Press release for immediate use
Fantastic Esedhvos and Gorsedh Kernow ceremony in Bodmin
The sun shone brightly this year for the annual Gorsedh Kernow bardic ceremony in
Bodmin, which saw around three hundred participants this year. The ceremony was at
the heart of the Esedhvos Kernow, a week-long celebration of Cornish Culture.
The Mayor of Bodmin welcomed the Gorsedh to the town, noting the importance of
Bodmin in Cornish history and especially during the rebellions of the 15th century.
Grand Bard Gwythvosen, Jenefer Lowe, spoke of the achievements in language and
culture today of which she hoped the men who stood up for Cornwall in Bodmin at that
time would be proud. Representatives of the Welsh and Breton Gorsedh were
welcomed to the ceremony and guests included local Councillors and MPs. Stephanie
Wilson was a lovely Lady of Cornwall while the fanfare was provided by a member of
Bodmin Town Band.
Entertainment on the field before the ceremony was provided by Bodmin Town Band,
Gwerin Dance Group, Berrycomb School Choir and the Horners
The day finished with a superb concert in Shire House which featured local singer
Ralph Nel, traditional music from Jen and Toby Kessell and a performance of close
harmony Cornish songs from Cornish language singing group Hireth. Thanks were
given to the local committee and Bodmin Town Council for all their help and to all the
volunteers, including the Scouts, the Lions, the ladies who helped with tea and many
more.
A total of 21 new bards were welcomed into Gorsedh Kernow, all honoured for
celebrating and promoting Cornwall’s distinctive Celtic culture. They came from all
over Cornwall and further afield, including the USA, Australia and, for the first time,
Mexico. Although their names were published, their bardic names were kept
confidential until the ceremony.
The new bards for 2026, with their bardic names are:
1. Jim Christophers, Trencreek, Newquay
For the promotion of Kernow through Music
Kanor Keur Mawnan (Choir Singer of Mawnan
2. Bridget Collinge, Tavistock
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
Karores Menhiryon (Lover of Standing Stones)
3. Jane Cunio, Montacute, Somerset
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
Ahwesydh Porthbud (Bude Lark)
4. Elizabeth Dale, Perranworthal
For preserving local heritage and our cultural history.
Edhen Gernewek (Cornish Bird)
5. Emma Gibson, Paul
For promoting the Cornish language, culture and identity in the community.
Myrgh Breweni (Daughter of Paul village)
6. Paul Haas, Grass Valley, California, U.S.A.
For promoting Cornish Identity in the U.S.A.
Lev an Nans Gwels (Voice of Grass Valley)
7. Rosalyn Hayward, Luxulyan
For promoting Cornish cultural life, encouraging community participation in Cornish
customs, history and identity.
Arlodhes an Lowarth (Lady of the Garden)
8. Fin Irwin, Bodmin
For working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish Identity in Bodmin and its
environs.
Tevyer a’n Gemeneth (Grower of the Community)
9. Will Keating, Falmouth
For the promotion of Kernow through Music.
Awen a’n Gemeneth (Inspiration of the Community)
10. Judith Lawrence, Penzance
For promoting Kernewek in her community.
Trosyer Tamm ha Tamm (Plodder Little by Little)
11. Phil Lokan, South Australia
For promoting Cornish Identity in Australia.
Den an Winlan (Man of the Vineyard)
12.Robin McCarthy, Grampound Road
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
Awel Ebrel (April Breeze)
13. Mark Mitchley, Gorran Haven
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
Viajyer dre Dermyn (Time Traveller)
14. Susan Opie, Newlyn
By examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Kernow.
Krefter gans Geryow (Crafter with Words)
15. Stephen Polglase, Ashton, Helston
For promoting Kernow by sharing his knowledge of Cornish history, mining and
heritage.
Stenor a Hwel Meur (Tinner of Greatwork)
16. Ann Preston-Jones, Truro
By promoting Cornish culture through care, conservation and management of
archaeology
Kestylli (Placename)
17. Catherine Quayle, Diamond Springs, California U.S.A.
For promoting Cornish Identity in the U.S.A.
Gwithyades an Gegin (Keeper of the Kitchen)
18. Tamara Rosenwyn
For the promotion of Kernow through drama and arts in the Lizard community.
Rosenwynn an Lysarth (White Rose of the Lizard)
19. Francesco Trejo, Hidalgo, Mexico
For promoting Cornish Identity in Mexico.
Mab Denbal (Son of a Miner)
20. Cathy Woolcock, Hayle
For her dedication to Kernow and its heritage.
Myrgh Pennwydh (Daughter of Penwith)
21. Francesca Churchill-Zerilli, Bude
For working on projects that strengthen the distinct Cornish identity in Bude and its environs.
Tour Porth Bud
Further notes for Editors
Gorsedh Kernow exists to promote and maintain the Celtic Spirit of Cornwall and to give
expression to such spirit, to encourage the study of Cornish history and literature, the Cornish
language, to foster Cornish art, music, dance and sport and to link with other Celtic countries.
Photos from the ceremony and the Esedhvos are available on the Gorsedh website.
For further information please contact
press@gorsedhkernow.org.uk
For more information about Gorsedh Kernow visit the Gorsedh Kernow website
www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk
and for more details on events please visit the Gorsedh Kernow
Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
**********************