Sydney Davies from the Ceiriog Valley, is the winner of this year’s Sir T.H. Parry-Williams Memorial Medal.
The Medal is presented annually to an individual who has contributed widely within their local community with a particular emphasis on working with young people.
Originally from Dolwyddelan in the Conwy Valley, Sydney Davies moved to Glyn Ceiriog when she married her husband, Theo, staying in the area to bring up their four sons and to support the family’s joinery company, Theo Davies and Sons, which continues to employ local people.
She has worked tirelessly in her local community for many years, and many generations have benefited from her talent, enthusiasm, her leadership and her readiness to support all kinds of local events and activities through the years.
Sydney has coached and offered guidance to many children between 4 and 11, helping to prepare them for the Urdd Eisteddfod, the National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod Powys, and Glyn Ceiriog’s own Eisteddfod. She has volunteered at Ysgol Cynddelw, Glyn Ceiriog, for many years and has held singing, cerdd-dant and folk singing lessons for local children.
She has also been active holding the Sunday School in the chapel where she is one of the officials, and every minister has benefited from her ready help with the children’s meetings, her unwavering support with the Cymanfaoedd Canu, Christmas services and the children’s services over the years, ensuring that each child takes part – from the most talented to the least confident.
In an area which is so close to the border, she encouraged Welsh learners to compete in Eisteddfodau, making them aware of the language and our culture, bringing Welsh speakers and learners together.
Her contribution to the cultural, linguistic and community life of her locality is invaluable. A great ambassador for the ‘Pethe’ for many years, Sydney’s enthusiasm and commitment epitomises the aims and values of the Sir T.H.Parry-Williams Memorial Trust, and she, therefore, fully deserves to receive this year’s Medal.
Sir T.H.Parry-Williams was a great supporter of the National Eisteddfod, and in August 1975, following his death a few months earlier, a trust was set up to celebrate his invaluable contribution to Eisteddfod activities. The fund is administered by the Sir Thomas Parry-Williams Trust.
Sydney will receive the Medal on the Pavilion stage during the Wrexham and District National Eisteddfod, held at Lower Berse Farm, off Ruthin Road, Wrexham from 30 July – 6 August this year.She is also one of the 2011 festival’s Honorary Presidents.
The National Eisteddfod attracts 150,000-160,00 visitors every year, travelling around Wales and visiting north and south Wales alternately. The Welsh Assembly Government has contributed £25,000 towards a two tickets for the price of one scheme for Wrexham Borough residents during the first weekend of the festival, 30-31 July. The Eisteddfod will announce details of scheme shortly.
