THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD is inviting nominations for some of the festival’s most prestigious honours. Nominations are open until 1 April for the Sir TH Parry-Williams Medal, the R Alun Medal and the Science and Technology Medal.

A fund was established in 1975 to commemorate Syr TH Parry Williams’ contribution to Eisteddfod activities. This year marks fifty years since the medal was first presented to honour individuals who have carried out outstanding work in their community. This year’s award is given by Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for voluntary work to support young people in Wales.

Encouraging people to nominate outstanding individuals who have contributed to their community, Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, said: “The closing date for some of our most prestigious awards is fast approaching. I know that there are many in Wales who fully deserve the honour.

“This year is an important one as we celebrate fifty years since the Syr TH Parry-Williams Medal was awarded for the first time, in memory of someone who did so much during his life for the language, our culture and the Eisteddfod. We’re grateful to Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for donating the medal this year and encourage people to nominate.”

The R Alun Medal was first awarded last year at the Wrexham Eisteddfod in memory of the late R Alun Evans who was a key figure in developing the festival. The medal is presented to a person who has made a real contribution to supporting, sustaining and enriching the culture of their local area. The 2026 medal will be presented in memory of Martyn and Meryl Lloyd.

The Science and Technology Medal is given in memory of Dr Glyn O Phillips for the first time this year, he was the first winner of the medal and a pioneer in his field. For over twenty years, the medal has recognised the contribution of individuals who have made an impression in the field of science and technology through the medium of Welsh.

The Eisteddfod hopes that nominations will come from across Wales again this year to celebrate those people who have made a real difference in their communities and had an impact in their fields.

MILFORD HAVEN’S Torch Theatre has been awarded a £7,500 grant by Milford Haven Town Council, continuing a long tradition of support for community arts at the iconic venue.

Established in 1977 with significant backing from the Town Council, the Torch Theatre remains one of only three building-based professional producing theatres in Wales. It is widely recognised for its in-house productions as well as its extensive youth and community programmes.

The theatre, which operates as a charity, receives public funding through the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council, alongside support from local businesses and organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority. Leaders at the venue say funding remains essential to maintaining its broad programme of events and activities for the community.

Chelsey Gillard, Interim CEO and Artistic Director at the Torch Theatre, said: “Being awarded grants such as this one from the Town Council helps us to deliver quality arts to the people of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and further afield.

“We are very grateful for this continued support and appreciate the work of the Town Council to ensure important provision is supported across Milford.”

The Torch hosts more than 2,000 events and activities each year, attracting over 100,000 visitors. Its community facilities include The Junction, home to the Torch Youth Theatre and a rehearsal space for professional productions. The main auditorium seats 300 people, while the Studio Theatre accommodates 102. The Joanna Field Gallery showcases local exhibitions, and Café Torch serves meals throughout the year.

Ms Gillard added: “We do so much more than what audiences see on stage. Just to name a few of our regular activities, we run a very popular Youth Theatre for ages seven to eighteen, facilitate relaxed environment screenings and shows, host a Welsh learners’ group, Coffi Cymraeg, and hold regular clothes swaps.

“The Torch is also home to Welsh National Opera’s critically acclaimed Cradle Choir for people living with dementia and lots of high-quality classes for adults with disabilities run by Arts Care. All this activity relies on our team of brilliant volunteers and support from grants, trusts and donations.

“This grant will go towards ensuring these activities can continue — thank you.”

TENBY was filled with laughter, cheers and the smell of freshly cooked pancakes on Tuesday (Feb 17) as the town’s annual pancake races brought residents and visitors together for a day of family-friendly fun.

The much-loved tradition, held to mark Shrove Tuesday, saw competitors of all ages take to the streets armed with frying pans, attempting to race while flipping pancakes without dropping them. Spectators lined the route in good spirits, many wrapped up against the chilly weather, as children, families and local groups took part.

Among the highlights were enthusiastic young racers proudly showing off their pancake-flipping skills, with some managing impressive mid-air flips while others focused on simply reaching the finish line with their pancake still intact. The event created plenty of memorable moments for families watching and taking part.

RNLI volunteers also joined the celebrations, bringing colour and community spirit to the occasion in their distinctive yellow gear, alongside a mascot character who proved popular with children.

The races form part of Tenby’s traditional Shrove Tuesday celebrations, which continue to be an important date in the town’s community calendar. Organisers said the event is designed to bring people together, celebrate local traditions and create a fun experience for families during the school half-term period.

Younger participants also took to the course in dedicated children’s races, many concentrating hard as they carefully balanced their pancakes while moving along the route under the watchful eyes of parents and marshals.

With smiles all round and plenty of successful pancake flips, the event once again proved why Tenby’s pancake races remain a cherished annual tradition for the community.

Photos: Gareth Davies / Herald.