The honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales. This year’s individiauls will be honoured at a special ceremony on the Eisteddfod Maes in Meifod on Friday 7 August.
He is president of the Wales deaf rugby team and chair of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, which offers support and assistance to players after serious injuries. He is also deputy president of the South Wales Male Choir, president of Cor Meibion Pontypridd and a great and effective ambassador for Wales at all levels and in all areas.
He said, “I’m greatly honoured to have been given this award. Growing up in a Welsh speaking family in Seven Sisters in the Dulais Valley, the Eisteddfod was very important to me and always will be.
“I feel strongly about all aspects of Welsh sporting and cultural life from my rugby interests and the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust to my involvement with Welsh choirs and the Welsh language so I am very grateful to be honoured in this way.”
In line with the Gorsedd of the Bards’ arrangements for honouring new members, all new members enter the Gorsedd on the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured into the Blue or Green robes.
Those who have succeeded in the fields of Law, Science, Sports, Journalism, Media, local / national activities become Honorary Druids – Blue robes for their services to the nation. The Gorsedd also honours new members to the Green robes for their contribution to the arts. Those who have succeeded in the Gorsedd examination or are eligible because of their degree in literature, music, drama or art, also receive the Green robes, as will the winner of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize every year and the winners of the Urdd Crown and Chair.
Only the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with White robes.
The Montgomeryshire and the Marches National Eisteddfod is held at Mifod from 1-8 August this year. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.org.uk.
