The Gorsedd of the Bards has today announced the names of four Abergavenny residents who will be honoured at the Anglesey National Eisteddfod this summer.

David and Ruth Roberts, Jeremy Randles and Jeanette Massocchi will receive the accolade for their tireless work preparing for the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod, held in Abergavenny last year.

These honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales.

In line with the Gorsedd of the Bards’ arrangements for honouring new members, all new members enter the Gorsedd on the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured into the Blue or Green robes.

Those who have succeeded in the fields of Law, Science, Sports, Journalism, Media, local / national activities become Honorary Druids – Blue robes - for their services to the nation.

The Gorsedd also honours new members to the Green robes for their contribution to the arts.

Those who have succeeded in the Gorsedd examination or are eligible because of their degree in literature, music, drama or art, also receive the Green robes, as will the winner of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize every year and the winners of the Urdd Crown and Chair.

Only the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with White robes.

Jeremy Randles, Abergavenny, played a key part in attracting the Eisteddfod to the area in 2016. He founded a committee to promote the cause and encourage local councillors and business people to support the Eisteddfod. Once the news came that the Eisteddfod was to be held locally, he was very active, as a member of the Executive Committee, the Abergavenny Appeal Committee, and the festival choir. He chaired the Technical sub-committee and served as the Chief Steward during the week. He now works diligently to ensure a fitting legacy for the Eisteddfod in Monmouthshire. Originally from Wrexham and the son of a non-Welsh speaking family, he has learned the language fluently and he and his family are active members in Welsh activities in Abergavenny.

David and Ruth Roberts, Llanelen, Abergavenny, were critical to the success of Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod last year. They co-chaired the Abergavenny Appeal Committee, working for two years to raise money for the Eisteddfod. With a target of £100,000 in an area with few Welsh speakers, and with a small and active group working with them, they both worked strategically and practically, smashing the target and reaching almost £120,000. They are also a central part of Welsh language and cultural life in the area, including Cymreigyddion y Fenni, and David is the Vice-Chair of the local Menter Iaith, and Ruth volunteers as the secretary of Merched y Wawr locally.

Jeanette Massocchi, Abergavenny, has been part of the music world in Wales for many years, making a vast contribution as an accompanist, adjudicator and coach. She was one of the National Eisteddfod’s accompanists for 30 years until 2004, and with the festival held in Abergavenny last year, decided to return as an official accompanist during the week itself and working with an providing the accompaniment for the Eisteddfod choir. She has supported hundreds of performers over the years, many of them Blue Ribband winners who have enjoyed successful musical careers. She also adjudicates or accompanies at a number of eisteddfodau across Wales, including the local Abergavenny Eisteddfod, where she has also been a committee member since the event was re-established in 2002.

Just last month she was rewarded with a place on the Abergavenny town honours board in recognition of her contribution to the arts on a national level.

Also recognised with a Gorsedd honour is Helena Jones, Brecon, one of the stars of last year’s Monmouthshire and District Eisteddfod, who competed on the Pavilion stage a few months short of her hundredth birthday. She had a warm reception on stage and has been a dedicated and highly active member of her local community for many years. Having learned Welsh quite late in life, she is committed to supporting the language and the Eisteddfod. She is a gifted poet and writer, who has won many awards for her work. She has worked tirelessly for many charities and organisations over the years including the Wales Air Ambulance, Tenovus and St John’s Ambulance.