by Angharad Evans, Welsh Language Communications Officer
“All waiting is long” is a famous proverb, but of course, some things are worth waiting for, and I'm sure one person from the Senni Valley would agree with this.
I’m going to take you back now to the September 2020 edition of Y Tir when we announced that the National Eisteddfod of Wales Gorsedd of Bards was going to honour Mr Glyn Powell, one of the Union’s stalwarts with the Blue Robe during the Ceredigion 2021 Eisteddfod in Tregaron.
Much to everyone's disappointment, the Eisteddfod was postponed for another year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But, to use another saying, "Things will get better and the sun will shine again", that's exactly what happened in Tregaron a few weeks ago when the town finally got its chance to shine and host the Eisteddfod.
And finally, after two years of waiting, Glyn had the opportunity to be honoured with the Blue Robe. But what was it like for him? Here's Glyn to tell us more: “It was absolutely thrilling to be there amongst people I have always admired. For me, the honour was totally unexpected, as I know so many other people who are more deserving than myself," explains Glyn. "I was fortunate enough to be nominated by two of the most prominent women in Welsh lore and compared to them, I didn't feel worthy of the Blue Robe. I was expecting a somewhat official and impersonal atmosphere, but everyone was so friendly and easygoing and the ones in charge of the robes were amazingly patient and friendly. "When joining the procession, I was surprised that one of the "ordinary folk" was part of it and so many of the Eisteddfodwyr were applauding me. I haven't revealed this to anyone before, but when I was an officer in the army in Malaya, the Senior Captain told me that one day I would be a member of the Gorsedd! He was aware that I insisted on speaking Welsh with the soldiers from Wales and other people I would come across, and because I regularly received Welsh books from my former Welsh teacher and Bedwyr Lewis Jones, my closest college friend.”
Something that interests me personally is learning about people’s choice of bardic names, and this is a perfect opportunity to ask Glyn about his choice. "I didn't want to offend either Crai, where I lived for 30 years or Senni, the family home after that and my connection with the battle over ten years to save the valley from drowning," explains Glyn. "Therefore, I chose the name of Cwm Cilieni where my mother lived and where my father was a farm servant at the time of their marriage. I've been involved with the Epynt since then. I competed in Capel y Babell's last Eisteddfod and also endured weeks of military training on the Epynt before going to Korea."
Looking back at the Ceredigion Eisteddfod in Tregaron, what will be Glyn’s fondest memory? "I am grateful to Tregaron for giving me the platform to receive the greatest honour that any Welshman of completely rural roots can receive. The icing on the cake was the fact that the Farmers’ Union of Wales organised an event to celebrate my ordination and my 90th birthday."
What strikes me when I read Glyn's words, and I'm sure you'll agree, that he refers to himself as part of the Gorsedd as one of the "ordinary folk". And that describes Glyn perfectly. Glyn's lifetime contribution to his local community and area is immense and a subject of admiration for all.
When contacting Bethan, Glyn's daughter before writing this article, it was interesting to read an article she wrote about her father's honour when he was first nominated which appeared in Brecon's local paper, Y Fan a’r Lle. The article is full of his connections to the local area, nationally, and his bubbling passion for the Welsh language and culture. A teacher; keen farmer; a loyal supporter of the YFC; judge, co-organiser and conductor of local and county eisteddfods; a devoted member and deacon of Triniti Chapel, Defynnog, former Vice President and Deputy President of the Union and an intelligent leader of critical campaigns, it is very easy to see why "one of the ordinary folk" is now a deserving member of the Gorsedd.
On behalf of everyone associated with the Union, both members and staff, huge congratulations to you Glyn and thank you for your quiet and constant encouragement and support.