The R Alun Medal was awarded for the first time at the National Eisteddfod to a woman known by generations of residents in her adopted area for her tireless work in promoting Welsh culture
The medal is offered to a local benefactor who has made a genuine contribution to supporting, sustaining, and enriching the culture of their local area, in memory of the late Rev. R. Alun Evans, a central figure in the development of the Eisteddfod, who served on the council for many years and as a Fellow since 2007. He passed away a few days after the National Eisteddfod in Llŷn and Eifionydd two years ago, aged 86.
In her nomination for the Medal, Wenna Bevan Jones of Llandysul was described as someone who “works quietly and effectively without seeking recognition – and entirely through the medium of Welsh. She prefers to work behind the scenes and does not seek any praise.”
Upon receiving the Medal, Wenna Bevan Jones said she was very proud to receive the honour, especially as she knew R. Alun’s family when she lived in Montgomeryshire.
“It was a shock, but I appreciate the honour because I remember the family in Llanbrynmair – R. Alun and his late father, the Reverend Robert Evans. My father was a pharmacist in Machynlleth, and I remember him clearly.
The ceremony was very emotional with so many people praising me, but I’m extremely proud.”
Wenna has lived in the Llandysul area for over half a century and has worked diligently, tirelessly, and skilfully in the local community. For 25 years she was a Justice of the Peace and Chair of the Ceredigion Bench. She was also a member of the Board of Management of Theatr Arad Goch and played a leading role in local feature programmes.
She served as a governor at Tregroes Primary School and Dyffryn Teifi School, as well as secretary of the Parents and Teachers Association of both schools. She was the first organiser of the Meals on Wheels scheme in the rural Llandysul area and an enthusiastic member of the Food Festival Committee. She was also an active Welcome Officer for artists at the Cnapan Folk Festival.
She founded the Llandysul Reading Circle and was very supportive of the Learners’ Society in the area.
As a young girl in Montgomeryshire, Wenna competed in local eisteddfodau. Later, she trained as a nurse in Birmingham, where she met her husband, Huw. The family moved to Llandysul when Huw took a job as a psychiatrist at Dewi Sant Hospital in Carmarthen and Glangwili Hospital.
“I decided I had to get to know the area, and I started going to Merched y Wawr,” she said.
Her commitment to the community grew from there. Now in her eighties, she continues to support many local organisations with dedication and skill. She is a meticulous secretary and press correspondent for the Llandysul branch of Merched y Wawr, and has served as branch president, secretary of the Dyfed Committee, and secretary of the Gwenllian Memorial Committee in Kidwelly.
She has also been active with Merched Glannau Teifi, taking on roles such as president, secretary, and press correspondent. She was the main driving force behind the Llandysul/Plogoneg Twinning Society, welcoming many groups from Brittany to the area.
She has made a notable contribution to the Llandysul Cymmrodorion Society as secretary and press correspondent for many years, and is a former president. Her membership dates back to the 1960s when she lived in Birmingham.
Wenna is also an inspiring member of the editorial board of the local paper Y Garthen, and an effective local correspondent. She was admitted to the Gorsedd in 2009 for her significant contribution to her area. She is a faithful member of Carmel Chapel, where she helps organise events under the chapel’s auspices.
Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod, said:
“The award will be presented annually to an individual who, like R. Alun, has made a genuine contribution to supporting, sustaining, and enriching the culture of their local area over a significant period of time. The award will keep R. Alun’s name alive on the lips of the people of Wales for generations to come.”
R Alun’s family welcomed the intention to create the award. His daughter, Betsan Powys, said:
“We are delighted with the idea because it will keep his name in the National Eisteddfod, which was such a big part of his life. We are equally happy that the award is being presented to someone who has served her area and community.”
