Gorsedd Honours for Llŷn and Eifionydd Eisteddfod Announced

These honours, presented annually, recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, our language and their local communities across the whole of Wales.  This year’s individuals will be honoured at special ceremonies on the Eisteddfod Maes on Monday 7 August and Friday 11 August.

In line with Gorsedd Cymru’s arrangements for honouring new members, all new members are admitted at the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured with Blue or Green robes.

Those who have succeeded in the fields of Law, Science, Sports, Journalism, Media, local / national activities become Honorary Druids – Blue robes - for their services to the nation. 

The Gorsedd admits new members to the Green robes for their contribution to the Arts.  Those who have succeeded in the Gorsedd examinations or are eligible on  account of their degree in Welsh, Music or any subject mostly studied through the medium of Welsh also receive the Green robes, as do the winners of the Urdd Crown and Chair.  Only winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with White robes.

Among the well-known names honoured by the Gorsedd this year Anwen Butten, Aled Hughes, the Most Reverend Andrew John, Geraint Lloyd and Laura McAllister.

The Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod is held in Boduan from 5-12 August.  For more information go to www.eisteddfod.wales.

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GREEN ROBES

Aled Davies
A native of Carmarthenshire, Aled Davies, Chwilog, has made a huge contribution to both his community and his religion. Not only is Aled a minister, responsible for six chapels, but he is also director of the Welsh Sunday Schools Council and the Welsh-language Christian publishing house, Cyhoeddiadau’r Gair. He is responsible for organizing Cytun’s presence on the Eisteddfod Maes and the Royal Welsh Show, and a board-member of Cristion. He also designs and typesets the local community paper, Y Ffynnon. He organizes a host of activities locally with the chapels playing a prominent role, including a number of literary societies.

Heulwen Davies
Heulwen Davies, Dolanog, is honoured for her voluntary contribution as leader of Aelwyd Penllys for a period of 30 years. In an area on the border where many live their daily lives in English, Heulwen has offered opportunities for young people to gain the confidence to perform in Welsh both locally and nationally. Heulwen has now retired from leading the Aelwyd, and is welcomed into Gorsedd Cymru in recognition of her work inspiring generations of youth and communities in central and eastern Maldwyn.

Jeffrey Howard
The musician Jeffrey Howard, Cardiff, has been one of the Eisteddfod’s official accompanists for over twenty years. A talented organist and music director, as well as an experienced vocal coach, he has worked with Wales’ leading musical institutions, including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Welsh National Opera. In 2018 he received the Joseph Parry Prize for his contribution to music in Wales.

Edwin Humphreys
Edwin Humphreys, Pentreuchaf, is one of the most influential musicians of the Welsh rock scene which has played such a vital role in the struggle for the Welsh language over the past 50 years. He has played with more Welsh bands than any other musician, and can be heard on a hundred albums! He has pursued a career as a psychiatric nurse with music being an accompaniment to his work, and has become an expert in mindfulness therapy through music. An inspiring teacher he now helps a new generation of musicians, by visiting schools to give lessons and by leading brass bands.

Marion Loeffler
Marion Loeffler, Cardiff, grew up in the German Democratic Republic. After graduating, she moved to Wales and for many years was employed at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies. She has published extensively, specialising in the history of Welsh culture, politics and religion in the 18th and 19th centuries. She is currently a Reader in Welsh History at Cardiff University. As she has researched the literary and historical legacy of Iolo Morganwg, along with contributing extensively to the promotion of the Welsh language and its culture, it is most appropriate that Marion be received into Gorsedd Cymru.

Ywain Myfyr
There was a revival in the world of Welsh folk music in the 1970s, with Ywain Myfyr, Dolgellau, at the forefront as one of the founders of the Dolgellau Celtic Folk Festival, and as a member of Cilmeri and Gwerinos. In the 1990s, he co-founded Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau, an influential festival that promotes Welsh and Celtic music, as well as the language itself. His enthusiasm and tireless energy working for Dolgellau, music and the Welsh language has been phenomenal. Sesiwn Fawr has given rise to several fringe festivals and also to the establishment of Tŷ Siamas in Dolgellau, and Ywain Myfyr is always at the heart of things.

Richard Owen
A native of Mynydd Mechell, Anglesey, Richard Owen, Penrhyn-coch, Aberystwyth, has given a lifetime of service to the publishing industry in Wales through his work with the Welsh Books Council for over 30 years. He has contributed extensively to the Eisteddfod as Chairman of its Literature Panel for eight years, and as a member before that, and he was also a member of the local Literature Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod. Locally he has been active over the years, with the Cymdeithas y Penrhyn, Trefeurig Community Council, the local paper Y Tincer and Plaid Cymru.

Mari Lloyd Pritchard
Born in Rhosmeirch, Mari Lloyd Pritchard, Beaumaris, grew up in a musical household and was immersed in the choral world. She was responsible for re-establishing Theatr Ieuenctid Môn, which has stimulated the interest of hundreds of children and young people in the world of theatre. In 2006, she founded the Anglesey Youth Choir, and gives her time every week to conduct both the Junior and Senior Choirs. She now also conducts Encôr, a choir for members over the age of 60. Mari has made a huge contribution to the world of music and youth work in Wales, at local, regional and national levels.

Carlo Rizzi
Originally from Milan, Carlo Rizzi, Penarth, is a well-known conductor, who has been the Music Director of the Welsh National Opera and has worked with companies all over the world. He is most famous for his genius in interpretation and conducting of Verdi’s operas. He has a dynamic energy, a natural understanding of music and the ability to engage with orchestra and audience alike in a most enigmatic and emotional way. It is a privilege to welcome him into Gorsedd Cymru.

Esyllt Nest Roberts de Lewis
Originally from Pencaenewydd, Esyllt Nest Roberts de Lewis went to Patagonia as a teacher under the Welsh Language Teaching programme almost 20 years ago. There she met her husband, Cristian, and their two sons, Idris and Mabon, have been raised speaking Welsh. Esyllt is extremely active in the Welsh community in Patagonia, she has been editor of Y Drafod and secretary of Gorsedd y Wladfa, and she is the Leader of Wales and the World at this year’s Eisteddfod. A former winner of the Urdd Eisteddfod Crown and the Eisteddfod y Wladfa Chair, she is a Welsh teacher, harp teacher, translator and editor.

Gareth Lloyd  Roberts
Gareth Roberts, Deiniolen, is a man of the people and a man of his locality. He worked hard for the welfare of Menter Fachwen’s young people, school pupils and local people to create opportunities for them to get to know their square miles and participate in its history and culture. He created a local archive of the names of Dinorwig Quarry subjects, stories about local characters and culture. His energy and enthusiasm is proverbial and he inspires everyone with his talks, tours and exhibitions. He has printed a series of walking maps that trace the history and promote place names, and he has led walking tours for those who want to improve their physical and mental health.

Glyn Tomos
Two factors drive Glyn Tomos, Caernarfon – the Welsh language and social justice, and throughout his life, whether voluntarily or employed, he has adhered to these two principles. While a student at Bangor university, he led a successful campaign to establish UMCB to protect the rights of Welsh-speaking students. At the end of the 1970s he founded the magazine Sgrech in order to reflect the Welsh rock scene, giving Welsh youth the confidence to speak the language and to sing in Welsh. When he moved to Caernarfon, he set about establishing Papur Dre, a community paper which celebrated its 200th edition this year.

Gareth ‘Neigwl’ Williams
Gareth ‘Neigwl’ Williams, Botwnnog, contributes a monthly column to his community paper, Llanw Llŷn, under the title ‘Llên y Llanw’; an entertaining medley of conversation, diary, memories and the author’s solid philosophy. Llŷn, its stories, characters and folk sayings, form the crux of the material, being Gareth’s chief interest. His memorial poems for Llŷn characters are also a unique record. An excellent but very humble poet, who is well-versed in his native tongue, Gareth would describe himself as a ‘Country Poet’ – the Country Poet of Llŷn – but his craft raises him to the stature of a national poet.

Sioned Wyn
Sioned Wyn, Cricieth, is one of Wales’ foremost television producers. Through her work with Cwmni Teledu Chwarel, she has proved that it is possible to run a successful company in any part of the world, and doing this in Eifionydd was very important to Sioned herself. Whether in Welsh or English, her programmes are essentially Welsh in nature and feeling. Sioned has won BAFTA, RTS and Broadcast awards for her work and she enjoys training young people to work in the broadcasting industry here in Wales.

BLUE ROBES

Mabon ap Gwynfor
The politician Mabon ap Gwynfor, Cynwyd, is the Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Constituency since 2021. A principled campaigner and a passionate advocate for peace, he is well-known throughout Wales for his anti-war stance. He also believes in the need to empower communities, and is therefore a community activist, having co-founded Menter Gymunedol Cynwyd (the Cynwyd Community Initiative) enabling the community to take ownership of the village shop, and the Llandrillo school initiative committee, so that the community could take over the local school after its closure.

Pedr ap Llwyd
Originally from Penrhyndeudraeth, Pedr ap Llwyd, Aberystwyth, is the National Librarian of Wales. He is a well-known benefactor to Wales, and as part of his vision to promote accessibility, he succeeded during the lockdown period in motivating the Library’s workforce to speed up digital transformation processes so that our literary and documentary heritage is more accessible to all. He serves on a number of influential boards and committees in Wales and has been a Presiding Magistrate for almost twenty years.

Anwen Butten
Anwen Butten, Lampeter, is a Bowls champion, and the Gorsedd is delighted to honour her for her contribution to that sport over a period of 30 years. She was Captain of Team Wales at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Anwen is also a head and neck cancer specialist nurse at Glangwili Hospital, working across the Hywel Dda Health Board area.

Meryl Davies
Meryl Davies, Dinas, Pwllheli, has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years, and in 2016 she was shortlisted for a national award for high-achieving women. She was National President of Merched y Wawr, and during her time at the helm raised £40,000 for the British Heart Foundation. As a former ward manager at Bryn Beryl Hospital, Pwllheli, she strove to raise awareness of the importance of communicating with patients through the medium of Welsh. She is active in her community, an organist in her chapel and a leading member of the local branch of Merched y Wawr.

Owain Idwal Davies
Owain Idwal Davies, Llanrwst, is honoured for the way in which he takes advantage of every opportunity to inspire young people to overcome difficulties, to come together to enjoy various activities and push their boundaries to the limit. Having undergone a series of operations when he was young, he decided that no physical obstacle would hold him back, and set out to excel as a runner, swimmer and cyclist. Both in the leisure service and then in the ministry, Owain has enlivened his area by energizing the language and sharing his love for culture and sport thereby promoting practical Christianity.

Dyfrig Davies
Dyfrig Davies, Llandeilo, is honoured for giving years of support, both voluntarily and professionally, to ensuring that both the Welsh language and its culture flourish. He is chair of the Urdd and led that organisation firmly and fairly through the COVID-19 pandemic and then the centenary celebrations of 2022. As Chair of TAC he plays a key role in the creative industry in Wales, supporting production companies of all shapes and sizes in order to ensure a flourishing relationship with S4C. Dyfrig always aims high, supports zealously and shows great passion for Wales and the Welsh language.

Hywel Edwards
Hywel Edwards, Padog, Betws-y-coed, is one of the small team of industrious volunteers who assist Ela Jones, Supervisor of the Gorsedd Robes. It is no small feat to ensure that each robe is prepared and in place for every member of the Gorsedd, and that everything is put back in its proper place at the end of each ceremony, ready for the next. This year we are pleased to celebrate the special contribution of the three who are such a support to the Supervisor of the Robes.

Marian Edwards
Marian Edwards, Padog, Betws-y-coed, is one of the small team of industrious volunteers who assist Ela Jones, Supervisor of the Gorsedd Robes. It is no small feat to ensure that each robe is prepared and in place for every member of the Gorsedd, and that everything is put back in its proper place at the end of each ceremony, ready for the next. This year we are pleased to celebrate the special contribution of the three who are such a support to the Supervisor of the Robes.

Siân Eirian
The Urdd has been a major influence on Siân Eirian, Llangernyw, and Siân a huge influence on the Urdd, as she has worked diligently for the organization for much of her career, from her time as a member of Aelwyd Bro Cernyw to her work as Director of the Urdd Eisteddfod and the Arts. While Head of S4C’s Children and Young People’s programming, she was responsible for creating the Cyw and Stwnsh service, which presented award-winning educational and entertainment programmes for children.

Kenneth Fitzpatrick
A former harbour maritime officer and harbourmaster in Pwllheli, Porthmadog and Barmouth, Kenneth Fitzpatrick, Morfa Nefyn, has been lead volunteer with Pwllheli Sailing Club at the National Sailing Academy and Plas Heli Events Centre, and with Porthdin-llaen Lifeboat. He has served as a volunteer, lieutenant, and mechanic and as manager of lifeboat activities for over forty years in total. With a lifetime of loyal service to keeping the maritime tradition alive for the young people of the area, Ken fully deserves being honoured by Gorsedd Cymru.

Mared Gwyn Jones
With roots in Nefyn and Llanbedrog, Mared Gwyn, Brussels, is Wales’ voice in Europe. In a period of difficulties and broken relations with Europe, she responds to events both robustly and skilfully on the media, keeping discussion and analysis to an international standard – in Welsh. A confident speaker of five languages, Mared is a skilled ambassador for Wales and our language and an inspiration to young women by placing Wales and Welsh language as part of the great contemporary political conversation.

Aled Hughes
Although he now lives on Anglesey, Aled Hughes, Llanfairpwll, is a  Hogyn Llŷn whose roots lie deep in this year’s Eisteddfod community. He presents a daily magazine programme on Radio Cymru which is an accessible platform to discuss our language and history, science and a variety of other subjects which previously were only covered on specialist programmes. Aled has also travelled the length and breadth of Wales completing physical challenges, thereby raising thousands of pounds for Children in Need.

Kristoffer Hughes
Originally from Llanberis, Kristoffer Hughes, Bodorgan, has worked as a pathological technician carrying out post-mortem examinations for the Coroner in north west Wales. His work as a grief and bereavement officer has brought comfort to thousands of families, as he offered a Welsh-language service. Kristoffer’s alter ego is the drag comedian, Magi Nogi, and he also heads the Anglesey Order of Druids who celebrate our ancient heritage and traditions.

Terry Jones Hughes
Terry Jones Hughes, Tudweiliog, is undoubtedly one of the stalwarts of his local community. A farmer until he retired, the chapel and the Welsh culture of Llŷn are close to his heart, and he has worked quietly and tirelessly to protect those values and pass them on to the next generation. An active member of several local organizations and groups including the Parish Council and this year’s Eisteddfod Literature Committee, his contribution to all of the above is consistently valuable and wise.

Andrew John
The Most Reverend Andrew John is Bishop of Bangor since 2009 and Archbishop of Wales since 2021. His national project, ‘Food and Fuel’, where he engaged with supermarkets and Welsh Government with the aim of supporting people during the cost-of-living crisis, remains close to his heart. He supported the use of Bangor Cathedral as a community vaccination centre during the pandemic. He has collaborated on the Llan Project, which promotes Welsh culture, language and the Christian faith in a contemporary way, whilst strengthening the use of Welsh in the Diocese of Bangor. As a member of the Bench of Bishops, he is responsible for Welsh language and Welsh Christianity, and he supports the Church in Wales ‘Welcome Course’, which encourages new clergy to learn Welsh.

Christine Jones
Christine Jones, Pwllheli, is honoured for her tireless contribution to her local community over many years. The Welsh language is an essential part of Christine’s philosophy, and she is a ready volunteer with a number of local groups and organisations. A keen supporter of both the Gŵyl Cerdd Dant and the Eisteddfod, she has played a prominent role in raising money locally this year. She was responsible for creating the ‘Pnawn Difyr’ sessions for the Cerdd Dant festival, and these have continued since then, an ongoing testimony to her excellent work.

Dewi Bryn Jones
Dewi Bryn Jones, Garndolbenmaen, is the chief innovator of Welsh -language technologies, having done more than anyone to develop computer resources and language tools for Welsh. He is the team-leader of the Language Technologies Unit, Canolfan Bedwyr, Bangor University, which has developed speech technology for the Welsh language, and Welsh<>English machine translation technology. Dividing his time between Wales and Helsinki in Finland, Dewi has innovated in the field of Welsh-language technology for the needs of disabled people and the general public, setting an example for other small linguistic communities to emulate.

Hywel Jones
Hywel Jones, Ysbyty Ifan, is one of the small team of industrious volunteers who assist Ela Jones, Supervisor of the Gorsedd Robes. It is no small feat to ensure that each robe is prepared and in place for every member of the Gorsedd, and that everything is put back in its proper place at the end of each ceremony, ready for the next. This year we are pleased to celebrate the special contribution of the three who are such a support to the Supervisor of the Robes.

John Llyfnwy Jones
John Llyfnwy Jones, Llithfaen, would not be John without Llithfaen and Llithfaen would not be Llithfaen without John Llyfnwy; he is an integral part of the village. He was one of the main founders of Tafarn y Fic, Europe’s first community pub, and John’s great strength is his willingness and patience to nurture and offer guidance to local young people. When Menter yr Eifl was established following the closure of the local shop and post office – and the consequent threat to village life – John came to the rescue and encouraged the villagers to work together in order save both shop and village.

Linda Jones
Linda Jones, Ffestiniog, has been active locally for many years, and is one of the founders of the Seren company, one of Wales’ leading social enterprises, whose main aim is to offer professional support to people with learning disabilities. She established a 3-star hotel, Gwesty Seren, in Llan Ffestiniog to provide accommodation for people with physical and learning disabilities, an innovative project and the only facility of its kind in Wales. Linda is also one of the directors of Cwmni Cymunedol Bro Ffestiniog which facilitates collaboration between businesses and community enterprises and employs around 150 local people.

Mair Jones
Mair Jones, Llaniestyn, has raised thousands of pounds for various charities, and for many years has opened her home to raise money. When the pandemic struck she set up a wooden hut to sell second-hand items at her garden gate. Cwt Gobaith is now open every day with an honesty box raising money for Tŷ Gobaith. She takes a leading role in the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign and makes hundreds of Christmas wreaths to raise money. Mair is one of Pen Llŷn’s silent heroes who deserves to be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru for her excellent charity work.

Malcolm Jones
Malcolm Jones, Tremadog has taken part in Ras yr Wyddfa (Snowdon Race) every year since its inception forty-six years ago. He has represented Wales in several international mountain running competitions with considerable success, and when he was sixty years old, he represented our country in triathlons. He has carried the Olympic and Commonwealth Games flames on their journey through Eifionydd and has also run several marathons. He has also been involved in establishing successful local mountain running clubs, generating interest in the sport that been such an important part of his life.

Geraint Lloyd
Geraint Lloyd, Lledrod, was one of Radio Cymru’s best-known voices for many years. He started his career with Radio Ceredigion, and this year he joined Môn FM radio station. When he was young, he become interested in rallying and racing; he has represented Wales in 4x4 races, and is an enthusiastic member of the Teifi Autograss Club. He is an ardent supporter of the Young Farmers and in 2017 he was elected National President of that organisation, an honour he accepted with pride. He also supports Theatr Felin-fach and has performed many times in their famous pantomimes.

John Mahoney
Long before the days of the Red Wall and the 2022 World Cup, no Welshman who played for his country was more proud of his heritage than John Mahoney, Carmarthen. After his playing career ended in 1983, he set about learning Welsh, attending higher level ‘Siawns am Sgwrs’ sessions in west Wales. John is not the only member of the family to represent Wales, as one of his daughters has also played football for our country. John is a humble man who loves Wales, our language and our culture, and it is our privilege to receive him into Gorsedd Cymru this year.

Laura McAllister
Laura McAllister, Cardiff, is Professor of Governance and Public Policy at Cardiff University, and is Co-Chair of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. A former international footballer, she is a tireless advocate for equality in sport and has made an invaluable contribution in highlighting the women’s and girls’ game, LGBTQ+ rights, and Paralympic sport. This year, she was elected to the UEFA Executive Committee; she is now the Vice-President of that body, the first representative from Wales and the first female footballer to achieve this. She is a regular commentator on the media in both Welsh and English in the fields of politics and sport.

Gwyn Mowll
Gwyn Mowll, Llanrug, has spent over forty years voluntarily teaching, supporting and facilitating traditional ‘Shotokan’ karate in Wales, thereby touching – and transforming – the lives of thousands of people in north Wales. At the beginning of the 1990s, he played a key role in establishing the Welsh Traditional Karate Federation, ensuring that standards were maintained in clubs. Lessons are often held trilingually, in Welsh, English and Japanese. The lockdown proved difficult for the sport, but it has a definite future in Wales through the support of enthusiastic individuals like Gwyn.

Enid Owen
Without people like Enid Owen, Botwnnog, who are willing to shoulder responsibilities in small communities and volunteer in order to give experiences to children and young people, there would be no future for our language and culture in rural Wales. She began the custom of competing in the Urdd competitions with the children of Adran Botwnnog. There had been no previous tradition in that field in the Adran, and Enid took the lead, drawing several parties and individuals under her wing. Here is a person who has made a real difference to the cultural life of her locality over an extended period.

Llinos Angharad Owen
After a career in education, Llinos Angharad Owen, Beddgelert, now works for the Tir Dewi charity, which helps farmers and their families with concerns and problems. She played a prominent role in an innovative project with North Wales Police and ensured that the Welsh language has a prominent place in it. She is also one of the founders and organizers of the Gelert Shearing group which has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years, attracting world-wide attention, especially during the lockdown period.

Rhiannon Parry
Founder and for many years the editor of the community paper Y Gadlas, since moving to Dyffryn Nantlle Rhiannon Parry, Penygroes, has also contributed a monthly column to the local paper, Lleu. She has edited Y Wawr and regularly writes about art for Barn. After following art courses while suffering from cancer, Rhiannon co-ordinated a group of needlewomen across north Wales to create large panels to decorate the walls of Llys Llywelyn at St Ffagan’s National Museum of History, collaborating with the artist, Cefin Burgess. She is an entertaining lecturer on various subjects, is interested in the world of drama and specializes in traditional remedies.

Alun Roberts
For over thirty years, Alun Roberts, Caernarfon, has been the very embodiment of Welsh community spirit at its best, promoting and supporting all charitable and cultural activities in the local community in his own quiet and practical way. Alun’s commitment to his community is proverbial: from supporting Friction Dynamics factory-workers to his efforts with the Caernarfon Food Bank, and from projects such as Porthi Pawb to the O Law i Law initiative, Alun’s support is key to the success of all local campaigns and projects.

Alwyn Roberts
A benefactor by instinct and one who has a great love for the Welsh language, Alwyn Roberts, Llanuwchllyn, is bold in opinion and wise in advice. He is a popular community councillor on Llanuwchllyn parish council and a former chairman of the Council. For many years he has been a member of Côr Godre’r Aran and also of the party Tri Gog and Hwntw party which holds nosweithiau llawen. He has served as Secretary to the local Eisteddfod since 2001. Alwyn is well-known to Eisteddfodwyr from all over Wales and beyond for his long and loyal service as a member of staff until 2021.

John Roberts
John Roberts, Aberystwyth, has been a familiar voice on Radio Cymru for many years, presenting the Bwrw Golwg programme on Sunday mornings, which discusses religious and moral issues. Due to John’s own nature and views, the programme is liberal in tone, and deeply incisive in content. His contribution to the world of broadcasting and discussion through the medium of Welsh has been, and still is, significant and important. John is also a writer, and has published two quality novels. He is not a ‘prolific’ writer but a careful one who slowly crafts his work.

Nicola Saffman
Originally from Manchester, Nicola Saffman, Caernarfon, grew up without any contact with the Welsh language. When she moved to Wales, she learned Welsh and soon became a confident speaker. She was Deputy Coroner for North West Wales for twenty years – the first woman to hold that position – and she has held numerous inquests in Welsh. She was appointed as a Crown Court Judge in 2019 and works in Caernarfon – the only female full-time Crown Court Judge in north Wales. Nicola understands the need to support the Welsh language in our courts, and ensures that the service is accessible and inclusive.

Catrin Elis Williams
Catrin Elis Williams, Bangor, is a GP whose roots lie deep in Llŷn. She was secretary of the Welsh Medical Association for several years and a Senior Lecturer at Bangor University’s School of Medical Sciences, promoting medical education in north Wales and contributing to the founding of the Medical School in the north. She is active on several local committees and boards including Antur Waunfawr and the Gwynedd and Môn Schools Music Service. From 2019 until this year she was one of the directors of Cartrefi Cymru, which supports those with learning disabilities to live a full life in their community.

Ruth Wyn Williams
Originally from Abersoch, Ruth Wyn Williams, Bangor, has contributed significantly to improving the quality of learning-disability nursing services in Wales, raising the profile of an often neglected field. A firm believer in giving voice, dignity and justice to the most vulnerable members of society, she has worked tirelessly to change attitudes amongst the public, significantly influencing policy decisions and inspiring many students and staff across the health service. With characteristic passion, she has dedicated herself to improving the experiences of people with learning disabilities so that they can live life to the full.

Einir Wyn
At a time of major changes in the village, the dedication of people like Einir Wyn, Abersoch, is essential to ensure that the Welsh community holds its ground. She worked tirelessly to keep the local school open, and although those efforts were in vain, she presented books from that school to a charity which promotes and develops primary, secondary and university education in African countries. She now plays a key role in trying to develop the school building for the benefit of the community. Einir has been Clerk of Llanengan Community Council for many years, and is meticulous in her response to requests to develop the area, always prioritising the protection of the Welsh language and its communities.