Archive - Tuesday, 3 February 2004


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Record audience at Eisteddfod

A RECORD audience attended a full day's competitions at the third annual Abergavenny Eisteddfod in King Henry VII School on Saturday.

At times the hall was full to overflowing, particularly in the morning session, when children from ten local primary schools were competing.

The morning's highlights included polished folk dancing by a group from Llanover School, an instrumental ensemble from Gilwern School described as "excellent" by the adjudicator, Anne Smith, and Harold Road's convincing group of young witches reciting a humorous poem based on Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Disco-dancing groups from Goytre Fawr School, Our Lady & St Michael's, Govilon and Harold Road had feet tapping throughout the hall.

Secondary school entries came from Nantyglo Comprehensive, Crickhowell, Gwynllyw, King Henry V111 and Monmouth School for Girls, contributing to a lively and varied programme of entertainment for an appreciative audience.

The afternoon address was given by renowned harpist Ann Griffiths, who reminded her listeners of the great Abergavenny Eisteddfodau which had their heyday in the 19th century, inspired by Lady Llanover and the Revd Thomas Price (Carnhuanawc). Ann Griffiths said how delighted she was to take part in the third revived Eisteddfod, and wished the event well for many years in the future.

Eisteddfod chairman, Ceri Thomas, accepted a generous cheque from the Abergavenny Rotary Club, and took the opportunity to thank the many supporters of the Eisteddfod for their contributions. Parents, teachers and competitors had all worked hard to make the event a success, along with Eisteddfod Committee members, particularly Doug and Edna Edwards.

Valuable financial support had been received from many individual patrons and local companies, including the Free Press, Abergavenny Flooring Centre, Abergavenny TV Services and Dwyer's Newsagents. Abergavenny Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council had also been extremely supportive.