In a Press Release dated Monday 7th August, Gorsedh Kernow announced that 29 worthy people have been invited to take their place among the 500 or so existing members of the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow and will be barded at Padstow on the 2nd September, in the grounds of Prideaux Place.
“This year we are welcoming new bards whose work for Kernow reflects both traditional and modern aspects of our Cornish culture,” said Grand Bard of Cornwall, Pol Hodge, Mab Stenek Veur. “Several new bards are involved with Cornish dance and with traditional and choral music. Others are actors and performers who are working with Cornwall’s prominent and innovative theatre companies and showcasing their expertise on stage and film, both locally and internationally. Some are honoured for their work with Cornish cultural events and with the Old Cornwall Society who work to maintain our traditions and extend our knowledge of them. Others work with Cornish institutions such as the Cornish Gig Association, Porthcurno Cable and Wireless Museum and Wheal Martyn China Clay museum while a number are honoured for their knowledge of and work with the Conrish language. All are important to Cornwall and we are very glad to welcome them this year.”
The new bards will be initiated at the annual bardic ceremony on September 2nd at Prideaux Place, Padstow, to which all are welcome. This forms part of the Esedhvos festival, full details of which will be found on the Gorsedh website.
The new bards are:
- Eleanor Allen, Redruth, for promoting Cornish Identity and Culture through dance.
- Bec Applebee, Penzance, for promoting Cornish Culture and Identity through performance and music.
- Jenny Beare, Mevagissey, for promoting Cornish Culture and Identity through performance.
- Linda Beskeen, Redruth, for her extensive work for Cornish Culture and Identity in her community.
- Raymond Bridgewater, St.Ives, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Anne Curnow Care, St.Ives, for services to Cornish Maritime Culture especially Cornish Gigs.
- Sue Dustow, Hayle, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Davyth Fear, Caernafon, Wales, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Ivor Frankell, St.Ives, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Melanie Frankell, St.Ives, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Keith Harrison, St. Buryan, for his extensive work promoting Cornish Culture and Identity.
- Johanna Harvey, Dorset, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Kim Hopewell, St.Austell, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Kyt Le Nen Davey, Camaret Sur Mer, Brittany, for the promotion of Kernow through Music.
- Alan McIntosh, Stratton, for his extensive work for Cornish Culture and Identity in Bude and Stratton.
- Nev Meek, Porthscatho, for being a valuable supporter of Cornish Culture and Language.
- Rita Nield, St.Just, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Fiona O’Cleirigh, St.Just, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Howard Peskett, Penzance, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Tony Phillips, New Mill, Penzance, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- David Pollard, Millbrook, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Deborah Pollard, Redruth, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Sam Rogerson, Grampound Road, for being a valuable supporter of Cornish Culture and Language.
- Robin Spowart, Newquay, for promoting Cornish Culture and Identity through Music.
- Carole Street, Redruth, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Diana Trudgeon, St.Austell, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Paul Tyreman, Penzance, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.
- Rev. Canon Michael Warner, for promoting Cornish Culture and his extensive work in preserving Cornish buildings.
- Lianne Wilson, Cardiff, by examination in the Cornish Language and continuing work for Kernow.