The National Eisteddfod wouldn’t happen without the hundreds of volunteers who give their time to ensure the festival runs smoothly, providing an unforgettable experience for both competitors and visitors alike
While Eisteddfod officials offer heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, some were honoured by Gorsedd Cymru by being inducted as members.
One of those who received the honour at the first Gorsedd meeting of this year’s National Eisteddfod in Wrexham was Keris Jones from Lantysilio near Llangollen.
Upon her induction into the blue robe, the Recorder said that there wouldn’t be an Eisteddfod without seeing Keris busily volunteering and stewarding – something she’s done for fifty years. She added that Keris is a huge part of the competitors’ experience, and her care for them as they prepare for their preliminaries is a vital part of the festival’s ethos.
Keris said she considers her induction into the Gorsedd important and an honour, “That’s not why I volunteer. I volunteer because I want to.
"I used to steward in the Pagoda for years – people called me ‘Mrs Pagoda’ – but now I’m in the Studio.
"I’ve seen so many people come in, take part in a preliminary round, go on stage, and enjoy success.”
Keris is originally from Rhos, and although she moved to the outskirts of Llangollen over fifty years ago, the village’s distinctive accent remains strong, “I think the accent has become even more Rhos since the Eisteddfod started,” she said. “I’ve seen so many people from the village.”
Keris competed in eisteddfodau years ago and met her husband, Arfon, while competing against him, “We were both singing against each other in local eisteddfodau. Arfon won some, and I won some. After we married, we sang together accompanied by guitar – songs by Tony and Aloma and so on.”
Keris, who has battled cancer three times, has also volunteered at Urdd Eisteddfodau and the Llangollen Eisteddfod for many years. She is also a generous and active member of her community, passionate about all things Welsh – the language and the culture.
Two other dedicated Eisteddfod stewards were also inducted during the same ceremony:
- To the Eisteddfod family, ‘Dylan Caravans’ is Dylan Wyn Jones from Mold, known for leading the organisation of the Eisteddfod’s caravan site for many years. He has also been responsible for the festival’s stewards for nearly 20 years, building special relationships with hundreds – if not thousands – of volunteers over the years. A keen volunteer himself, he supports and promotes many local Welsh organisations. A mathematician and IT expert by profession, he spent two decades working across Europe before returning to Wales to ensure Welsh-medium education for his children.
- Originally from the village of Clocaenog, Richard (Dic) Jones from Mold served as a police officer with North Wales Police from 1958 to 1991, ending his career as an Inspector in the Mold area. After retiring, he threw himself into voluntary work, and since 2007 has been a familiar face to thousands of Eisteddfod-goers as part of the Chief Steward’s team, with responsibility for transport logistics. He is very active locally – a founder and former president of Cymdeithas Wil Bryan, former chair and president of Mold Rugby Club, and vice-chair of the North Wales Rugby Union.