Top Eisteddfod awards for Montgomery pair

Martha Jones, aged eight, and Carys Richards, aged nine, both pupils of Montgomery Church in Wales School were chosen as the finalists for the Welsh Learners recitation at the National Urdd Eisteddfod T broadcast on S4C and Radio Cymru.

The Eisteddfod T is an alternative Eisteddfod arranged this year due to the postponement of the traditional event due to have taken place in Denbigh. Both Martha and Carys submitted a video of their chosen Welsh learners recitation and were delighted to be selected as the top three entries in a very popular category.

Martha competed in the recitation for years three and below on the Monday and Carys competed in the recitation years 4 to 6 on the Tuesday. 

Both Martha’s and Carys’ videos were shown on the S4C and they were also interviewed live from their homes.

Martha was awarded second place and Carys was awarded first place for their respective competitions which is an amazing achievement.

Martha said: “I was disappointed not to be able to compete at the area Eisteddfod earlier in March because of Covid-19, so I was excited to be able to enter Eisteddfod T.

“When I heard I had made the top three I was really excited! I was a bit nervous on the day because I was the first Welsh learner on the live show and I didn’t know what they would ask me, but I was pleased to be on TV representing my School”.

Carys said: “I had fun recording my video at home but had no idea when I sent it in that I would selected as a finalist. I was very pleased to be awarded first place, it was a shock but feel very proud. I was a little nervous being interviewed on live television but it was exciting too.”

Both girls were taught the recitation pieces by Ceinwen Morris from Forden. Over the last six years Ceinwen has kindly volunteered her time to help teach all children at Montgomery school wishing to take part in Urdd competitions ranging from recitation, singing solo and for the first time this year a unison singing party.

Anna Griggs, Head Teacher at Montgomery Church in Wales school said: “After the children and Ceinwen had dedicated many hours preparing for Eisteddfod i Urdd 2020 it was a huge disappointment when it was understandably cancelled. So for Eisteddfod T to run via online videos this year was a fantastic idea. And what a bonus to see two of our pupils finish in the top three nationally! I want to personally thank Alwena Richards and Ceinwen Morris as they really enable our small school to have the capacity to pursue a range of Urdd competitions each year and contribute to ensuring that Welsh language and culture has a high profile at our school.”

Photo: The Eisteddfod winning pair (Credit: Phil Blagg).