Euryn Ogwen Williams from Barry has been named as the President of the Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod.
Well known in the broadcasting world for many years, Euryn was born in Penmachno, Gwynedd, and after the family moved to Leeswood, near Mold, he was educated in Ysgol Alun, before graduating in Philosophy and Psychology at Bangor University.
He was appointed as TWW’s Director of Programmes in Cardiff, before moving to Harlech TV when the company secured the franchise for Wales and the West. He worked as a producer and head of department for the company, before deciding to become a freelance producer and director, working for both the BBC and HTV, during this time.
He was appointed head of programmes at S4C when the channel began in 1982, and remained there for ten years, serving as Deputy Chief Executive as well from 1988-1991.
After leaving S4C, he worked as a consultant for the Gaelic television service in Scotland, and in Ireland for the Irish language service, and also worked as a consultant for S4C at the start of the development of digital television, advising the channel.
He was a member of the Welsh Language Board in its early days, and worked as an advisor to the National Assembly’s Culture Committee during its first review of the Welsh language. He was also one of Cwmni Acen’s Trustees from the beginning.
He is a former winner and adjudicator in the National Eisteddfod’s Literature Section, and has written a volume of poetry. He is also Chair of the Vale of Glamorgan Literature Committee this year.
Married to Jenny Ogwen, and father of Sara and Rhodri, Euryn is the grandfather of Soffia, Gabriel Jac a Jodie Rhiannon. He has lived in Barry since 1971, and is Secretary at the town’s Tabernacle Congregational Church. He has also edited the church’s monthly paper, Y Ddolen, for the past fifteen years.
He follows in the footsteps of some of Wales’ greatest names as President. Recent Presidents have included former First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, Lord Gwilym Prys-Davies, Professor Prys Morgan, Guto Harri, Daniel Evans and Mair Carrington Roberts.
The Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod is held on the old airfield at Llandow from 4-11 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.org.uk.
