Community

Rivers and beaches inspire Urdd Eisteddfod Chair and Crown

Published

2 months ago

May 12, 2026

YOUNG competitors at this year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd will be competing for a Chair and Crown rooted deeply in the landscape, history and coastline of Ynys Môn.

The Chair and Crown for Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn 2026 were unveiled on Tuesday evening (May 12) at a special event at Oriel Môn, Llangefni.

This year’s Chair has been made by carpenter Siôn Edwards, from Llanfaelog, working from a design concept by architect Rhiannon Williams, of DEWIS Architecture. It is sponsored by the Anglesey Agricultural Society.

The Crown has been created by jeweller Myfanwy Jones, originally from Llanfairpwll, with sponsorship from local estates, lettings and management agency Eiddo Cyf.

A chair inspired by rivers

The Chair’s design takes inspiration from the theme “from the rivers to the sea”, as well as the windmills of Anglesey.

Siôn Edwards, a former Design and Technology teacher who now works as a self-employed carpenter, said the theme immediately appealed to him.

He said: “Fishing is one of my main hobbies, and I also set up the Cefni Conservation Group a few years ago to improve the condition of our island’s rivers, so I was very enthusiastic when I heard ‘from the rivers to the sea’.”

The Chair has been made from locally sourced sustainable ash, found after a lengthy search at Cwm Cynfal, near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Its exposed joints are both a design feature and a practical choice, allowing the Chair to be repaired in future if needed.

The piece also contains a link to Anglesey’s maritime past. The wedges in the Chair have been made using wood from an old RNLI lifeboat, Thomas Lingham the 4th, which left Rhosneigr in 1924 and may have been involved in the D-Day landings.

Siôn said: “A small part of the amazing story of Rhosneigr’s lifeboat now lives on in the Chair too.”

Crown reflects island beaches

The Crown has been designed by Myfanwy Jones, who studied Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins in London before spending fifteen years living and working in the capital.

She returned to Ynys Môn in 2022 and said it was a special opportunity to create the Urdd Crown.

She said: “It’s lovely being back home, and what an amazing opportunity to create the Crown for the Eisteddfod this year – I’ve never designed a crown before.”

Before beginning the design, Myfanwy asked people on Instagram what came to mind when they thought of Ynys Môn. The most popular answer was beaches.

The finished Crown is made from brass and includes two opal stones, small jade stones and soft green velvet inside, echoing the colours of Anglesey’s coastline.

Myfanwy said: “It will be great to go to the Maes in my local area, and to see who takes home the Crown.”

‘Ynys Môn is ingrained’

Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts at Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “Ynys Môn is ingrained into the Chair and the Crown of the Urdd this year; their connection to the island can be seen and felt in every little detail, from the designs and materials to the stories and history that live within these beautiful objects.

“We can’t wait for the Eisteddfod in the hope that we will see two winners take home this year’s Chair and Crown. We would like to thank the talented artists, committees and sponsors for their tireless work and generous support.”

Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn 2026 will be held at the Anglesey Show Ground from Saturday, May 23, to Friday, May 29.

The Chairing ceremony will take place on the Thursday, sponsored by the Ivor and Aeres Evans Trust. The Crowning ceremony will be held on the Friday, with support from the James Pantyfedwen Foundation.

Community

Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council

Published

13 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.

Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.

Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.

“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”

He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.

“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”

Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.

Community

HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire

Published

20 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

Community

Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town

Published

23 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod

FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.

Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.

Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.

The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.

The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Photo caption:

Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.