Members of the Farmers’ Union of Wales throughout Meirionnydd have donated nearly £1,000 to provide the prose medal and the winner’s £750 prize-money at the National Eisteddfod in Bala this week (August 1-8).
The prose medal ceremony takes place at 4.30pm on Wednesday, August 5 and competitors were requested to submit a volume of work with "texture" as its theme.
"We sent a letter out to members seeking contributions for this very prestigious prize and the cash just rolled in," said FUW’s Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones.
"I am extremely grateful for all their contributions towards one of the eisteddfod’s top awards and we hope it goes to a very worthy winner."
A warm welcome awaits members, supporters and friends at the FUW stand (No 641-642) on the Maes where a host of events will be staged throughout the week.
"The stand is situated in a convenient spot near the main pavilion and is an excellent chance to call in for a cup of tea and a chat at the same time as enjoying the numerous displays and events we have organised," said Mr Jones.
Throughout the week keen eisteddfodwyr Aeryn Jones, of Dinmael, near Corwen, will be showing items from his collection of old agricultural tools which will sure to be a major talking point.
Also, there will be a photographic exhibition of FUW members by Chris Clunn, a professional photographer who now lives in Maentwrog.
"The photographs are only a small example of Chris’s work and interest and he would be more than happy to visit and photograph other union members within Merioneth any time in the future," said Mr Jones.
On Monday and Wednesday, Rhian Owen, from Aberdyfi, will be present on the stand to show how to cut up a lamb. Rhian works full time in her family’s shop, Cigydd Aberdyfi, and won the title of Young Butcher of the Year throughout Wales in 2006.
The shop was bought by her father, FUW member Dewi Owen and family, Esgairgyfela Farm, Aberdyfi, in 2005 and they clinched one of the True Taste awards in 2007.
On Wednesday, Aled Owen, Penyfed, Ty Nant, near Corwen, an expert in the field of sheepdog trials will visit the stand. He has won numerous prizes as a trialist, including the world championship in 2002 and 2008.
On Thursday, there will be a special visit by a local girl who became famous recently. Elin Haf Davies was part of the first female crew to sail across the Indian Ocean last month.
The girls, who call themselves the "Ocean Angels", were the first crew to row 3,720 miles across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Mauritius, taking 79 days to do so.
"They have raised a considerable amount of money for the Breast Cancer Care charity and people will have a further opportunity to donate to this important charity during Elin’s visit," said Mr Jones
Also on Wednesday, Gwenan Pawee, originally from Llwyngwgan Farm, near Llangwm, will demonstrate the craft of wool spinning and this again is sure to attract much interest.
Leaflets and information about the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) charity will also be available throughout the week to explain the work that it does and the help that is available to agricultural families.
"This charity receives the FUW’s full support and every attempt is made to help in any way," Mr Jones added.