A former music teacher has received national recognition for her commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and her local community at the National Eisteddfod.
Heulwen Davies, from Dolanog, said it was "very, very emotional" and a "big privilege" to be honoured by the ancient Gorsedd of the Bards in recognition of her decades long contribution as leader of Wales' oldest aelwyd - Penllys - a Welsh language youth group that meets every week at the village hall in Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa.
Dressed in green druid-like robes, Heulwen, or to give her bardic name 'Heulwen Mihangel', said she was very thankful to see so many members had come to support her and watch the ceremony in Boduan, near Pwllheli.
The Eisteddfod said the former Caereinion High School teacher deserved one of the country's highest honours for inspiring generations of young people in Mid Wales over a period of 30 years.
"In an area on the border where many live their daily lives in English, Heulwen has offered opportunities for young people to gain the confidence to perform in Welsh both locally and nationally," the Eisteddfod said.
"Heulwen has now retired from leading the Aelwyd and is welcomed into Gorsedd Cymru in recognition of her work inspiring generations of youth and communities in central and eastern Maldwyn."
Heulwen's husband Selwyn said he was "very proud" of his wife's achievements.
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"Considering she’s done 30 years with Aelwyd Penllys and within those 30 years she was struck with MS in 2000 and kept teaching until 2018 due to ill health and then in January 2019 she suffered a stroke," he said.
"Obviously after suffering from a stroke, she had to give up the Aelwyd which made it more emotional.
"Over the years there must have been hundreds who have been members of Aelwyd Penllys. It's very important to the community, starting in 1962 and it’s been going ever since."
Heulwen added that the Aelwyd is in the safe hands of her former pupil Emma Morgan who succeeded her as conductor of the choir.
Among the well-known names honoured by the Gorsedd this year were Anwen Butten, Aled Hughes, the Most Reverend Andrew John, Geraint Lloyd and Laura McAllister.
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