Community

A celebration of Welsh culture: The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024

Published

7 months ago

May 31, 2024

THE Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales’ most cherished cultural festivals, is once again illuminating the spirit of Welsh youth and talent. Held annually, this year’s event is bursting with vibrant activities, new initiatives, and an array of cultural showcases that exemplify the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. This year, The Urdd Eisteddfod is being held from 27 May to 1 June at Mathrafal Farm near Meifod, Powys

Triban Festival: A festival within a festival

The Triban Festival, a standout feature of the Eisteddfod since 2022, is back with a bang. Celebrating the best of contemporary Welsh music and culture, Triban Festival is set to enthral attendees today and tomorrow. This year, the festival is curated by five young visionaries, ensuring it resonates deeply with the youth. Aur Bleddyn, one of the curators, highlighted the invaluable experience gained through this role, emphasizing the festival’s youth-centric approach.

The Triban Festival promises a feast of live music, street theatre, comedy, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit for all attendees.

Health and wellbeing take centre stage

In a significant move, the Urdd has launched a new health and wellbeing residential course in partnership with PABO (Paid â Bod Ofn – Don’t Be Afraid), led by the pop band Eden. The ‘Sa Neb Fel Ti’ (There’s No One Like You) stage in the Nant Caredig area offers a non-competitive platform for individuals to celebrate their uniqueness through performance.

This partnership will extend beyond the Eisteddfod, with a dedicated ‘PABO Weekend’ at Pentre Ifan Residential Centre in September. Aimed at Urdd members aged 14 and above, this weekend will focus on health and wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

Expanding horizons: The #FelMerch Project in India

The Urdd is also broadening its international impact with the launch of the #FelMerch project in India. Supported by the Welsh Government, this initiative aims to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Kolkata. Partnering with Her Future Coalition (HFC), young Welsh volunteers aged 18-25 will engage in education and support programmes for at-risk children and young people in India.

First Minister Vaughan Gething underscored the significance of this project in raising awareness and providing critical support. This initiative not only offers invaluable experience to Welsh volunteers but also aims to create lasting positive change in the lives of Kolkata’s youth.

Nurturing future talent: Young Cultural International Ambassadors

In collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), the Urdd has unveiled a new programme to cultivate the artistic talents of Wales’s youth. Six exceptional performers between 18 and 25 will be chosen from Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024 competitions to become Young Cultural International Ambassadors. This programme, an extension of the successful Urdd Bryn Terfel Scholarship, will provide masterclasses and international performance opportunities, showcasing Welsh talent on a global stage.

Honouring excellence: Crowning Ceremony

A highlight of today’s events is the Crowning Ceremony, set to take place at 2:30 pm at the White Pavilion Stage. This year’s crown, crafted by jeweller Mari Eluned, symbolises prosperity, unity, and hope, featuring elements that reflect the Urdd’s contributions and agricultural heritage.

The competition tasked participants with composing prose on the theme ‘Terfynau’ (limits), judged by Elin Llwyd Morgan and Caryl Lewis. The ceremony promises to be a poignant celebration of literary excellence, with the winner announced live.

Literary legacy: Cyhoeddiadau’r stamp publications

In an exciting development, Cyhoeddiadau’r Stamp will publish pamphlets featuring the works of the main literary prize winners, including those of the Drama Medal, the Chair, and the Crown. This collaboration ensures that the winners’ literary contributions are celebrated and accessible, extending the impact of their achievements.

A day with Guto Rhun

Today’s President, Guto Rhun, brings a wealth of experience from his role overseeing Hansh content on S4C. His career, spanning from presenting on Radio Cymru to commissioning diverse content for S4C, reflects his dedication to nurturing new talent and voices in Welsh media.

In a Q&A, Guto shared fond memories of his time with the Urdd, emphasizing the confidence and opportunities it provided, which have been instrumental in his career. His representation from the LGBT community underscores the Urdd’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Anticipating tomorrow: Composer Medal and Eisteddfod Scholarship

Tomorrow’s events include the awarding of the Main Composer Medal and the Eisteddfod Scholarship. The Composer Medal competition, judged by Guto Pryderi Puw and Gareth Glyn, challenges participants to create original compositions in various formats. The scholarship will recognise the most promising competitors in the age group of Year 10 and under 19, providing support and encouragement for the next generation of Welsh talent.

The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024 is a testament to the enduring spirit of Welsh culture and the dynamic potential of its youth. From innovative festivals and health initiatives to international projects and prestigious awards, this year’s Eisteddfod is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. As the events unfold, they not only highlight the achievements of today but also lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Community

Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN OLD millpond at the heart of the Wallis and Ambleston community, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, has now been improved to benefit water quality and increase biodiversity in an area of South Wales, thanks to funding from Nestlé Waters UK.

Wallis Pond was created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Wester Cleddau River to supply water to a local mill. Back in 1978, it was restored and later re-opened by HRH King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales.

Over the years, the pond had become completely silted up, restricting the waters passage and the pond’s ability to retain water, resulting in a reduced diversity of habitat in and around the millpond.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters UK have come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.

The project saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond. With the pond now able to hold more water, it is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.

Retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment, helping to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage eels, otters, damselflies, and other wildlife species.

Restoration of Wallis Pond is one of the projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to help regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact everywhere the company operates.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters. This beautiful landscape is not only our home, but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.

“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet. Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community. That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at the Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county.

“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”

Eirian Forrest, Clerk at the Ambleston Community Council, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards.

“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity. We have already received many positive comments from members of the community. The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”