor Mai Jones, from Pontypridd, who is presenting the crown to the Eisteddfod in memory of her parents.

Gaenor tells the story of how her parents met while working for the Urdd in Aberystwyth during the 1950s, and their subsequent wedding.

Gaenor is the honorary president of this year’s festival, in recognition of her 46 years working as staff and nurse at Gwersyll yr Urdd, Llangrannog.

Mr Edger said: “The story of Gaenor’s parents made me think about the unity of people, about Wales, our culture and our language. And I began creating a crown that conveyed that unity.”

The Cardiff & Vale Urdd National Eisteddfod is in Cardiff Bay between May 27 and June 1. The chairing ceremony is on Thursday, May 30, at the Donald Gordon Theatre in the Wales Millennium Centre. The crowning is on Friday, May 31, at 4pm.