• Title: Y Chwaer Hynaf – Hanes Eisteddfod Cymrodoriaeth Talaith a Chadair Powys 1820-2020
  • Author: Huw Ceiriog
  • Publication date: June 2020

Eisteddfod Powys is older than the National Eisteddfod. In this volume Huw Ceiriog, a poet who has won the Chair and the Crown and is a previous Administrative Druid of Eisteddfod Powys, shares with us the colourful history of this old festival – and we can only admire the supporters of ‘The Older Sister’.

The original intention was to publish this Welsh language book which celebrates 200 years since the first Eisteddfod Powys, which was held in Wrexham in 1820.  For the first time in the history of the event, Rhosllannerchrugog would be its home in 2020, returning to its ‘native’ area.  But due to Coronavirus and lockdown this year, it was decided to postpone Eisteddfod Powys Rhosllannerchrugog until July 2021.  In the meantime, you can once again enjoy all Eisteddfodau Powys of the past on the pages of this new volume.

This book takes the reader back to the middle ages and the regions of Powys Fadog and Powys Wenwynwyn, which gave this festival its catchment area.  Onwards to the roots of the Eisteddfod and its first meeting in Wrexham in 1820.  The author continues to describe every Eisteddfod Powys held, up to Dyffryn Banw 2019 and the preparations for Rhosllannerchrugog 2020, which has had to be rearranged to 2021.

Many famous people have been connected with Eisteddfod Powys over the years, and the volume refers to Sir Watcyn Williams Wynn, Gwallter Mechain, Iolo Morganwg, Ceiriog, Nansi Richards, Saunders Lewis, Ryan Davies, T Llew Jones, Pat O’Brien, Gerallt Lloyd Owen, Irma Chilton, Aled Lewis Evans… and even Garibaldi!

The volume also contains a massive collection of images which reflect its rich and colourful subject.

Y Chwaer Hynaf has been published care of Gwasg y Bwthyn on behalf of Cymrodoriaeth Talaith a Chadair Powys.  Its price is £10 and it’s available in independent book shops in Eisteddfod Powys’ area.  You can order a copy through the post by visiting https://www.siopcwlwm.co.uk/products/y-chwaer-hynaf, contact Lowri Roberts, Siop Cwlwm, for further information (e-mail post@siopcwlwm.co.uk or phone 07814 033759).

On the cover is a photograph by John Thomas of ‘Meriadog’, John Edwards and the chair he won at Eisteddfod Powys Meifod in 1892.

The author Huw Ceiriog is originally from the Ceiriog Valley but now lives in Llandre, near Aberystwyth.  He has given years of service to Eisteddfod Powys, has won the Chair and the Crown and is a previous Administrative Druid of Eisteddfod Powys.

This in a priceless volume, which is an important record of history, for anyone who’s interested in Welsh culture in mid and north-east Wales, the marches, and beyond.

Available from:  Siop Cwlwm, Oswestry.