Gwenenen: Bardh Meur 2006-2009

 

Gwenenen at Gorsedh Kernow 2009

Gwenenen (Vanessa Beeman) assumed the office of Grand Bard at Redruth at the 2006 Gorsedh. She did so with a radiant smile looking for all the world like an Arthurian princess! She was serene, calm, clear in her speech, sparing but deeply thoughtful with her words, kind and thoughtful, and bright in her gaze. In her first words as Bardh Meur she drew everybody together, reaching out to Cornish communities everywhere, melting animosities and inspiring many. At the ceremony, which was one of the few occasions when Gorsedh Kernow was held indoors, the whole assembly looked on, suddenly content that it had found a leader of substance and charm – a rare combination.

In the ensuing three years Gwenenen did not break the promise of those first few minutes. Her astute and strong challenge to the imposition of external cultural strategies led to calmly conducted meetings, with the Cornish case lucidly and carefully expressed, and underpinned with a resolute determination to move forward. This initial protest did not stand still and turn into yet another howl! Instead, she turned things to advantage and set in train the processes of consultation, alliance building and oiling bureaucratic wheels which is leading to the formation of Bewnans Kernow – the Cornish Cultural Partnership. This is a key part of her achievement as Bardh Meur.

As Gwenenen assumed the Chair of the Gorsedh Council it became clear that a step-change was needed in how the organisation was being run. It has become too great a thing for a small number of dedicated volunteers to run, and the pressure was beginning to take a toll. She grasped the nettle and set in train an appraisal of the situation. She was business-like and disciplined in her approach and the outcome has been the happy and successful retirement of Barbara Shaw - Mentenor an Ertach, the selfless, hard-working and diligent Secretary, after a lengthy and excellent tenure. The Council agreed that it should restructure the organisation and appoint a part-time administrator.

Gwenenen led the process of recruiting our Administrator, Colin Roberts - Mab Sen Kolomm. It has proved a most stimulating and successful appointment and it is clear that the Gorsedh has developed a new role as cultural leader. Colin is driving forward the development of Bewnans Kernow with assurance. He has also taken up the reins of the Gorsedh and it is exploring its new-found capacity with interest.

Along the way, Gwenenen found time to represent Gorsedh Kernow in a civic capacity, winning many friends and firmly setting the Gorsedh and Cornish culture at the heart of Cornish life. She also visited overseas and inspired many in the Diaspora to renew their efforts to sustain Cornish identity and to evolve Cornish culture in their countries.

Gwenenen


Gwenenen hands on the Gorsedh in a state of development, with an excellent reputation, and firmly set as the catalyst for winning resources and carving a strong future for Cornish culture in all its various guises and forms through the 21st century. She leaves the Grand Bard’s chair with a strong sense of achievement and an equally strong challenge to carry forward the work that she, always in partnership with her fellow Bards and civic leaders, has begun. In the process of all this achievement, she has not simply won the respect of the Gorsedh but their love as well – some gal!

Vyajor gans Geryow

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